Finding identity through faith: A one on one with Rox-Anne Maistry.
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Authors are always my favourite people to engage with, as they carry a lot of wisdom and courage to speak about things most of us are not always finding it easy to speak about. And if you think about it, we all have a story to tell, but unpacking your story in a way that can free you and inspire the next person takes a lot. In this chat, we hear from one of Mzansi's authors taking us through her journey and work. Stick with me as I share the conversation I had with Rox-Anne Maistry.
There is something refreshing about meeting someone whose words carry the same authenticity off the page as they do in print. Before Rox-Anne became an author, she was simply a woman navigating life's highs and lows, learning difficult lessons and discovering who she truly was in God. Today, she is an author, speaker and passionate advocate helping others discover that same truth.
As we settled into our conversation, I asked her to introduce herself to readers who may be encountering her work for the very first time.
"I am Rox-Anne Maistry," she began warmly. "An author, speaker and passionate advocate for helping people discover their true identity and purpose in God."
Based in Gauteng, Rox-Anne says her life has been shaped by both painful seasons and God's unwavering grace.
"Like many people, I have experienced pain, rejection, disappointment and self-doubt," she shared. "But those very experiences became the foundation of my testimony. They taught me about healing, resilience and the transformative power of God's love."
Those experiences eventually gave birth to her book, Who Told You? - a title that immediately sparks curiosity while inviting readers to confront one of life's most important questions: Who have you allowed to define you?
"My book challenges readers to examine the voices they have allowed to shape their identity and instead embrace what God says about them."
Listening to her explain the heart behind the book, it became obvious that this was never about adding "author" to her résumé.
"Becoming an author was never about the title," she told me. "It was about obedience to a calling. If my words can help even one person see themselves through God's eyes, then every page was worth writing."
Like every meaningful journey, hers came with challenges.
One of the biggest battles she fought wasn't finding a publisher, it was overcoming self-doubt.
"I questioned whether my story was important enough," she admitted. "I wondered if people would connect with my message or whether I was capable of writing something that could truly make an impact."
Writing also required vulnerability. She had to revisit painful memories, confront difficult emotions and place parts of her life on paper that had previously remained private. Yet she believes authenticity became one of her greatest strengths.
"What kept me going was knowing the message was bigger than me."
As both an author and speaker, Rox-Anne understands that storytelling isn't simply about entertaining an audience, it's about creating connection.
"People remember how a story made them feel," she explained. "I want people to laugh, reflect, be challenged and ultimately leave with renewed hope."
One chapter in Who Told You? tackles a subject that many still avoid discussing openly - suicide.
Rather than sensationalising the issue, Rox-Anne approaches it with compassion and hope.
"I wanted people to know that this chapter isn't about death," she explained. "It's about the value of life, the importance of hope and creating space for honest conversations."
She believes too many people suffer silently because society is uncomfortable addressing emotional and mental struggles.
"We cannot help people if we are afraid to talk about what they are experiencing," she said.
Her prayer is simple, that anyone reading those pages will know they are seen, valued and deeply loved.
Throughout our conversation, one message continued to surface again and again - identity.
For Rox-Anne, many of life's struggles begin when people allow pain, rejection or the opinions of others to define who they are.
"I want readers to know they are not defined by their past, their mistakes or their pain," she said. "There is hope beyond the hurt, healing beyond the heartbreak and purpose beyond the pain."
It is this message that continues to fuel her ministry, writing and speaking engagements. When I asked what keeps her motivated after publishing her first book, her answer came without hesitation.
"My greatest source of motivation is my faith in God," she said. "I believe God never wastes our pain."
She also finds inspiration in the stories people share after reading her work.
"Whether it's a woman finding healing, a young person discovering their worth or someone simply realising they are not alone, those moments remind me why I do what I do."
She also credits her husband, Pastor Ezekiel, as one of her greatest supporters, encouraging her to remain faithful to the calling God has placed on her life.
Looking ahead, Rox-Anne has no intention of slowing down. She plans to continue expanding Pillow Talk, a platform creating safe spaces where women can gather for healing, restoration and authentic conversations. She also hopes to take the message of Who Told You? to more schools, churches and communities while prayerfully exploring future writing projects centred on faith, healing and identity.
As our conversation came to an end, I couldn't help but reflect on how powerful stories become when they are rooted in honesty.
Rox-Anne Maistry is not merely writing books, she is helping people rewrite the narratives they have believed about themselves for years.
Perhaps that is the true purpose of every author, not simply to tell stories, but to remind others that their own stories are far from over.
And if Rox-Anne has her way, many more people will close the final page of Who Told You? with renewed hope, a stronger sense of purpose and the courage to see themselves through God's eyes.
For more, visit: Rox-Anne Maistry
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