As you gather at (in)courage, we pray your soul is nourished by the stories we share. We pray that you leave this place knowing you are not alone because you have a sisterhood alongside you and a loving Father who always goes with you. We hope this is a place where you can come just the way you are, where you can laugh and cry, nod along in “I’ve been there too” understanding, receive prayer, and be empowered by the Spirit’s truth-infusing care.
At (in)courage, stories are the vehicle God uses to encourage our hearts and unite us in love. And we want to help you get to know better the women behind those stories!
So, we’re continuing the new Contributor Spotlight series we kicked off in May! Each month, we’ll feature two or three of our regular contributors. (Including our ten new writers!) Whether you’ve been a loyal reader since the beginning of (in)courage or you’ve just found your way here recently, we hope you’ll pour yourself an extra iced tea and join us in getting to know this month’s featured contributors.
Meet Anjuli Paschall
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! I’m Anjuli (ann-julie). My husband, Sam, and I live near San Diego with our five little kids. I received my B.A. from Point Loma and my M.A. from Talbot School of Theology. After traveling as a wedding photographer for years, I realized I liked writing and connecting vulnerably with the hearts of women just as much as photography. So now I meet with mommas daily on IG — our modern-day well — and write about my crazy-glorious-chaotic motherhood life and how Jesus meets me in the middle of it all. I love walking with others as they discover God’s love and discover themselves. I spend days homeschooling, carpooling my kids to sports, and reheating my tea.
How long have you been an (in)courage contributor?
I’m a new contributor to (in)courage and am so grateful to share a table with such incredible women.
What’s your favorite thing about (in)courage?
I love how readers and writers are so kind. Every post and comment I read encourages me. I am daily reminded of how grace meets me in the middle of my mess.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about seeing God show up in my daily life. I love breathing hope into the hearts of women who have grown weary. I’m also passionate about the app Marco Polo. 🙂
What personal project are you most excited about right now?
A few months ago I started a new IG account called @themomsweloveclub. It is a place to love moms enduring long-term suffering. Once a month we all post the same picture of the same mom on the same day. My hope is to bring awareness, prayer, and financial support to a mom in need. In five months we have raised over $100,000. It’s so exciting to see what posting a picture can do in the lives of moms who are in pain. If you want to help spread the love, follow @themomsweloveclub and keep an eye out for our next featured mom, which is usually posted the first of each month. Together we really can change a life.
What is your favorite…
- Special meal: California burrito (carne asada burrito with French fries!)
- Salty snack: Pretzels covered in chocolate
- Sweet treat: Ice cream. Always, ice cream.
- Hot drink: Tea
- Thing to do with friends: Dinner together
- Thing to do alone: Drink a hot cup of tea in a coffee shop or on my front porch
- Place to go: The beach
- Way to recharge: Being with Sam, cooking and creating together
How can readers keep in touch and learn more about what you’re up to?
I love connecting online via Instagram @lovealways.anjuli.
Hear more from Anjuli in her recent Facebook Live interview with (in)courage Community Manager, Becky Keife!
Meet Holley Gerth
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a y’all sayer and a Jesus-lover, a chocolate-eater and a book reader, a wife and mama and grandma (because God works in mysterious ways). I’m the granddaughter of Christian bookstore owners and I fell in love with books as a little girl. My favorite smell is paper. There’s a little pond behind my house full of turtles and fat bullfrogs. This summer it’s taking enormous self-control for the tomboy in me not to climb the wrought-iron fence and bring them all home. I like humans, all sorts and kinds and personalities, because I see a bit of God’s face in each of theirs.
How long have you been an (in)courage contributor?
I’ve been around for the whole ride! I had the gift of being one of the co-founders of (in)courage along with Stephanie Bryant. She’s a dear friend, and we were both employees of DaySpring at the time. God gave us the crazy idea of an online community for women and it has been so fun to see it come true!
What’s your favorite thing about (in)courage?
I love the women who are part of (in)courage — the community and writers. I believe we are better, stronger, and braver together.
What are you passionate about?
Peanut butter. In all forms. On all desserts. For every occasion. Amen.
I’m also passionate about helping women embrace who they are and become all God created them to be. I especially love doing that through writing.
What personal project are you most excited about right now?
I have a granddaughter named Ellie who’s almost one year old. (Her Mama, Lovelle, became our daughter when she was twenty after we’d gone through a decade of infertility — only God). All of Ellie’s projects — like cutting teeth, learning to walk, and discovering blueberries — make me so happy.
In my work, I’m excited about a gift book I’m releasing with DaySpring called God’s Promises for Life’s Hard Moments and a companion journal that has this quote on the cover: She believed she was loved and it made her brave. Those will be exclusively in Altar’d State stores in July and other retailers in August. I’m grateful that I got to create them with Heather Steck, a really talented designer who has also been one of my dearest friends for almost two decades.
