The Captivating Woman

Designed with purpose.

Meet Trista Eazell

photo credit: Jana Contreras Photography

Hello 2017. If you’re new to our site and ministry, let me introduce you to a little sliver of our site that I love. Every month we introduce a “Captivating Woman” – someone who is doing the call on their life. They don’t have to have it all together – they are daily stepping in faith, trusting that God is leading them. I met Trista through Instagram. She was using our hashtag #thecaptivatingwoman and I loved what she was talking about. You need to go add her on Insta – @tristaannmarie. We are excited to share her story with you.

Question: Where do you live & how old are you?
Answer: I live in Sonoma County (an hour north of San Francisco), and I am 24.

Q: Tell us about Trista – what is your story?
A: I wasn’t supposed to be born. My birth mom became pregnant at 13, and refused to disclose who the father was. Termination of the pregnancy was heavily encouraged by those around her and society. I would ruin her life. Statistically I wouldn’t do well in the world. I would probably follow in her parents and her cycle of poverty, drugs, abuse and crime. Yet, she chose to give birth to me. Eventually I was adopted by a very loving family who sacrificially gave me resources and love. By many standards I am thriving in society. I have two college degrees under my belt (2% of former foster care children graduate college) and am continuing with school to become a teacher on a full scholarship.

I am able to hold on a job, am active in my community, substance abuse has never been something I’ve struggled with, and am blessed to be surrounded by many people of whom I love.
Because my birth mom chose to give me life, and my adopted patents chose to support my life, I am able to live it.

Q: Because of your story of being adopted, when did you become active in helping young women in crisis pregnancies?
A: A little over a year ago a speaker for the non-profit Save the Storks, Jeff Gilbert (former drummer of Kutless) came and spoke at my church about the amazing work Storks was doing for women with unplanned pregnancies. After he came and spoke, we were sitting and hanging out at my pastors house and he wanted to hear my story. That night God, Jeff and I knew that without a doubt a very important partnership had begun. 

Q: Tell us about Save the Storks.
A: Save the Storks is a beautiful non-profit organization that has luxury busses all over the country travel to help women with unplanned pregnancy have access to free-no-strings-attached-top-of-the-line ultra sounds and std testing. They connect these girls and women with support systems, education and provision to carry them through being pregnant and help them succeed in being new moms or help them with the adoption process.

They aren’t campaigning to shut any clinics down and there is absolutely no shame involved with those who decide to have an abortion. In fact those women are also given resources, counseling and love.  They love and support ALL women. I am all for women’s rights, and I believe that Save the Storks is too. Why? Because Save the Storks isn’t a typical pro-life movement. They aren’t bent on making abortion illegal (abortion is legal) they are wanting to help support women so that abortion isn’t the only option that they have.  The majority of post abortive women felt like they had no other choice. I am proof that with the right love and support the statistics of an unplanned pregnancy can be defeated! Here are some pretty cool facts about Save the Storks:

  • 4 out of 5 women who board a stork bus choose life- and are supported through and after birth with all the resources they need
  • About 360 women & babies are saved from abortion each year per bus
  • The staff who run the stork buses also offer post-abortion counseling, we ensure that every woman and abortion staff member who come into contact with our team are loved on.
  • 24 buses on the road meeting women right where they are
  • 21 Pregnancy Resource centers are under contract and in production

Q: What is your role with Save the Storks?
A: I an an ambassador for them, I go and speak at churches and events sharing my story and building awareness how people can support Save the Storks and help women and children in crisis.

