Hi, I’m HonestLiz; and if you’ve followed me for a while, you know I talk a lot about curls, clean products, motherhood, and purpose. But today, I want to share something deeper. Something that shaped all of it.
I didn’t grow up in a family that followed the Bible the way I do now. Born into a Catholic family but never in this faith. I came to Christ just 10 years ago — and everything changed.
From Chaos to Christ
Before I gave my life to Jesus, I was living a very different life. There were unhealthy coping habits; unhealthy patterns I struggled with and I wrestled with unhealthy choices in my past.
My lifestyle was chaotic. My health was poor. But when I encountered God’s grace, it wasn’t a slow change. It was instant.
I gave it all up. Cold turkey. I started eating clean, stopped chemically treating my hair. I just wanted to live as naturally as possible — in every way.
My whole life turned inside out.
Year 1–3: Quiet Beginnings, Deep Personal Search
Those first three years? I was weary of other Christians at this point, I didn’t trust anyone. So, I studied the Bible by myself. We didn’t have fancy Wi-Fi or fast internet back then — YouTube and Instagram were barely a thing. I had one thing: my Life Application Study Bible (NLT). It was simple, clear, and helped me understand a little context around the Word as a total beginner. I discuss it detail in this video here.
I didn’t know I need more. I needed Him. And so, in this season of my life there were no distractions. Just me, my Bible, and a quiet hunger for knowing God.
Year 4–7: Building Faith in a Small Church
We lived in Pune, India at that time. I joined a home church — small families gathered in living rooms to worship, study, and pray. We met three times a week: once for fellowship, once for Bible study, and of course, Sundays for worship. That was a lot for my introverted self. I needed naps and a whole day to recover from these social interactions. But it grounded me.
My husband never joined. He wasn’t a believer at this point. I lugged my two babies around for these meetings and was grateful to be able to around other adults, and children who spent time with mine.
I had toddlers by then. My second child was born during these years, so I didn’t have the time nor the energy for deep study. I had severe postpartum depression as well. Although I showed up every week, I was surrounded by believers who prayed for me when I couldn’t.
Was I on fire for God back then? Not exactly. I sometimes dozed off during sermons. I went to the meetings for the food and coffee. I wasn’t reading the Bible daily. But I was growing — slowly, quietly, rooted in community. I observed how these people served total strangers, loved them deeply like brothers and sisters. How did they do that? How were they joyful always? How did they go through struggles with a smile on their face- so peaceful? I wanted that.
Year 8–10: Doha and the Deep Dive
The last three years? They’ve been intense — in the best way.
We moved to Doha, Qatar. I found Grace Fellowship — a Bible-believing church with women’s ministry, life groups, and worship that stirs your heart. My week is filled with:
- Friday church for worship
- Wednesday – My women’s group, we deep dive into books of the bible with study guides and teachings, plus the breakfast spread is always delightful (wink!)
- Tuesday – My life group, small group of families meeting at a house for light dinners, praying together for eachother, for the country, and other churches. We also reflect on the sermons and have deep theological discussions.
- Thursdays or any free day – Two or three women from church — for personal conversation, Bible study, and prayer.
Right now, I’m studying The Power of a Praying Wife with an older sister from church. This has really helped my marrriage and how I feel about my husband. I’ve done deep dives into books removed from the bible – the book of Enoch with my friend, explored prophetic texts, and carved out consistent time for personal reading.
My children are much older now, and go to school so I have the time and space to do all these things, praise God!
But when reading is not possible, I still listen to my Bible daily — and now I also study. If there are repeated words or phrases in my reading, I look up Hebrew word meanings OR check cross-references. Listening to commentaries while I fold my laundry and tidy up around the house. The visual commentaries of the Bible Project videos are so fascinating. I journal, I question, I pray with bible verses when my own words fail.
My Faith Has Changed — And It’s Still Changing
The faith I have today is nothing like what I had 10 years ago… or even 2 years ago.
It’s stronger. Softer. Wiser.
And I share all of this not to boast, but to encourage you. If you’re just starting your journey, or if you feel stuck in a place where your beliefs don’t match your surroundings — I’ve been there too.
My family is Roman Catholic. I couldn’t connect to some of those practices. But I kept praying for a change, found a Bible-based church. I kept reading. I kept showing up.
And God has never stopped showing up for me.
Some Gentle Advice If You’re New to Faith
- Don’t compare your journey. God moves at different paces with different people in their seasons of life.
- Start small. Read a few verses daily. Choose one book. One psalm.
- Get a simple Bible. The NLT Life Application Study Bible changed everything for me in a simple English, and has a study guide. But if you rather read or listen to the direct translation of the Hebrew then read ESV or NASB 1995 translations, these are very accurate!
- Separate reading from studying. I deep study every other day on books that draw my interest; but I read or listen daily just to stay connected.
- Find community. Even one or two faith-filled women can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
I don’t know what the next 10 years will look like. But I know God will be in it.
If you’re wondering where to start, check out my Chronological Bible Reading Plan — it’s simple, doable, and you can begin today.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin.
Thanks for reading my story. I pray it gives you clarity, comfort, and courage to keep seeking God, in Jesus most mighty name!
With love,
Liz