What is your favorite…
- Special meal: Street Tacos or Red Curry
- Salty snack: Guacamole
- Sweet treat: Chocolate and Peanut Butter anything
- Hot drink: Almond Milk Latte
- Thing to do with friends: Have coffee
- Thing to do alone: Read
- Place to go: Hilton Head (wistful sigh)
- Way to recharge: Nap
How can readers keep in touch and learn more about what you’re up to?
In my fantasy world I get to have coffee with everyone. Until I find a way to make that happen, I’d love for folks to stop by holleygerth.com. If anyone would like to subscribe so I can come to them, they’ll get a free chapter of Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely as a thank you gift from me.
Want to get to know Holley more? Check out her recent interview with Becky!
Miss a past Contributor Spotlight Interview? Find all the videos on our handy-dandy YouTube playlist. Woohoo!
Tell us: Do you share one of Anjuli or Holley’s favorite things?
Do one of their passions resonate with your heartstrings?
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Holley and Anjuli,
Holley, I’ve read your posts here at (in)courage since the beginning. This place has taken on the kindness that Anjuli speaks about thanks to you ….everyone is welcome. I’ve read your books and love how your platform to women has always been about letting them know they are beautiful, loved, and more than enough in their Father’s eyes – no striving or perfectionism needed. You speak to a place of insecurity that so many of us struggle with and you do it well. Thank you for your continual encouragement.
Anjuli, I look forward to how you are going to speak to the weary soul that so many women have. “Worn” could be our theme song. So good to have a fresh new face and style in the fold…welcome! I share your love of ice cream and sitting by myself with a cup of tea or coffee is a great mini vacation.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Becky Keife says
Bev,
You have a gift with words and seeing people and speaking encouragement! I just love reading your comments and how you are always quick to shine the spotlight on your sisters’ strengths and God’s goodness. This community is richer because of you!
xx
Becky
Anjuli paschall says
Ah bev! Thank you for your warm welcome!!! I’m so grateful to connect and grow with you all!
Thea says
Holley and Anjuli seem like awesome ladies! Looking forward to more of Holley post and post from Anjuli. 🙂
I must confess, I might be mistaken but most of your writers are married with kids or grown kids. I think that is very honorable . But I must say there is a big population of ladies that are single – (53% -2016 in US ) and some have no kids and will never have kids. I would like to see more Writers that understand the hardships of being single and how they cope. It not a bad thing to be single and ladies need to know that but they also need to know how to get through the Loneliness and feeling like they are Missing out because they don’t have a husband or kids. If you have not been single for most of your life you will not understand this but someone who has will. Thank you.
Beth Williams says
Thea,
There are a few single writers for In (Courage). Aliza Latta, and Karina Allen are two single writers. They explore singleness & keeping God in the balance of everyday life. I can understand where you are coming from. In Courage contributors started out talking about marriage & their children. While I am married I have no children. Single people have a unique opportunity. They are not tied down to anyone or anyplace. They are more able to do missions work. I also understand that holidays can be painful for you. Everyone getting together with their families & you don’t have one. Perhaps In Courage could find single writers to explore being single & the loneliness of it all!
Blessings 🙂
Becky Keife says
Dear Thea,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and share your heart and concerns. At (in)courage, we seek to encourage the hearts of women across life-stages, and we definitely recognize that motherhood and marriage do not mark the life experience of every woman. You’re correct that the majority of our writers are married and have children, yet Beth is kind to point out that we do have writers who are single and speak to the unique beauty and struggles of that life season. In addition to Karina and Aliza, you can look for writing by one of our new contributors, Kaitlyn Bouchillion. We are also purposeful about representing the diverse experiences of our readers by choosing writers from different cultural backgrounds who span five decades! I love hearing from my sisters in their 20’s all the way through their 60’s! We have so much to learn from one another. Even so, we recognize that our team of 27 writers is still limited in our scope of experiences, which is one of the reasons we invite two guest post writers to the (in)courage table every week!
I share all of this, Thea, just to show how deeply we care about the hearts of the women who gather here. We have had some single writers or those who are married without children who are no longer regular contributors, but you can find all of their posts in our archives! I think you’d be especially encouraged by the writings of (in)courage Alumni Annie Downs, who often writes about the unique challenges of life as a single woman in the church. You can find all her posts here: https://aws.incourage.me/author/annieblogs
Grateful to have you as part of the (in)courage community, Thea.
We are listening.
Warmly,
Becky Keife
(in)courage Community Manager
Holley Gerth says
Thea and Stacy, I walked through a decade of infertility while it seemed everyone around me got pregnant. I hear your heart and your hurt. I also learned through that experience that sometimes when we feel like a voice is missing that voice is ours. I’d encourage you to ask Jesus how you can be an encourager to women like you, how you can share your story, experiences, and heart for those who are in similar life circumstances. If you think something needs to be said then it may be that, whether online or with one person on your face-to-face life, our great big mysterious God is inviting you to be the one to say it. XOXO
Beth Williams says
Anjuli & Holley,
I am grateful for this website. It has allowed me to pray for others & share my experiences with everyone. Women everywhere are becoming weary with the daily grind. It can be hard to stay focused on God with all the chaos & stress going on. Thank you for speaking into women’s hearts & helping them through their trials. I’m happy to see new faces come on the scene & give fresh perspective on life & women’s issues. Anjuli I must admit I love hot tea also-anytime anywhere. Holley I have followed your life story from the get go. Loved how God intervened several times in your life. First to put you at Day Spring & then to co-found this glorious website for women. Thanks for helping us see we are loved, beautiful & wanted no matter what. BTW I also love chocolate & peanut butter!
