Monthly Archives: June 2015

06.28.15
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Don’t Be a Product of Your Time

cool-future-technology-gadgets SmallerDo you strive to be “in” with society? From the latest gadgets, designer brands, relationship statuses, higher social statuses, they want what you have and you want what they have. But if you’re not spirit-led, society will happily compel you to become a product of this age. Temptations always deliver a poor substitute for the real thing. God desires to foster self-control within His People which is a prerequisite for receiving many of His blessings.

Read our ministry founder’s Gospel Today article “Don’t Be a Product of Your Time.” 

06.25.15
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Politeness: Our State of Emergency

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

As a Christian, have you felt pressure to cave to a world view? Are you silent at the water cooler on controversial issues, afraid to rock the boat?

If you answered “yes,” you’re not alone. Whether the church massacre in Charleston, the injustices of Ferguson, the national push for marriage equality or the identity confusion of Bruce/Caitlin Jenner, somewhere along the way, we in the Body of Christ became too polite. We allowed prayer to be removed from school. We’ve allowed folks of all backgrounds with diminished mental capacities and prejudices to carry guns. We’ve allowed people’s confusion about their identities and sexual orientation to prompt businesses, educational institutions and others to remove “female” and “male” from their vocabulary and replace with more ambiguous terms so as not to offend gender-confused populations. We’ve thought it impolite to say anything to the contrary and have resigned to a “live and let live” mentality. We’ve accepted that there are some degenerate, “bad apples” in this world who inflict horrific violence upon others.

Now, the chickens of our complacency, politeness, political correctness and silence have come home to roost. This is our state of emergency.

politeness silence

While we strive to be considerate, genteel and well-mannered toward others, forces of darkness could care less about our manners.  As described in John 10:10, our enemy intends to “steal, kill and destroy” and he doesn’t play fair. While Christ Jesus came to bring us abundant life, true freedom, love, joy, hope and peace, Satan presents counterfeit schemes that suggest people can have freedom, love and joy with quicker rewards—and without relationship with God.  The world in its ignorance, has settled for counterfeit paths that will ultimately destroy them.

Our politeness is dearly costing our communities, nation and world. Politeness has made us shrink back from territories in which we should have greater presence. Politeness has dulled our fervency and zeal required when addressing immorality. Instead of fervently sharing God’s Truth on any terms, we’ve politely embraced the world’s terms for fear of being hated.  Who else should a confused and perishing world look to lead them in the right way if not a Christian? Are we snatching anyone from the fire, as stated in Jude 23?

The mute church has created a dangerous vacuum that has positioned Christians alongside hate groups. Furthermore, the congregation returns to work on Monday virtually indistinguishable from non-believers. We are warned not to talk about politics and religion by people who are pushing their own politics and religion. It is one made of man by man and it only offers bondage and chaos. It poses as light but degrades into shades of grey and eventually darkness.

The problem is not that we don’t have spirit-filled believers attempting to respond to these issues. It’s that we have fewer Christians speaking at the water cooler to defend the faith and keep Christians in view as people who love, give and suffer. The tragedy of our silence is that we’ve allowed ourselves to be mischaracterized to where we are dangerously close to being dehumanized.

How do we revive our collective Christian voice? How do we boldly and lovingly disperse light in darkness? How do we overcome fear and indifference and render aid in our state of emergency? Love toward others must continue to guide our thoughts, words and actions—but this doesn’t mean we shirk from entering the battle, where the Holy Spirit leads us.

Per God’s words to Joshua as the newly installed leader of the Israelites after Moses’ death: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:1-9) Let us not be concerned about who we might offend. By sharing God’s light, we help bring clarity to confusion and hope to darkness in our fallen world.

Still want to be polite or are you ready to fight?

-Nicole

Nicole D. Hayes is the founder of Voices Against the Grain, a bold teaching ministry launched in May 2013. Nicole’s purpose in creating Voices Against the Grain is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amid confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here. 

06.22.15
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Fresh Produce

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21 (New Living Translation)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! –Galatians 5:22-23.

