10 min read ⭑

Nancy Gavilanes is an author of multiple books, speaker, podcast host, life coach and former journalist with a passion for helping people live out their God-given dreams. And for Nancy, discovering God’s call isn’t just head knowledge. She teaches from a place of personal experience, following God through open doors to serve as a short-term missionary, share her testimony at Times Square Church and minister to Christians who work for the U.N.

Need some encouragement today? Read on as Nancy shares the food that reminds her of her Latina roots, how to slow down and go with God’s pace, and her favorite ways to worship.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

There’s much more to food than palate and preference. How does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?

As a native New Yorker, I’ve had the pleasure of being surrounded by so many different types of cuisine. I used to love going out to eat with my dear dad before he got promoted to heaven just a few years ago.

We’d go to various restaurants, but one of our favorite spots was a local Ecuadorian restaurant because we could enjoy food from his original home country. My dear dad loved the United States and his native Ecuador. He loved teaching my sister and me (and countless others) about Ecuador’s culture and traditions. Food was a great way for me to connect with that side of my Latina roots. I’d usually order ceviche, a delicious shrimp cocktail dish, or arroz marinero, an equally delicious seafood rice similar to paella.

When my dad and I would go out to eat, we’d catch up, talk about current events, and celebrate whatever good news we had. I miss my dad, but I’m so grateful that, one day, I’ll see him again in heaven. That’s the wonderful hope we have through Jesus! This life is not the end of our story. Until then, when I enjoy some of our favorite Ecuadorian dishes, it helps me keep my dad’s memory alive and helps me to stay connected to my Latina roots.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activity (or activities) do you love engaging in, which also help you find essential spiritual renewal?

I’m a city girl who also enjoys being in nature. I’ve traveled to six continents and have marveled at God’s beautiful masterpieces I’ve seen here and abroad. I’m usually drawn to the water or mountains. I love seeing God’s creativity when it comes to the beautiful landscapes he’s designed near and far. Majestic mountains remind me of the greatness of God. A lovely flower can remind me of the great care and attention God gives to something as simple as an individual flower.

I enjoy seeing God’s fingerprints all around me. It reminds me that God took great care in creating each one of us as well. It’s so amazing to think that Almighty God knit us together in our mothers’ wombs, as we read in Psalm 139:13.

When I’m in nature, I usually get overwhelmed by God’s goodness and burst out in songs of praise. As a former journalist, I also usually snap tons of pictures and stop to journal to document what I like to call those miraculous and lovely moments. I love that we don’t have to travel very far to enjoy God’s creation. A stunning sunrise or sunset can take our breath away and remind us who gave us that breath in the first place.

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness. Every human, too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite, and how do you hide it?

I’ve definitely had to learn how to be more patient. Hey, we New Yorkers are notorious for being in a hurry. But I’m not talking about being impatient while driving, waiting in line or waiting on hold for customer service (okay, that can get annoying for anyone).

Rather, I’ve struggled more with waiting on God’s timing. It’s been a challenge to be patient during different wilderness seasons in my life. I’d like to think I’ve gotten better over the years. It really does matter how we handle those seasons of waiting. That’s part of God’s school of faith and his refining process for us.

It really is important to learn how to be content and find joy in every season. God’s not in a hurry, so we might as well not be in a rush, either. It’s easier said than done, but we need to follow God’s lead. If he says to wait, we need to be still and know he is God, as we read in Psalm 46:10. Thank God, no matter how impatient we may feel, God is patient with us. I’ve learned that we may never understand God’s calendar, but we can trust that his timing is perfect.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?

When God called me out of my successful journalism career and took me through a long wilderness season, that was quite a journey. I love that I’m now in the season where my journalism experience and writing background can encourage and empower readers near and far. I’m thrilled that my new book, “God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose” (NavPress) is being released tomorrow! I’m so looking forward to sharing this inspiring book with women of diverse backgrounds who need more courage, confidence, and clarity to say yes to God’s call on their lives.

I wrote this book for God’s beloved daughters because I know how frustrating it can be to try to figure out what God’s calling you to do, how confusing it can be to try to map out what steps to take, and how daunting it can feel when it seems like the odds are stacked against you. It can feel discouraging, disappointing, and downright disheartening. It can even make you question whether you somehow misheard God.

Thankfully, I’ve also experienced the blessings that come with answering God’s call. My prayer is that readers will also know the joy of being God’s beloved dreamer and will be able to flourish in all that God is calling them to do.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors, or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

As a writer, I find the more I pour out my thoughts, insights, or musings on the page, the more God fills me with new ideas and insights and inspiration. It really is like the widow with the overflowing oil we read about in 2 Kings 4:1-7. We really are blessed to be a blessing.

Writing is a gift that God gave me since I was a child. Writing isn’t easy, but it’s as natural to me as breathing and laughing. Whether I’m writing in my journal, outlining a new project, or working on a manuscript, I feel God’s grace on me when I’m writing.

