Summary

 In this episode, Melissa Lapin interviews her friend Beth Alexander. Beth shares her background and testimony, explaining that she did not grow up in a faith-based household and had limited exposure to church. However, at the age of 19, she had a powerful encounter with Jesus' love and decided to become a Christian. Beth then discusses her journey of navigating the expectations and pressures of religion, as well as her search for purpose and identity. Despite the challenges, she has found peace and confidence in following God's leading. Beth Alexander shares her experience of feeling lost and losing her identity after becoming a Christian and being thrust into a leadership position as a pastor's wife. She struggled with the contradictions and expectations placed on her. However, she had a transformative experience with the Holy Spirit, which led her to discover her purpose in education. Beth became a teacher and eventually had a dream to start her own school. Initially overwhelmed by the idea, she found inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools went online. Beth realized that her school could be virtual, and she embraced the opportunity. In this conversation, Beth Alexander shares her journey of starting Thalia Academy, an online school that focuses on kingdom values and emotional intelligence. She talks about the challenges she faced as a teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it led her to start her own school. Beth emphasizes the importance of healing and processing past experiences and finding confidence in one's identity. She encourages listeners to step out in faith, even if it seems scary, and to surround themselves with the right people and resources. Beth also highlights the need for individuality and authenticity in a world that often promotes conformity.

Takeaways

-Beth Alexander did not grow up in a faith-based household and had limited exposure to church.

-At the age of 19, Beth had a powerful encounter with Jesus' love and decided to become a Christian.

-Beth faced challenges in navigating the expectations and pressures of religion, but ultimately found peace and confidence in following God's leading.

-Beth's journey highlights the importance of community and being seen and understood by others. Becoming a Christian and being thrust into a leadership position can lead to a loss of identity and confusion.

-Private moments with God are important for personal growth and understanding.

-Discovering your purpose may require going through different experiences and seasons of life.

-Sometimes, dreams and callings may seem overwhelming, but they can be realized in unexpected ways. Take the time to heal and process past experiences in a healthy way, surrounded by the right people and resources.

-Step out in faith, even if it seems scary, and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

-Embrace your uniqueness and don't conform to societal expectations.

-Start with small steps and allow your dream or purpose to grow over time.

-Believe in yourself and have confidence in who you are.

-Don't be afraid of judgment or failure; just trust God and take action.