Q: What do you think has been a big theme in your life that God continues to replay?
A:  Undoing. On my right forearm I have the word “undone” tattooed, referring to Isaiah 6 when Isaiah first encounters the holiness of God he gasps “Woe to me for I am undone.” And then God goes and cleanses Isaiah of his sins and sends him out to do His work. There have been several points in my life where I came face to to face with the infinite vastness of God’s holiness, mercy and goodness that has left me utterly shattered. I have struggled life long with several chronic illnesses and depressions that have kept me in a constant state of needing grace. It’s a beautiful and painful process, letting God into every aspect of your heart. I have found that there are corners and edges that he knows very well and is waiting for me to uncover them. He is patient, then when I turn to Him asking for more of Him, he turns to me and asks me to let His light into my depths. Depths that I didn’t know existed. To know God is to be broken and remade. I know that my heart still has miles of surrendering to do with each new day and I have learned to let the undoing occur because on the other side of the pain is beauty and joy I couldn’t even begin to find words for. That’s the mystery of our beautiful and Holy God.

Q: What three words describe you?
A: Redeemed, Bibliophile, & sassy.

Q: Favorite verse?
A:  “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” – Romans‬ ‭12:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Q: Favorite story in the Bible?
A: When King David discovers Jonathan’s crippled son Mephibosheth is alive, instead of having  Mephibosheth killed as would’ve been the protocol,  David treats  Mephibosheth as his own son, as royalty, and gives him a place at his table. I love this story, because David is a man after God’s heart, adopting and loving the banished and broken and restoring them to royalty.

Q: What makes a Captivating Woman?
A:  I believe all women are captivating. Some of us have forgotten our beauty, but that doesn’t change the fact that She was created in the image of a beautiful, mighty and fierce God. A woman aware of her astonishing and captivating beauty is someone who cannot help but highlight the goodness she sees in the world. She is an echoing melody that awakens a desire deep within us all to live abundantly in the joy, peace and freedom that the Holy Spirit is calling is to. She is aware of how much she is loved and this love overflows to all who encounter her. She has she the dirt and weight of shame and is clothed with light and honesty. She knows how to cry and she knows how to rejoice. I believe every women is meant to be her, and can be her.

Q: Who are some Captivating Women in your life that we need to know about?
A: This is a hard question! I am so honored to be surrounded by many Captivating Women.

1. Ashley Noelle – This lovely woman is a mentor of mine who is constantly and boldly pointing others towards truth and love. She, her husband and three children left California and moved to Colorado to work in full time ministry at Save the Storks. I once was having a really bad day/melt down and texted her a jumble of emotions and prayer requests. One of my complaints was “today I feel so overwhelmed and broken, and so many are relying on me to be there for them and to be strong” and she got real with me. “Trista! You don’t need to have it all together to be a testimony of God. This makes you real. Relatable.”  And that’s the kind of woman Ashley is. She doesn’t disguise her life when it’s messy or uncomfortable. And it’s captivating.

2. Amanda Anderson – Amanda is my best friend in the whole world. She LOVES people, and is always giving of her time and heart to those she meets. She’s captivated by people’s stories and always looks for the best in them. She’s a talented photographer and musician. She became very mysteriously sick this year and it’s been hard to see her such a shell of who she normally is. Please keep her in your prayers!

3. Mallorie Cooper – Is a stunning friend and fellow blogger. She exudes grace, kindness and is such a good mom. When you enter her house it is always clean, warm, and fresh with the scent of something freshly baked. She will make you dinner, go on adventures with you, teach you how to curl your hair better, drive you around town when your car is broken and check in to make sure your heart is OK. She loves Jesus and her family and others and she does it with style, grace and simplicity.

Meet Jane Pantig

I love weddings and I love meeting new friends at weddings. One of our past Captivating Women, Natalie Mukhtar now Natalie Rowan, got married and I met Jane at the festive event. I remember somewhat meeting Jane through Natalie casually on campus, but not really knowing her (if that makes sense?) I regret not making it a point of getting to know Jane more when I lived in San Jose – but here we are, finally friends and I’m thankful for that. I’m excited that you get to be introduced to Jane and her world of apologetics on a public university – San Jose State, my alma mater.

Jane, myself, and our friend Ana-Lisa at the Rowan wedding.

Question: Where do you live & how old are you?
Answer:  I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and I am 32 years old.

