Faith stories - Esther
About me
I married Garry and joined Bruntsfield 10 years ago now! I’m a creative type, and worked as an interior designer for 7 years. Now I’m a freelance photographer alongside my main job as full-time Mum of three, Marcy (6) Roman (3.5) and Hallie (1). Becoming a mum has been one of life's biggest blessings, but I have found it hard too.
What big global events have defined you as a person?
2001, Sept 11 (Twin tower attack). I was 9 and remember mum picking me up from school and telling me on the way home. We had lived in the neighbouring State, Connecticut from 1996-1999 just a few years before and visited NYC a bit, so it felt very close to home. I was young so didn't understand fully but seeing the impact and aftermath it had worldwide had a big effect on me.
2020, March (Covid). I think everyone remembers where they were when the first Lockdown came in March, we were first time parents of a then two month old, and this was not how I imagined Maternity Leave! So many uncertainties, and suddenly no support, visitors or even family allowed which was awful. Taking Marcy anywhere into a sea of masked-faces wasn't pleasant either, she couldn’t see all these people smiling at her! But we tried to see the best in it, and knew God would help and provide, and He did!
Tell us about some of your biggest life moments personally.
Carrying and birthing my three children! Pregnancy is a complete wonder, but I found each pregnancy pretty tough going on the body and mind, and 2 of the 3 births were not "straight forward" which took some time to process. But each time, I knew God went before me, that He was with me through all the emotions. I knew I was carried in prayer and did feel a real inner peace, even in the hardest moments.
What’s the greatest thing you've seen the Lord do?
In 2013 I moved to London myself at 21, fresh out of Uni. It was a huge move for me as I didn't know anyone and all family, friends and Garry (my boyfriend then!) were miles away. But God provided a job for me there, and so I followed. He provided affordable short term accommodation with a family down there. An African/Caribbean couple with 4 adopted kids. Sadly when I moved in, the couple were having issues, the husband/father had not long moved out wrestling with faith and infidelity.
I had a good few weeks feeling really unsettled and alone in a very big unknown city. But I got to witness this lady's faith first hand in real time as she processed and prayed and relied on God to carry her through. I felt so out of my depth but on reflection, God was at work. In her life and mine, through each other’s circumstances. Over the next several months, God worked in their lives and in the end they renewed their vows and moved back in together by the time my chapter in London was over!
I got to see real faith at work, and God at work in real practical ways. I'm thankful for what He taught me at that time, I felt carried by Him, and reminded His plans and purposes are always greater.
What’s a life lesson you’d want to pass on to the next person?
God has your life mapped out, each chapter will have a purpose even if you don’t see it at the time.
Harder seasons often produce the best fruit.
God wants a relationship with us, daily. I encourage you to engage with Him in whatever way, in whatever capacity that looks like. Start small and build the habit. I was challenged recently about how much we don't even question certain daily habits - brushing our teeth, making a coffee, opening Instagram, texting a friend, going for a run.....some you don't even think about, you just do.
We make time for what we care about. Could we do the same with our relationship with God in 2026?
