We recently connected with Amanda Schaefer and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose at the intersection of brokenness, trauma, pain, passion, talent, and ability. It is easy to look back and see all God did in my life after He had transformed me. God uses everything, even things we would rather not remember or even want to look at. He will use the difficult things to help us connect with and encourage others going through the same experiences we endured. As God matured and healed me, I began using the gifts He had given me. I began to write books, speak on stage, and start a new global podcast. Every step of the way, I shared about the goodness of God, even in those broken places, and started to share my experiences through the lens of gratitude. My specialty is conveying the deep truths of God’s word in everyday scenarios. I have a heart for those who do not know they can have a relationship with God. My purpose is to share God’s story, His character, and His faithfulness. I have been given so many precious opportunities to do so. God revealed my purpose to me one layer at a time. Each time He healed me, He showed me how to engage from that place with those who were still wounded. Although greatly defined, my purpose has offered many beautiful surprises and unforeseen blessings.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My ministry operates under the name “A Cup of Gratitude.” Sometimes, people conclude that everything is easy and joyful in my life. But I learned to choose gratitude in one of the most traumatic times of my life. You see, gratitude is a choice. It’s a discipline. Even amid trouble, we can look for the good. When we do, we will always find it. Eventually, by practicing gratitude, we become expectant for good things. Our brains were created with a neural network that forms as we choose. If we choose to be grateful, we form a road in our minds of gratitude. If we are bitter, we form a highway of anger and resentment. We make these choices all day long, whether we realize it or not.
I was not a believer in Christ for most of my life. I grew up in church but only encountered rules and regulations. I had no idea that I could have a relationship with Jesus. I will be sixty years old this May, and I will be twenty-three years old in Christ. Because of this part of my personal story, I have a heart for those who don’t attend church or read the Bible. I lived a life of anxiety, depression, and feeling inferior until the day I met Jesus. I went from being shy and quiet to being the woman I am today, always talking and sharing. I have something worth sharing with the world now: the love of God.
Our stories are not only unique, but they are valuable. God has given each of us such distinct stories to share. My goal is to continue to help people share their life stories. Revelation says we “Overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.” The first time I read that, I asked God how this could be. As a writer, I wondered why these two things were parallel. Shouldn’t the blood of the Lamb be way up high and the word of my testimony way below it? God answered me clearly. He said that there would be people who wouldn’t go to church and wouldn’t read the Bible but that they would listen to my story. God said that He would pour the blood of the Lamb through the word of our testimony. Our stories carry life!
When I began my podcast several years ago, I set it up to be a vehicle to share God’s story through the stories of His people. Every episode starts in the childhood of the guest and works its way up to the present. Because of this format we are able to see the beautiful thread of God working in every life story He has written.
Whenever I appear as a guest, in every opportunity I have to write, and in every podcast episode I produce, I share the story of God working in the lives of His children. This is my focus and goal: to share the love of God with whomever I can, however I can, for as long as I can!
I am currently working on a new interactive resource to help others learn to share their story. I am very excited to work on this as I have gleaned so much experience over the past three years during the podcasting process with my guests.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My three most important qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge are kindness, boldness, and tenacity. I believe that everyone needs to be intentionally kind. No matter what your goal in life is, kindness will help guide you and will care for you in difficulty. People may not remember your name or what you have to offer, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Kindness costs us nothing, but showing love to others will bless us exponentially. Being bold isn’t something I ever thought that I would be. I was an anxious young lady growing up. My life looks completely different now. In Christ, I am fiercely bold. I know what I believe and value God’s opinion of me more than people’s. Being bold comes from knowing what you think is right and standing up for that. Tenacity and consistency prove a person’s character. I do not give up on things that are worthwhile. I have found that the best way to know those who will succeed is to look for people who get back up and try again. I have also discovered that the consistency of our behavior lets the people around us know that we are a safe place for them to confide, trust, or rely on. My best advice on how to grow and mature these traits is to spend a lot of time in the presence of the Lord and with Godly friends.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I love collaboration. I am always finding new ways to work alongside others because I think working together brings so much more to whatever the project may be. I have been a part of collaborative book projects, retreats, and summits. My favorite collaboration is, of course, sharing the stories of my guests on the podcast. If anyone loves the Lord and wants to collaborate with me in any way, please feel free to contact me through my website at www.acupofgratitude.org
Contact Info:
- Website: www.acupofgratitude.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/acupof_gratitude
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amanda.f.schaefer
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-cup-of-gratitude/id1550450613
Image Credits
Janine Michele Photography
