Hello!
My name is Alayna and I am the creator of "Lilies Among Thorns." I have only recently graduated from high school, and I am about to go out into the world of independence. I will be attending college and plan to major in Nursing. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't scared. Sometimes, I feel that God does not see me, and I feel alone in my walk of life. This is part of the reason I wanted to start this blog. What I feel versus what I know are two completely separate things. I know that God has never forsaken me and never abandoned me. Therefore, I want my viewers to know this fact, as well. I want my audience to understand what it truly means to be a Lily walking among Thorns in this world, especially since we were once thorns, too. I plan to write and publish about once a month, depending on time and my schedule. I ask that you please be patient with me as I begin this journey! I will do my best to update everyone in the group on when I will post and/or if they will be postponed!
Another important goal I have for the success of this page is to help raise awareness that we often take a lot of the privileges we're given for granted. You will see a button in the Home Bar, at the top of every page, that says "CONTRIBUTE" so that you can click it at any point in time if you feel it in your heart to give. There, you will read of the need for donations, as a very important Missionary pastor who is close to my church is raising funds to expand his church and expand their mission. It is truly a touching story, so please feel free to check it out!
More About Me
I once heard that your background says a lot about who you are. Personally, I believe that to be quite true. I grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and as sweet as that sounds, the drama that comes from it is actually insane. It seems like gossip travels 100mph, crashing into everything and everyone with absolutely no regrets. It is difficult to have much, if any, privacy around here. But, despite that, I really wouldn't trade my small town for the world. As much as I would love to travel and see and experience so many things, I know I always have this place to return home to.
Then, there is my family. Every family has their secrets, and maybe someday I can share them with you, but for now, I will share how perfect they are for me. Although we have ups and downs, I love my parents to the moon and beyond. They are so supportive. And my little brother is my absolute best friend. He is my inspiration in so many aspects of life. My brother holds a dear place in my heart and forever will. God definitely gave me the family He knew I needed to help fulfill my anointing.
As I have mentioned earlier, I will be attending school for Nursing. My plans are to get my Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) and from there, I have yet to decide what exactly I would like to do. I am super interested in psychiatry, but who knows. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always felt a higher calling to help people. I prayed and prayed about what career God wanted me to pursue, and He finally revealed it to me one day during my senior year of high school when I was on the way to take my dual enrollment midterms. God sure does have a funny way of communicating with us, and we often miss his voice when listening to this busy life around us.
If I am going to be completely honest, I have such a strong urge to drop everything and write. I often find myself wondering, "Am I really cut out for college?" Well, Am I? Can I really do this? Then, this shuddering fact arises: No. No, I am not. But that is exactly why I need Jesus. There is nothing that we can accomplish on our own. We need Him for everything. Wanting to give up and give in before I have even started school would be taking the easy way out, and there is no way I will take the easy road. I know it is possible to write and attend nursing school, too. The whole point of this blog is to share my testimony and walk with God while also connecting with others so that you all know that you are not alone. Your feelings are valid, and your thoughts matter. Don't forget that the first secret to following God is to change your perspective. However, I know this is much easier said than done. But we will go through these motions and analyze exactly what that means together, so hang in there with me, all right? I have an email set up specifically for people who need someone to talk to. You can always reach out, and I will do my best to respond as soon as possible. Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen - someone we can relate to.
Previously, I mentioned that we were all once thorns. There was once a time when we did not know God, and maybe you still don't - maybe that is why you are here. I have to admit that I have not always been as close to God as I am right now. You can see that very evidently in my first blog post, and you will continue to see this as I break down my walls and become more vulnerable with you. It is important to realize where we fall short and have enough self-awareness not to victimize ourselves. The first step to changing the broken and ugly pieces of ourselves is to be aware that they are there, to begin with. We have to face the reality that we are nothing without God, and we must give everything up to him and surrender the shell of our old selves. My challenge for you today is to dig deeper within and become self-aware. Allow God to transform your thorns into beautiful flower petals today, friend. He is the only one who can!
