7 minute read
ANNIE ASKS Maria T. Henriksen
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My idea of perfect happiness is the joy I have every minute of the day because the Holy Spirit dwells within me. This is not a temporary feeling. This is a constant state of being because I'm a follower of Christ.
On what occasion do you lie?
While it is my understanding that most people lie a few times a day, I'm an extremely honest person. In fact, I was too honest at one point in my life that I had to learn how to be more diplomatic. For example, if someone said, “Does my butt look big in this?” and it does because it is. The old me back in high school may have said, “Yes.” Now, I might say, “It's flattering,” if doesn't make their rear end look worse. I am not as brutally honest as I once was, although I may have my moments.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Trust is the quality I most like in a man. Even as a young child I didn't trust men, except my father. My mother noticed this and told my male doctor who dismissed it. Apparently, I wasn't very accepting of him either. It makes me wonder if something happened to me at a very young age because I have no memory of anything. I wouldn't be surprised if I repressed traumatic memories to protect myself. One of the things that drew me to my husband was that I trusted him. I still do.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Jesus is hands down the greatest love of my life. To say anything other would mean I'm lying, or my state of mind has been severely altered. No human or thing could ever or will ever compare to my love and devotion to my Lord and Savior. Jesus is love. Christ died on the cross for our sins. He sacrificed His life so we may have eternal life. That's love. In turn, I will shout from the rooftops that I am His humble servant and will make sacrifices along the way to spread the good news that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. It's God's love for me and my love for Him that I share the path to paradise.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
In a heartbeat, I would change the fact that I have multiple autoimmune diseases. These diseases affect my cognitive ability, cause extreme fatigue, inflammation, constant and chronic pain, insomnia, stiffness, discomfort, irritability, skin problems, among other afflictions. The daily struggle is real and is getting worse. By the grace of God, I am able to be productive when I need to be. I plan accordingly. Procrastination is my enemy, and I refuse to succumb to its temptation. God gave me a purpose in life, and I intend to fulfill it with every ounce of my being.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My children are my greatest achievement, although I really can't take the credit. Ultimately, they make their own decisions, and I'm incredibly proud of the young adults they have become. In the face of extreme adversary, my son rose out of the ashes and has continued to be one of my biggest inspirations. His twin sister demonstrates love and support to everyone she encounters and has a tenacity to succeed. Both of them will always have my heart.
Where would you most like to live?
The sea beckons me with its serenity, power, and beauty. I am in awe of how I'm able to be transformed in its presence. My struggles melt away as new breath invigorates me while standing on the sandy shores. As I peer out into the vast unknown, I'm surprisingly comforted. This peace brings forth a fresh take on life, one that I take full advantage of. For that reason, I would love to live on or near the beach to be able to experience a certain level of clarity that would otherwise elude me.
What is your most treasured possession?
The Holy Spirit dwells within me. It guides and directs each path that I take. These roads are less traveled, but the presence of the Holy Spirit stays with me as my journey leads to paradise. I also rely on the third part of the trinity to gift me with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Furthermore, it leads me on literary journeys, equipping me to write poignant and inspiring works. My writing, in turn, has been able to help others in meaningful and life-altering ways. I trust the Holy Spirit to empower me when I'm at my lowest depths. I depend on spiritual healing powers to lift me out of the mire that I continually find myself in as a mere human. The Holy Spirit convicts me of my sins and repositions me on the straight and narrow path. For these reasons and more, the Holy Spirit is my most treasured possession.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty is my most valued trait in friends. If someone betrays me in any way, I take it very personally. If they stick by me, support me through the peaks and valleys of life, I consider them to be devoted friends. In turn, I will treasure our friendship and support them however I can.
What are your favorite names?
Christina and Michael are my favorite names. In fact, Christina is the name of the main character in the first two books of my Not Again series.
How would you like to die?
Ideally, I would like to leave this world peacefully without pain surrounded by people I love. More importantly, I would like to die with the peace of mind that those closest to me will join me in heaven.
What is your motto?
Live, Laugh, Love is a motto I live by. Live life to the fullest. I interpret that to do God's will. Laugh. If you met me, you know I laugh heartily. Love. Life is meaningless without love.
