Featuring Sofia Thomas

the noise does not intimidate God

This interview series is designed to introduce you to the amazing women that I admire and think you should know. This week, you’re going to meet Sofia: an incredible preacher, storyteller, and lover of beauty. You’re going to be glad to know her.

Tell us what your life looks like in this season

This current season of life is both a lot of fun and a lot of work. I’ve got two little kids (4 and 2) so I’m never bored. I stay at home with them full-time and they go to preschool every morning which is a blessing for our whole household. My days are full of lots of cooking, writing, playing with Paw Patrol toys, gardening, and going on runs. I’m currently training for my third half marathon. I’ve found that running helps my writing and my parenting. I get to teach at my church sometimes and I am working on a few sermons for the upcoming months. Out of all of this, being a mom is my favorite thing and I couldn’t do any of it without Marcus, my husband and best friend.

What is the best book you’ve read in the last six month and how do you incorporate reading into your life?

The Wood Between the Worlds by Brian Zahnd. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’ve ever struggled understanding the crucifixion of Jesus, this is the most profound explanation I have found. It encouraged, challenged, and corrected me. Reading has always been such a big part of my life. Even as a mom of young kids I make sure to find time to get it in, even if it’s just one chapter a day. I usually read before bed or during nap time.

How you make space to hear from God in the midst of the rest of your life?

I think something that I’ve grown in understanding, especially as a mom, is that God’s presence is everywhere, in everything, and fully accessible to us at all times. I hear Him through my children, during runs with friends, and even in the chaos of cooking dinner with Disney movies blasting in the background. I love silence and solitude, and I think it's important. But I used to think silence was the only way I could hear God talk to me, and because I’m in a season where silence isn’t prominent I would grow discouraged, feeling like I couldn’t hear Him clearly. So I am growing in learning to hear God in the chaos. Because He is in it and the noise does not intimidate Him or stop Him from speaking to me.

What are some personal practices—spiritual, creative, practical—that are shaping your life?

I already mentioned running. I know it can sound crazy to some, but running really does fuel my creativity. It seems to loosen up everything in my mind and body, and helps it all come out more cohesively. I’m also exploring writing more fiction. I’ve always done this casually, but I’m getting into it more just for the joy of it. I think it makes me feel more connected to God and people. (editor’s note: please go read Sofia’s short story!)

Tell us about someone that is mentoring you right now and one thing you have changed because of their influence.

I have a dear woman in my life who has been a prominent voice for me over the last several years. She has deeply shifted my motives for being a woman in church ministry. There was a time where I fell into the disillusionment of the validation of people and the idea that I needed to build public influence. It was a dark season. Her shepherding woke me up to the humility I’ve been called to and the wonder of actually following Jesus, with or without a platform. Gratitude doesn’t even describe how I feel for this lesson she not only taught me, but showed me with her own life and ministry.

Please share two things that you are constantly recommending to others.

Barefoot sneakers, like these. They are an absolute game changer. My feet and body have never felt better. Never again will I subject myself to narrow shoes. There’s a ton of good brands out there with really cute designs too.

A New York Times Cooking subscription. This has been a game changer for my family! So many good recipes, and a super user friendly app. Most of our daily meals come from having this subscription.

Thank you, Sofia! It’s been wonderful to hear about how your life is being shaped and get some ideas. You can find Sofia on Substack at Am I the Only One Crying Over Here and you can follow her flower farm on Instagram.