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

I discovered recently that gardening is no easy feat! It might even be considered by some as physical exercise. Needless to say, that after a long arduous day of pulling weeds, pouring mulch, and plowing the flower bed I was spent! However, my spirit was pleased to imagine the fresh produce that would soon be coming after planting seeds. Do we have fresh produce in our lives? Does our spirit resemble the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces mentioned above?

How can we truly say that we worship and have a relationship with God if our lives resemble our sinful desires i.e. the works of the flesh? For Jesus Christ once told us what God is like. He said, “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth.” –John 4:24 God’s Spirit is Holy and the Bible says “but as he who called you is Holy, you also be Holy in all your conduct. Since it is written, you shall be Holy, for I am Holy.”–1 Peter 1:15-16. My dear friends following the desires of your sinful nature are bondage. You’re not free if that’s your lifestyle. “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”                     –Galatians 5:24 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” –Galatians 5:1

A yoke is a wooden bar that allowed two (or more) draft animals to be coupled (yoked) so that they might effectively work together. The Bible frequently uses the word ‘yoke’ metaphorically to refer to work or bondage. However, it could also be associated with divine judgment. Sin was the reoccuring cause of Jerusalem miseries and the complaint they made toward God of their calamities. “He wove my sins into ropes to hitch me to a yoke of captivity. The Lord sapped my strength and turned me over to my enemies; I am helpless in their hands.                    – Lamentations 1:14 “An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.” –Proverbs 5:22-23

fruit of the spirit

When we live in the flesh, i.e. by our sinful nature, we invite death into our lives, primarily spiritually. We are rendered useless to give God glory not yoked for service, but for penance, tied neck and heels together. I’m so glad there is a yoke we can put on! It is one that is eternal! One that gives our souls rest! For Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world said to us, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” –Matthew 11:29-30

Stick to Jesus! Cling to him! He will produce in your heart and in your spirit that fresh produce that can fellowship with God and with His People as we wait to be led into the Kingdom of God. Amen

-Jason

Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

06.20.15
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God Will Be God Without Requiring Our Understanding

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” -Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Shock. Anger. Despair. We hurt. We grieve. Tragedies, injustices and lives taken by illnesses of any kind leave many of us asking God, “Why?” and “Where were you?!” We’re perplexed by how a loving God who is all knowing, all seeing, and everywhere can allow such events as the June 17 massacre of nine Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church members of Charleston, S.C., participating in bible study, to perish on His watch.

The aforementioned words captured in Isaiah 55:8-9 give us the answer. It’s not the answer our natural mind desires or is able to reconcile. Tragedies that befall wrongdoers are easier to reconcile in our minds because we inherently believe justice was rendered. But what solace can be found in the death(s) of those who selflessly serve others? Those who love and trust others? Those who gather for bible study on a Wednesday night, welcoming members and strangers alike?

Answer: God is and always will be sovereign (in control, giving allowance for situations to occur). We weren’t there when God hung the stars in the sky, or when He formed the Earth’s foundations and positioned our planet in perfect distance from the sun. In our limited abilities, intellect and understanding we are in no position to dictate what God should and shouldn’t do. In Romans 11:33 the apostle Paul writes, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?” (Romans 11:33, 34).

Good and evil are always at war in this fallen world. Evil is on an uptick and is not taking a backseat. God works through Believers, unbelievers and events to bring light to darkness. To accomplish His purposes, God will be God without requiring our understanding. What IS required of us if we so choose: to have faith in Who He is, faith in His good plans for us, to believe that He is drawing people and transforming hearts even in tragedies, trust His love for us, believe His promise to always be with us and to believe in the One He sent in Who we are to place our hope: His Son Jesus Christ.

A Charleston community member comforts a man mourning news learned of nine Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church members shot and killed during bible study on Wednesday night, June 17, 2015 in Charleston, S.C. Photo courtesy: Associated Press

A Charleston community member comforts a man mourning news learned of nine Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal church members shot and killed during bible study on Wednesday night, June 17, 2015 in Charleston, S.C. Photo courtesy: Associated Press

We will encounter troubles in this life. To seek solace in this world will not garner peace that lasts. In Christ Jesus alone will we find true peace, as He tells us in John 16:33- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Those who have passed on have run their race in victory. The Voices Against the Grain ministry team unites in spirit with our brothers and sisters in Christ and others to extend prayers of comfort, hope and love to the family members of those killed, to the members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Charleston, S.C., community.