Q: Tell us about what you do?
A: I am a Chapter Director with Ratio Christi, a campus apologetics alliance. Ratio Christi is Latin for, “The Reason of Christ.” We are a global movement that equips university students and faculty to give historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ. I am currently working with students and professors at San Jose State University; in the past I was at UC Irvine. We are a Christian organization that provides an environment for Christians, atheists, agnostics, skeptics, and people of other religion/worldviews to ask questions and investigate the claims of Christianity; we also discuss religion and worldviews, and seek the truth.

I am also part of the Ratio Christi International team as a speaker and teacher on the Philippines team. We have been doing annual apologetics conference and academy since 2014. The conference equips a range of people from the layman, Bible College students, pastors, students and more.

I also help do training for our Ratio Christi College Prep program, which is our ministry to youth groups. We train people to get clubs started in youth groups, public or private schools and even homeschooling co-ops.

I am also the Social Media Coordinator. I help new Chapter Directors get started with their Facebook and Twitter accounts for their chapters.

One last thing, I raise support to do my work with Ratio Christi, if you are compelled to support this vital work that the Lord has given to me you can join my support team!

Check out this video about Ratio Christi at San Jose State University:

 

Q: Describe apologetics.
A: Apologetics comes from the Greek world apologia, which means to give a defense. Christian apologetics is the art and science of defending Christian truth claims and is linked to theology, philosophy and evangelism. I had a professor say that, “apologetics is well explained theology.” We cannot defend the faith if we don’t know what we believe and why we believe it. Apologetics is linked to philosophy because truth claims are investigated through rational analysis. As apologists we use philosophical argumentation for the Christian worldview, so that people can consider them rationally. Apologetics can be used in evangelism to rid intellectual barriers one might have to receive the gospel, apologetics can serve as pre-evangelism. Douglas Groothius says in his book, Christian Apologetics, “Christlike apologetics labors to communicate the truth in love and with wisdom (Ephesians 4:15). In truly Christian persuasion, one simply seeks to make known the Christian message so that others may hear it, believe it and live it out. The results are left to God’s sovereignty and the judgment of those who hear.”  The Christian apologist’s life verse would probably be 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Q: What made you get into the ministry that you’re currently serving in?
A:  Apologetics was very instrumental in my faith. I became a Christian in college and was getting a degree in Biology. Often times in academics people of faith are usually seen as unintelligent.  One of my pastors introduced me to apologetics, in particular Ravi Zacharias. Ravi showed me that the Christian faith is an intellectual and reasonable faith.

After college I wanted to share my faith with others; studying apologetics helped me to do that. Also, there were a few different things going on in my life. I suddenly lost my job at the optometrist office I was working at and shortly after that, the optometry schools I applied to rejected me. I thought to myself, “What is going on here, what am I going to do?” I surrendered it all to God and told him to do what He wanted to do in my life. In the summer of 2009, I was at the Summer Institute at Wheaton College with Ravi Zacharias International Ministry and it was there God was showing me what direction He was taking my life. I sat in the auditorium listening to speakers speak all week and one of the speaker said, “We need the next generation of Apologists, and all God wants is for you to be available.” At that moment the Holy Spirit was speaking into my heart. At the end of week, I had the opportunity to speak with Ravi Zacharias and he pretty much recommended that I go to Biola to pursue a degree in Apologetics. When I got home from the Summer Institute, I applied to the Master’s in Christian Apologetics program at BIOLA University and few weeks later I was in my first semester at BIOLA! In May 2011, I received my M.A. in Christian Apologetics with High Honors. Now, God has given me the opportunity to work with Ratio Christi.

I always thought I was going to be an optometrist; it was my dream at a young age. However, God had something else planned, rather than Him using me to help people see the physical world, he called me to help people see Christ and what he has to offer. It has been quite the adventure!

Q: What kind of struggles are you dealing with on a college campus?
A: Our group has been de-recognized by the University because we want our leaders to be Christians. It has been a challenge in growing our group and being able to do events and outreach on campus. Even with the challenges we can see God doing work through us.

