EP 02: My Daughter of Delight Story
Today’s episode is a special one because I am sharing the story behind Daughter of Delight and how it came to be.I really hope my story encourages you, and gives you a little push -- or maybe a big one -- when it comes to the God-sized dreams sitting in your heart and your pursuit of them. Let’s hop to it!
My Daughter of Delight Story
God planted the idea of an online women’s ministry in my heart during the beginning of my junior year of college, which was sometime in August of 2014. (I cannot believe that was over 5 years ago now!)At the time, I was a full-time student studying theology at a private university in Nashville. If you have a background in theology studies, you know just how much reading and writing go into this major. I was basically living in the library. I was also one of the very few female theology students at the time, so I felt some unwanted pressure to prove on top of it all. To be completely honest with you, the conviction that I felt to start an online women’s ministry arrived unwanted. I have always, intentionally, had very few female friends. Because let’s be honest, us females are hard to deal with sometimes. Letting the conviction sink in that God had called me to serve women led me to pull a total Moses on Him. I pushed it to the wayside. I was not excited by this, at all.
A Refresher on Moses
As a quick refresher on the story of Moses, God told Moses in Exodus 3 that he would go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. And Moses wasn’t the biggest fan of that idea at first. He didn’t feel like he had what it took to do that..and I could SO relate to that! Take a listen to Exodus 3:11-12 with me real quick: “But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain” (ESV).
Thanks, But No Thanks
Now, if I am being completely honest with you, I had a little chitchat with God about this whole online women’s ministry thing. I thanked Him for “considering” me for the role, but assured Him I was not the girl for the job because of X, Y, Z. I had no idea what it would look like, I didn’t have the time to take something like that on, and there were so many other ministries out there already doing things so much better than I could have done!Oh, and here’s the best one: I’m sure God got a great kick out of this...I told Him that there was someone else out there who was less sin-filled and therefore more qualified than I was. As you can see, fear really had its grip on me.
Ignoring the Daughter of Delight Call
Over the course of the next month or so, I tried to ignore this conviction as much as I could. I did not tell anyone. Instead, I locked it away and swallowed the key, hoping it would pass on to the person it rightfully belonged to. My logic was very skewed, but I needed time to process. I wasn’t in the right mindset. The Good News is, nothing takes God by surprise. He knew how I would react. I am so grateful for how patient He was with me during this time. I found that the more I ignored this conviction, the heavier it sat in my heart. Have you ever experienced something like this? It got to the point where it was all I could think about- even in class or while I was having conversations with people. I was so distracted by it!
A Softened Heart
Soon enough, I found that my heart had softened to this beautiful invitation and I was willing to put it out in the open and start seeking wisdom for my next steps.Here’s a little side note for you, but it’s important to keep in mind as I continue sharing my story: I was an RA on campus for my sophomore, junior and senior years. This was one of my favorite things about my college experience. I loved this job and the friendships it brought with it! Here’s why it’s important for you to know that:One night, I went to hang out with an RA friend of mine who was working the front desk in the dorm she was an RA for. While in the middle of one of those conversations that covers just about everything under the sun, we found ourselves talking about God-sized dreams. I will never forget this moment, no matter how ordinary it may seem, because it was so pivotal in my Daughter of Delight journey.
Green Light
Out of nowhere, my friend looked at me and asked what my God-sized dreams were. I wish I could look in the past and see my facial expression to her question. She had NO idea what I had been processing internally. But God knew. And He also knew I was ready to talk it out. So, He opened the door -- just like that -- for me to do so. It was truly effortless on my end. Talk about an ordained conversation! For the first time, I spoke what I had locked away inside out into the light, and eagerly awaited her response. Her response was simple, and just what I needed to hear in order to GO after the call. Now, I know God does not always give us these green light moments, but this was seriously one I could not deny. Gosh, I’m covered in chills just thinking back on it! She smiled and asked, “Well, what are you waiting for?!” And she genuinely wanted to know what it was that was holding me back.This small question was truly pivotal for me! It was like as soon as they left her lips and entered my ears, the way I had been viewing this call to women’s ministry did a complete 180!
God Does Not Waste Time
I realized that the root of my problem with what God had called me to pursue was FEAR. For a while, I fed them. I got caught up in the what-ifs -- like, "What if I fail?" or, "What if I fall behind in my studies at this incredibly expensive school I’m attending?" -- and the thoughts of what people would think scared me as well. But here’s what I came to learn: God does not waste time. And He doesn’t tease us, either. When He planted the seed of an online women’s ministry in my heart, it was with PURPOSE. Yes, He knew how I would respond, but He also knew that a little softening of my heart would do me some good. God knew fear would be a great distraction. But He waited, and He continued to pursue me. He used all of this to open my eyes to the goodness of His glory. Fear may have crippled me there for a while, but as you know now it did not have the final say. And it doesn’t have the final say in your story, either. Satan delights in instilling fear in our hearts. He loves speaking words of darkness and destruction into our being...because he knows it distracts us from the One who reigns above all. The One in whom our identity and victory lie.
