Faith is messy and adulting is hard. So, let’s talk about it.
Hi, I’m Tonya. I take your honest questions and we talk together about navigating this crazy life through the Word of God.
The Thoughtful Christian: Q&A
Why Ask Me?
I’m a coffee-fueled theologian with a lot of books and a side of stubborn joy. I’m currently working on my PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Theology. Which is just a fancy way of saying I’ve spent way too much time studying how faith and reason intersect in emerging adults (around the ages of 18-29).
But the truth is, I’ve lived enough of this life to know that degrees don’t fold your laundry, fix a broken heart, or comfort you when you feel God is a million miles away. I’m here because I’ve been in the trenches, I’ve lived the successes and the mistakes, and I’ve found that the Word of God is the only thing that actually holds up when life gets messy. I’m not here to give you a lecture; I’m here to give you the honest truth from someone who’s been there.
-
WHY YOU’RE NOT A BURDEN: A CHRISTIAN TAKE ON NEEDING PEOPLE
I used to hate asking for help of any kind, whatsoever. Not in the “Oh no, I’ve got this” way people say…
-
When God Doesn’t Make Sense (Why heartbreak, loss, and unanswered prayers don’t mean He left)
There’s a special kind of silence that comes after your whole world falls apart. It’s not peaceful or quiet or soul-soothing. It’s…
-
THE LOST ART OF GRIT (Why Adulthood is mostly just doing it anyway)
My yesterday started with nausea. Not the “I don’t feel great” nausea. More like the “don’t breathe too hard or I’ll lose…
Coming Soon – The Ultimate Survival Guide!
The Art of Adulting: Growing in Faith, Wisdom, and Accepting that Laundry is Forever
This book is a fresh, honest guide for anyone who loves Jesus but feels overwhelmed by purpose, direction, or the pressure to “figure out your life.” With humor, biblical wisdom, and real stories from real life, it cuts through the noise and reminds you that God isn’t waiting for you to crack a divine code. He’s shaping you through small steps, ordinary moments, and the quiet courage to keep going when you’re unsure.
If you’ve ever felt called by the love of God but totally confused by life, this book will help you breathe again. It’s not about chasing a spotlight. It’s about becoming someone who reflects Christ in the life you already have. Available April 2, 2026!
Guidance
The Thoughtful Christian: Discovering Purpose and Peace in a Chaotic World
The Thoughtful Christian helps emerging adults and new Christians navigate life with a deep, intentional faith, one that’s rooted in reason, truth, and bold action.
It’s about cultivating a Christian worldview that stands firm in a world that constantly shifts. This book will challenge your thinking, encourage your heart, and equip you to live a life of purpose, and maybe give you a laugh or two.
Fiction
The Lament of Or
Before Torment had a name, there was Or.
Or was light, a seraph who stood closest to the throne. His voice once joined the endless song of praise that sustained creation itself. But when a whisper reached him, subtle and sweet, everything changed.
In The Lament of Or, Tonya E. Lee gives voice to one of Heaven’s burning ones, now fallen, whose memory of God has become his torment. In language both lyrical and unsettling, this story traces the origin of pride and the cost of freedom in a universe once filled with perfect light.
Join the Conversation
Follow me on social media for ongoing updates, exclusive content, and a community of like-minded thinkers. Let’s continue the conversation about faith, reason, and intentional living.
