Strong Women Wednesday Featuring Megan Hallier

KE: What book are you reading right now?
MH: I’m reading a book called High heels and Holiness by Jo Saxton. I find it so inspiring to learn God’s purpose and plan for women. It is awesome to have some assistance with understanding some of the tricky passages of the bible, and this book does that perfectly.

KE: Do you have a favorite song that has helped you through a tough time?
MH: One of my favourite songs is Blessings by Laura Story. She sings about how often in the difficult, exhausting and heart-breaking seasons of our lives is when God is fully revealled to us. I think it is so powerful to turn to God in those moments, to praise him without doubting.

KE: How do you define strength, and what does it look like in your life?
MH: Strength to me, is the absence of fear. It is the ability to be apologetically you. To stand up for what you believe in, to try new things and to pick yourself up again when you fall down. In my life I have found the strength through Christ to overcome the destructive grip of disordered eating.

KE: What do you do to keep your relationship with Jesus as strong as possible?
MH: My faith is really what has carried me through life this far. As with anything you value, it requires time and effort to maintain.
I try my best to spend quality time with Jesus, praying and reading his Word. Another thing which makes a world of difference is having close Christian friends supporting and journeying with you. To have someone who understands your faith and desires to see it grow is a wonderful blessing.

KE: Managing a household is hard. Whether you work full-time, 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?
MH: As I am quite young I can’t say that I have a lot of experience in this area. What I do know is that a strong family requires several key values…
honesty, trust and communication. Spending time pouring love and truth into your children is so important. I know how beaten down and broken the world can feel and without the support and absolute adoration from my parents, I don’t think I could cope.

KE: Do you have any stress management tips for us?
MH: I find the best way to beat stress is to make my life balanced. To prioritize coffee dates with friends, relaxing bubble baths and running in the forest. It is important to take care of yourself and make time for the things that you love. As women there is a lot of responsibility to care for others, placed on our shoulders. Sometimes it is important to remember that you cannot give of yourself fully if you are completely drained and empty. You need to prioritize your own health.

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?
MH:  I like to eat food that makes me feel good. I believe that the food we eat contributes greatly to creating a strong body, so I try to eat a wide varied diet.However, I am aware that a strong body requires a strong mind and therefore I like my diet to be balanced. I’m not afraid of a little chocolate, cheese or wine. I’m also very passionate about exercise. I choose to move my body because it makes me feel good and because it’s fun.

KE: What do you feel is the difference between relying on your own strength and relying on God’s strength?
MH: Relying on your own strength can create an ego-tistical and selfish character. You can begin to feel that you are capable of overcoming the world by yourself. Relying on God’s strength requires humbling ourselves and admitting that we are unable to cope on our own. It cultivates a strong faith and powerful bond with our Father.

KE: Would you mind sharing something you have struggled with and telling us how you used God’s strength to get you through?
MH: I tried to rely on my own strength to make myself slimmer. I thought being skinny would make me finally feel happy and successful. However, I ended up feeling miserable. I felt tired, lost and consumed with disappointment. I chose to rely on God’s strength to pull me out. His overwhelming love wrapped around me and showed me the truth about myself. He has given me a fresh start and the boldness to share my faith.

KE: Do you have any tips for us about successful ways to manage your time more effectively?
MH: I’m a lover of lists, so to manage my time I was make a to-do list. I prioritize what needs to be done immediately and put the things that aren’t urgent lower down on the list. That way I don’t get stressed because I always do what really needs to be done straight away.

KE: Do you have a favorite Bible verse you could share with us and could you explain what it means to you?
MH: One of my favourite bible verses is Psalm 34 v 18. This is such a beautiful promise that God has given us. Not only is he always by our sides, but the very moment we feel our weakest, he is right there to pick us back up and make us strong again. It brings me such comfort to know that I am not alone in this crazy world. I’m so thankful that I have a loving Father to guide me through everything.

 “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

KE: If you could share one message with every woman who is willing to listen, what would it be?
MH: You are enough. Just as you are, right now. You don’t need to lose weight, have a six pack, be married or have an amazing career. You have an awesome purpose on this planet and God can use you exactly how you are…imperfect, scarred and afraid of the unknown. It doesn’t matter what you have done or how broken you are, God can heal you and use your story to help others.

KE: Where do you feel like God is leading you next?
MH: I believe God wants me to share my story about my eating disorder and help others with recovery. I feel that he is calling me to be a witness for him, to share his incredible love with others.

KE: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
MH: You can read more about me on my blog…apronstringsandstickyfingers.com . I also love instagram and facebook, just search for me @apronstringsandstickyfingers

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In His Strength,

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