We were lucky to catch up with Amaya Gray recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amaya, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Godly Intentions Real Life Ministries began as a vision God placed in my heart—a call to create a space where people could find connection, healing, and strength rooted in His love. It was my junior year of high school, and life felt both exhilarating and overwhelming. I was thriving academically, managing a job, and holding leadership roles in several extracurriculars. At the same time, I was active in my church community. But amidst all this, my world was shaken when I lost my great-grandfather, PawPaw, who had been a father figure to me since my biological father was no longer present in my life after age five. PawPaw’s passing left a profound void, and I struggled with deep mental and emotional pain. I faced challenges in close relationships and felt the weight of grief pressing on my heart. During this difficult season, I began meeting consistently with a wise, compassionate woman of God, RaShonda Jamerson. Her kindness, understanding, and unwavering faith lifted me in ways I hadn’t known I needed. RaShonda helped me see that my pain didn’t have to define me and reminded me that I wasn’t too young to make a difference. She shared Jeremiah 1:7 with me, where God tells Jeremiah, “Do not say, ‘I am [only] a young man,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.” That verse gave me hope, showing me that my age didn’t limit what God could do through me. RaShonda encouraged me to create a space where I could share my journey and where women could pour into one another. Inspired and full of faith, I hosted my first event in 2018, in my mom’s living room. We gathered to talk about loving ourselves in a way that honors God, caring for our hearts, and growing together. The women who attended poured back into me, sharing how much they valued a place to be real, a place where their stories were heard and respected. Each of us shared three bonds: we were Christian, we were Black, and we were women. Navigating life with that unique identity can feel isolating, and I realized that this space was desperately needed. That day, something powerful happened. My boyfriend’s mother spoke words over my life that still resonate today. She told me that God had a calling on me and wants to use me in ways I might not yet see. She urged me to never let fear stop me because, if I did, I would one day live with the regret of not stepping into my purpose. Her words planted a seed in my heart, reminding me to trust God’s plan and not let doubt keep me from the work He’s called me to do. With prayer and faith, I understood this gathering wasn’t just a single event—it was the foundation of a ministry. I knew God was calling me to something bigger, even if it didn’t seem logical at the time. After all, what sense did it make for a 17-year-old girl, dealing with her own mental health struggles, to start a ministry? But God has a way of using those the world might overlook, and I knew He would guide me. In founding Godly Intentions Real Life Ministries, I envisioned a place where we could bring together the beauty of church fellowship and the authenticity of honest conversations. I wanted us to talk about the hard things: racism, sexual abuse, mental health, and intersectionality—issues that aren’t often discussed openly in church. I wanted women to feel welcome and supported, regardless of where they were on their faith journey. The most rewarding part of this ministry has been watching people find acceptance and belonging. I wanted everyone who joined to know that they were loved—by God and by this community. Despite the struggles, despite the grief, and despite whatever life has thrown their way, there is a place here where they are embraced. This ministry is built on faith, purpose, and the certainty that God can use each of us to uplift others, no matter where we start.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m currently 23 (24 this December), and for as long as I can remember, depression and anxiety have been woven into my story—though I didn’t recognize them until 8th grade. Before then, I just thought I was “crazy,” struggling in silence, unable to explain the waves of despair or the tightening grip of anxiety. The 8th grade and my junior year were especially challenging as if life’s weight bore down all at once. But in the midst of it, a light came through: RaShonda’s consistent, godly support. Her guidance helped me see that my story could be used to help others. That’s how Godly Intentions Real Life (GIRL) began. Over time, the ministry’s focus became clear: to bridge mental health, faith, and the unique experience of navigating the world as a Black Christian woman, staying true to every part of our identity. Through GIRL, we provide motivation and connection: social media posts that inspire, prayer calls, Bible studies, group chats that feel like family, and in-person events like prayer walks, vision board parties, and panel discussions. We also collaborate with like-minded ministers and organizations—people who bring biblical insights and professional backgrounds in mental health, psychology, sociology, business, and social work.
GIRL has become a space for young women who may not feel ready or welcomed in traditional church settings, for those who want to follow Jesus but come from families with different beliefs, and for Gen-Z moms looking for a place to be seen and supported. What sets us apart is that this ministry isn’t about social media numbers, titles, or praise—goals that can sometimes overshadow the heart of the work, even in Christian spaces. Instead, we’re focused on helping young women draw closer to God and build genuine connections with sisters who understand. We bridge the gap between our faith and daily life, showing that following Jesus doesn’t mean you can’t seek therapy, medication, or other support when needed. GIRL is a place where you can grow without fear of judgment.
One of my greatest joys is seeing the quiet victories of women who’ve found healing and hope through GIRL. I believe that our struggles now are simply the steps leading us to a future full of purpose and victory (Romans 8:18 AMP: “For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!”).
I’m especially proud that we respect the privacy of every woman who desires it. Not everyone wants their picture on Instagram or feels ready to share their story publicly, and we honor that. Through private prayer calls and one-on-one support, we offer a safe, sacred space for women to open up without pressure or judgment. Knowing that our events and socials have encouraged women to reconnect with the church, pick up their Bibles again, make a new friend, or take a bold leap of faith—this is what keeps us going.
Here, we encourage (“Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP), empower (“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” – Acts 1:8 AMP), and embrace (“Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family]…” – Romans 12:10 AMP).

