Our most recent guest on the Ask About My Faith podcast, Tracy Heiberg, is a hairstylist who considers the salon her ministry – the place where the most meaningful conversations are had. Tracy’s story of salvation empowers her to share her faith with others whenever she gets the chance. Keep reading for encouragement and hope!
One Encounter with God Brings Freedom
A year before Tracy started following Jesus, she went to a conference for work and happened to meet a woman who eagerly said, “I have a Bible for you.” Tracy received the Bible with curiosity but struggled to read it, and ultimately grew frustrated with herself and with God. During that time, she had her tarot cards read and she became fascinated with rocks, and crystals, and attributed thanks to creation rather than the Creator.
A year later, while on a trip to Italy, Tracy went to art museums and found herself uncontrollably weeping at each painting that depicted the Gospels. A month after this, she attended the same work conference - exactly a year after receiving the Bible - and ended up attending a church service with a friend this time. While receiving prayer, the woman who was praying for her asked “Have you been active in witchcraft?” to which Tracy felt confused and ashamed to answer. She didn’t know if tarot cards and crystals were modern-day forms of witchcraft.
The woman felt led to invite a family nearby in the sanctuary to pray for Tracy. In this group were three young boys - ages 12, 15, and 16, and their prayers moved mountains! The youngest of the bunch asked, “Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins?”The waterworks of tears began shortly after that question. The things that the boys discerned during prayer were things that only God or a close friend of Tracy would have known. At the end of this time, Tracy gave her life to the Lord and began learning the Bible at an exponential rate.
We can’t help but honor all of the people who went out of their way to share their faith with Tracy! Want to learn more about sharing your faith? Read our post: 4 Crucial Tips for Sharing the Gospel
Ministry at the Hair Salon
Now following Jesus, Tracy went back to work as a hairstylist. From the moment of salvation, her clients have watched as she grows deeper in love with the Lord. Tracy considers it a joy to minister to women at her work. sGod is always moving at Tracy’s hair salon as she builds relationship with her clients. For example, one of her clients lost a baby prematurely. Upon receiving the news, Tracy’s client immediately reached out to her. Tracy offered the grieving mother hope and encouragement, ministering to her in such a great time of great need.
Related Post: How to Have Hope When You Are Grieving
Encouragement for You, Wherever You Are on Your Journey
Tracy encourages all us to serve at their local church and to choose to live in community. While God is able to meet us wherever we are, it is also powerful when we do life with others who are pursuing God. Besides this, Tracy offers us some quick tips on how to grow closer to God and share your faith with others.
“How can I be praying for you?”
Offering prayer is a super easy conversation starter to share your faith. It is a sweet, authentic, and non-invasive way to share God’s goodness.
Pray.
“God would you use me and speak through me today?” Tracy invites all of us to become better disciples of Jesus by making ourselves available to the Lord through prayer.
Take 5 Minute Bible Breaks.
Recharge your faith with 5 minute Bible breaks. As a stylist, Tracy often has back-to-back clients. She’s developed a habit to pause no matter how busy her day is to take 5 minutes to read the Word between appointments. This practice helps her stay present and open to the Holy Spirit.
Related Post: 20 Bible Verses About God’s Love
As we see through Tracy’s story, when we take risks and share our faith with others, their lives can change for the better. No matter where you are on your faith journey, God is for you, He is with you, and He wants to speak to you! Follow our podcast to get fueled with encouragement, hope, and stories that will empower you to share your faith.
