Woman of Faith, Wife, Mother, Entertainer, TV Host, Beauty Marks Entertainment CEO
‘GTIA Muse’ is a celebratory platform of the incredibly stylish and purpose-driven woman of faith. These women represent the true-life versions (on an amplified level) the women whom ‘God Thinks I Am’ was intentionally created for. And, for you to see yourself in these women. The effortlessly cool woman who is creative in thought and style, and most importantly is led by faith.
This Women’s History Month, via this platform I will be writing about women of faith who live their lives in the eye of the public, and unabashedly wear their faith as a bold badge of honor.
How cool is it that their faith isn’t something that is masked, hidden or kept in secrecy? These women instead operate in a special paradigm … a new one that shines bright, and sheds light on the brilliancy of a powerful faith that leads them on their path.
Kicking things off, I’ll be featuring the woman who encouraged us to level up, and had us all asking ‘what was the prayer sis?’ I’m talking about none other than the beautiful Ciara Wilson.
As millennial women, we’ve witnessed the ‘Goodies’ star evolve from young teen to a strong woman who goes after what she wants. Bursting onto the scene in 2003 from Atlanta, Georgia, we’ve had front row seats to some of her proudest moments including numerous hit singles, top-selling albums, magazine covers, awards and quite frankly living the life many dream of.
Concurrently, we’ve been there with her when the challenges of life presented themselves, including a failed engagement, which left her embarking on the new and difficult path of single motherhood. After her engagement ended in 2014, Ciara told InStyle she turned to prayer and focused on "getting herself right."
In an interview with Essence magazine, the singer revealed that she prayed to God for a man who shares her faith. "I remember telling my friend the kind of guy I wanted: a God-fearing man with a very fun spirit who loves kids and would really, truly care for me," the singer shared. "I was very specific because I do believe you can have it all."
Being a single mother to a young son, Future Zahir Wilburn, born to her former fiancé and rapper Future, gave her a revelation.
"That wasn't necessarily part of my vision," she said of being a single parent. "But the moment I realized I was going to be a single mother, I had to reflect and reorganize my thoughts. I decided to trust that God had a plan for me, and move forward one day at a time."
Ciara’s prayers were answered when she began dating Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in 2015, one who she’s notably described as being sent by God.
The pair later revealed that they decided they wouldn't have sex before marriage after Russell had a conversation with God. When speaking with Pastor Miles McPherson at The Rock Church in San Diego, California, he described how he presented the idea to his then girlfriend.
"She was on tour, she was traveling, and I was looking at her in the mirror… and she was sitting there and God spoke to me and said 'I need you to lead her'… and so I told her right then and there, what would you do if we took all that extra stuff off the table, and did it Jesus' way?" he recalled during that appearance. "For me, I knew that God had brought me into her life to bless her, and for her to bless me. And to bless so many people with the impact that we have."
Ciara added that she and Wilson believed it would be important to set their relationship on the right foot; remaining abstinent was a decision they felt would be most appropriate and in line with their faith, People magazine noted.
The singer and pro-athlete who did it God’s way were later married in 2016 at a jaw dropping ceremony in a stunning castle in England. The two later welcomed their daughter in 2017, and recently announced that they are expecting their third child.
In an interview with Essence, she said, "You know that saying 'When we make plans, God laughs'? Well, that's a real thing, and God has been good.” She continued to say, “My faith has carried me through every challenge and triumph. When I was younger and wanting things to happen when I wanted them to happen, I could never have imagined that 15 years later I'd be having the time of my life."
Ciara serves as a beautiful and powerful testament of letting go, letting God lead and ultimately living a life far greater than one could ever dream. Keep shining bright CiCi, while inspiring us all to pray for exactly what we want and ultimately surrendering our lives — the best life, to God. #GTIAMuse
A RECAP OF HER STYLE: Ciara offers the perfect blend of uber-femininity combined with tomboy chic. Unafraid to show off her skin and curves, she shows us how a mom of two (almost three) gets it done in the style game #GTIAWoman
Click through, and take a look at some of her best style moments:
p.s. Take a listen to our curated playlist with some of our favorite songs by Ciara. Throw on your shades and/or a bold lip, blast the music and set the vibes.
IG: @ciara
Talk to you soon,
Alana
founder, God Thinks I Am