Story & Lesson Highlights with Elena Killgore of Citrus County

Elena Killgore shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Elena, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think others are struggling with truth. I think we all are searching for truth, a solid foundation to build our lives on. I think over time truth has become an opinion rather than a person. If we don’t have knowledge of the truth, Jesus, then we will be living our lives on all lies. I think we as a society need to seek truth and learn what lies we have been believing. Once we figure that out, we will be living on the firm foundation of Truth.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m passionate about the arts and have found a safe haven in creativity. I’m currently working on a business that ignites creativity. My brand is inspired by Genesis 1, creating in community and being created in the likeness of God. I think a lot of us are suppressing the one thing that gives us freedom: creativity. We were made to create. I have been doing these events called “First Fridays” as a vendor. I have a community canvas where I invite everyone to paint on for free. I believe this process is beautiful because I’ll paint the background and have others paint what’s on their heart on the same canvas. It slowly unveils itself to be a masterpiece that shows the flavor of the crowd. God is the Creator of all things yet he invites us to create with him. It’s a picture of unity. Something we are desperately needing.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Back then I was fearless. I’d run up to strangers and say hello without a second thought. It freaked my Mom out every time. I was super compassionate, thinking the best of people. I wasn’t scared of someone who was hurting; I’d give them a drink or give them a hug and say it was okay. The world tried to convince me to be mean and selfish, to live for only myself. I did that for a while, and it was miserable and lonely. It hurt my relationships too. I have realized over these past few years that I don’t have to compete with anyone. I need other people to live this life. I’m learning being interested in others’ interests makes life enjoyable and it tells me how I can serve them. Going against who the world tells me to be is freeing.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that I can’t live alone. When I kept things to myself, I was depressed to the point of suicidal ideation. It wasn’t until my sister and family helped me get back on my feet that I learned I was meant for community. There’s this saying that goes, “No man is an island,” and I think that’s true. We weren’t meant to be isolated. Our society has become so individualistic, and I think that’s had a negative impact on our social skills and mental health. I know it has for me personally. I don’t remember ever feeling lonely when I was a kid. I think technology has created a situation that it was never meant to happen. Now that I’m in community with my family and friends, I feel so much better, and my mental health has improved.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Have they questioned where true wisdom comes from? Wisdom all starts with one person: Jesus. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. When we turn to the Creator of all things, we move away from our own self-centeredness and embrace the love we all crave. This love would make us want to support each other instead of competing to be the wisest. We’d break free from the false wisdom that tells us money is the ultimate goal. The love of money is the root of all evil. If we really look at the desire of our hearts, what will we find? Money or God? We can’t love both; we’ll love one and despise the other. If we beheld Jesus, the world would be a better place.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Honestly. When I read my Bible. I used to not read the Bible. I decided to read it for myself one day and realized a lot of lies I had been believing. While reading it, I discovered a whole new world. I learned love isn’t a feeling; it’s actually a person, God. In learning this, I learned love is a gift freely given through the work of Jesus on the cross. All we have to do is receive that gift, and a whole new life is waiting for us on the other side of that decision. A life with the Prince of Peace, Jesus, and peace with others.

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Elena Killgore

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