This new tradition has quickly become our favorite time of the month — the (in)courage Contributor Spotlight! We hope you’ve been enjoying learning about our writers as much as we’ve enjoyed telling you about them! The fantastic women who faithfully show up behind the screen to bring you stories of everyday, messy, beautiful faith are the heartbeat of (in)courage. Their willingness to pull up a chair and go first — building bridges of a shared story — is a gift we don’t take for granted.
This month we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on two women who do community well! If you’ve been hanging out at the (in)courage table for very long, you have probably been blessed by their words. But you may not know what they are most passionate about or what is their favorite sweet treat, so take a few minutes and get to know Jessica Turner and Karina Allen. We know you’ll love them as much as we do!
Meet Jessica Turner
Tell us a little about yourself.
My days are spent working as a content strategist for a large health care company and writing on my blog, The Mom Creative. I am also proud to be the author of The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You and the soon-to-release Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter and Thrive. My husband, Matthew Paul Turner, is a children’s book author. We have three children: Elias (10), Adeline (7), and Ezra (3), and we live in Nashville, Tennessee. In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction (find all my favorites on @booksnobbery), crafting, and
watching great television shows with my husband.
How long have you been an (in)courage contributor?
I am an original! Nine years! And now I serve behind the scenes as an (in)courage mentor.
What’s your favorite thing about (in)courage?
The group of writers are some of my dearest friends and will always be the best part of (in)courage to me.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about equal rights and inclusion. I am constantly looking for ways to widen and deepen my views of other people’s experiences. Jesus loved all people and sought out those who were suffering.
I am also passionate about self-care. Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself. Too many of us don’t love ourselves well, which impacts the way we love other people. I always prioritize myself to ensure I can be my best and love others to my fullest capacity.
What personal project are you most excited about right now?
My new book, Stretched Too Thin: How Working Moms Can Lose the Guilt, Work Smarter and Thrive releases on September 18. After conducting a survey of 2,000 working moms and discovering their biggest struggles, I set out to write a book that would both say “me too!” and “yes you can!” I think working moms are going to feel understood in the pages of this book, and I couldn’t be more excited to get it in their hands. To learn more and preorder, please visit stretchedtoothinbook.com.
What is your favorite…
- Special meal: Filet mignon with a twice baked potato
- Salty snack: Chips and guac
- Sweet treat: Peanut butter cheesecake
- Hot drink: Caramel apple cider (I don’t drink coffee or tea!)
- Thing to do with friends: Go away together
- Thing to do alone: Read
- Place to go: The beach
- Way to recharge: Travel alone and have time by myself
What’s your favorite place to connect online? How can readers keep in touch and learn more about what you’re up to?
I love Facebook and Instagram. To keep in touch, sign up for my email newsletter here.
And this is just the tip of the Jessica Turner iceberg! Check out Jessica’s recent chat with Becky Keife where she shares practical encouragement for working women who feel stretched too thin and talks about what it means to exchange comparison for celebration.
Meet Karina Allen
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 37 soon to be 38 in September. I am single with no kids. I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana but have lived in Baton Rouge since 1998. I have been blogging for six years. My writing life began in high school writing poetry. In college, I began writing curriculum for youth and college-age girls small groups. I love writing about revelation found in Scripture in practical ways that apply to everyday life. I love connecting with young girls and women and helping them to discover their gifts and how God has uniquely created them to impact the world around them. My days are filled to the brim with work, working out, babysitting, ministries through my local church, and quality time with my friends.
How long have you been an (in)courage contributor?
I have been a contributor since 2014. Needless to say, that was the best year ever!
What’s your favorite thing about (in)courage?
It’s hard to nail down one thing. In a very loud world constantly clamoring for our attention, (in)courage feels like home. The voices in this space always and only point to Jesus. The women here are a safe place to rejoice with, mourn with, and even wrestle through doubts with.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about SO many things! Of course, I love Jesus. And community is my jam! But I love life. I love good food, friends, and fun. I love mentoring the next generation. I love my local church and reaching out to my local community. I love to travel and meet new people. I love teaching and writing about God’s Word. Music, singing, and dancing are my happy places.
What personal project are you most excited about right now?
I am super excited about (in)courage’s new devotional Bible that releases soon. It was a joy to be a small part of this project.
What is your favorite…
- Special meal: All things Cajun . . . gumbo, crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, and boudin
- Salty snack: Salt and vinegar chips
- Sweet treat: Yasso frozen greek yogurt or beignets
- Hot drink: Coffee or tea or hot chocolate
- Thing to do with friends: Eat, go to the movies, long chats over coffee, and worship nights
- Thing to do alone: Workout and time with Jesus
- Place to go: Nashville
- Way to recharge: Naps
What’s your favorite place to connect online? How can readers keep in touch and learn more about what you’re up to?
The best ways to connect with me are on Twitter and Instagram.
Now go pour yourself a cup of tea and come back and listen to Karina share in this video about hard seasons, building community, and her word for the year that she is just starting to really understand!
Check out all of our contributor spotlight interviews here! (And stay tuned for more!)
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jessica & Karina,
Thank you for what you both uniquely bring to the table. Jessica, thank you for your wisdom that I’ve read here for a long time. So glad that you are serving as mentor or “Titus woman” to the (in)courage writers….we all need that person to go to and you have great wisdom, advice,and I’m sure a listening ear to share.
Karina, I’ve been reading your posts since you began and I have to say that they have taken on such a depth and beauty. God is doing a wonderful work through you. I know trials have abounded, but you weave them into your words you share with an honest and compassionate heart. I’m with you – a cup of coffee to start the day and nothing like a good nap to recharge! In fact, today might be the day lol. 😉
Thanks ladies for sharing your gifts and talents with us! We are blessed!
Bev xx
Beth Williams says
Jessica,
It has been a long time since I’ve read your writing here. I see you’ve been busy writing books & being a working mom. It was good to get to know you better. I look forward to reading your writing here more.
Karina,
Love reading your writing here. Thank you for mentoring the next generation. They need someone like you to help show the way. I totally agree that you have to get involved in church. It is hard & vulnerable to put yourself out there. You would be surprised how many people are just like us. We all need friendships to get us through this world. Thank you for allowing God to use you in many different way. You mentioned having a hard season a while back & I have been praying that God would be with you during this time. He would help your weary soul to heal.
Blessings 🙂
Becky Keife says
Jessica and Karina, it was a highlight of my week to talk to each of you! We’re so grateful to have your voices at the (in)courage table. xx
Lucretia Berry says
After watching Jessica’s interview, I feel so connected to her! I am uplifted, encouraged and inspired. I would love to follow her around for a day (or week) and soak her up. Becky, thank you for making available this window into her world. I can’t wait to watch Karina’s interview. Shalom.