Singing, Teaching, and Art-ing // Sonja Einerson
A graduate from Walla Walla University, Sonja Einerson is a gifted singer, artist, and full-time art teacher. I was excited that she was willing to share with us part of her life’s journey with art, God, brain health, and more!
Kandyce: I have to ask, when did you discover your talent for singing, art, and teaching?
Sonja: All very different areas, that grew and blossomed at various times for sure! I started to sing when I was very young. My earliest memory was when my parents enrolled me in a Christian preschool and Kindergarten called “Children’s World of Music”. This school had a strong emphasis on faith, music and performance, and definitely cultivated my love for singing early on. It led into continuing it at church and schools in my elementary, high school, college, and adult years. I’ve been very fortunate to have opportunities for growth and people who have mentored me in its development.
Teaching was a natural progression. I’ve always loved being with kids. I sometimes joke that the Lord created me to be with them rather than adults! I grew up babysitting in my neighborhood, worked at a preschool in high school and college, and immediately knew elementary education was where my degree needed to be. I’ve never questioned it, even now 11 years in. My job is definitely one of the most challenging things I’ve undertaken, but without question the most rewarding.
A glimpse of the beautiful art that Sonja is creating.
Art is the one that has been the last to emerge. The only art I grew up doing was alongside my grandmother, who was a gifted painter. I never considered myself talented in it… in contrast, the exact opposite! Much of my focus growing up was in music. However, as I began to teach, I found a true love for doing art with my students. Fast forward to a few years ago when my school decided they were in need of an art teacher. I immediately felt God pointing me towards it, knowing I could do it well. It’s now been three years teaching art to my Kindergarten through 5th graders, and it has brought more joy than I can express. I began practicing my own personal art during this time as well, and have experienced much growth from putting in many hours.
Kandyce: Do you find that your faith intertwines with singing/art/teaching? If so, would you tell us about that?
Sonja: Yes! Especially in adult years, my faith has become an integral part of all areas of life. There is such a reliance on Him needed for all of them, as each could not be possible or fruitful without His kindness and strength.
Kandyce: You’ve been open about your struggle with anxiety and I’m curious to know more about your journey with brain health and how God is guiding you. Would you share with us some insights you’ve had?
Sonja: Anxiety is something that has been a slow burn for the past seven or so years, and reached its height a couple years ago… a journey that has brought a whirlwind of frustration, confusion, desperation, and a reach out towards God that I never saw coming. As much as I long to be free from it, I can say without a doubt that my faith would not be what it is today without it. Not ashamed to say that counseling and medication have also played an important part as I continue to work through it, and I’m passionate to defend each. Our brain health is warred on fiercely in this broken world, and everyone’s makeup is completely different. We need to be vigilant in our care for it.
Walking with the Lord has been my greatest weapon, and has offered me the most tangible moments of peace through this that I’ve ever known. I’ll never forget my pastor’s words on anxiety a few months back, which exactly convey my heart now as I battle it:
“Being prone to anxiety may be an issue God allows you to struggle with for the rest of your life. God may never deliver you from it. But He wants you to grow through it. God gives us help and hope. By prioritizing prayer, pursuing the priorities of Jesus, and by making a choice to trust for today.
Kandyce: We had a long conversation about our come to Jesus moments, would you elaborate about your experience? When did you find Him and what has that transformation been like for you?
Sonja: I grew up in the church, so the Bible and its stories have always surrounded me. I definitely feel that growing up I simply “went through the motions” of a Christian kid from a believing family, and didn’t truly make my faith personal until my late twenties. I was led to a church family when I moved back to the Vancouver area that fostered the importance of cultivating that one on one relationship piece with the Lord, something I didn’t have an appreciation for growing up. I’d consider truly “finding Him” in my adult years, and has been a joy filled journey that continues to teach fulfillment, trust, and growth.
Kandyce: You’re not only a gifted singer, you also lead praise worship time at your church. How has that ministry impacted your life and journey with the Lord?
Sonja: I consider leading worship such a sacred privilege… something I constantly have to lay down and surrender at His feet. I’m grateful for the many opportunities to lead over the years, and the friendships it’s brought me. The Lord has been so so kind. As my journey with Him deepens, so has my worship.
There’s no one I’d rather sing for.
Art in action in Ms. Einerson’s classroom
Kandyce: I wish I could be a fly on the wall in your classroom. From the photos I see it looks like you have a blast with your kiddos. Would you tell us about your day to day in the classroom and what inspires you?
Student making art in Ms. Einerson’s art class
Sonja: Being an art teacher is straight up CRAZY! My days are nonstop. With six different grade levels, each doing a different project and using different materials, at the end of the day I’m about ready to collapse. But seeing the wonderment that art concepts and its processes provide them is worth it. I gather my inspiration from all over… historical and contemporary artists, nature, pop culture, and various mediums and techniques. It truly is a world of possibility.
Kandyce: I love to ask this question, so I’m going to ask you — when was your last “God moment” and how did it inspire you or what did it teach you?
Sonja: I am heading to Kenya in a couple months to teach art for 11 days in Nairobi! It’s an opportunity that completely dropped into my lap unexpectedly, but something that God has worked out in every single detail. I’m honestly in awe of His goodness over the whole thing. One thing I’ve gleaned from the planning of it is how to better lean into His will, and trust in that. He WILL make a way if He sees fit. J
Kandyce: Lastly, is there anything you’d like to add or impart any wisdom to our readers when it comes to stuff concerning relationship with God?
Sonja: Something I’ve been convicted of lately is the true possibility of contentment in Christ alone. I’ve found myself in moments of comparison over the years, of my life to that of those around me. While I still struggle at times, the more I’ve sought Him, the more peace I’ve found in where I am. I’m more convinced than ever of this life aligned with Him, and that the things of this world won’t ever come close.
If I could strive towards any verse in this life, it’d be this:
“The Lord is my strength and my song.” // Psalm 118:14