Q: How do you stay focused with the mission that you’re on?
A: I just remember that I was once a lost college student. God has given me an opportunity to reach people who were like me.

Q: Give us a day in the life of Jane.
A: This is a bit difficult to describe, because my days can be very different day-to-day. I usually start my day with coffee made by my Moka and frothed coconut or almond milk and some breakfast. I try to read Scripture, pray and journal before the day gets busy. I also, try to get my workout done earlier in the day. Some days I can be on campus all day meeting with students. Some days can be administrative and organizational, other days are for research and preparation for seminars, talks, or training, traveling to places for training and speaking engagements, on other days setting up fundraising appointments and meeting with donors. My schedule can get a little crazy, but I find joy in it.

Q: What three words describe you?
A: Committed, passionate, and thinker.

Q: What is the favorite thing about what you do?
A: Traveling the world to help people come to know Christ, and helping Christians become bold witnesses for Christ.

Q: Favorite verse?
A:  Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Q: Favorite story in the Bible?
A: I don’t really have a favorite story, but I have a favorite book and that is Philippians.

Q: Favorite apologists?
A: Ravi Zacharias, J. Warner Wallace, John Lennox, Nancy Pearcey, C.S. Lewis and JP Moreland.

Q: What makes a Captivating Woman?
A: A woman who seeks to glorify God with all her being, heart, mind, soul and strength.

Q: Who are some Captivating Women in your life that we need to know about?
A: Nancy Pearcy, Elisabeth Elliot, Rosaria Butterfield, and Lynn Wilder.

If you would like to join my support team go to: www.janepantig.ratiochristi.org/

Meet Katie Juranek

Katie is one of my best friends (and if you’ve been following TCW, she is the one who was completely healed from arthritis in my post The Lost Art of Confession). She is a powerhouse spiritually, is the one who keeps me on track about being vulnerable and asking for the right kind of help when I need it. She is one of my favorite people in the world, because she is exactly who she is, and she loves you (and lovingly pokes fun at you) exactly where you are.

H: Who are you, where are you, and what do you do?

K: Hello! My name is Katie Juranek, from Pasadena, CA and somehow I am involved with four really awesome, life-giving things:

  1. I am a on pastoral staff at my home church working with Middle Schoolers.
  2. I own my own photography company to pay off my student loans.
  3. I am a Graduate student at Fuller Theological Seminary.
  4. I am fundraising to join the staff of YWAM as a missionary in 2017 where I’ll be in South Africa and Kona, Hawaii for two years!

H: Can you describe an average day of running around doing Katie things?

K: Currently, I am a part of some really awesome things, which makes every day different, i.e. here’s a snapshot of my day two weeks ago:

Started off my morning going through final edits of a wedding I had shot, then I worked at the church to prepare my sermon for Sunday and compiled a really tedious list to prepare for an All Nighter we have coming up. I then met with a potential supporter for lunch which incredibly encouraging. Then I drove with our church staff to a conference focused around the value of living life with the poor in our community to together encourage systematic change called CCDA! Oh, and between plenary sessions I was writing a paper for Finals week! Whew!

But those are events, but that’s not my life…

As often as I can, I drive to this spot by my house that overlooks a beautiful, lush valley – I feel ever so close to God as I stop and am still there. I believe that we can all have those moments of feeling that closeness to God, regardless of where we are; when I’m standing there taking in a beautiful landscape or when I’m sitting with a middle school student hearing about their lives. That closeness means that my average day may be a bit chaotic, but my presence is steady, and that is hopefully what I experience and accomplish on an average day! I would suggest this short read called “Practicing the Presence of God” (free in that link!) which has helped shape my thoughts on being present with people and experiencing God!

H:  When you hear the phrase “captivating woman” what comes to mind? Are there things that really stand out to you as those that make women captivating?

K: When I think of the women that I’ve met that are “captivating”, at the core of what I think is most remarkable about them is always who they are captivated by – you know it when you see it – you know when you sit down with someone and they catch you off guard with their presence with you, their intentionality, their love, their encouragement – how they clearly are a reflection of God’s love for you – it just pours out of them!