-Nicole

Nicole D. Hayes is the founder of Voices Against the Grain, a bold teaching ministry launched in May 2013. Nicole’s purpose in creating Voices Against the Grain is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amid confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

Learn more about Nicole D. Hayes here. 

06.17.15
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Real Strength

Isaiah 40:11- He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If reading this scripture created warmth within your heart then you are on par with most individuals. If reading this scripture made you see the Shepherd as kind, then you are on par with most individuals. If you believe that gentleness and grace are precursors to weakness, then you are sorely mistaken. For the strongest people are those walking alongside others wading through their various trials, while demonstrating the meekness to recognize when they’re wrong. It’s that inexplicable eagerness to give 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances even when the situation seems bleak. These are the most indomitable people known to man. One of which, who shed HIS blood for you and me. Today may we change the social construct that determines strength over weakness, for none is a better example than the Shepherd holding the lamb.

#Godsway

Herbert writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He is also the founder of B.T.E.P. (Bringing Together Extraordinary People), a Charlotte, N.C.-based nonprofit with a mission to unite professional athletic organizations in accordance with their neighboring counties in the Greater Charlotte area, and to improve underprivileged athletic programs and share in the duty of empowering disadvantaged youth within their communities.
Learn more about Herbert Bowen, Jr., here. 
06.12.15
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I Seeeee You

Colossians 4:5- Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Who are you? Who am I? Who do we think we are as a collective? Are we a band of brothers and sisters? Are we a unit built upon a foundation of titanium that no man can break? Are we able to fathom the novelties of this world alone? Or do we seek to proceed with narrow goals to satisfy our mundane desires? If we are for ourselves we will be captives of our own solidarity. If we are for others we will be loosed from the shackles that constrain us. Only this will lead us to comprehend the importance of first impressions and lasting relationships.

For if we remain God-focused, our lives will reflect HIS teachings. Our actions will not seem as though they are practiced, but will flow with legitimacy to everyone we come into contact. Hence, we learn. We educate. We listen. We love. We value our experiences because at the end of the day you never know who is watching.

#Godsway

Herbert writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He is also the founder of B.T.E.P. (Bringing Together Extraordinary People), a Charlotte, N.C.-based nonprofit with a mission to unite professional athletic organizations in accordance with their neighboring counties in the Greater Charlotte area, and to improve underprivileged athletic programs and share in the duty of empowering disadvantaged youth within their communities.
Learn more about Herbert Bowen, Jr., here. 
06.11.15
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Meet the Team: Q & A With Jill Tomlinson

“Exposing lies, imparting truth and empowering the body of Christ” as it reads from her and her husband Jimmy Tomlinson’s ministry website, Jill Tomlinson is the newest member to join the Voices Against the Grain team. Joining our ministry team as a devotional writer in April 2015, Jill and her husband are the co-founders of Transcend Ministries. She is also the author of No More Lies—a transparent and candid book that exposes Satan’s lies that produce strongholds on our lives. Jill leads readers through biblical truths that bring freedom and wholeness found only in Christ Jesus. We are blessed to serve with this woman of God who helps free people from emotional shackles! What’s her favorite food? Favorite scripture? Learn more about Jill in the Q & A below.

Jill Tomlinson, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer, co-founder of Transcend Ministries

Jill Tomlinson, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer, co-founder of Transcend Ministries

Where are you from? I am originally from Moultrie, GA. I now live in Colorado Springs, CO but still have a strong southern accent.   🙂

When is your birthday? My birthday is January 1. I love it because it is always a holiday!

How did you come to join the Voices Against the Grain team? I was introduced to Nicole Hayes through a dear mutual friend, Dawn Bauer. It didn’t take long to realize our hearts were knit together by the blood of Jesus and that this was a God-connection. I was honored to accept when Nicole asked me to join the writing team for Voices Against the Grain.

