in Living Hope, Stories of Hope

In our Stories of Hope series, we connect with everyday individuals to learn more about what Hope means to them, how they’ve overcome challenges and obstacles and the ways in which they practice Hope in their daily lives. We share these stories in the hopes that someone, somewhere, might be inspired by and encouraged to pursue and practice Hope in their own life. Because no one should live in despair and hopelessness. Not even you. Read the latest from of Stories of Hope series below.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your personal story.

I live in Nashville, TN with my husband and our cute little dog, Snickerdoodle. I own a social media marketing agency out of Nashville and also run a lifestyle blog that focuses on faith, fashion and life.

2. What life challenges have you faced, and how have you been able to overcome?

Starting and running a company while dealing with chronic migraines has been a challenging, yet rewarding experience. Because of the nature of my migraines, I tend to get them more when I am stressed, and when you’re trying to start a company, you tend to get stressed out a lot! I’ve learned so much over the past few years about managing stress, keeping my faith and learning to trust God when things seem impossible.

3. What is your definition of Hope?

For me, Hope is closely intertwined with faith. When life seems like too much to handle, I live under the assurance that God will take care of me even when it feels like everything is out of my control. Sometimes, it really is too much for any human to handle, and in those moments, I must truly rely on Him to provide for me and to be my rock. For me, Hope completely relies upon God’s love.

4. How has having Hope impacted your life, and how do you continually practice it?

Hope has impacted my life through the refusal to accept chronic migraines as something that defines me. I do not allow these debilitating headaches to keep me from the life I choose to live.

I know if I keep fighting, hoping and praying, I am already taking steps towards the life that I want.

Although chronic, painful migraines can keep me in bed for days, I refuse to let that be my life. I’m slowly learning to take better care of my body, emotionally and physically. Sometimes that means saying no to obligations, resting when I feel my body needs it, learning to set boundaries, and choosing to believe that my migraines will get better!

5. How has finding Hope changed the way you view rejection, setbacks or difficulties?

Instead of finding my worth and identity in what I can and cannot do, I look to God to show me where true value lies. He is the living Hope!

6. What have you learned about yourself along your journey?

My mindset towards obstacles changes everything. What we say to ourselves not only affects our emotional state but also our physical bodies.

7. What advice would you like to give to those who are feeling Hopeless?

As cliche as it sounds, it really does get better! When my focus is on God and His will for my life, I find that no matter where I am in life I am much more fulfilled. By being in line with His love and will, I am fulfilling my innermost desires.

8. Do you have any other words of wisdom you would like to add?

The challenges in my life are nothing out of the ordinary, but sometimes that’s where we need to find Hope the most––in the quiet, everyday moments. Where life’s little things pull us down, day by day, and dull our Hope and our faith.

It’s in these everyday moments that we must press in and keep pushing towards greatness — to find the Hope within us.

Lauren Toews is a multi-passionate business owner, blogger, wife and dog-mom living in Nashville, TN. While operating her social media marketing agency, Toews Digital, she also runs a lifestyle blog that encourages readers to build a life that they love. Originally from a small town in North Carolina, Lauren moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University (where she met her husband) and pursue a career in the music industry. After working in the industry for a few years, she realized how much she enjoyed helping bands improve their social media accounts and the creativity that went along with it. With the incredible support of her husband, she shifted gears and opened Toews Digital in 2016.

Connect with Lauren Toews

Personal Website: laurentoews.com

Company Website: toewsdigital.com

Personal Instagram: @laurentoews

Company Instagram: @toewsco