We could easily think of women that are talented, beautiful, intelligent– but the women that are so captivated by their love for God that it pours out of them in every interaction they have with you and others? That is captivating… I pray that may be said of me.

H: You work with youth and young girls all of the time. I know we’ve talked about the things that are lying ahead for them and wish we could help them understand ahead of time. If you could go back in time to 17 year old Katie, what are a few of the things you’d tell her?

K: Whew… 17 year old Katie… in one year I was about to experience a year of trauma would make me regress and stop trusting people for a long time… I so wish I knew other safe spaces– people, resources like therapy, etc., I so wish I knew how to ask for that help…

For everything I wish I knew, I can see the beautiful ways that God has helped provide spaces for healing in the years since, but having the chance to encourage some thought and discussion:

I just so wish I understood myself more as a 17 year old– I wish understood that pain cycles would trigger me and would leave me stuck in victimization and about the difference between my personality type and others (and the positives to these differences). Just so many things about self-awareness that lacked when I was 17 I wish I could explain to my 17 year old self to, if possible, save me from the painfully long process that it has been. So if anything– I can’t advocate more strongly both for finding a therapist and a mentor – each have their own unique role in your life and finding both has helped give a safe space to grow in my self-awareness!

H: Who are some captivating women you feel like we should be talking about/get to know?

K:  A few months ago I got to skype with a woman, who totally inspires me, who uses Instagram as a platform to share stories of education in South Africa and Kenya to spur on systematic change (she now has 38k followers on Instagram, woah!) her name is Rebecca (@stickylittleleaves). I’m also a big fan of Christina Cleveland as she spurs on the conversation about privilege, reconciliation and leadership, which is very near and dear to my heart. Also, her insights into the experience of single, Christian women has been so encouraging (she wrote a Liberation Theology for single people in the Church- amen!).  Last, but certainly not least, if you have not heard of Brene Brown– I cannot miss out on an opportunity to speak praises of what she shares as a researcher on vulnerability, it has changed my life, my relationships and my future- go buy her book(s) now! (I would suggest reading “Daring Greatly” and then “Rising Strong”).

H:  Do you have a spirit animal?

K: I resonate the most with Leslie Knope with my passion for justice, insane organization and being an incredible gift-giver, combined with the shameless sarcasm of Chandler Bing, which in a dream world would end up with my being a new roommate on an episode of New Girl.

H:  Favorite bible verse/story/lesson?

K: The story of Jeremiah has been one that God has brought me back time and time again to- which has served as an encouragement to persevere in faithfulness to what God is calling me to do, even when I have been misunderstood- but is also such a weighty example (jeez God!).

Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet because for 41 years he shared the same message persistently (which in of itself is huge). A couple of things about his story really stick with me: 1) In 1:4-10 it shows that Jeremiah knew his Call, he questioned his experience, but not his call, and that is what kept him going, 2) I also love in 1:5-8 that the basis for overcoming fear is the assurance of God’s constant presence. Those two statements have been a consistent theme of the last four years of my life and I hope that they can be an encouragement to you: God knows you and offers a life that is not based on fear, but on life! If I could wish anything for the middle schoolers I work with, my community, the people I meet in missions, thecaptivatingwoman.com readers, it would be that you hear and truly understand that He extends that offer to you as well!

Meet Jen Swift

It is my complete joy and pleasure to introduce you to my friend, Jen Swift. We have been friends for two years and we get to battle in ministry together every week (and battle against each other in games often at her house, we are both quite competitive and have been told we are fun to watch for those who are not as passionate as we are). She is one of the realest, most amazing humans you will ever meet and I am so excited for you all to get to know her.

First off, where do you live and how old are you?
I live in the beautiful Napa, California and I am 25 years young (in my quarter life crisis, I guess).

Give me three words to describe you.
Sensitive. Compassionate. Awesome-Sauce. (That totally counts as one word).

