Every day from the time I can remember I wondered why I was here. What is my purpose? It’s a common question, we all have it burning inside us like a flame that just won’t quit. It burns so long it hurts and you can’t ignore it.
So I tried finding my purpose by striving, by trying really hard to meet expectations I placed on myself, by achieving, by trying to earn significance and approval, and I tried so hard to meet the world’s definition of success. I was stuck in the trap of comparison, concerned more with what I didn’t have than grateful for what I did have. And I had no clue who I was. It was an exhausting way to live. Hopeless was how it felt.
It wasn’t until I met Jesus, that I understood my purpose isn’t something I find, it’s not something I do, it’s not even something I can achieve or earn through success. We don’t find our purpose; we start living on purpose.
My perspective shifted as I grew closer in relationship with Jesus. I began realizing my significance couldn’t come from anything I accomplished, but that I was fully forgiven and fully known by God, through Jesus. His grace was available for me to receive, I just needed to choose Him. My identity comes from Him, nothing else. And no one can take that from me. I know who I am now.
My circumstances didn’t change, all my problems didn’t go away, but little by little my heart was transformed. I haven’t met the world’s definition of success, or risen to elite status in anything this world has to offer– yet I have hope, I have joy, I have life and I have significance in Jesus.
I believe a lot of people are like I was before I met Jesus and if I can help just one person meet Jesus throughout these pages or any other story I tell, it’s worth it. You are worth it – not because I say so, but because He says so. That’s my “why” for this.
My hope is that you will believe and receive these truths for yourself:
- You are fully forgiven for yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Jesus.
- You are fully known by Him, and He desires a relationship with you.
- You are loved by a good God.
- With Him, everything is possible.
- You are called to live on purpose for a purpose.
This journey we call “life” wasn’t meant to be traveled through alone. We all need friends. We need to learn from each other. And, we need Jesus. I would love to get to know you. Let’s chat! ashley@ashleybates.com
My People
This is my inner tribe. The ones that make me laugh, the ones that make me crazy, and the ones who love me for me. I love them too. My husband Casey is a great dad, we are a blended family (all the kids are mine) — but he’ll tell you they are all his too. He loves the two oldest (Corbin in the gray & Brady in the burgundy) just as much as the two littles (his by blood). Bridger is in Casey’s arms, yes, he refused to look at the camera and no I didn’t care. Kids are kids and this happens. Part of also being a photography mom. Sommer — well, no explanation needed, right? She’s the only girlfriend in the photo besides me. She is often referred to as girlfriend because it fits. Trust me.
I would love to meet your family! Connect with me and we can grab some coffee, juice, or whatever!