#sistersofinfluence: Ruth Chou Simons
Today I have the privilege and joy of introducing you to Ruth Chou Simons. I met Ruth a couple years ago at the Influence Conference. She was one of the breakout speakers, and her words about the necessity of preaching truth to ourselves still ring in my ears. I went up and introduced myself afterwards, and y'all, she is just so kind and real. Her art is in our home, I use one of her journals to write out Scripture, and I am daily encouraged by her Instagram feed in which she shares snippets of her life through the lens of truth. I know you'll love her, too.
Tell us about yourself. Who are you?
My name is Ruth Chou Simons, and I am the artist/author/speaker over at gracelaced.com. I am a wife, mother of 6 mancubs, and I paint and write as a reflection of God's work in my life.
How did you come to know the Lord?
I came to know the Lord years ago, after being invited to a church camp in 5th grade. I wasn't saved at the time, but I began taking my parents to church and was drawn to Christ. Years down the road, a Chinese Church reached out to my family and shared the gospel- we all came to faith and continue to pursue the Lord's will for our lives.
What do you think it means to be a woman of influence right where you are?
Being a woman of influence right where we are begins with the Lord- He makes our lives purposeful. Regardless of our location or occupation-- whatever He has given us to do, He has given us that thing so that we can most glorify Him. Right where we are, we can begin to understand God's goodness and find purpose in our lives. To have influence on those around us means to help them understand those very things- how to display the glory of God and find His goodness and purpose their our lives.
How does the Lord allow you to shine His light through your art and writing?
When I paint and write, I am always reflecting what the Lord has done in creation and what He is doing in my heart. My artwork is an attempt to display the glory of our creative God, the creator of all beauty in the world He made. It is my prayer that people are drawn to the Lord and His word through God's use of my voice/hands.
What is the best piece of marriage advice you've been given?
In seminary, an older woman told me that the person your husband becomes in 20 years is affected by the every day ways you love him. I have found this to be true- that the way I love my husband in the mundane, daily tasks is the greatest reflection if the gospel in the day to day.
How do you raise godly kids in a world that shies away from truth?
I think for me, my goal is not to raise Godly kids. My goal is to really show my kids the greatness of God in the midst of comparison to what is offered to them in the world. I want them to love Jesus and pray that their lives would be transformed in the process.
What is one thing you want the women of our generation to remember?
This generation of women are so preoccupied with how they appear to the world at large through the internet, through their accomplishments, or through being the master of multitasking. I want them to remember that their full worth and purpose comes first and foremost from knowing that their God is the king.
What is your favorite verse or passage of Scripture?
Romans 11:36- For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
And last but not least: coffee or tea?
Coffee