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

If I were to share a story that illustrates resilience, I would reflect on my journey through my early 20s—a period marked by upheaval, uncertainty, and profound growth. During this time, life seemed to throw me curveball after curveball. I found myself moving frequently, often without control over the circumstances, and switching jobs as I tried to carve out my path. Each change felt daunting, like stepping onto shaky ground with no clear direction. Amid this chaos, my mother, Tracie, opened up to me about her struggles, sharing her experiences. Her vulnerability created a safe space for me to confront my feelings, allowing me to recognize that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. It was a revelation to see how she navigated her challenges, teaching me the power of sharing our burdens rather than hiding them. Her honesty not only deepened our bond but also ignited a fire in me to be open about my own vulnerabilities, reminding me of the scripture in Galatians 6:2 (AMP): “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Alongside my mother’s support, I found another pillar of strength in my boyfriend Jordan Thompson aka Isaac. , who has been my steady companion through the storms of life. He took the time to learn how to help me manage my anxiety attacks, discovering what calms me and how to offer comfort when I need reassurance. His patience is nothing short of a miracle; he listens to me without judgment, holding space for my fears while gently guiding me back to a place of peace. It’s in those moments of vulnerability that I’ve seen the depth of his love, echoing the truth of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (AMP): “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant… bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” His unwavering support reassures me that I am cherished, even when my anxiety clouds my perspective.
Throughout this tumultuous period, I’ve been blessed with a community of friends who genuinely pray for me and lift me up during the tough moments. Their prayers have been a source of strength, reminding me that I am surrounded by love and support, even when life feels overwhelming. As it says in James 5:16 (AMP): “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Knowing that others are interceding on my behalf has brought me comfort and hope.
Today, I find myself in a season of resilience—one that is filled with growth, reflection, and learning from my mistakes. I’m beginning to understand that navigating adulthood isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about embracing the uncertainty and discovering who I am in the process. This journey has taught me to be more intentional about my choices, more compassionate toward myself, and more aware of my own needs and limitations.
I’ve learned that resilience is not merely enduring hardships but embracing them as part of the journey. It’s about trusting God in the midst of confusion, knowing that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned from my mother’s struggles, my boyfriend’s unwavering support, and the prayers of those around me. I am ready to embrace the beautiful messiness of life, confident that God is with me every step of the way, guiding me toward purpose and strength.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that resilience is about so much more than survival; it is the tapestry of experiences that shapes us, pulling us into deeper connections with ourselves and others. Every setback has been a stepping stone, an invitation to rise stronger, with scars that tell a story of triumph rather than defeat. I have come to cherish the importance of community, where hearts are open, and vulnerability is celebrated. It is within these relationships, that I have learned that we are all beautifully human—bound by shared experiences of pain and joy.
In this season of my life, I stand committed to embracing every chapter of my story. Each moment, both heart-wrenching and uplifting, has woven a narrative of strength and hope. We all have the power to uplift one another, to create spaces where healing and growth are possible. Together, we can remind one another that we are never alone on this journey, that our voices matter, and that our experiences can inspire and uplift those around us. Life may be messy, but we find connection, purpose, and the strength to carry on in our shared humanity.
A beautiful scripture that encapsulates the themes of resilience, community, and hope is Zephaniah 3:17 (AMP) which reads, “The LORD your God is in your midst, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” This verse powerfully conveys the idea that God is always present, rejoicing in our journeys and offering us His love and support. It emphasizes His protective nature as well as the joy He takes in us, perfectly summing up resilience and connection