What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memory is playing in fields of Easter lilies on the family farm in Georgia.

As a Christian, what is your understanding of why God allows trials/temptations to come into our lives? My earthly dad would never give permission for a thief to tie me up, beat me, rob me and leave me for dead. He would never give permission for that to happen, and how much more loving and perfect is my Father in Heaven? I believe when trials and temptations come, they come from the enemy, Satan. He is the thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). To believe that God allows these things in our lives is to believe that He actively or passively (by allowing) causes evil to come to us. That is not who God is.

God is sovereign which means that He is supreme in being. He is completely superior and autonomous, but that does not mean He controls everything (either actively or passively) that happens in our lives. For example, God does not cause sickness. Nor does He allow sickness. Sickness is a tool of the enemy. Jesus healed all who were sick. If God was allowing sickness, why would Jesus (God made flesh) turn around and heal the sick? Jesus would have been going against the will of His Father, which He could not do. God does not allow sickness, sin, or trouble. Everything evil entered the human race and this world when sin did and none of it came from God.

Jesus is our Advocate before God. He is at the right hand of God representing us and interceding for us. The finished work of Jesus put an end to the enemy approaching God to accuse us before Him. Satan has been cast down and has no voice in the presence of God. Jesus ended that through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.

On this earth, the enemy still reigns and sin still affects this world. This is temporary, but while it lasts, the effects of sin are still all around us. This includes trials and troubles that we face at times, but they are not by God’s permission. They are sent from the enemy. As believers we have been given the authority of Christ to stand against the enemy and his schemes and believe, declare, and receive all the promises of God made available to us through Jesus.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). – John 10:10 AMP

What do you do in your spare time? I most enjoy just hanging out with my husband and kids in my spare time. It is the sweetness of the simple things that make me happiest.

What is your favorite bible verse? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

What does having a relationship/walk with God mean to you? I believe having a relationship with God means living moment-by-moment in oneness with Him. It isn’t about religious traditions. It is the deepest love and only real freedom. I am His and He is mine. We do each and every moment of life together.

What is your favorite food? I love seafood.

If you had a superpower what would it be? If I had a superpower, I would want it to be the ability to travel through time.

Is there anything else we should know about you? I’m simple, honest, and passionate. I want every breath and every moment of my life to count for Jesus.

Learn more about Jill Tomlinson here.

06.10.15
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“En Theos”

Romans 12:11- Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“En theos” is a Latin phrase to describe the word “enthusiasm.” A phrase which means “in God,” to which we place our hope and trust. Hence, “in God” leans to the side of heavenly riches rather than our own mundane wealth. “In God” is a reminder to work with jubilation, for our work is more than a remedial task, but an outline for a magnanimous plan.

Circumstances beset our souls. Anger displaces our rationality. Truth dissipates and all we are left with is confusion. How can a person work in such an environment? The answer, “en theos,” for we were placed in that situation for a reason, even though its contents remain esoteric to us. For there are no coincidences or luck in life. There is only an outcome that God has already seen. For at the right time the veil will be lifted from our eyes, so we might see the journey ahead of us. Thus, work like there is no tomorrow and you too will be blessed in God’s Kingdom.

#Godsway

Herbert writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He is also the founder of B.T.E.P. (Bringing Together Extraordinary People), a Charlotte, N.C.-based nonprofit with a mission to unite professional athletic organizations in accordance with their neighboring counties in the Greater Charlotte area, and to improve underprivileged athletic programs and share in the duty of empowering disadvantaged youth within their communities.
Learn more about Herbert Bowen, Jr., here. 
06.04.15
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Exercise Spiritual Empathy and Christian Humility

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. –Romans 12:15 (English Standard Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

This verse represents a remarkable attitude of Christian humility. For the Christian who rejoices when others rejoices and weeps when others weep has a sober opinion of their own life. He or she might have reached a point of understanding in the Christian journey that although they are saved spiritually and their eternal destiny is secure in Jesus Christ, they are still subject to trials and tribulations like anyone else.

