We recently connected with LaShae Hayes and have shared our conversation below.
LaShae, 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?
My greatest misery birthed my greatest ministry in discovering my purpose. I grew up knowing I wanted to help people. I didn’t know what specific career I wanted to go in at the time, but while in college I discovered a gift in encouraging others. I would text my friends an encouraging word or scripture and they would often reply, “I needed that.” At the age of 17, I decided to write a book. The book was a memoir of journal entries, quotes, scriptures and prayers that was inspired by my faith in God and seeking my purpose. It was published at the age of 21, titled “Look at God”. Upon graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I really desired to be in a career that aligned with my purpose. My first job after college was at a camp mentoring juvenile girls, in which I did full time for 2 years and impacted 100s of teenage girls lives. While working there my Grandma Manigault gained her wings and that was the first experience of grief with someone who really poured into me my entire life. During that time, I wrote a book titled “Season of Purpose” and dedicated it to her. Since then, I went on to obtain my Master’s degree in Counseling and have been a Middle School Counselor for 5 years and continued to write and share my story. I believe my purpose is not only to help others, but to share my testimony of overcoming obstacles and never giving up no matter what. Ultimately do what God says, serve and give Jesus the Glory in every season to fulfill the calling and true purpose He has over my life.
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 have a heart for youth and making a difference in their lives. I have a very enthusiastic and encouraging spirit. God has chose me to tell my story of my experience with grief and depression to show the world that the “Joy of the Lord is my strength”. Recently, Christmas 2021 my baby brother Theron Wallace, age 20, accidentally drowned and that was the greatest tragedy I experienced in my life. I was still working as a middle school counselor during that time and it showed my resiliency to keep going and help others while taking the time to seek therapy myself. I learned you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Writing has always been my outlet and at the age of 31 I have published 4 going on 5 books.
“Look at God” “Season of Purpose” “It Started with a Promise” “Worship in the Wilderness” and this summer God willing publishing my 5th titled, “From Pieces to Perfect Peace: Overcoming Grief”
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Faith Perseverance
Love
Faith – Has always been my firm foundation in Jesus and the rock on which I stand when life happens. I put my full faith in Jesus and accepted him as my Lord and Savior at the age of 14. I chose to keep the faith in every circumstance, and its faith that has healed me in all areas of my life. I truly “Walk by faith, and not by sight”- 2 Corinthians 5:7 No matter what it looks like, trust God even beyond your understanding.
Perseverance- Never give up. I’m humbled by my resiliency to continue to inspire others in spite of everything I’ve been through. “Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9 so I encourage others to never give up on their dreams and always believe in yourself even when you feel alone. Remember, you are not alone, God is always with you and to be encouraged by others testimony.
Love- God is love. He is patient and kind. In my lowest moments, when I was broken… God was right there and showed up as a friend. He placed my husband, Brion in my life and love has truly lifted me. Love has been a driving force to my success. “With love (God) all things are possible”
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents Weldon and Fran Wallace have been my biggest inspiration. The most impactful thing they have done for me is teaching me the importance of education and knowing our history. They were great examples through their matriculation in college and obtaining the careers they have in spite of obstacles they have faced as well. My Dad knew he wanted to be a Physician at an early age and worked really hard in life to accomplish his goals and lead his family. He also served in the military and help provide the best quality of life for me and my 3 younger siblings. My Mom has displayed impeccable strength and retired at the age of 50 from a very prestigious career. She sacrificed a lot for us, and was always supportive. Their marriage of 30+ years and journey have always been something I’ve reflected on and sought wisdom in my own path. They have instilled in me core values of being a Christian, loving others, being generous, helping, serving and always working hard. Growing up, I felt pressure to strive for excellence because of them and now I see it truly has been rewarding.
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world”-Nelson Mandela
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lashaewallace.com
- Instagram: lashae.w.hayes23
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashaegodschild23
- Twitter: lilw1123
Image Credits
Maras Eye Photography
