Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leah Austin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leah, 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?
When it came to giving God my yes, it did not come easy. I had to step back to reflect on what that truly meant. This would not be any type of yes, it was one that was the start of me getting off what I like to call the hamster wheel. If you were like me, you understand what that means, to be riding on something and not going anywhere. Although I was maturing and growing in Christ and God was even blessing me along the way. I still felt like I was in this never-ending cycle of not going anywhere. Feeling like I was walking in disobedience and that is not a good place to be. We all remember 2020, which was so long ago (LOL). Just before the pandemic started, I was talking with my husband about needing a change. I kept feeling like I was out of place. I felt like I was running in the same place and not going anywhere hence that hamster wheel metaphor. When we finally settled into it, I really began to reflect on what I was feeling and why I was feeling that way. I have a great life in Christ, but I was still empty. As I begin to pray and seek God, he would begin to reveal some past things in my life with which I truly had not dealt with. He took me back to a time in my life when I was in college, and it was confirmed that I was pregnant. I realized I had to reach out and call my dad and my mom to let them know what was going on with me. When I had to tell my dad that I was pregnant that was one of the hardest things that I ever had to do because we were so close. My dad and I were thick as thieves and as a girl growing up, we would go everywhere together. I knew he would always have the answers for me, and it never failed that whenever I got in trouble or whenever I needed encouragement that everything was going to be OK because he would have the right words to say. However, it did not turn out that way. There was such silence on the phone for the first time he did not let me know it was going to be OK, and he did not have a word of encouragement. It changed our relationship, and we did not talk the same way as we used to. That was the same year my sisters in Christ lead me to the Lord and boy that changed my life. but as time went on, I did not realize that’s where rejection started for me. It rode with me through life relationships and friendships like a bad rash a doctor could not remove. It made me question if I was doing things right, I felt like I could not make any mistakes. Of which, no one can ever maintain this level of perfection. I remember when folks would say “Leah, you are such a perfectionist,” I would brush it off and think no way. But when I heard it a few more times it really made me think, that’s how people see me? because that is not who I wanted to be and not who I am. I am not perfect by no means, but I do remember putting that perfectionist attitude out on my family. All because I felt the pain of rejection in my life.
As I continued seeking the Lord in 2021, I remember feeling the spirit of rejection throughout my adult life which resulted in my hamster wheel journey. I met a young sister in the Lord name Chavon Anette. I did not realize that when I had met her a few years ago that we would reconnect in the way that we did. God led me to go to a “Fanning the Flame” conference for the first time she was hosting in Chesapeake. I knew it was God, because he revealed himself in such a powerful way through her as she spoke to me very specifically about the very things, I was talking to God about especially the rejection. Things I did not tell my husband. After that conference I made up my mind, to give God my yes and I was not going to turn back. It did take a few months for me to feel like I was not on that hamster wheel anymore.
In 2023, I’ve step into new life goals because I gave God my yes and left rejection behind for good. He began to open doors that I could have never ever imagined. He began to set me on a path to hear him more and to follow his lead. Today, my relationship with my dad and my mom is so amazing. I love it when my dad and I talk about the word of God and our faith in Christ. I’ve started my coaching business as a Freedom Coach. I have been doing Freedom Friday segment which is a 60 second encouragement video on social media. I’ve kicked off Freedom Talks which are Christ-centered talks around faith, family, and finances. I’m continuing to lead and train new small group leaders, coaches, and prayer teams at my church. For a long time, I did not believe I had a purpose, but I can say because God didn’t let me give up on myself, I know I do have a purpose. Sometimes God must take you back to the place that we never dealt with for us to get off that metaphoric hamster wheel for us to walk in our true purpose. Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
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 a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. My life is centered around faith and family, whom I love with all her heart. I’m passionate about seeing women and men grow in the maturity of their faith in Jesus. As a Discipleship Director and worship leader at my church, I continue to encourage others to discover their purpose and use their gifts and talents. With a background in Christian Counseling, Leadership, Life, and Financial Coaching. I specialize in guiding clients towards a life of authenticity, purpose, and fulfillment. My husband and I also own and operate a catering business called “Weslea’s Catering, LLC”. My mission is to help others enhance their lives mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. To provide others with the tools and resources needed to achieve goals and live out their purpose. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, guidance, or support, I am here to help.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being a facilitator, optimistic, and coachable, I would say has been the most impactful qualities and skills in my journey. When pursuing anything in life, whether new goals, new job, or career there will be challenges. It is not realistic to think that anytime you’re pursuing something that is of great value to you that it may not always be to others or in line with what you may think about yourself. I didn’t see myself as a coach or a business owner but today that’s what I am. But I’ve been in that space for a long time, but I just didn’t call it coaching, I was facilitating and organizing training. I love it when people discover something new, always learning something new. And they use that information in their day-to-day life. You must know who you are as you’re pursuing your purpose, and you must be open to correction and instruction. When challenges come, we must be strong enough to seek help and advice from those who have been there. We must believe that things will work out no matter how rough it may be when you get started. While you’re on your journey you are facilitating your story. What you do now is not just for you it’s for someone else that’s coming behind you who needs to know how you got there. I could not do it alone, but I had to get started. You must be bold enough to take the first step. It may be a small step but whatever step you take is one step closer to walking into what you believe is the purpose that God has for you. So always remain coachable and optimistic about your future. But also, be ready to share with others what your journey looks like.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My focus is on individuals who are saying Yes to discovering their purpose. Their readiness to be healed mentally and spiritually, cultivate healthy relationships, and achieve financial stability. They are coachable and optimistic about their new beginnings or beginning again in order to make a difference in their sphere of influence.
You can be connected with me for coaching needs on my website at LeahLAustin.com, IG – @coachleaha, Youtube- @LeahLAustin, DM on Messenger @Leah Green-Austin and Facebook page -Freedom Talks
I also looking for folks who need a reliable and timely caterer for your next event sent message to 757-735-4045, IG – @wesleas_catering or email wes.lea.austin@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leahlaustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachleaha/
- Facebook: Leah Green- Austin
- Youtube: @LeahLAustin
- Other: Email leah.aus10@gmail.com
