Episode 17: Called & Qualified
An interview with Bea Moraza
Bea shares how a desire to see her boys in a Classical Christian School in San Francisco, led to two years of praying and asking God to create this schooling option when there was no option. Bea teaches us that we are Qualified in Christ to fulfill whatever plans He has for us.
The Seeds
Name: Bea Moraza
Age: 36
Where do you call home: San Francisco, CA
Relationship Status: Married
Season of Work: Language Arts Teacher for PreK, Kinder and First Grade
Hobbies: Getting outdoors, hiking, biking or jogging
Jesus Journey:
I became a Christian in my late teens. I fell in love with Jesus and the Bible, I loved that there was a Truth that I could stand on.
The Branches
If I called you a dreamer, a doer, an entrepreneur what would you say?
I would say that I am a dreamer, but more than that trying to be obedient to God. If I feel God leading or asking me to do something I want to say “yes”. I’ve learned that when we say “yes” He provides the way and exceeds our expectations.
How did the dream of Donum Dei Classical Christian Academy come about?
The dream for Donum Dei came out of a need. I fell in love with the Classical Model of education through homeschooling my kids and desired to enroll them in a Classical school. Realizing that there weren’t any Classical schools within an hour drive of San Francisco, I felt disappointed. Also, living in San Francisco for so many years and watching families leave the city once their kids reached school-age due to the lack of options was also sad for me. I brought these frustrations to God in prayer and felt the Lord telling me to start a school. It started with a nudge from the Lord in prayer and a “yes” from me. Not knowing how this would play out I trusted and began to share and pray for God to provide.
Do you have a background in education? If not, how did you have the courage to step out and start acting on this dream God gave you?
I have a degree in Nursing and in Ministry and worked as a dental assistant for seven years. Other than homeschooling my own children for almost 5 years I do not have a background in education. I really felt God leading me and asking me to step out in faith. I said “yes” fully knowing that I did not have what it would take to start a school, also fully trusting that God would provide. That’s exactly what happened, God brought the right people to make this dream a reality and continues to add to our team.
Starting a company comes with its highs and lows. What happens emotionally and spiritually when you experience roadblocks, shut doors, or tough moments?
Emotionally and mentally it has been several years of growth. When I’ve come to a “roadblock” I have two places I run to. I come to the Lord in prayer, let Him heal my hurts and calm me in moments of stress and frustration. The second place I run is into Will’s arms. It’s been so vital for me to have Will support me in this, but also help me process my thoughts and fears. Christine has also been such a source of encouragement and support. I am so grateful for her friendship, wisdom and leadership.
How have you seen God work through your feelings of disappointment, stress, inadequacy?
I think the biggest struggle for me in this process were the feelings of inadequacy. I’ve learned so much about myself this year. Working through these feelings of inadequacy has helped me to identify my strengths. I’ve learned that what I have to bring to the table is valuable and I’m so thankful for a leader and team that makes me feel valued.
We were set to tape your interview Summer 2019 right before Donum Dei officially opened and you weren’t quite ready. Tell us why?
Yes, Summer of 2019 was right before we were scheduled to open our doors. It was such a high-stress moment for me. It was like all the work for the past year was culminating to this moment. Honestly, my anxiety and the fear that this could all fall through was too much for me and I almost felt like I couldn’t talk about it at that time. Thanks for being so patient with me.
Share your wisdom and advice concerning the importance of right timing on sharing hardships and asking for prayer?
Hmm, this is a hard one. Timing is definitely important and it's’ hard to gauge. I think being led by the Holy Spirit and our intuition. I am a sharer and I tend to share with others if I am excited about something. During this journey I have realized that there are friends who immediately come alongside you to pray and champion you along the way. When the struggle comes and the load gets heavy, they are able to pray harder with you and encourage you in the journey. I think more than timing, I've learned the value of sharing the journey with others.
Why is it important for us to tell our “in process” stories and invite others in?
I think it’s important because it shows vulnerability, and our dependence on God and others. The “in process” story is never neat and pretty, it’s all over the place and risky. Inviting others in gives them the opportunity to grow in their faith and be part of something bigger than ourselves.
What scriptures have you leaned into during this new season? What has been revealed in your character through starting a new business?
I struggle with anxiety, and as you can imagine there was a lot of stress and 3 am wake-ups this year. The verse that I remember speaking to my soul was “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition thanksgiving present your request to God and the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus” Phillipians 4:6-7
Do you believe God is our Provider, Jehovah Jireh? How have you experienced God’s provision?
Absolutely! Yes, every step of the way. Fast forward to over a year later and God is still providing. Our. Every. Need. So thankful and in awe. One quick story about how God has provided for Donum Dei is our facility. We were able to move into a building that was just right for our small (yet growing) school. We inherited new student desks, tables and a whole library. This is just one example of how God has provided.
Speak to the woman who has a dream God has planted in her heart but is fearful to step out?
I would say God has placed that dream in YOUR heart for a reason. He loves you and created you to accomplish that purpose. Trust that if you say “yes” he will provide. Don’t let doubt, or fear stop you from praying, and pursuing that which He has called you to do.
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. Why is this important?
It’s encouraging to know how women are living out their faith and calling right where they are. It inspires us to identify the special gifts, talents and passions God has placed in each of us and lean towards those things. I love how God created us just right (with our strengths and weaknesses) to accomplish His perfect plan - not just for our benefit, but for others as well. As we pursue Him and share our experiences we realize that our one constant is our faith in Christ and our desire to know Him and make Him known.
Finish these statements:
God is.... our good Father, he loves and cares so much more about who we are and are becoming than what we can accomplish.
We are ALL qualified to do what God is calling us to do because….He is the one calling us to do it - and because He is our creator he knows what we are able to accomplish.
"Olive Us" are better when........we cheer each other on. I have experienced friendships that have championed us in this journey. Regardless of their school choice I have felt their prayers and support. I have also felt and experienced the opposite. I truly believe that we are better when we encourage, support and cheer one another on in our dreams.