Blessings 🙂
Anjuli paschall says
Ahh Beth. Hot tea. Every. Single. Morning!
Stacy says
I so agree with Thea’s comment. I have been following incourage for almost 2 years & have found it relevant and inspiring for life’s troubles. I have noticed too that most Christian women leaders are married, is there some sort of unwritten code requiring that, as if it makes a woman qualified to expound on God’s wisdom if there’s a husband in her life? I wish there were more leaders, authors, speakers who are single women. Especially older single women, there are so many of us, aching to hear women speakers who know our experience. We really can’t relate to all these authors who are busy mothers of large families. Homeschooling? Carpooling? It’s not relevant to us. In fact it can feed into our feelings of isolation & loneliness.
Becky Keife says
Stacy, I just replied to Thea’s comment above, so I’d encourage you to read that as well. But I also wanted to say to you that we’re listening. I hear you. I’m aching to hear from older women too. Women who have walked the hard and beautiful journey following the Lord and making an impact for the kingdom with the Lord as the only Husband to support her. Such value in a life well-lived. I agree that we need to do a better job as the Church to create space for single women, both in fellowship and leadership. I think single women like you who are willing to speak up with boldness and kindness is a necessary starting point. So thank you for your voice and friendship here at (in)courage.
Blessings,
Becky Keife
(in)courage Community Manager
Penny says
Thea and Stacy,
I’m sorry for how your feeling. While my story might not be the same as your’s, there was a time when my Mother’s was, up until we welcomed her to live with us, which for my family became a true gift. I hope that you know your’re also a gift.
Have a blessed day,
Penny
Holley Gerth says
Thea and Stacy, I walked through a decade of infertility while it seemed everyone around me got pregnant. I hear your heart and your hurt. I also learned through that experience that sometimes when we feel like a voice is missing that voice is ours. I’d encourage you to ask Jesus how you can be an encourager to women like you, how you can share your story, experiences, and heart for those who are in similar life circumstances. If you think something needs to be said then it may be that, whether online or with one person on your face-to-face life, our great big mysterious God is inviting you to be the one to say it. XOXO
Becky Keife says
Woohoo, Holley and Anjuli! You girls both put a huge smile on my face and encouragement from the Lord in my heart! I’m so grateful for your stories, voices, and friendship. God is doing mighty things in and through you! Thrilled to be a big big fan of both of you! xx
Anjuli paschall says
So grateful for you 🙂
Holley Gerth says
So grateful to be sisters in Jesus and at (in)courage! 🙂
Penny says
I really appreciate how you contribute and lift the spirits of so many. Thank-you both so much for your efforts, reading your words is a pleasure.
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Helena says
Ice cream and hot tea girl all the way.
Anjuli paschall says
Helena, I might have a scoop for breakfast. I might 😉
Stephanie says
Holley and Anjuli,
First of all, peanut butter is LIFE. And pretzels too. How do y’all do it with having busy lives to be able to spend quality time with God? I try my very best to give as much as I can and sometimes it leaves me feeling pretty sad that I couldn’t give more. Do you set time in your day to spend with Him?
Blessings,
Stephanie
Holley Gerth says
That’s such a great question, Stephanie! I think what matters most is finding a way of connecting with God that fits with who He created you to be and your season of life. The book Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas helped me a lot. He shares ten different ways we connect with God. For example, Caregivers feel closest to God when serving others while Intellectuals (me) feel closest to God when we’re learning about Him. I think we can tend to think there’s one “right” way to spend time with Him but there is so much freedom and grace in our relationship with Jesus. Start by asking yourself, “When do I feel closest to God?” If you’re an extrovert, that might be in a Bible study with others. If you’re an introvert, that might be taking a walk alone and praying as you do. Then ask yourself, “What is one small, simple way I can have more time like that in my life this week? That might mean scheduling coffee with a friend who likes to talk about faith or it could be setting your alarm five minutes earlier to have a little bit of quiet with Jesus when you start your day. It’s okay to experiment, to try a lot of different things until you find what works. And it’s okay if it changes during different seasons of your life. Spending time with God isn’t about perfection, it”s about growth and connection. You are already loved and accepted.
Meghan Weyerbacher says
It was so fun reading about you both more in depth!
Anjuli your name is gorgeous!
Holley, we both want to have coffee with the world, haha great!
Prayers for you both as you write words God gifts you, my friends. xoxo
Sharon says
Anjuli, I love that you are sharing your heart here friend! xoxo