What is your day job?
I am currently serving on the worship staff at my church as the Hillside School of Worship Director. I also work as a Home Manager in a transition home for girls who have been victims of human trafficking.

What made you get into that?
I picked up a guitar to play and sing a worship song when I was 16, and I have loved worship ever since. I have served on worship teams and in pastoral ministries off and on since that time. My current position as the Hillside School of Worship Director is a great blend of the two, giving me the space to release the gifts God has given me in worship while also helping others discover and develop their God-given gifts.
For as long as I can remember, a longing has stirred within me to lead those broken, hurting, and intensely in need of restoration through the journey of healing that only comes from Jesus.

My position as a Home Manager allows me to walk with girls through remarkable (and seemingly impossible) transformation. I get the pleasure of seeing Jesus’ relentless pursuit of the broken and His life changing power at its finest every day. It is challenging and draining to say the least, but it is so meaningful and wonderful to serve in this ministry.

What is your ministry of choice when it comes to serving?
That is such a tough question! I have served in almost every ministry imaginable and have loved most of them. I really just love doing ministry that I know touches the heart of God. I definitely sense that the most when I lead worship. I don’t just want to “work” for God and serve people, I want to move Him and touch His heart. When my attention, affection, and adoration is given to Him in worship, it indeed is well with my soul.

What are you most passionate about?
I am quite passionate about coffee, puppies, Parks and Recreation, and anything having to do with superheroes. More seriously, I am passionate about people being free and living in the fullness of life in Jesus. Nothing makes my heart joyful like seeing people know who they are in Christ, and being able to release their God enabled gifts, passions, and abilities. Therefore, much of my life is oriented around helping people dismantle their hurts, discover God and who He created them to be, and release the treasures God has put inside them.

Have you ever had an experience/time in your life where you wanted to just throw in the towel and walk away? What did that look like?
After graduating college, I had nothing on the horizon. Though I walked into my college experience sure I would come out strong and ready to take on the world, I walked out without a clue of what I was built for and what made me passionate. I had less direction than when I started. Though I had a job and new job opportunities, it felt as though each was met with God’s gentle “no”. I watched my peers jump into seemingly very successful positions and communities while I left my job, my community, and moved across the state without much to go off of except a sense that God wanted me to move to Napa. Through that experience leaving my life behind and moving into some big unknowns, God began to uncover my hidden life-long battles with depression and anxiety. I wrestled, for over a year, to healing and deliverance by God’s grace. I wanted to give up many times but God was faithful. I don’t think I could ever find the words to explain just how good He is and all that He did for me in that season. I came to know Him in ways I never did as my Father and Shepherd, and I learned so much about myself. I am more alive and free than I have ever been because of Jesus; and I have learned to trust Him when I don’t understand.

What is the greatest advice you have ever been given?
“Feel what you feel when you feel it.” One of my college professors said this in my class and I never forgot it. Oftentimes, woman can be criticized for being overly emotion. Because of this, I spent a lot of my life trying not to feel. I kept busy, told myself “it’s not a big deal”, and ran from anything that made angry, hurt, or even happy. It was my greatest means of defense to shut down. Consequently, I wasn’t really alive; or at least I didn’t feel that way. I also realized that I was hung up on anything and everything bad that had ever happened to me because I hadn’t given myself the time or space to feel it. Our emotions are signs of life and signs of things that are not to be ignored. I have found it best to feel what I feel when I feel it. Meaning, when I have some kind of emotional reaction, I break away from the day for a moment and just let myself be angry, sad, happy, etc. I feel “it” so that I can find whatever “it” is and give it Jesus. It has allowed me to a much more alive and free person.

What advice would you give to someone who was chasing their dream?
Let yourself fail. Understanding that you are a life-long learner will get you far in life. There is not a single person who has always started everything in life at an “expert” level. Lean in to the uncomfortable-ness of not knowing how to do something. Have grace with yourself, take the pressure off of always being the best, and learn to take risks.

