5 minutes with Katrina ...
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Katrina and I coordinate the Visual Arts faculty in an Anglican school. I am proud to call myself a teacher, but I really do so much more than what the title suggests. Rather, I see myself as a preparer of young lives. When young people are encouraged and empowered, they have an incredible capacity to see the world for all its potential. If we can show our young people how to think according to Godly principles rather than worldly ones and instil in them the skills needed to communicate their ideas effectively, we can change the world.
What is your favourite bible passage and why?
My favourite bible verse was given to me by a student many years ago. She wanted to encourage me and wrote a little verse on a piece of paper and slipped it on my desk. I kept that little piece of paper in my wallet until it fell apart years later. It was from Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, with prayer and petition, present your requests to God, and the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.”
When I am stressed I concentrate on the command not to be anxious, knowing that God’s promises stand firm. When I am feeling low I remember the call to prayer, to lay my burdens at the Father’s feet. When I am feeling disheartened by the pressures and weight of being a full time working mother who is trying to be everything to everybody, I contemplate the amazing PEACE that falls upon me when I get my priorities right. This verse reminds me that although this world is far from perfect as I am far from perfect, there is nothing to fear in a world with God as my saviour. It reminds me to live boldly, to speak out against injustice, and to love unconditionally. I do not need to fear rejection, heartbreak, pain and ridicule because God is GOOD and His peace will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
When I am focussed on me, that is a hard thing to do, but when I focus on the needs of others,
connect with their stories and commit to praying for them I find it easier.
What would you like the next generation of women to know?
Imagine a world where all Christian women with their capacity for compassion and godly wisdom felt they could speak boldly about their faith and take action to stand up for the oppressed in both other countries and in our local communities. I would like the next generation of Christian women to know that they are culture makers. We are all consumers of culture, and culture inadvertently consumes us. The seemingly insignificant choices we make impact our world in huge ways. When we are faced with decisions about whether to follow the world or the Word, there are implications no matter what we choose. The extremes are easy to visualise, but passivity is also a choice and if we do not rise up, others will and culture moves in a direction that we do not like. We can be the culture makers, or we can leave it to the likes of the celebrity circus to do it for us. Jesus shook the foundations of culture. People had lived by the Law for generations. Things were fairly black and white as documented in the ten commandments and the rules set in place by the chief priests. Then Jesus came along and lit a fire…
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. “
What is one thing that you love about your local church?
From the moment I walked in to my church I felt welcomed. People sort to get to know me and they welcomed me into their lives. I feel I have a real church family and I cannot imagine not seeing them from week to week. There is also a strong pastoral care network that is readily available. When my father in law passed away, people called us, we did not have to seek assistance. That is amazing.
What did you learn about God at a time in your life that you found hard?
I learnt that God is constant and that his promises stand firm. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is the alpha and omega. There is nothing I can do to separate me from the love of God. It is in my vulnerability that I am made strong. In other words, I have learnt to keep it real. There is no point pretending to God for he knows me completely. I have learnt to remain humble, to pray for forgiveness and accept his grace.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about encouraging young people to reach their potential in Christ. I am passionate about helping them discern worldly wisdom from Godly wisdom and encouraging them to step out in faith into the life the Lord has planned for them. Seeing a young person at 17 ready and equipped to go out into the world gives me the greatest pleasure. This includes my own children. I am amazed every day at how God is shaping them into strong, resilient people of faith. I shouldn’t be amazed, but I am… and humbled. What a beautiful gift.
What do you enjoy doing when you rest?
I have a favourite spot in my garden where I like to sit with a cup of tea and be still. There I think things through, I pray and I regenerate. I also love read and go to art galleries. Seeing God’s creativity in both natural and human form inspires me and gives me energy.
