Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Dalton.
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My ministry began in May of 2020 after I felt called to encourage and spread hope to people who were hurting and afraid of what the future would hold. I began simply by posting positive messages, scripture verses and videos on social media to share about how a relationship with Jesus could help people get through the difficult season we were all experiencing during the pandemic. I wanted to do something to give back to the community and so I started a nonprofit called A Light Hearted Life. I held a few donation drives, one for shoes for underprivileged kids and another for winter coats for the homeless of Houston. And after a year of holding several events to help others in one way or another, I felt like God was calling me to do more.
I loved helping people in a tangible way, but I felt like God had put it on my heart to do more than just provide for people’s physical needs. I wanted to lead others to a relationship with Jesus so that he could minister to their spiritual needs. So in July of this year, we transitioned to a women’s ministry, called Light Hearted Life Ministries. We are now a team of ladies dedicated to spreading the gospel so that we can lead women to discover their God-given calling and use their life for a higher purpose.
Our ministry has three areas of focus: 1. studying the bible so that we can be more like Jesus 2. sharing the gospel and letting our lives be a testimony to his forgiveness and love and 3. serving the needs of others so that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus. When I look back to 18 months ago, I can only credit God with placing a calling in our hearts to reach out and share the hope we have with others. I had no idea what it would look like or how it would turn out, but I am so glad that I was obedient and followed His lead. All glory be to God.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Jesus told his disciples, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world,” John 16:33. So despite there being several bumps along the way, I know that God has used those to grow me and stretch my faith. Doing anything you are passionate about requires determination and sacrifice. But when you feel like you are living in your purpose, it doesn’t feel like work.
There will always be obstacles like time, money, resources and volunteers but I am learning not to waste time worrying about what may or may not happen through my own efforts. Instead, God keeps showing me that He will show up time and again and He will help us accomplish His will, even if in my human estimation, there is no way it will work out. I think the biggest obstacle I have faced is my own fear of failure, because this is the most important work I have ever done in my life. To me, it’s bigger than just telling people about Jesus. The work we are doing could mean the difference between someone living “good” life or living the “abundant” life we are called to through a relationship with Jesus.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Something I learned recently is that we are actually made to be creative. I have always believed and told others that I am not creative at all. When I compare my artistic abilities with others, I tend to view myself as lacking in some major ways. However, I have come to learn through bible study, that because God is the ultimate Creator, and because we are made in His image, I am extremely creative in my inmost being. I was made to be creative, so when I tap into the purpose that He has called me to, I am able to unleash my creativity! So, as I am working to share and grow my women’s ministry with others, I have learned to use my creativity through writing blogs, creating content for social media, building a website, and planning various types of events to lead others to find their own calling. It made me realize that I love being creative in so many ways.
My favorite thing to do is plan events. Our first, launching event for the ministry was a Girls’ Night Out event and through God’s divine favor, the event was a success. Several women attended the event and listened to an amazing testimony by Reyna Reyna, Executive Producer of the KSBJ morning show. We are beginning our first bible study group this fall and we are in the process of planning our first all day women’s conference in the spring, where we can guide other women to follow the steps to discovering the life that God has called them to as well. Our ministry is different than most because we are not a part of a church. Instead, we are a group of women who are Christ followers but we want to welcome and serve women in person, online, from all spiritual backgrounds and most especially women who are unchurched. All women have a God given purpose and we want them to discover what it is and how they can use it to help others.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We welcome any woman who wants to be a part of Light Hearted Life Ministries! If someone wants to get involved, one way to do so is to go to our website and click on the Get Involved section. They can also email us or message us on Facebook or Instagram. We are always in need of volunteers for our community outreach opportunities, which are usually once a month. If someone wants to be a part of our ministry team, we would love to add you to our team!
Additionally, we appreciate sponsors who can financially contribute to our ministry so we can continue providing events that lead women to Jesus and support people in need in our community. Lastly, we are always in need of people praying for our ministry leaders and the women we encounter. If someone needs prayer for themselves, they can click the Pray for Me tab on our website and we will pray for them as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: laura@alightheartedlife.com
- Website: www.alightheartedlife.com
- Instagram: @lightheartedlifeministries
- Facebook: @lightheartedlifeministries
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCboKC4Cvi6e5KAMXgs6ktew
