Her Story: Meshali Mitchell
her |həː, hə| pronoun 1 used as the object of a verb or preposition to refer to a female person: Her strength and faith were inspiring.
Last night, we had an incredible gathering to kick of the new year with my beautiful friend, Meshali Mitchell.
Meshali is an Arkansas native, a Texas resident, and a frequent world traveler. She is a portrait artist, lover of people, and a storyteller. Every piece of her work is known to be immersed in heart and soul. Meshali believes that everyone has a story worth hearing and a story worth telling and her goal is to be a conduit for people to do just that.
But more than anything, Meshali loves Jesus and loves to share His redemptive story through every area of her life. She is currently restoring an old, 1886 farmhouse in Dallas, Texas and shares about God’s “RESTORATION” through the home restoration process. You can follow along on Instagram at @meshali and read a little more about her heart below!
Q&A with Meshali Mitchell
1. What do you think you were put on this earth for? What is your biggest dream?
I see my purpose continuing to evolve, even now in the middle of this new season of God raising up the RESTORED message. I believe He uses all of our life’s stories and healings to bring others back to Him. That’s true RESTORATION. It amazes me that He can use everything—even the restoration of this farmhouse—to bring other’s to know His heart for them.
2. What are some of the obstacles you have had to go through to get to this point?
We had some major obstacles and hardships growing up. Many people don't know that now because of what I do. I was raised in the Bible Belt, in a Christian Home—but it was very broken. I experienced a lot of trauma as a child and carried pain and confusion into my adulthood. I’ve had to walk a healing road with Jesus, as all of us do. These roads are longer for some. (Mark 8 is a favorite chapter displaying the process of restoration.)
3. What motivates or inspires you?
Travel and music mostly. I’m an “AMBIVERT” …ha! An extroverted introvert, so I love being with others, but refuel alone.
4. What do you want to be remembered for?
I truly want to be remembered by my love. The love others have shown me and the love GOD has shown me when I didn't deserve it has inspired me to live a life of love. I believe love is the force that changes everything.
5. What advice would you give other women searching for their purpose, passion, & faith?
Stay close to Jesus. In that place, you will find all of these things. Those things I believe are hidden in Him. Matthew 6:33 reminds us, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.” I think many times, we do this out of order and try to “add God in” instead of the other way around.
6. What has been your greatest achievement in life?
One of my greatest struggles is probably being too hard on myself. I definitely don't feel as though I have arrived or have a ton of “great” achievements, but I have experienced a lot of progress! I jumped out and started a full-time photo business 10 years ago that God has blessed and it has flourished. That was a really huge step of faith for me! Then, purchasing an 1886 farmhouse fixer-upper to restore and tell the story! I’m living this out now—and it’s been a beautiful, healing story that God is unfolding for me and others each day.
7. How does what you do reflect what God placed on your heart to share with the world?
I'm a photographer, so I capture stories of people. I believe everyone has a story that is worth hearing! I'm also restoring a home. Capturing that and telling the story of the restoration and how it parallels with the restoration process in our lives has been really incredible.
8. What books are you reading?
The Daniel Dilemma by Chris Hodges. It is SO GOOD and timely in our generation. It’s all about how Daniel stood for truth and LOVE in a generation that was immoral and shifting.
9. How do you stay encouraged & faith-filled?
I stay in the Word. When I get off track or slack in that, I can see it in every area of my life. I have to remain in TRUTH to know who GOD is and who I am. I hang out with believers (fellowship and community are huge for me!) and allow a couple close people to truly know me. I believe growth happens when we are fully known and encouraged by others.
10. Favorite scripture of the moment (or ever)?
Daniel 11:32, "The People who KNOW THEIR GOD will display strength and take action.” The key is truly KNOWING GOD -because it effects everything else in our lives. SO much confusion, pain, and uncertainty happen in our lives because we do not know God fully.
We love Meshali and her heart! Thank you to everyone who came out last night—I can’t wait to see you next month at Equipped by Faith with our friend, Veronica Torres Hazley!
XO-
Sabrina