We recently had the chance to connect with Graylynn T. Viltz MFA and have shared our conversation below.
Graylynn T., really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I thank God that I’m still here after all I’ve seen and endured. I believe He allows our experiences—good and bad—to become testimonies that light the way for others. Reaching back is part of our calling. It takes courage to share the chapters we’d rather skip, yet those moments often carry the most powerful lessons.
For years, I was afraid to put my story on paper, worried about how much of myself I’d have to reveal. Recently, I’ve sensed a clear pull to obey: to collect my life’s experiences—victories, failures, and everything in between—and shape them into book form. My hope is simple: that someone will read it and recognize God’s hand in the mess and the mercy, and find the strength to choose a better path.
What I once avoided, I’m embracing now. I’m answering the call to write with honesty and faith, trusting that transparency can become ministry for the next person or generation.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Graylynn T. Viltz, MFA-CDMP, and I proudly serve as the Founder and President of 4 The Invisible 1’s, Inc., a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to serving the underserved and uplifting our communities. I am a graduate of Full Sail University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design, and a Certification in Digital Marketing.
I was born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, the eldest child of two extraordinary parents, James and Martha Viltz. Their love, wisdom, and unwavering values has shaped the person I am today. Although my father is no longer with us, both he and my mother instilled in me a foundation of integrity, compassion, and resilience—qualities that guide my work and purpose each day. I remain especially grateful that my mother continues to be a source of strength and encouragement, especially in moments of challenge.
At 4 The Invisible 1’s, Inc., our mission is to make the unseen seen. We are a movement of volunteers and changemakers committed to uplifting the community—providing vital resources to the homeless and inspiring hope through charitable action. We don’t just serve. We impact. We create lasting change.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
During my time as an only child, I was genuinely excited to start school. I looked forward to meeting new people and finally forming friendships with other children. I imagined a world filled with kindness and connection—one that mirrored the values my parents instilled in me. But I quickly discovered that not everyone was raised the same. The world outside my home was far different from what I had expected.
I was respectful to both peers and adults, always eager to get along and have a good time. My personal mantra has always been, “I just want to have a little more fun.” To me, that meant living freely and joyfully—without conflict, judgment, or negativity.
But as I grew older, I began to notice that many children were already reflecting the behavior and attitudes of the adults around them. By second grade, it was clear: some of my classmates were in training to become replicas of their environments. I didn’t know how to mimic others. As an only child raised in a home where individuality, politeness, and respect were foundational, I only knew how to be myself.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t always enough. My personality, creativity, and natural talents didn’t fit into the popular mold, and I often found myself trying to adapt—dimming my light to blend in with others. I spent years trying to “fit in,” reshaping myself to match what I thought others wanted. But the truth is, it’s exhausting to silence your authenticity just to gain acceptance.
It took adulthood for me to realize how much of my energy had gone into becoming a carbon copy of others—trying on emotional costumes that never fit. Meanwhile, no one was offering me the same grace I extended to them. Instead of being allowed to simply be, I often felt pressured to dilute my personality or abandon my true self in favor of someone else’s ideal.
What I no longer believe is that I have to change who I am to be loved, accepted, or valued. I now understand that knowing yourself and standing in your truth is one of the most powerful things you can do. What I’ve come to know is that parents are here to guide us, but everyone deserves the space to grow into who they truly are—not who others expect them to be.
You know you before anyone else does. And that knowing is sacred.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Hey Skeeter or Hammer,
Don’t let anyone bully you or make you feel odd or small. You are enough—exactly as you are—and you always will be. One day you’ll understand that people don’t reject you because of what you have or don’t have, or because of how you look or sound. The truth is, it’s not your insecurities they see—it’s your light.
Not everyone will dislike you for your flaws—some will fear the power of your anointing. Be mindful, because the enemy doesn’t always appear in obvious ways. Sometimes, he comes disguised as a friend, a lover, a mentor, or even someone you adore. It’s in his very nature to steal, kill, and destroy. But you, young king, are covered by God.
Hold tightly to what God says about you:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11
And never forget: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” —Psalm 139:14
Walk tall. Stay grounded. And always remember who you are and to whose you are.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). That belief is more than a verse—it’s the foundation of my life’s work. With a servant’s heart, I feel called to serve through *4 The Invisible 1’s*, a nonprofit organization I founded to reach people in need, particularly the homeless and overlooked.
While I have many interests, the ideas placed on my heart to help others are not for my own glorification. They are a response to Jesus’s directive: “Feed my sheep.” Sometimes, people don’t understand or embrace the vision of helping those who are less fortunate. That can be disheartening, especially when support is limited or people don’t show up.
But in those moments, I remember my mother’s voice reminding me of Galatians 6:9—“Do not grow weary in well-doing.” That reminder helps me to keep going. I’ve learned that when God gives you a vision, He doesn’t send out invitations for a group discussion. It’s your assignment, and it may not make sense to anyone else.
So, even when I feel alone, I push forward—because I’ve seen firsthand that God always makes a way. Every time we show up to serve, He increases the impact. The people we reach, the lives we touch, the socks we distribute, the temporary relief we provide—these are not just acts of kindness, they are moments of divine alignment.
My commitment to this work is lifelong. Whether it takes months or decades, I will continue to follow where God leads—because serving others is not just what I do, it’s who I am.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What light inside you have you been dimming?
As I recently shared, I’ve discovered that I’ve spent much of my life trying to become what others told me I should be. I shaped myself according to what society expected, hoping to be accepted, to be seen. But over time, I realized—I’ve always been enough. Maybe the problem was never me. Maybe others simply weren’t equipped to recognize the light I carried.
Fear caused me to hide parts of myself, but now I understand that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). And what He did give me—my gifts, my vision, my passion—should never have been buried beneath someone else’s expectations. I felt invisible. It’s only now that I see the connection: I lost sight of who I was, and in doing so, others did too. And ironically, while building 4 The Invisible 1’s to serve those who often go unseen, I realized that I, too, had become one of them.
I worked harder than I should have to fit in with anyone who would offer even a hint of human kindness. But many of those relationships were one-sided or short-lived. In hindsight, I realize I wasn’t living as myself—I was performing. I wore a character that didn’t fit, like shoes two sizes too small. And that pain taught me that authenticity matters—and that personal experiences matter more than approval.
As a little boy, my mantra was always simple: “I just wanna have a little more fun.” As innocent as it sounds, it came from a pure place. I wanted to share joy with others. When I found people I enjoyed, I wanted to invite them into that joy too. But life taught me that not everyone shares that same desire—some carry different mantras and different agendas.
Still, I’m learning to reclaim the light I once dimmed. I no longer strive to be who others think I should be. I am learning, finally, to simply be me. And that light, now that it’s returning, is shining brighter than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.4theinvisible1s.org
- Instagram: 4_the_invisible_1s
- Linkedin: 4 The Invisible 1’s, Inc.
- Facebook: 4 The Invisible 1’s Inc.
Image Credits
Photos by Graylynn T. Viltz, MFA of Marshall Barnes Visuals