Ready to Run
After my eye-opening conversation with this friend, I ran back to my on-campus apartment, picked up a pen, and spent the rest of the evening in prayer. I wrote down everything that had been sitting in my heart for weeks up until this point and I couldn’t stop smiling. This was now my God-sized dream. I didn’t know what it would look like or how it would happen, but the unknowns didn’t matter to me as much now because I was reminded of the One who knows me best. And if He called this everyday, ordinary sin-filled gal to partner with Him to help advance His Kingdom, then I was all in- no matter what.I was up until 2 A.M. the next morning playing worship music, praying over what this would look like and how I was going to make work. There were so many unknown factors -- I didn't even know the name for it yet! -- but I cared more about being obedient than I did having the full vision for it all. And I think that’s part of why I didn’t have the full vision yet. God just wanted my obedience, and I needed to take that bold step of faith.
Daughter of Delight is Born
When I could barely hold my eyes open any longer, the Lord laid the words “Daughter of Delight” on my heart. I smiled and created the Instagram account immediately. And you better believe I slept like a baby that night. The weight of this conviction had finally been lifted off of my shoulders! The next morning, I woke up feeling so at peace and SO excited for what God had in store for this ministry. For the first 87 days, it was just me and God. As a full-time, 18 hours a semester college student, I was showing up and writing devotionals- every single day- as the pen in His hands. Every time someone hears this part of my story, they look at me like I’m crazy. And I laugh, because I know I only pulled it off by the strength and the power of His Spirit in me! But I also felt like there was something more for Daughter of Delight. I felt it to my core that this ministry wasn’t meant to be an outlet just for my voice...so I prayed and prayed for God to share more of His vision and heart for this ministry with me. And on day 87, He did. He opened my eyes to a beautiful ministry model, and my love for the call grew all the more. You see, Daughter of Delight really wasn’t just for me. Since the moment He planted the seed in my heart, God had every intention for this ministry to encourage, empower and edify everyday women of faith. This would be accomplished by utilizing the unique voice of women to share their gift of writing with the Daughter of Delight community.
The Daughter of Delight Ministry Model
And that’s where Daughter of Delight stands today. Every three months, I look for a team of women to write one devotional a day for 12-13 weeks (depending on how many weeks are in the quarter). It’s amazing to see what some of these women have gone on to do- some have published books, launched a successful blog of their own, or just walked away with a greater understanding of their purpose and confidence in Christ. I’ve had writers from all over the world! Part of my prayer for this ministry is that God would use it to reach the nations, and everytime I read through writing applications I am reminded that He has done just that! In addition, it has been incredible to witness the impact God has made through the words of my writers. Over 100,000 women have been blessed by the well of wisdom these women are!Looking back on where I was over five years ago to where Daughter of Delight stands today, I see the faithfulness of my God. He has never left my side. I’m just so grateful He used me to create something so beautiful and special AND that I am still on this journey with Him. I cannot wait to see where He continues to lead this ministry!
The Truth About Your God-Sized Dream(s)
Sis, if you are in the process of trying to ignore a dream the Lord has laid on your heart, know this: the dream is not about you. It’s about what God wants to accomplish through your obedience to Him. When we shift our focus off of ourselves and on to the things that matter, the things He has called us to do in this life become more and more important to us. Yes, our God-sized dreams are so much bigger than us- but that’s the point! God calls for us to depend on Him -- to trust Him every step of the way. To take that leap of faith even when you can’t see the other side.I can’t even tell you how much I have grown in my relationship with God since I stepped out in obedience. He has used this ministry for His glory but also my good- in so many ways. As His children, we are called to participate in His redemptive mission for the world, and God-sized dreams are one of the beautiful ways we get to do this! No matter who you are or how old you may be, it’s never too late to show your fears the door and focus on building the Kingdom with the invaluable dreams God has placed in your heart. It doesn’t matter if someone else is doing what you have been called to do...there is room for you at the table. So come, and feast. And keep your eyes on Him- because He’s got you, every step of the way! I guarantee it.
Thank You!
Thanks so much for tuning in to my Daughter of Delight story. Your place in this online community is truly invaluable and I am so grateful for you! That being said, I hope my journey has encouraged you in your journey- especially if you are in the process of wrestling with some God-sized dreams that are sitting in your heart!
Shop Daughter of Delight
Today’s episode is brought to you by the one and only Daughter of Delight shop! This shop was created with everyday women of faith in mind. If this ministry has impacted you in any way, I would love for you to support it by repping some Daughter of Delight merch. Grab you a comfy sweatshirt, a cute mug, a dad hat of your choice (this is my personal favorite!), or a tote bag- take your pick! As a podcast listener, I’ve got a special coupon code just for you. Use code PODCAST10 at checkout to get 10% off your purchase. Alright, let’s get back to the show now!
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