Welcome to the 3rd edition of Strong Women Wednesdays. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to interview Ashlyn Roberts. Ashlyn is one amazing lady who knows where her strength comes from. I met Ashlyn through church, specifically when our husbands worked together last year. It’s encouraging to watch her worship and inspiring to watch her love her family. She has done amazing things with our family ministry at church and she is just a joy to be around. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better and I’m so excited that you get to know a piece of her story today.

KE: Tell me about yourself

AR: I am a part-time working part-time stay at home momma / wife. I have a beautiful daughter names Daisy Hope, she is a sweet miracle from Jesus. I have been married to my husband Seth for 3 years, but we met and started dating when I was 15. I work for Fox River Christian Church as their Family Events coordinator. My job is so fun! I get to put events on for families to experience God together, and have fun! I have a deep passion for Jesus and His Word. I love to sing and lead worship, and use the talents that God has set before me.

*Fun Fact: type #marriedtosjr into the Facebook search bar and you will see the love that pours from this girls heart for her family!

KE: How do you define strength and what does it look like in your life?

AR: I believe that true strength is something that can only come from God. I have to depend and lean on Him, all day every day. Apart from Him we are nothing. Strength to me looks exactly like that, relying on Him everyday, for our everything. I live with a chronic illness, and it takes me using God’s strength to get through some days. But, our vulnerability is perfect in His strength.

KE: As you know, strong faith is the focus of my ministry. But it can be hard to maintain a strong faith when life gets real messy. What do you do to keep your relationship with Jesus as strong as possible?

AR: Oh boy, can life get messy. We have to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. And that can be so hard, the hardest thing in the world. I have to remember to spend specific time with Him. The way I do that the most, and the way he speaks the most through me is music. God has so many times sent me a song that is my anthem for a certain season of life I am in. When I was pregnant with my daughter and everything was uncertain and I was so scared, he brought me “You Make Me Brave” by Bethel Music, and it carried me through. God can send you His truth through so many different forms if you will allow Him to. And that will keep you strong even when life is really, really messy.

KE: Managing a household is hard. Whether you work, stay home, are single, married or have 8 kids; women often feel like they are just surviving each day. What advice would you give to women to help them strengthen their family?

AR: I always remind my self that, “I am the perfect momma for Daisy Hope”, “I am the perfect wife for Seth”, “I am the perfect person for this job.” And NOT because I think I’m perfect… because trust me that is not the case! (Just ask that sweet babe, or my husband! : ) ) But because God wrote my story, and His plan is perfect. So, if we choose to trust His plan, we can know that what we are doing, where we are, and who we are doing it with, is the perfect plan and perfect spot for us! He chose you to do whatever it is that you are doing! You can rest in that. It isn’t always easy, but when we can make that hard choice, it can make a world of difference.

KE: Depending on your definition of strength, “strong body” can mean something different to everyone. What healthy habits do you incorporate into your daily schedule to help keep your body strong?

AR: This is not my strongest point in life — so to speak. I used to be a very active person, and then life circumstances and illness robbed me of that (and I let it). We try as a family, to get out and be active together. We go on walks, play in the yard, and just have active fun together. I have also learned that water is your best friend! Drink, drink, drink water all day long! It will do your body good!

KE: What do you feel is the difference between relying on your own strength and relying on God’s strength?

AR: There is a world of difference. Ashlyn isn’t very strong; she gets tired, angry, frustrated, cranky, weary… the list could go on and on. But when Ashlyn relies on the strength of God? She can go on and on without ever getting weary. Sure, she might get sleepy, but she will never get weary of doing the things that he has set before her.

KE: Would you mind sharing something you have struggled with and telling us how you used God’s strength to get you through?

AR: In January of 2013 my husband and I were told we might not be able to have children. And that was the hardest news I had ever had to bear. I remember calling him at work bawling, and just asked God to give me peace over something I could not control. And it was like God Himself touched me. I have peace over my body that I had never experienced in all my life. But it was a hard road we had to walk, and hold God’s hand the whole time. My living room floor knew more tears in those days, than it ever had before or since. I would lay face down on the floor bawling, begging God to give me a baby, and begging Him to help me be OK if his answer was no. I just wanted to be a momma so bad. But more than that, I wanted to want what God had planned for me more. I had to rely on his strength to believe that He had a perfect plan for me, and he had the perfect child planned for me. And He did, He made all of the pieces fall into place and now I have a beautiful daughter, and God made me just to be her momma. What a gift.

KE: If you could share one message with every woman who is willing to listen, what would it be?

AR: You. Are. Enough. It is crazy how enough you are. You. Are. Loved. It is crazy how loved you are. And those are facts! God made you just who you are, and who He made you is enough! God loves you and cares for you. So, even if the people around you don’t make you feel like you are enough, or that you aren’t loved… please please always remember the truth. And the truth is this: you are loved, and you are enough.

KE: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

AR: God has you and he holds you! He loves you so dearly. You can walk in the full faith of that every day.

Thanks Ashlyn for sharing a piece of your story with us. You are truly an encouragement to all women and a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Stay tuned next week as I have the pleasure of interviewing Michelle Lemmer, owner and coach over at Styles for Your Health.

In His Strength,