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In my journey of growth and transformation, I have come to understand the profound necessity of unlearning old habits and reevaluating the dynamics of collaboration. At the outset, I was inclined to invite those closest to me—friends and loved ones—into the fold of my ministry. I was drawn to their heartfelt prayers and noble intentions, believing that their support would naturally translate into a harmonious working relationship. However, I soon discovered that my eagerness to surround myself with familiar faces often clouded my judgment. It became painfully apparent that my reluctance to address necessary corrections or voice concerns led to a precarious balance within our interactions. In my heart, I grappled with the tension of wanting to preserve relationships while also striving for excellence in the mission God had placed before me. Now, as I stand on the precipice of a new chapter, I find myself operating largely as a one-woman team. While I am still actively seeking assistance and support, I have come to realize that proximity does not always guarantee alignment in purpose. I have learned that if individuals genuinely desire the flourishing of this ministry, they will embrace constructive feedback rather than taking it as a personal affront. This is a hard lesson that I continue to navigate, and it often feels like a weighty burden to carry. For now, I am fortunate to be in a position where I can manage the ministry’s needs independently. Yet, the longing for connection and collaboration still stirs within me, a reminder of the community I wish to cultivate. More importantly, I have had to confront the sobering reality of attempting to seize control over what belongs to God. In this divine partnership, I have come to see myself not as the owner but as an employee of the Almighty, recognizing that He is the true Boss of this ministry. This revelation has shifted my perspective entirely; I now understand that I must seek His counsel before undertaking any significant changes, collaborations, or initiatives. As Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) reminds us, “Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed.” I am learning to surrender my own plans and ideas, acknowledging that His ways are infinitely higher than my own. This journey of unlearning has illuminated the importance of operating within God’s divine order. I cannot presume to know better than the One who intricately designed this ministry, who crafted my very being, and who has woven the tapestry of my life with purpose and intention. My role is to be faithful, attentive, and responsive to His guidance. As I move forward, I do so with a heart eager to embrace God’s vision, fully aware that it is through obedience and humility that I will find success. In this sacred endeavor, I have come to understand the significance of trusting God’s timing and divine orchestration. Each step I take must be in alignment with His will, and I must remain vigilant in prayer, seeking His direction at every turn. Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP) exhorts us, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which reassures the heart, that peace which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This scripture serves as my anchor, reminding me that my trust in Him brings an immeasurable peace that calms the storms within my heart. As I forge ahead, I do so with an open heart, ready to learn from both successes and missteps. This process is one of constant growth, deeply rooted in faith, where I am committed to remaining teachable and responsive to God’s voice. I am learning to navigate this path with grace, knowing that with every challenge faced and every lesson learned, I am being refined for the work ahead. In this journey, I am steadfast in my commitment to serve, uplift, and glorify God, trusting that in His perfect plan, all things will be made new.

Contact Info:

• Website: godlyinrl.com
• Instagram: @godlyinrl
• Facebook: @godlyinrl
• Twitter: @godlyinrl
• Other: threads @godlyinrl

Image Credits
Shalae Page Jordan Thompson Amaya Gray MLive