We recently connected with Heather Mellott and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Heather, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
Growing up in a broken home with abuse, substances, and little hop, I experienced firsthand the pain and suffering that many endure in silence. These early experiences shaped my understanding of empathy, allowing me to deeply connect with others who are hurting. My faith has been a crucial part of this journey, providing me with hope, healing, peace, and a sense of purpose.
The Bible has been a guiding light for me, particularly passages like 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” This scripture highlights how our own trials can equip us to offer genuine comfort to others.
Another passage that resonates deeply with me is Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse reassures me that God is always near, especially in our darkest moments, and it inspires me to be a source of support for others.
Through my faith, I have found healing and strength, and it has become my mission to help others find the same. By positioning myself with my faith, I am able to offer compassion, understanding, and hope to those who are suffering, just as I once did.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am passionate about creating resources that inspire and nurture faith, particularly for those going through difficult times. As part of this mission, I have recently launched two new books: Mustard Seed Faith: A 7 Day Devotional Study and Ornery Oliver Learns Fruit of the Spirit.
Mustard Seed Faith: A 7 Day Devotional Study is designed to encourage believers in their walk with God, no matter how small their faith feels. This devotional explores verses from the Bible about faith and highlights the historical context of the culture at that time. There is also a study section for readers to delve deeper into their faith and apply the teachings to their daily lives.
Ornery Oliver Learns Fruit of the Spirit is rooted in Galatians 5:22, which talks about the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This book walks through how emotions can be challenging and how we can apply the Fruit of the Spirit to help us manage our emotions. It’s a cute story told from a child’s perspective, making these important lessons accessible and engaging for young readers.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to impact lives positively through faith-based content. It’s incredibly special to see how these books can bring comfort, joy, and understanding to people of all ages. My goal is to create a supportive and uplifting community, rooted in the teachings of Christ.
You can purchase these books on my website or find them on Amazon. For those interested in learning more about these books or my other projects, I invite you to stay connected through my website and social media channels. I’m constantly working on new content and events aimed at deepening faith and providing support, and I look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you soon.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are empathy, resilience, and seeking a deeper understanding of biblical teachings. These qualities have not only shaped who I am, but also how I approach my work and ministry.
Empathy: Growing up in a broken home, the abuse and hardship I experienced taught me a greater understanding of emotions people go through when in trials or tough situations. It helps me have compassion and share the feelings of others. Empathy has been crucial in connecting with people who are hurting and providing them with genuine support. For those early in their journey, developing empathy involves actively listening to others, trying to see things from their perspective, and being compassionate. Volunteering and engaging in community service can also help build this quality. I started a nonprofit organization called Adoption Finder that does just this. We have built a community that helps foster youth, adoptive families, and expecting mothers with education, resources, supplies, and more.
Resilience: Overcoming personal hardships has built my resilience. This quality has enabled me to persevere in the face of challenges and remain steadfast in my mission. To develop resilience, it’s important to cultivate a positive mindset, set realistic goals, and practice self-care. Thinking outside the box and being creative when solving problems is also a huge part of my resilience. Not taking no as my final result and pushing through to my goals. Surround yourself with a supportive community and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement. Having wisdom can provide a valuable boost to your goals, projects, and life overall.
Understanding of Biblical Teachings: A deeper understanding of biblical teachings has been foundational for my faith and work. Studying the Bible has provided me with wisdom and direction, helping me create meaningful content like Mustard Seed Faith: A 7 Day Devotional Study and Ornery Oliver Learns Fruit of the Spirit. For those starting out, I recommend finding a regular Bible study through a Biblical teaching church, joining a Life Group through your church or a church, building a community of friends/people who are also working towards the same goals as you, and seeking factual resources that provide historical and cultural context to scripture. This will help you not only learn more about the rich insights the Bible teaches, but will improve your relationships with those around you in every area of your life, help you have more compassion for people, grow your faith, help you find your purpose or why you are here on this rock, and give you accountability from others who have similar goals as you. It will help you grow leaps and bounds.
My advice for those early in their journey is to be patient with yourself and remain open to learning and growth. Invest time in developing these qualities or qualities that really highlight your character as an individual, and don’t be afraid to seek support from others. Remember, your experiences and the lessons you learn along the way will equip you to help and inspire others.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has played an important role in my development is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This book profoundly impacted my understanding of my purpose and how to live a life centered on faith. Here are a few of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom from the book:
“It’s not about you.”: This statement from the very beginning of the book is a powerful reminder that our lives are meant to be lived for God’s purposes, not our own. It helped shift my focus from self-centered goals to a God-centered mission, guiding me to serve others and fulfill my calling.
“You were planned for God’s pleasure.”: Understanding that we are created to bring joy to God changed my perspective on worship and daily living. It encouraged me to see every action and decision as an opportunity to honor and please God.
“You were formed for God’s family.”: This insight emphasized the importance of community and relationships. It taught me that being part of a faith community is essential for growth, support, and fulfilling God’s purposes together. This has been instrumental in my work with Adoption Finder, my books to help people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, etc grow in their faith.
“You were created to become like Christ.”: This principle highlights the importance of spiritual growth and transformation. It challenged me to continually seek ways to reflect Christ’s character in my life, fostering qualities like empathy, resilience, and love.
“You were shaped for serving God.”: This idea helped me understand that my unique experiences, talents, and passions are all part of God’s design for my life. It encouraged me to use my gifts to serve others and make a positive impact, leading to the creation of my books and other faith-based resources.
In addition to The Purpose Driven Life, the Bible has been one of my greatest sources of wisdom and guidance in life. Scriptures like Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” have been a cornerstone for me. This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s wisdom rather than our own.
Another guiding scripture is Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This verse beautifully illustrates how the Bible illuminates our path, providing direction and clarity in all aspects of life.
These nuggets of wisdom from The Purpose Driven Life and the timeless truths found in the Bible have been instrumental in shaping my faith, guiding my personal development, and inspiring my work to help and support others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HeatherMellott.com
- Instagram: @laughing.mom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psalm465ministries
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmaforg
- Other: https://linktr.ee/HeatherMellott
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Heather Mellott
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