Today we’d like to introduce you to Wandra Williams.
Hi Wandra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey to who I am today started as a young girl. My parents separated when I was 5 years old leaving my mom to parent my two brothers and I on her own. She gave us the best she could and loved us unconditionally. Though things were difficult at times, I can honestly say those difficult times developed a drive in me to be who I am today. I’ve always been naturally creative in some way shape or form, I’ve always been drawn to helping others and very involved with the inner workings of church and ministry. I knew someday God would bring all of these gifts together in my life for his glory but I had no idea what He had in store. I became a single a mother in my early twenties and soon realized that my life now included taking care of my now 26 years old son. It was then that I began my career path which ultimately led me to education with a speciality in computers and educational technology. I’m now approaching my 23rd year in education and have managed (with the grace of God) to obtain several degrees and I’m currently working on my doctorate in education. While these accomplishments have been very fulfilling, I’m most grateful to be chosen by God to serve in ministry as the senior pastor of the church I grew up in. I never grew up thinking I would one day become a preacher let alone a pastor, but the Lord saw different. This makes me extremely humble and grateful for what He see’s in me. As of this article, I’ve been in ministry for 20 years, and I’ve recently celebrated my 9th pastoral anniversary. Not only am I an educator and pastor but I’m also a counselor, blogger, an author, a graphic artist, and a certified life coach specializing in Marriage coaching and counseling. I’m determined to live out every ounce of purpose God has planned for my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life has definitely not been smooth and if I’m honest I’m grateful that it hasn’t. I’m grateful for the mountains (my seasons of winning) as well as the valleys (my seasons of suffering) I’ve suffered with issues of abandonment that started early on at the age of five when my parents separated. I’m happily married now to my wonderful God-fearing husband, but I was previously married for five years to a man who was physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive. That relationship added to the layers of abandonment and lack of self-worth that I already carried. I’ve struggled with the need to be validated, low self-esteem, and depression. There was a time when I thought I wouldn’t make it and that I would never find my way out of the dark place I was in but with much prayer and wise counsel, the Lord literally brought me out of darkness and into His marvelous light. It was truly a rough time for me but I believe it helped me to become who I am today. It was all meant for my bad but God turned it around for my good.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Wandra Williams Ministries is focused on helping individuals realize their purpose in Christ. We focus on practical biblical teaching from the scriptures along with in-depth study and prayer. We are also very passionate about helping couples strengthen and bring glory to God in their marriage. My husband Troy and I are the founders of Marriage Matters which is a subsidiary of our company The Intuitive Group, LLC. With Marriage Matters, we are dedicated to supporting couples who desire to root their marriage in love and strengthen their relationship. I am most proud when we are able to see and hear testimonies from couples who have put in the work and get the results they desire for their marriage. I believe what sets this aspect of ministry apart from others is our willingness to be transparent by sharing our experiences with couples as a way for them to understand that they too can overcome obstacles and/or challenges that are presented in marriages.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Some of my favorite books are: The Holy Bible
Jesus Listens by Sarah Young
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Dakes Study Bible
New Living Translation Life Application Study Bible
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt by Jentezen Frankliln
Healing Your Marriage When Trust is Broken by Cindy Beall
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Feeding the Soul by Tabitha Brown
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
Some of my favorite podcasts:
The Sister Circle with Crystal Evans Hurst
In the Light with Dr. Anita Phillips
Peloton Podcasts with Tunde
My favorite apps:…I’m a real techie so here you go!
Adobe Express (All things adobe actually :D)
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Peloton
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
Dropbox
GoodNotes
Evernote
All things Google
Pinterest
Canva
Amazon Kindle
Cisco Webex
TexttoGroup
Remind
Google Scholar
All things MS Office
WordPress
Olive Tree Bible App
Logos Bible Software
My favorite resource outside of what I’ve mentioned…I love journals…I absolutely love journals and a good writing pen! I enjoy my journals because journals are a form of self-care for me. It gives me the space to write about things and say what I actually feel without judgement and allows me to fully give space to give it all to God.
Contact Info:
- Website: wandrawilliams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wpwilliams/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandrapwilliams
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCerwajpp5wOOqEW1fsSYelA
Image Credits
“Personal Photo” courtesy of Troy Williams Photography “Additional Photo” courtesy of Bud’s Photography
