In a recent episode of Holy Culture’s Artist Spotlight J. Harrington engages in a profound conversation with Mayia Warren, an independent gospel neo-soul R&B recording artist. Mayia’s story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community. This blog post delves into the key themes and insights from the episode, offering actionable advice and detailed explanations to guide listeners through similar journeys of faith, healing, and artistic expression.

Mayia’s Background and Calling

Discovering Her Calling
Mayia Warren’s journey into music began with a divine calling in December of the previous year. Initially, she viewed her first project, released in 2022, as a one-time event. However, her second album, “Becoming Mayia,” marked a pivotal moment in her life, leading her to embrace her artistic journey fully.

Actionable Advice:
Reflect on Your Calling: Take time to reflect on moments in your life where you felt a strong pull towards a particular path. These moments can often reveal your true calling.
Embrace Pivotal Moments: Recognize and embrace pivotal moments in your life that can lead to significant personal and professional growth.

Overcoming Childhood Trauma

Navigating Trauma and Health Challenges
Mayia’s childhood was fraught with trauma from both sides of her family. She also lives with ocular cutaneous albinism, a condition affecting her pigmentation and vision, along with other chronic illnesses. Despite these challenges, she found solace in her grandmother’s church, where she was exposed to the joy of music and community.

Actionable Advice:
Seek Supportive Communities: Find communities that offer support and understanding, such as faith-based groups or support organizations.
Embrace Your Unique Journey: Accept and embrace your unique challenges and experiences as part of your personal story.

Faith and Healing

A Transformative Faith Journey
Mayia’s relationship with Christ has been a source of strength and purpose. She recalls a profound encounter with God in her dorm room, which marked a turning point in her life. This moment prompted her to reevaluate her identity and purpose, realizing that her worth lies in her relationship with Christ.

Actionable Advice:
Cultivate a Personal Relationship with God: Spend time in prayer and reflection to deepen your relationship with God.
Find Strength in Vulnerability: Embrace moments of vulnerability as opportunities for growth and healing.

The Power of Gratitude
Throughout the episode, Mayia emphasizes the importance of gratitude in her faith journey. She reflects on how her experiences have shaped her understanding of God’s goodness, even amidst suffering.

Actionable Advice:
Practice Gratitude Daily: Make a habit of expressing gratitude daily, focusing on the blessings in your life.
Find Contentment in All Circumstances: Learn to be content in all circumstances, as described in Philippians 4.

Artistic Expression and Advocacy

Embracing Creativity
Mayia’s musical journey has been a constant presence in her life since childhood. She began songwriting in the fourth grade and later experimented with music production at home. Her first album, “Out of My Own Way,” reflects her journey of learning to step aside and allow God to work through her.

Actionable Advice:
Pursue Your Creative Passions: Embrace your creative talents and pursue them with dedication and passion.
Share Your Art: Don’t hesitate to share your creative work with others, as it can inspire and uplift those around you.

Advocacy and Community Service
Mayia’s role as a “philanthropy owner” involves using her time, talents, and influence to serve a greater mission. Her passion for community service stems from her upbringing, where she witnessed her grandmother’s dedication to serving others.

Actionable Advice:
Engage in Community Service: Find ways to serve your community, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or other forms of outreach.
Use Your Talents for Good: Leverage your unique talents and skills to make a positive impact on those around you.

Latest Musical Project: “Only You”

Creating Music with Purpose
Mayia’s latest single, “Only You,” marks her first collaboration under a distribution deal with Rapzilla. The song emphasizes that only Jesus can transform pain into purpose, highlighting the importance of the gospel in healing and wholeness.

Actionable Advice:
Create with Intention: Infuse your creative projects with purpose and intention, focusing on messages that resonate with your values and beliefs.
Collaborate with Like-Minded Individuals: Seek out collaborations with individuals and organizations that share your vision and mission.

Conclusion

Mayia Warren’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and community. Her story serves as an inspiration to those facing their own challenges, reminding us of the importance of gratitude, vulnerability, and creative expression. By embracing our unique journeys and using our talents to serve others, we can find healing and purpose in our lives.

For more insights and inspiration, be sure to listen to the full episode of “Holy Culture” featuring Mayia Warren. Her testimony is a powerful reminder of the impact of faith and community in navigating life’s difficulties.

Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.

If you’d like to support our work, please make a donation. No amount is too small. You can also shop our online store to help spread awareness of our mission. Again, thank you and remember to be encouraged and be blessed

TIMESTAMPS

Introduction to Maya Warren (00:00:01)
Maya Warren is introduced as an independent gospel neo-soul R&B artist.

Maya’s Journey to Christ (00:00:37)
Maya shares her journey to Christ and her calling to be an artist.

Childhood Trauma and Health Issues (00:01:08)
Maya discusses her childhood trauma and struggles with chronic illnesses.

Experiences at Church (00:02:23)
She reflects on her positive experiences at church despite her difficult home life.

Prayer of Salvation (00:03:29)
Maya recounts saying the prayer of salvation at a young age.

Discovering Her Condition (00:03:29)
She explains finding out about her albinism and its emotional impact.

Advocacy and Artistic Expression (00:04:39)
Maya describes her journey into advocacy and how it intertwines with her artistry.

High School and Personal Growth (00:05:37)
She shares her experiences in high school and how they shaped her.

Encounter with God (00:06:52)
Maya recounts a transformative encounter with God in her dorm room.

Confession and Healing (00:08:55)
She discusses the importance of confession and healing in her spiritual journey.

Pursuing Advocacy (00:11:44)
Maya talks about her decision to pursue full-time advocacy instead of physical therapy.

Podcast Introduction (00:12:16)
The host introduces Maya’s podcast, “Better Not Bitter,” and its origins.

Chronic Migraine Experience (00:13:54)
Maya shares her experience with debilitating migraines and its impact on her life.

Shift in Perspective (00:16:00)
She discusses a pivotal shift in her perspective during her health struggles.

Serving God Amidst Illness (00:18:17)
Maya reflects on how she serves God despite her chronic illnesses.

Impact of Gratitude (00:21:13)
She emphasizes the role of gratitude in her faith and healing journey.

Gratitude Through Trauma (00:22:07)
Maya reflects on how past trauma fostered gratitude and reliance on Jesus for healing.

The Importance of Community (00:23:24)
She shares her experiences of feeling isolated and the significance of community support in her life.

Music as an Extension of Self (00:24:54)
Discussion on how music integrates into Maya’s life, alongside her other talents and her journey as an artist.

Songwriting Journey (00:25:20)
Maya describes her long history of songwriting and the challenges she faced in sharing her music.

Finding a Creative Outlet (00:26:32)
She explains how she discovered home recording and began producing music during her journey of self-discovery.

Learning Kingdom Interdependence (00:27:30)
Maya discusses the creation of her first album and the lessons learned about relying on others.

Philanthropy Ownership Explained (00:30:42)
Maya introduces the concept of philanthropy ownership, emphasizing service beyond monetary contributions.

Heart of Service (00:31:54)
She shares her lifelong commitment to community service, influenced by her upbringing and family.

Latest Music Release (00:33:54)
Maya talks about her recent single “Only You” and its personal significance in her life journey.