Episode 15: Wisdom & Courage
An interview with Tash Haynes
Tash reminds us that as followers of Christ there is nowhere we can go where he's not, no decision we can make that he's not in, and that he's with us in the HIGH's and LOW's of life. Her faith walk is inspiring...built on Jesus and seeking HIM for herself. You'll be uplifted by Tash, laugh a little, and learn a lot.
The Seeds
Name: Tash Haynes
Age: 38
Where do you call Home: Seattle, Washington
Relationship Status: Married to Ike
Season of Work: Mom of 2.5 (one on the way) Photographer, Blogger, Business Owner, Influencer
Hobbies: Traveling, Hanging with friends, Writing, Netflix, Hiking, Haiti, Tea Parties, Picnics, and Food!
Jesus Journey: My mom would always take me to church on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s. When I was 19 I gave my life to the Lord. Growing up so much of who I am and the tough moments in my life I remember leaning on the Lord. I remember his hand guiding me so it was really easy to make the decision to follow him. I always had confidence in him.
The Branches
How do you define the words “Wisdom” and “Courage” and why did you name your children those names?
Wisdom for me is “Your Knower.” This is your connection to the Holy Spirit. I feel like so much of my life was guided by “My Knower.” I had to make a lot of decisions by myself growing up and I always felt like God was always there. God had led me through so much and when it came time to name my first baby girl the name “Wisdom” came to mind. Wisdom was a generational promise...a course correction in my family line. She reflects the knowing of the Holy Spirit.
When I named my daughter “Courage” it was a really tough time in my life. I was going through some health problems and I had to make the decision that I was going to try to have children despite what I was being told. At the same time I was also seeing the words “Wisdom & Courage” over and over in different places. I also happened to be studying Deborah in the bible and it says that she was a woman filled with “Wisdom & Courage” (read Exodus.) This solidified for me that my next child would be named “Courage.”
Merriam Webster defines Wisdom as “knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life.” Biblical wisdom is divine from God and is given to any believer that asks for it. James 1:5 (ESV) says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” How do you seek wisdom?
I’m very particular with who I go to for advice. The first thing that I do is PRAY! I am always asking God to “meet me where I end.” I was raised by teachers...so I go to them at times, and my husband is also a place that I go to for wisdom. We never see the same way so it’s really fun to get his opinion LOL. When we’re seeking wisdom there is the natural choice, but I think it’s important to sit with the information you get. Sometimes I’ve chosen the right thing at the wrong time and that’s chaos. Ask the trusted voices. Be Still. Pray.
Tasha, you have quite the story: grew up in foster care, congestive heart failure survivor, worked for 20+ years in youth development, created your own photography business, Social Media Influencer, and pregnant with your 3rd Baby Girl. All of this TAKES COURAGE! Where did you find your courage through all of these life experiences?
The joy of living is living. I experience the extreme highs and lows of life. If you’re gonna experience the high, HIGHS in life there is going to be some low, LOWS….some valley seasons. Surviving my story means seasons pass...they don’t last forever. They are defined by the Lord’s hands to move. The change that happens in our lives..happens in the valleys. I’m living a much fuller, full of joy life boldly and courageously. Defining moments teach us so much of who we are at our core. They give us the strategy to move forward into the future. I’m so thankful for the quilt that God has knit together. Nothing is wasted.
As a Black Christian Woman you have had to step into speaking out about the injustice in our world and in our personal lives over social media. That TAKES COURAGE. How are you? Why did you decide to show show up and have these conversations?
I dunno how I feel..it depends on the day and what’s going on. There are so many feelings. I found the courage to have these conversations because I want “US”...Black Women..the Black Collective.. to lead the conversation. I felt a deep call to have conversations. To love people through their learning and unlearning. I did it in a way that worked for me..gentle, kind, and stern. For me, as as Christ follower, I believe that we should give someone trying to learn the tools to do so. I felt a responsibility as a Jesus follower to do my part. When you’re following the Lord you get the courage!
The Olive Tree
Olive Us was created for women to share their experiences through life and their "Only God" moments so that we can remember we are connected through Christ and that we're not alone. I know you believe deeply in the idea of community and sharing stories. Why?
I believe when it’s all said and done- our power is in our story and it’s the one thing that no can add to or take away, and it’s often the thing that makes the greatest impact on others and ourselves. It’s in sharing stories that others are able to see themselves and the beauty of community is built.
Finish these statements:
God is…infinite
It’s important to gain wisdom & be courageous because…others are counting on us to lead by example
"Olive Us" are better when… we work together.