tears Romans 12-15 rejoice and mourn with

The Oxford English dictionary defines empathy as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” One should not think of themselves as lofty or too spiritual, forgetting that they are human as their neighbor made from the dust of the ground by one Creator. For the Bible says, “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”             –Proverbs 22:2    

What right do you have to deny someone the sharing of yourself spiritually, emotionally, or resourcefully? “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you” when you already have it with you. –Proverbs 3:28

For we ought to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”                      –Galatians 6:2-3

Likewise we ought NOT to say in our hearts or verbally “Ah ha! I knew you were a hypocrite! For I have just caught you in a sin!” For the Bible says, “Brothers and Sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”                             –Galatians 6:1

Galatians 6-1 if a man is overtaken by sinBut don’t restore your brother or sister with the attitude of thinking that you are a better Christian. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, do not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death –even death on a cross! –Philippians 2:3-8

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”     – Romans 12:10

Jonathan Edwards, a 17th century protestant preacher and theologian, once spoke about pure Christian humility. What he said is worth considering today:

“Spiritual pride tends to speak of other persons’ sins with bitterness or with laughter and levity and an air of contempt. But pure Christian humility rather tends either to be silent about these problems or to speak of them with grief and pity. Spiritual pride is very apt to suspect others, but a humble Christian is most guarded about himself. He is as suspicious of nothing in the world as he is of his own heart.

The proud person is apt to find fault with other believers, that they are low in grace, and to be much in observing how cold and dead they are and to be quick to note their deficiencies. But the humble Christian has so much to do at home and sees so much evil in his own heart and is so concerned about it that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts. He is apt to esteem others better than himself.” Amen

-Jason

Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

Learn more about Jason M. Alexandre here.

06.03.15
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Meet the Team: Q & A With Ana Martinez

She’s a pastor’s daughter who felt God’s call early on her life though admits she strayed from it. Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding. Today as mom of three, she is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the Lord’s will. Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the Kingdom of Heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana wants hurting people to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Our dear sister in Christ who has courageously shared her testimony of how Jesus has redeemed and restored her, learn more about Voices Against the Grain devotional writer, Ana Martinez, in the Q & A below. 

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Where are you from? Michigan born and raised! Proud to be an American and blessed to have roots in Puerto Rico. Viva Puerto Rico and God bless America!

When is your birthday? October 5

How did you come to join the Voices Against the Grain team? Through my dear friend and fellow blogger Herbert Bowen, Jr.

What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memory is going to cut down our family Christmas tree. The ground was covered with snow and on the car ride home my sisters and I sang songs with our Mother trying to convince our Dad through music to stop at a fast food burger joint called Hot n’ Now. Together we united forces and chanted, “We want Hot n’ Now! Hot n’ Now! Hot n’ Now! We want Hot n’ Now Hot n’ Now NOW!” Either we were very persuasive or he was just sick of hearing us sing. Nonetheless, it worked and he stopped. Yum!

As a Christian, what is your understanding of why God allows trials/ temptations to come into our lives? I truly believe God allows trials and temptations to come so that our character can be molded and strengthened in Christ. Through my personal struggles I have become more dependent on Him and recognize my own strengths and weaknesses. Where we are weak He is strong. Praise God!

What do you do in your spare time? As a mom of three, spare time is limited. So currently, I check emails, lol.

What is your favorite bible verse? Jeremiah 29:11

What does having a relationship/ walk with God mean to you? To me, having a relationship/walk with God means spending time in His presence, keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus and asking Him to direct your steps. Daily submitting your will and desires unto Him and aligning yourself with His will for your life. It’s not easy but so worth it!

What is your favorite food? I have so many favorite foods. #1 anything my mom and dad make! Puerto Rican food of course. Also homemade Italian and French food along with everything in New York!

If you had a superpower what would it be? It would be awesome to be able to fly!

Is there anything else we should know about you? I’m head over heels in love with Jesus and a supporter of Israel!

Learn more about Ana Martinez here.