Wake up early. Someone recently told me that successful people wake up early. Research undisputedly shows this; and I have found myself so much more productive when I wake up early and take the time to be fed emotionally, spiritually, and physically at the start of the day. Don’t let the day just happen as it comes, get out ahead of it!

Keep a checklist. It’s quite unrealistic to only ever take things as they come or to let your dreams just go with the wind (believe me, I have tired). You have to get your hands dirty and get things done. Having a “to-do” list will keep you on track to reaching your dreams, and it will help you feel accomplished as you cross things off. Of course, it’s also important not to let your checklist run you because it will ruin you. I have found that starting my week on Mondays by mapping out all the things I need to do that week and setting a realistic deadline is the best thing for me.

Track your progress and celebrate! Things that get measured get done. You will quickly feel like giving up on your dreams if you feel like you aren’t getting anywhere. You should be celebrating yourself every week or at least every month! It will reenergize you and renew your sense of purpose for going after your dreams. So, take the time to reflect your progress and find the growth and accomplishments to celebrate.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you choose and why?
ITALY. The sights, the food, the culture, the history. Need I say more?

What would you make me if I came over for a dinner party at your place?
Hands down…Tacos. And you would love it. We would also play TONS of cards, and I would beat you.

Who has been your biggest spiritual influence?
My pastors and my closest friends have been my biggest spiritual influences. My pastors have tended to be like family to me as my spiritual fathers (or brothers), and they have also been my mentors. They have loved me well, seen my strengths and weaknesses, and challenged me to grow in my passion, gifts, and intimacy with Christ. My closest friends have done the same. They are godly women who have simply been with me through many seasons always championing me through celebration, support, encouragement, and prayer. Both my pastors and my friends have modeled humility to serve beyond self, obedience at all costs, perseverance in all seasons, and a life deeply rooted in Christ.

Who are some Captivating Women you love and how could we find them on social media.

Natalie Garcia –
While Natalie is easily the sassiest person I have ever known, she is also the strongest. She is the perfect mixture of playful and deep making you laugh until you pee followed by making you cry until your soul is a little more free. She has a beautiful way of unlocking people with her presence and speaking straight into deepest parts of the heart in the most needed ways with the breathe, care, and love of God. Natalie is humble, teachable, beautiful, talented, anointed, caring, and, above all, faithful to her Father no matter the cost. I don’t think I have known anyone who is as fully present wherever she is, living and loving without reservation or bias. Natalie is fearless and absolutely unafraid to take risks. She is incredibly thoughtful, and is well thought of by all she comes in contact with. She strives for excellence in all that she does and has one of the most beautiful hearts I have ever seen.

Find her on Instagram @natalie_alexx and purchase her song “Shepherd of My Soul” from the album From the Vine on iTunes.

Marissa Deraya –
Marissa is the person that everyone wants on their team. She is the ultimate woman of strength and support, and she adds SO much to any room she walks in to. Marissa is extremely life giving as I have seen countless times people light up when she walks into a room. I have never known someone so patient, hard-working, dependable, focused, and given to each step of the process. She doesn’t rush ahead because she wants to do things right and well, and she is known to follow through. Marissa has about a million different laughs, each one better than the first (and when she yawns she sounds like Chewbacca). She is incredibly fun, goofy and nerdy, while also being smart, caring, deep, anointed, confident, and just plain cool. She cares about quality; and, in turn, I have found her to be a person of the highest quality within herself. Marissa loves a challenge and does hard things with ease knowing she can overcome any obstacle. She is incredibly compassionate and passionate about what God has called her to; and she is sure to impact this world forever just by being Marissa.

Find her on Instagram @marissaderaya.

Allison Vazquez –
Alli is perhaps the most joyful person on planet earth. Not to mention, Joy is her middle name, and it’s overwhelmingly contagious when she is around. She is always so passionate about the things of God and unafraid to proclaim her faith. Alli cares deeply about people and will give it all to help another at the drop of a hat. She has a natural way of softening people as she loves without limit and is simply Alli wherever she is. Alli leaves her mark wherever she goes simply by being who God created her to be, and she is by all means a dreamer. She is anointed, committed, ambitious, and unstoppable.

