Hannah Crews, Author of Goodness Gracious

Today, we have the pleasure of having Hannah Crews with us. Hannah speaks to us about wisdom, her new devotional Goodness Gracious (release date March 5, 2024), and how God pulled her through a difficult season of seeking justice and accountability. Thank you, Hannah, for sharing with us! Make sure to preorder her book.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I have fond memories of my childhood! Raised in a Christian home, Christian school, a stable & sweet family, wonderful influences. But as it goes with life, sin crept in. I experienced manipulation & abuse from my youth pastor, divorce struck and broke our family, and many other heartbreaking events took place. But the foundation of the stability of Jesus I had as a little girl always kept me running back into the arms of my savior, even in the midst of pain.

“But the foundation of the stability of Jesus I had as a little girl always kept me running back into the arms of my savior, even in the midst of pain.”

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “For we know that all things work together for good for to those who love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I’m in a constant pursuit of wisdom. I realize I’ll never achieve it perfectly, therefore I never stop reading Proverbs!

Profession/Mission: Christian author, spokesperson, and content creator. My mission is to encourage people to lighten up, because there’s so much joy in Jesus!

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? I just wrote a devotional, actually! It’s called Goodness Gracious: 90 Unfiltered Devotions for this Sometimes -Too-Serious Life. I share all kinds of stories that are wild, funny, heart-wrenching, yet inspirational, showing us that no matter our circumstances the JOY of the Lord is always our strength!

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I asked Jesus into my heart at the tender age of 4 years old. I grew up learning about Him, loving Him, fascinated by Him. But it wasn’t until I was an adult that I became hungry for Him, craving Him, desiring His presence in my life in new ways. When I finally came to a place where I chose to make it a non-negotiable to read the Word of God daily for myself, it’s like I felt it rewiring my brain in ways that aligned with His heart more and more. I know I’m still a work in progress, so this journey of scripture seeking will never stop!

“When I finally came to a place where I chose to make it a non-negotiable to read the Word of God daily for myself, it’s like I felt it rewiring my brain in ways that aligned with His heart more and more.”

How would you describe Jesus? God. Wholly and completely perfect. Majestic and just. Loving and pure. Forgiving and kind. A Savior who loved me enough to be undeservedly mutilated and crucified on my behalf. Bigger and mightier and more majestic than anything I can ever imagine with my simple mind.

How has your relationship with Him changed you? It’s made me realize that life isn’t about me. It’s not about my comfort, my little circle, my little hopes and dreams that benefit no one else. It’s about what He can do through me to make in the difference in the lives of those around me.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? Definitely the darkest time in my life was walking through the manipulation and abuse of my youth pastor – not once, but twice. The initial encounter (which changed the trajectory of my life in a devastating way), but also again when we had to revisit that horrific incident in the court of law 12 years later. What I do know is that our God is a God of truth, justice, and victory – and He pulled through for me in the most beautiful way. We were victorious in court, every lie spoken was exposed, and God continues to soothe the wounds my heart to this day through the joy of the Lord being my strength!

“We were victorious in court, every lie spoken was exposed, and God continues to soothe the wounds my heart to this day through the joy of the Lord being my strength!”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Proverbs, proverbs, proverbs. I never stop reading proverbs!

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I’ve been nose-deep in Proverbs (have you seen a trend here? lol) but I also couple it with a New Testament book like Matthew or an Old Testament book like Ecclesiastes. You truly can’t go wrong with the books of the Bible. But I do love me a good devotional!

Top three essentials: Bible, a good life-giving church, a solid spouse & family.

How did God speak to you recently? He’s been showing me so much lately on how wisdom is the principle thing. With wisdom, it just makes life so much better. You make better decisions, you gain favor with God and man, you are more creative, you use your words wisely. Seeking to apply wisdom in my daily walk has allowed a greater overflow of peace in my life, and I never want to stop pursuing it!

Hobby: I absolutely love Pilates. Like, LOVE it. On top of regular exercise I like to squeeze in as much Pilates as I can!

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 1) Never stop getting in the word. 2) Get plugged into a good church and surround yourself with believers who you commune with outside of church too, ones who have a deeper walk with the Lord that can mentor you through ordinary and hard days. 3) Pursue JOY! Joy is a sustainer. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Adopting an attitude of gratitude and joy is the antithesis of a life full of bitterness and comparison. Joy is needed, now more than ever, in today’s world!

“Adopting an attitude of gratitude and joy is the antithesis of a life full of bitterness and comparison.”

Favorite person in scripture? I’ve always been fascinated with Ruth. I love the honor and loyalty she showed to Naomi. I love how she showed such great respect for her husband and sat at his feet. I love their love story. I just think she rocks!

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want them to see the joy of the Lord beaming from the inside out. I want people to realize that life isn’t meant to live with a sour countenance, bitter and angry and offended over every hard circumstance. We all go through hard things, and pain is inevitable. But when we lighten up, we can show others that there is so much joy in Jesus – and it makes us more effective for the kingdom of God!

How do you engage with your community? I always respond to personal messages! It’s vital for human connection, for all of us to be seen and responded to when spoken to.

Favorite holiday? Christmas! The decor, the lights, the music, the wonder. I also love to give gifts, so all of that combined far surpasses any other holiday!

A goal you have? I dream of being a New York Times Best Selling Author.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: We eat chicken spaghetti every year during the holidays. It’s a heart-clogging velveeta recipe that is so unhealthy but yet so stinkin delicious! We also make it a point to go on at least one family vacation per year.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Why, Eve? 😂 Also, why do mosquitoes have to love human blood?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Leaving trauma and offense behind and embracing the joy of the Lord in every season. Realizing that we were not meant to live defined by our hurts, but rather live as a beacon of the hope that is in Jesus through the healing of His precious blood!

What does your morning routine consist of? My kids are currently in school. So in this season it’s lots of breakfast making, lunch box stuffing, hair brushing, clothes laying, and homework finishing. After that – for me – it’s coffee, emails, workout, and meetings! 🤪

What is on your nightstand? You really wanna know? 😂 Kidding. Kinda. You’ll definitely find a lamp, chapstick, my phone, and an unrealistically large glass of water.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Loving the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Loving our neighbor as ourselves. Seeking Him always in the Word. And being obedient in the call He has upon our lives to lead others to Jesus!

For more Hannah:

Follow her on Instagram @hannahcrews.blog

Preorder her devotional Goodness Gracious: 90 Unfiltered Devotions for this Sometimes-too-Serious Life

Subscribe to her email list on her website www.hannahcrewsblog.com.

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX