Meet the Women of NAOBC – Ashley Rush
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 Ashley Rush.
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I’m from the Nashville, TN, area. I have an older brother that just graduated college. I’m engaged to the most servant-hearted man I know, Jonathan Akesson. I’m a Junior in the Youth and Family Ministry Program at Boyce College and absolutely love every minute of it. I work at a couple of different jobs on campus – I clean the campus areas with the custodial department in the early mornings and work in the Dining Services Department throughout the rest of the day.
Q: Tell us about your time at NAOBC
A: I’ve been at NAOBC for the last almost three years. I’m in the College BFG and I serve in the nursery with my fiancé. NAOBC has been the most encouraging and challenging place for me spiritually during some difficult seasons. In the last three years, I have never seen such a church that loves so well. Even on my breaks from school, I’ve been able to stay connected to the church and when I come back each semester it’s like I’ve never left.
Q: What is a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: Most people know I love office supplies but what most people don’t know is that I LOVE seeing evidence of hard work on my hands. If my hands are cracked or a little rougher than normal it gives me so much joy knowing I’m working as unto the Lord.
Q: What woman has made the most impact in your life?
A: So it’s super hard for me to pick just one so I’d say definitely my Mom just because she’s an example of serving and loving the Lord always and has been a person for me that has never been afraid to speak the truth in love to me. She has also been a great example of what a godly wife and mother looks like. Another person that has been so influential in my life has been Kathleen Hanley. She has been a constant source of wisdom and encouragement and prayer during my time in Louisville. She has intentionally walked with me through so many seasons in the last few years and Ryan and her have been godly mentors for my fiancé and me. She also is a great example for me of what a godly wife and mother looks like too.
Q: What is something the Lord has taught you in the last year?
A: In the last year, the Lord has constantly brought Romans 8:28 into my life to the point where I laugh ever time I hear it. There have been so many shifts in my life in the last year (more than I can count honestly) and I’m a person that loves consistency and control and the Lord has really had to break me of a lot of that. It’s been sweet this season to be more reminded that the Lord already knows what is going on in my life and He’s not blind to what I feel in the moment. Things can be frustrating or tiresome but I can trust that the lord cares for me and already knows what I need before I do (Matthew 6:32). It may not be what I want but He’s using all things for His glory and for my good. It doesn’t feel good at times but I’ve learned this last year through some hard times that ultimately the Lord is not going to allow His people to miss out on what He has for them. If whatever I desire is something the Lord has planned for me then He’ll make that happen and if I feel I “miss out” or don’t get what I want, the only thing I’m missing is the blessings He has already given me.
You can follow Ashley on Facebook and Instagram @gnomierush,
