Narrative Summary
Interview with “Elizabeth Johnson” by Erin Bingham
I had the pleasure of interviewing an inspiring young woman who, during this interview,
goes by the name of Elizabeth Johnson. She describes herself as a nondenominational Christian,
but she somewhat affiliates with the Independent Church of Christ. The interview is part of the
Religious Lives of Ozarks Women Archives project conducted through the Religious Studies
department at Missouri State University. Elizabeth was born in Oklahoma in the early 1990s. She
moved to the Ozarks at a very young age, and has lived here for about 19 years. She spent two
years of her life in Jefferson City, Missouri; 10 years in Puxico, Missouri; and her family now
resides in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where they have lived for nine years. Along with multiple
residences as a child, Elizabeth also attended different schools. She attended public school from
kindergarten through fourth grade while living in Puxico, and attended a private Christian school
while living in Poplar Bluff. Following high school, she attended a community college in Poplar
Bluff for a year and a half before transferring to Missouri State University where she now attends
classes.
Growing up as the daughter of a pastor and a loving mother, religion was a very
influential part of her life. During the interview, she continually praised her parents for the ways
in which she was brought up. She claims that even though she was the daughter of a pastor, she
did not feel that her upbringing was different than other children in her town because of the rural
setting.
Elizabeth loves music. When she was younger, she loved to sing in church and help her
father with music and other things during services. Elizabeth took piano lessons for seven years.
She describes music as, “my way I spread my Christianity and my belief.”
Missouri State University
Spring 2011
Religious Lives of Ozarks Women
2
As she grew older, Elizabeth continued to incorporate religion into many aspects of her
life. She chose to venture to Tampa, Florida, for a missions trip in which she volunteered her
time to help those who were in need. After returning from Tampa, she decided she needed to do
something to help those who were less fortunate. Elizabeth joined AmeriCorps and eventually
began working with the lower-income families in her area, showing her passion for service.
Elizabeth also discussed the impact moving away from home has had on her religion. She
talked about how the transition and incorporating her religion into her college and daily life is
still very hard. Even though moving away from home was difficult for her, she is still affirmed in
her beliefs and faith, stating she has never felt doubt about either of them. Again, she praises her
parents for her upbringing, stating that it was the reason why she felt so affirmed and passionate
about her beliefs. In regards to the influence her beliefs have on her dating life, she simply
explains that she chooses to date others who are passionate about their beliefs because it is a
common ground that they share. Also, looking toward her future in religion, she plans to study
dietetics and apply them in a Christian clinic. She hopes to help those who struggle with various
eating disorders, and plans to carry her current beliefs into her future family life.
Elizabeth’s religious journey as a woman in the Ozarks, while not complete, has already
been filled with unique experiences. The comfort she expressed when discussing her spiritual
journey shows the amount of immeasurable pride she has in her religion. She is a woman who is
proudly affirmed in her faith, and she strives to be the best she can be in every aspect of her life.
While Elizabeth is proud, she is also very humble. At a young age, she expresses maturity when
discussing religious beliefs and diversity that some do not achieve in their lifetime. She stated
that, “worship is worship,” which directly reflects this maturity and assurance in her own
religion.
Missouri State University
Spring 2011
Religious Lives of Ozarks Women