Find her encouraging and equipping others on Instragam @_she.is_

What do you think makes a Captivating Woman?
I think a truly captivating woman is one who is life-giving, often in unexplainable ways. She can walk into a room or right into the heart of a person and give life with her words or with her very presence. A captivating woman is also one who is secure. She has confidence that goes beyond the moment and beyond “how it’s going”. She is secure even in the midst of weakness. This is a confidence surely found in the daughter who knows exactly who she is in her Father. A captivating woman is one who is fully present. She doesn’t hold back but is simply present and transparent. She isn’t dull or passive, nor does she hide. She is a fighter, a dreamer, a sensitive soul yet as strong as they come. In being fully present and fully herself, she is beautiful; and she is captivating.

What is your favorite scripture/Bible story and why?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 is (currently) my favorite verse. It reads:

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

It is an amazing reminder that beauty takes time. I must confess, I don’t always inwardly and outwardly feel beautiful. There is so much that I think I lack in my character and in my person; however, just because I don’t see it now doesn’t mean it will never appear. There is a proper time for beauty to be revealed; and, often, it needs to first be refined. This verse is an encouragement as I walk through difficulty, uncomfortable seasons, and waiting that there is purpose to it all. I may not see all the beauty I want to see in my life, but I will get there. And I know it will be worth the wait because it will be the work of God and not of my own.

Meet Stephanie Hinrichs

You meet a lot of cool people on Instagram. Search certain hashtags & you’ll instantly find people that you want to be friends with. That how I feel about Stephanie. I couldn’t tell you how I found her, but I did. I fell in love with her feed on Instagram. But there is something you need to know about this girl – she runs a business that serves other people. Her heart is big and it reminds me of the heart of God. Read more about Stephanie Hinrichs and Interlaced Goods.

Question: Where do you live & how old are you?
Answer: I’m 25 & I live in Austin, TX.

Q: What were you doing before your current job?
A: Before I became a full time barista, I was a Sales Manager at Macy’s.

Q: Tell us about Interlaced Goods and the heart behind it?
A: I started Interlaced Goods as a way to give back. Being in your twenties can be a bit tough, however most people my age that I know have a genuine desire to give back. However, we often feel like our $20 spending budget isn’t good enough. I wanted Interlaced Goods to be a place to purchase affordable, handmade and thoughtfully curated products, while knowing your money is going toward a greater cause. I recently found out that hundreds of underfunded charities go out of business every single day. This reminded me of exactly why I do what I do.

 

Q: Give us a day in the life of Stephanie.
A: I’m a full time barista. So, most days look something like waking up at 5am and making a lot of coffee. I typically try to fit the gym in at some point. I enjoy reading a lot, so that’s part of most days as well. The day to day varies, but typically it’s work and people. I love surrounding myself with people.

Q: What three words describe you?
A: Cheerful, kind, & fun.

Q: Do you believe that your job has become your ministry?
A: Yes. I interact with people every second that I’m at work. I think that it has made be more aware of my actions and words, as well as reminding myself the importance of grace.

Q: What is the favorite thing about what you do?
A: I’ve mentioned it several times at this point, but I love what I do because it means people. I love being around people, being part of their daily, and with Interlaced Goods being able to use what I do to help others.

Q: Favorite verse?
A: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Q: Favorite story in the Bible?
A: The life of Paul, in general. His life reflects the Lord’s grace and love and I think it’s incredibly important to remember that.

Q: What makes a Captivating Woman?
A: A woman who realizes that her identity is found in Jesus. And that there is nothing more important.

Q: Who are some Captivating Women in your life that we need to know about?
A: Chelsea Francis, my best friend (@ohhhchelsea)
Taylor Hinrichs, my sister (@taylor_hinrichs)

Find Stephanie in the social media world.
Instagram: @steph_hinrichs / @interlacedgoods
http://www.interlacedgoods.com

 

Subscribe to The Captivating Woman via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.