Hey, friends! Welcome back to "More Precious Than Rubies," where we dive into the incredible lives of women living out their faith today. In this latest episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my dear friend, Adaly. She’s a soon-to-be Christian counselor and a talented singer, and we talked all about her journey—one that beautifully mirrors the story of Miriam, the first woman prophetess in the Bible. From her faith-driven ambition to her love of worship, Adaly’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s jump into what makes her journey so special!
Following the Call: From Confusion to Clarity
Adaly’s path to becoming a Christian counselor has been nothing short of a faith journey. Born and raised in Mexico until age eight, Adaly’s bilingual ability became a cornerstone of her mission to help those often overlooked in counseling spaces. When she was a senior in high school, she found herself at a crossroads, unsure of what God wanted her to do. But through prayer and seeking counsel, she began to see the pieces of her life coming together.
"All I knew was I just wanted to follow him, and I wanted to do what he has called me to do,"
she shared. It wasn’t long before she realized the need for more Bible-believing, bilingual counselors.
Worship: More Than Just Singing
Adaly's story isn't just about her professional journey; it's also deeply rooted in music and worship. She started off shyly mouthing words into a mic at her family’s church plant, but over time she found her voice—literally and spiritually.
As she grew in her faith, she understood that worship was more than just joyous singing; it was about being authentic.
"Worship is very much so multifaceted... it’s about being authentic.”
Whether through joyous songs or more reflective hymns, Adaly's worship is always heartfelt and genuine.
The Importance of Cultural Heritage
One of the most compelling parts of Adaly’s journey is her dedication to her Hispanic heritage. Having moved to the United States from Mexico, she’s seen firsthand how cultural nuances play a role in mental health.
Based on stats from a 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only 36% of Hispanic and Latino Americans received mental health services compared to 52% of non-Hispanic whites. This gap? Adaly attributes it to a pattern she’s familiar with—pushing trauma aside due to the hustle and adjustments of immigrant life.
"When you don’t talk about it, it actually doesn’t matter because you’re not thinking about it, you’re not verbalizing it. So it just feels easy to stuff it down,"
she said. By focusing on these cultural complexities, Adaly aims to encourage her community to seek the help they deserve, changing the narrative one counseling session at a time.
Bridging Faith with Profession
For Adaly, stepping into each counseling session is a faith act, emphasizing that it’s crucial to invite the Holy Spirit into every session. She fosters a judgment-free space, knowing that judgment can interrupt the divine flow of healing.
“If you’re judging, you need to repent right away and just not do that, because at the end of the day, you’re nobody to judge,”
she asserts. It’s through this non-judgmental, loving approach that she brings comfort and hope to her clients.
Family, Food, and Joy
Beyond her professional life, Adaly cherishes her family traditions, especially their love for food. Carne asada gatherings are more than just meals—they’re integral to her cultural identity.
"Growing up, we would always eat tacos... it's nice because then they get to know a little piece of my family because that's what we grew up with, that's what we see,"
she shared. Food, joy, and family are intertwined, reminding her and those around her of the deep, grounding ties of heritage.
Tips for Aspiring Counselors
To those considering a similar career path, Adaly offers straightforward advice:
"Realizing you don’t know anything... that’s what’s needed at times."
Humility and a solid reliance on God are crucial. Whether you're diving into Christian or secular counseling, leaning on God for wisdom and strength can make a world of difference. Whether you’re navigating your path in counseling, considering a new ministry, or simply aiming to deepen your faith, Adaly’s story is a humbling reminder to rely on God and be real in every step.
If you’ve been moved by Adaly’s journey and want to hear more stories of incredible women living out their faith, make sure to subscribe to "More Precious Than Rubies." Leave us a review, share this episode with a friend, and tune in next time for more inspiring stories of faith and leadership. And remember, you too can lead others to a deeper understanding of God’s love.
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