It’s just gone 10.30am, and I’m nestled on an old timber chair drying off from the rain and eagerly awaiting to meet Anna in a quiet Brighton cafe. Despite having never met before, I identified her right away: a bright beaming smile, long glossy hair and deep-red lipstick, she looks like everything she does on Instagram. As we ordered coffee she began to inspire me with stories from her home: having a homeless man to stay, Martin recording songs in their studio, and the countless family discussions that take place over dinner. Endless tales from behind the Smith door, I instantly found myself gripped to her authentic Christ-like living.
(Pictured Above: Anna’s family on vacation)
Mum of 6, wife to worship leader Martin Smith and lover of Christ, Anna Smith is not your average stay-at-home mum. Her eldest daughter, and aspiring photographer Elle Smith, joined us mid-chat for a latte. Matching her mum in red lipstick and a leather jacket, 18-year-old Elle and myself began to talk fashion, college and photography (she surprised me by going to the same college as my sister, and so there was plenty to talk about).
Our conversation was as diverse as her day-to-day schedule. From clubbing to dating and our favourite bible books (hers is Proverbs by the way), I could have sat there all day asking for her advice. I took every opportunity to ask her questions, to delve into her life and see what life married to a worship leader is really like. My spirit was stirred, and I felt inspired. We lost track of time quickly, and 3 hours ticked past as we shared our love for Jesus, mission and not conforming to culture.
1. Relying on God
“I rely on God every minute of the day. The first thing I say when I wake up is ‘God I commit this day to you.’ I’ve got my plans: meetings to have, jobs to do, but I commit each day, and whatever happens to God. So that I would be wise and know when to speak, know when to not speak. That I would be wise with my children, or if I have a meeting. I start my day just listening to Him. I actually read UCB Word of the Day, and I find that really helpful, and it sets out my day. Reading things like ‘His mercies are new every morning,’ just really helps.”
2. Loving people
“I love people. I want more and more people to be freed from whatever holds them back. That is what my heart is- for my own children and for other people to find freedom. I love being a mum, and being with my kids. In this day in age, that is so undervalued- people think that’s not enough- but I’m a real fighter for that, and I’m a believer in cheering on women, mothers who maybe feel they need more. I’m totally up for working mums- I think they are amazing- and I think we need to cheer them on rather than say that they need to be at home with their children. I’m an advocate for that, and we’re all made differently and we really need to celebrate each other, and cheer each other on, rather than be judging or pulling each other down. Just listen to God, just be obedient to Him and don’t give up. I just want people to be encouraged and I think that’s the biggest distraction for mums, and women today, to feel they’re not good enough, or that they’re not going to make it, or that they’ve failed. It’s so from the enemy, and not at all how God wants us to feel. He’s cheering us on, He’s proud of us women. Just tune into that voice.”
3. Advice for young women in the church
“For me, I think we need church, and we need community. I cannot bring up six children, with my husband away quite a bit, without family church. We all need people around us, to correct us, to help us. I need to be looking out for other people- not just in our church, but in our communities, our neighbours, our friends. Just championing people on. Young women should just talk together-let out and talk with people that you trust, and admire. Especially for young women, with all the stuff that’s going on, just have someone that you trust, someone that can talk alongside you. And sometimes that’s not always your peers. I mean it’s great to have your friends, but I think sometimes someone who has done a bit of life, somebody who has seen some hard stuff. Someone who won’t condemn you, or judge you, but might just hug you for an hour and not say anything. Also just spend time with God- know what you’re called to. Don’t be distracted from what God’s put on your heart. Really get to know why you’ve been put here- just be amongst people that are going to cheer you further than that. And if you don’t know what you want to do, I think get yourself on a mission trip- get yourself out of where you’re at- and go and serve someone. During that season I really feel God will speak to you then. As women we really need to surrender ourselves to God, and lean into Him saying ‘you have a plan, and I trust you.’ I still even get distracted now, and I’m 41. I still get distracted about what my calling is, and having someone like Martin my husband just to say ‘this is where we’re at, this is where we’re headed’. I know what I’m going to do, and I’m going to do it great. I’m not just going to be an OK mum, or an OK wife, I’m going to be great at all those things.”
Click HERE for Part II…