Meet the Women at NAOBC – Tessy Ennis
On Mondays, we’ll take time to meet the women of NAOBC. Five questions followed by how you can connect with the NAOBC women on social media. Today’s interview is with Tessy Ennis.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I am married to Anthony Ennis…17 years! Wow! It is to God’s glory that we continue to grow in Christ, together. He is an IT analyst with Manhattan Life. I am currently employed at home, where our 8 year old is schooled…by me :) However, my career life consisted of social work, in different capacities.
Our son Eli, is a silly, rambunctious boy, whom we adopted through foster care in 2017. My husband and I continue to foster (we’ve served “the least of these” in this way for 7 years now).
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: We have been at NAOBC for 3 1/2 years now, and we love this church! We belong to the IC4 BFG class, and they are a huge blessing. I agree with the statement I have heard over the years here at NAOBC, “the BFG’s are the lifeline of the church”.
Anthony serves in security and preschool. I serve in preschool and choir. You will find us roaming the preschool halls often. Haha!
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: Anthony and I have made YouTube videos of our playing Minecraft together!
We have chickens, and they have attached to Eli really well! Eli will sit in the chicken run and “hang out” with the chickens.
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: That’s a hard question. Many women have impacted my life greatly in different areas of my life. I’ll pick three and briefly explain.
1. My mother (Rhonda) – her faith in Christ, while enduring life’s hardships taught me that my strength comes from the Lord alone. She died at age 34, from cancer; also enduring an abusive relationship with an addict.
2. My grandmother (Judy) – she was used by God to bring me to Jesus. Her faith is so strong, and she glorifies God for every ounce of it. She has lost three children and a grandchild to the brokenness of this world (SIDS, cancer, and suicide). She has every reason to be bitter, but remains faithful to our Jesus.
3. My best friend of about 17 years (Karalee). Her ministering friendship has remained a constant in my recent years. Our families have grown together, our marriages have strengthened one another and sharpened one another with iron. Our honest and loving conversations have created a bond in Christ, unlike any other.
Finally, we are finding beautiful bonds and friendships here at NAOBC, where Christ has shown up a million + times to minister to us and through us.
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: Practical things I have been hearing from the Lord:
A. Simplify my life (pruning busy-ness away) B. Watch my screen intake (content and length) for a more productive and Jesus-prioritized day). C. Prioritize my marriage over my children (maintaining connection with Anthony, throughout the very difficult journey of parenting).
In my personal spiritual journey, Jesus has been helping me recognize who I am in Him. I have a difficult time seeing God’s truth about me, through satan’s lies (especially regarding my role as a mother). I’m thankful God sees my heart, and provides grace sufficient for my daily struggles.
You can follow Tessy on Facebook, Instagram @tesgigglebox, and at her website: http://www.tessyennis.com
