Meet Austin Crosby

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Austin Crosby. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Austin below.

Austin , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Growing up I didn’t have high self esteem. I dealt with bullying at a young age (usually it was over my rather “thick” Southern accent or my weight), which continued to lower it. It wasn’t really until high school that I got into a great friend group (“The Crew” we call ourselves now) who accepted and love me for me. Further along, I started my “healing” journey of processing my emotions both from traumas growing up and in more recent years, and this brought me to the realization that I didn’t know how to love myself. But through the guidance of the Most High, supportive family and friends, and a great self-love/self-care routine, I’ve been able to reconstruct the neuropathways in my mind to no longer see myself through the lense of other people. This routine ranges from daily meditation and prayer, speaking positive affirmations over myself as needed (usually I look at myself in the mirror and do so), being out in nature and experiencing it’s peace, spending time with loving friends and family who help regulate your emotions and calm your stress, the list can go on. Doing so has allowed me to see myself both through the eyes of the Creator who made me, and I can see “me for me,” with no added opinions. In doing so I know I am loved and worthy of it. I’m smart, a phenomenal listener and compassionate empath to others, and most importantly, to myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My journey truly began when I was young. I consider myself being raised dually by my parents and grandparents, who didn’t live far from each other. My grandparents (Creator rest their spirits) were devout Christians who raised me up reading the Bible, singing hymns, teaching me how to pray and the importance of having a personal connection with the Most High for myself. During that time I would confide alot in my grandparents about spiritual experiences that I was having (seeings spirits, feeling uncomfortable in certain environments with no explanation why, dreams that came to pass, etc), and they would always direct me back to Scripture, instilling in me “the closer you get to God, the more He can show you how to use your gifts as He made them for you to use.” So at such a young age, I devoured the Bible, even reading books about it, coupled with an insatiable desire to go to church.
I grew up mainly amongst the Pentecostal and Missionary Baptist denominations, specifically in African American neighborhoods (with a few others sprinkled in there). I was graced to have be able to sit and learn from the Mothers (I know yall remember those 30 gallon hats they wore) and the Elders of the church who taught me the deeper meanings of spirituals they sang, how to pray for people and “get a hold of God” as well as many traditions from their culture.
My studies in the Hebrew language and culture of Scripture then led me away from Christianity around 2011-2012 and into Messianic Judaism (my father is German Jewish, so this seemed like a good idea). I was bar mitzvahed and began my studies to become a Rabbi.
My main goal (and still is) is wanting to understand and teach the Scriptures from its original languages and the cultural context that it was written in, not a foreign culture or religion’s interpretation of a Hebrew book that they received (most likely) from colonizers with no understanding. I sat under the tutelage of my Rabbi, Vern White (of blessed memory) for 4 years before he crossed over. From him I learned patience (still hard at times), discernment, a studious nature and, though he wasn’t a tall man, his presence carried with it the strength of 10 men.
After our synagogue officially closed in 2020 (a year after Rabbi’s passing), I began my journey of introspection, healing, and growing my gifts further to see how the Most High would use me. My healing journey was truly triggered by the passing of my Granmama, Jeanette Crosby (of blessed memory). Throughout my life of ministry, she was always with me as a prayer partner, a confidant (sometimes a therapist), and was my greatest supporter. Even to the point where my Mama said that we were “joined at the hip” and “had the same shadow.” Though I know she rests peacefully, there will never be a day where I don’t miss that lady, my first best friend.
Later in 2020, after going through a Sweatlodge Ceremony, I became ordained by my Elders, Chief Joseph Amahura RiverWind of the Taino people, and his wife Dr. Laralyn RiverWind, an ambassador for the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee. Under their tutelage, besides much understanding of contextual Scripture, they helped me to reconnect to my mother’s people (who are Eastern Cherokee and Mvskoke Creek Nation). They helped me to return home, or to begin “reconnecting” as is the common term amnost First Nations people.
During this time also I received my ordination as a Rabbi (in honor of the Most High, and my Rabbi Vern White, who always believed in me even when others spoke against me). I also want to give props to my “big brother,” my best friend, and my mentor in many ways, Yesha’Yah ben Yisrael. We have known each other since 2018, and since that time he always kept me grounded in my studies of the Scripture, spirituality, other cultures, and still teaches me how to grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally and even physically (he’s also my personal trainer). His influence, amongst other things has put me on the path that I’m on now,which is the road to becoming a Certified Spiritual Counselor. I’ve always desired to help people spiritually, but throughout my life I learned how to help people better their mental and emotional wellbeing, process their emotions, grow in their communication skills, and offer a variety of spiritual services that will aid in that.
Lastly, I am also a crystal jewelry creator. And through the encouragement of many of the people above, as well as my Auntie, N’Gozi Mathis-McKee, I have grown alot in that gifting even to the part of starting my own small business, Shining Star Emporium on Etsy (in honor of my Granmama, who was and always will be my Shining Star). Occasionally I collaborate with Auntie N’Gozi of Kulture Kinnect 360 to do sales and events which are always beautiful. I’m grateful to her for “adopting” me into her family.
As times goes on, I see my practice expanding, as I want to start my own Spiritual Counseling Service, which will come with its own benefits, shop, seminars and workshops, as well as collaborating locally, nationally, and internationally to promote the holistic health and growth of all people that we come into contact with. I believe we can easily overwhelm ourselves with the daunting task of “healing the world,” so take it one day at a time. Don’t try to heal the world, just listen, encourage, pray for, help and heal one person at a time. One of many ways that we fulfill the biblical command to “love our neighbor AS we love ourselves.”
For events (both virtual and in person), follow me on my social media accounts:
Tiktok: @indigenousway7 (Kefa Sh’muel ben Yosef)
Instagram: @austincrosby18
Facebook: Austin Crosby