I’m an introvert, so writing is a great way for me to process my thoughts and feelings. Journaling helps me to reflect and ponder God’s work in my life over the years, organize and prioritize my current projects, and dream about what’s next. God has called me to write and speak about him in this season. I love when someone says my words are just what they needed to read or hear. It may be from a book I wrote years ago, but the words resonate with them today. Only God could do that! I’m always quick to remind them that it’s the Holy Spirit touching them. I’m just a grateful vessel.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you right now?

Along with reading the Bible, I really do enjoy listening to Christian music throughout the day. I try to listen to uplifting songs during lunch, in the evening, or when I’m driving (shout out to K-Love radio). Songs that talk about the hope we have in Jesus and the goodness of God help me keep my heart right and help to brighten the day.

I can be feeling overwhelmed and stressed about something, but then a certain song comes on and my perspective shifts. I start to focus on God and not my cares or worries. It’s lovely how much encouragement and truth you can find in even one song. It’s nice when a song comes on that we sing during service. So I’d say listening to worship music is very important, especially these days.

Also, this may sound odd to some, but I’m also really enjoying watching “The Chosen” TV series because it’s focused on Jesus and his disciples. I’d rather watch “The Chosen” than a lot of other shows on air these days. Music and TV aren’t meant to replace the Bible or prayer, but edifying songs and programs can help us keep our hearts and minds fixed on spiritual things.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top three resources stand out to you? What changed the game and changed your heart? What radically altered your life? What changed your reality?

If I had to narrow it down, these three books have had a lot of impact on me:

“Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire” by Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. This book helped me realize how important it is to be Spirit-led and to pray and seek God’s guidance.

“Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby. This book also helped me realize that God is already at work in this world. We just need to pray and see where God is working and join him right there.

“The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan. This book helped me to see we all go through ups and downs in our Christian journey. It’s important not to quit or give up along the way. I usually read nonfiction books, so this classic tale was a welcome addition to my reading list.

These are just three of so many books that have helped shape me over the years. I appreciate how the first two authors share personal accounts and testimonies of how God has worked in and through their lives. I also appreciate Bunyan’s masterful way of telling a compelling story that so many mature and newer Christians can still relate to.

We all have things we cling to to survive (or even thrive) in tough times—times like these! Name one resource you’re savoring and/or finding indispensable in this current season, and tell us what it’s doing for you.

This may not sound very spiritual at first, but stick with me. I’m really enjoying YouTube these days because I can intentionally look for an array of Christian-themed videos to watch, including sermons, conferences, interviews or Christian music videos. If you avoid all the other rabbit holes on the online platform, it’s pretty easy to find videos of your favorite pastors or Christian authors and entertainers. You just have to choose wisely and look for edifying content.

I appreciate being able to watch live streams from anywhere across the globe. Whether it’s a Christmas service, a Christian concert, a documentary, a podcast, or something else, it’s nice to have access to spiritual content. It’s out there. Just look for it.

What we watch and listen to is so important. When I want to find something uplifting, I’m glad that I can search for a sermon or movie or video that points back to God. Obviously, YouTube isn’t the only place to watch Christian content, but it’s one of the sites I’m watching pretty regularly these days to help balance out all the negative news out there.

QUESTION #8: dream

God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

It should come as no surprise by now that I’m already dreaming about my next book and beyond. I’m looking forward to continuing to encourage, inspire, and empower people as they walk by abounding faith, hope, and love and dare to live their God-given dreams. It’s a privilege and honor to encourage women and men of diverse backgrounds along their faith journey.

I’m thrilled that, starting in May, readers can find my devotional articles in “Our Daily Bread”’s monthly devotional, which can be found all around the world in print or online. I’m grateful that God continues to allow me to reach readers with words of hope and encouragement.

Years ago, when I first learned that I had the spiritual gift of exhortation, I was kind of disappointed. It didn’t seem very significant. But over the years of ministering locally and as a short-term missionary to five countries and at in-person or virtual events, I’ve found that people need to be encouraged. They need to know about God’s amazing love for them. I’m excited to see what doors the Lord continues to open for me to share his Good News with others. Stay tuned!

Interviewing Nancy was a refreshing reminder that God doesn’t simply want to be studied and talked about. He wants to be known. He wants relationship.

This can be hard to wrap our minds around if we grew up (or grew up in our faith) believing that knowing God boils down to reading the Bible and praying for needs. Like a task we get to check off our to-do list.

But relationship with God is so much more than that. What if we could experience God the way Moses, David, Jesus’ disciples, and the early church apostles did — hearing his voice, following his direction, watching him answer our prayers and allowing him to search our hearts and renew our minds? Can you imagine it?

This week, may our hearts be drawn into deeper fellowship with Jesus. Not to check him off our daily lists — but to encounter him in a new, even more authentic way.

Nancy Gavilanes is an accomplished writer, a gifted communicator and a passionate evangelist and Bible school instructor who loves to encourage, empower and inspire women of diverse backgrounds to walk by abounding faith. Nancy has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and has written for various publications, including The New York Times. Nancy’s new book, God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is being released on March 5, 2024. Nancy is a contributing writer for Our Daily Bread Ministries and has written for SpiritLed Woman’s and Charisma’s websites. Join Nancy’s email community at AboundingFaith.com/Community.

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