NAME: Shamone Lewin
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
Hola, my name is Shamone, but my buddy Maxwell calls me Monie. I will be a whopping 26 years old in October. I was born in the land flowing with reggae music and super-fast runners (which I am not one). I am currently living in Pennsylvania where I am surrounded by corn fields, farms and a great church family. A few of my favorite things include turning up my music and dancing when no one’s watching (though I hope someone is watching to give them a laugh), spending time with those who I only have to have a small filter up, and playing pretend with the children in my life.
IF YOU COULD BE A CEREAL BOX CARTOON CHARACTER FOR JUST 24 HOURS, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
Crackle from the Rice Krispy cereal trio. He is the high energy brother elf who was rocking a slouch hat before it was fashionable. What a trendy guy!
IF YOU COULD HIRE AN ASSISTANT, WHAT TYPE OF THINGS WOULD YOU HAVE THEM HELP YOU WITH?
Definitely answering my phone and responding to texts. Luckily, I am not controlled by my phone, but I am at the other spectrum. I think it’s accurate to say I miss more calls than those I answer. I apologize to all those who have gotten a “lol” response from me for a joke that was originally sent a day or two earlier.
TELL US ABOUT AN EMBARRASSING MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU CAN LAUGH ABOUT NOW.
In middle school, I snuck up behind one of my friends at a public bus stop and covered her eyes. I said, “Guess who?” After she guessed a few people wrong, she gave up. I removed my hands from over her eyes and she turned around. Low and behold this person was not my friend, but a complete stranger! After awkward exchanges of shock and humiliation, I apologized and waited next to this person for the bus.
YOU ARE KNOWN TO BE A CONSISTENT PERSON. WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS SO AND WHY DO YOU FEEL CONSISTENCY IS IMPORTANT?
It’s funny, I didn’t always see myself as consistent because realistically no one feels like it 100% of the time. But I watched those that lived for God and were consistent in their walk for years. They made daily decisions to be present in what they did and had a rhythm of work and rest. At first I saw it as mundanity, but it became clear that this is what it was to be radical and committed to Christ, which are important to me. Cheers to saying yes to God every day and for finishing well!
YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH MENTORING OTHERS. WHAT CHARACTER TRAIT WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO TAKE TIME TO DEVELOP AND WHY?
Humility. When mentoring people I don’t ever think of myself as above them. I aim to not hide my goofy flawed self and demonstrate love. I’ve found that when I position my heart to uplift others and not toot my own horn, I create a safe environment for people to open up and receive from me.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY AND HOW DO YOU REMAIN JOYFUL IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES?
I have this picture in my head of God the father. I burst through the throne room doors and He stands up and runs to meet me with perfect excitement. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is for me, and I trust His leading. Even if I am in the wrong, He is for me and will lead me to change the way I think. He’s awesome like that. No matter the difficulty level of the day, my God is a good father and He’s my biggest cheerleader.
STANDING ON TRUTH IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN FACING DISAPPOINTMENTS. WHAT TRUTH OR TRUTHS HAVE YOU STOOD UPON WHEN YOU HAVE FACED DISAPPOINTING CIRCUMSTANCES?
The thought that I have been continually revisiting is that my God is progressive. He is always steps ahead of what I’m going through in all aspects and is leading me forward. When I find myself swimming in disappointments, I know this is not the end of the journey, and God has isn’t holding back but has great plans for me just around the riverbend.
IF YOU WERE SPEAKING TO A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?
In the words of Mr. Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” Therefore, don’t hold back or suck it in. Cry deeply, laugh heartily and get caught up in the things that have real substance. #yolo
NAME ONE SCRIPTURE YOU WOULD HAVE TATTOOED ON YOUR BODY.
I probably won’t ever get a tatter-too on my body (I’m not too fond of needles or bleeding my own blood), but I would have to say John 11:35, “Jesus wept”. It reminds me that Jesus empathizes with his intimate friends. This verse shatters the mindset that we are just God’s minions. Plus the shortest verse means less pain.
WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE UNDERWATER AND SWIM WITH THE FISH OR LIVE IN A TREE AND FLY WITH THE BIRDS?
Hands down birds. Fish eat where they poop. I rest my case.
THANKS FOR GIVING US A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR LIFE AND HOW YOU DO PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY.