Define the word QUEEN using 3 words.
Compassionate, Resilient, Authentic
What do you love most about yourself?
It’s interesting that the very attributes I love most about myself now, are the same ones that I didn’t like growing up. I love that I am soft hearted and sensitive. Because of this quality, I tend to feel deeper and experience heightened emotions. I always thought that this was a negative quality, but I now know that this a quality God gave me to connect with people and be compassionate where others normally wouldn’t.
What motivates you to do your very best?
Knowing what I am capable of and discovering all of the amazing things that God put inside of me, motivates me to keep sharing it. Also, because of my desire to be used by God in bigger and better ways keeps me wanting to continue to reach my greatest potential.
What do you believe is your purpose in life?
I truly believe that my purpose in life is to share of Christ’s love by sharing my stories. Stories of how He has and is being present in my life. It hasn’t always come easy for me to share my truths, but somehow, every time I do, I feel a little lighter. Because of this, because of how God has blessed others through me, I know that this is my purpose in life.
Tell us about a time you failed, how did you overcome it?
Two years ago, I was fired from my job. It came as a surprise and of course I was devastated. I beat myself up so much about it and replayed over and over in my head ways that I could have possibly avoided it. I felt like a failure and had no clue how I would pay my bills. But then, I had to remember Who I belonged to. God reminded me of His promise to take care of me:
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?” – Luke 12:22-26
How do you practice self-care?
I’ve always been the type of person that carves time out for myself. Being an introvert, I probably wouldn’t be able to function if I didn’t. I remember years ago, my Dad would joke with me and say that he prays that my future husband will spoil me because of how much I already do for myself, lol. Self care for me is any time I spend doing the things that I love – writing, reading, exploring new things, being silly and laughing until my stomach hurts, taking walks, eating good food…the list can go on, lol.
What does success look like for you?
The idea of success has changed for me over the years. Success to me is walking the path that God carved out for me. It’s is taking everything God gives me, using it to the best of my ability, and having the peace in knowing that I am right where I am supposed to be.
If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
I would tell her that it’s okay to make mistakes…it’s what makes us strong. Mistakes can be your greatest teacher if you allow them to be. I would tell her to forgo her idea of perfection and to practice embracing herself for who she is right now, even if she feels like she doesn’t quite know who she is yet. I would tell her that she doesn’t have to be more “this” or more “that” to be adequate or accepted, where she is and who she is, is enough.
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Saunya Shelise Hudson is a complex, creative, multi-gifted writer who is passionate about the hearts of people. In 2013, Saunya was overcome with an intense desire to share her gift of encouragement with others and created a space online, www.aloveperfect.com, sharing honest and transparent stories of her journey with God’s love. Shortly after, she founded and launched the first The Prayer Project 30 Day Written Prayer Challenge on January 1, 2014. Thirteen challenges later, Saunya has been joined by more than 4,000 intercessors all over the world committed to praying selflessly for others.
Saunya lives by this axiom: “Our journey’s were not meant to be perfect. We were meant to be tried, tested, broken and hurt so that each of us can be refined and polished…not to perfection, but into whole useful beings that God can use to help someone else.”
Location: recently relocated to Charlotte, NC // Hometown: Chicago, IL
Website: www.aloveperfect.com
Instagram & Twitter – @Saunyaaa