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The first area, I would say is my study of the Bible. This is both a positive and a negative. I consider it positive, in that it allows me to teach what I understand to be “truth” which, concerning the Scriptures, only comes when you understand it from its linguistic and cultural context, not by reading your personal beliefs, foreign cultural practices, or post-text Christian doctrines into the original text. The positivity come in seeing many people to desire this knowledge, and finding like-minded people who desire to read and understand the Scriptures for what it is, not what they desire it to be. Which leads me to the “negative”…. this of course goes against the grain in most religious communities as every church and denomination has their own interpretations and will proclaim them as fact, even if there isn’t any contextual evidence in Scripture to uphold it. So I am not the most “popular” person in Christian cricles, outside of being a singer. For those who want to learn, I say just start reading the Bible, a good concordance will help with the language barrier, and study the cultures of the times and what they actually believed and taught (not what the church tells you that they taught). The only other advice I can give in that respect is be humble enough to be wrong. It is a guarantee that something about your understanding of Scripture is factually incorrect (especially if you grew up within Gentile Christianity).

Another great thing I learned is the importance of selflove and care. In certain religious settings we are taught to gaslight our feelings, which in turn leads to eventual mental and psychological breakdowns. Our emotions are meant to be felt, expressed, and resolved, not stuff down within us. Because they will never go away just because you hide them, and they will always return with a vengeance. My suggestion? Pray and meditate. Take up breathwork and do things that promote your happiness and peace. If dealing with severe trauma (recent or otherwise), PLEASE seek a licensed professional that can best assist you, whether that be a therapist, psychologist, etc. There is no shame in going to therapy or seeking help in that way. It’s high time we put that stigma to bed. I am as spiritual as a person can get, but do not “over-spiritualize” your issues if indeed you need professional help.

Lastly, patience…. I don’t think anyone will ever be “qualified” to teach on patience because we all have issues with it. But our experiences are our best teachers. Learn to listen to people. And listen with the intent of understanding and responding from that place, not just listening in order to give a rebuttal. Develop your communication skills so that there is less and less to be misunderstood, and more area for your growth in relationships.
Learn about setting boundaries and keeping to them. Your “yes” means yes! And your “no” means NO! That is a complete sentence as far as I am concerned. How does this help woth patience? It gives you the opportunity to see where people are at, and how to deal with them according to your needs. Because the answer isn’t always to immediately cut someone off. If they consistently violate your boundaries, that’s one thing. They need to go. But if it happens occasionally (depending on the severity of the infraction) you can communicate your issues and show understanding and patience with them, especially if they are sincere in their apologies and seek to do better. This gives them the opportunity to work on themselves, and you are subsequently working on your own growth and wellbeing in the process.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I would say my best friend, Yesha’Yah. I’m the oldest of 2 siblings (myself and my little brother). I was the one that helped with homework, guided him not just in school but life in general, was the confidant in many cases. If my brother had an issue, he usually came to me, because our parents worked. I said all that, not to complain because I was happy to do so for my brother. But subconsciously I wanted to have that myself. I didn’t have a “big brother” i could go to and help sort through the issues of life. And at the time when I met Yesha’Yah in 2018, I didnt know i needed or even wanted that at the time. But once we really started talking and drawing closer as friends, that’s when I knew it. That’s exactly what I needed and wanted. Honestly, without him I would not be here writing this article. After my Granmama’s passing, I questioned alot whether or not I wanted to stay on earth. I felt that the last person who truly understood me was gone, and I wanted to be with her and Grandaddy. But Yesha’Yah called or texted everyday, we had Bible studies over the phone (which could last 5 to 8 hours at a time…. yes you read that correctly. We can be longwinded, haha). He checked in on me and I would go up and visit his home and his family (who eventually “unofficially” adopted me as their own. I’m grateful to be able to call his mother “Mama” affectionately. In short, he saved my life. And I will always be grateful to him for that. He is everything about a “man of God” that I aspire to be and strive towards everyday.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shiningstaremporium.etsy.com
• Instagram: @austincrosby18
• Facebook: Austin Crosby
• Youtube: @austincrosby3352
• Other: Tiktok: @indigenousway7 (Kefa Sh’muel ben Yosef)