Proverbs 31 Ministries announced today that we’re giving away another SHE SPEAKS scholarship from Cecil Murphy ! We thought it’d be fun to introduce you to our team who will be leading the conference, so we’re hosting a carnival of P31 blogs. That’s where we’ll be sharing a personal story about being called to speak or an experience at She Speaks. From your comments we’ll draw a random winner! I decided to answer some of the most common questions I get about speaking:
What came first, your speaking ministry or your role in the Proverbs 31 Ministry? My role with Proverbs 31 Ministries came first. I joined the staff in 1995 as editor of our P31 newsletter (before it was a full color magazine) and served in that role until1999. For the next two years, I volunteered in various capacities at the ministry but mostly I spent my kids’ nap times digging deep into God’s Word and letting Him dig deep into my heart. I would write down pages of Scriptures and journal about everything God was teaching me. I didn’t know it, but it was a season of preparation. God was doing a new and very deep work in my heart.
How did your speaking ministry begin? My speaking ministry started at my home church. 
During my “digging deep” season, the Lord laid it on my heart to write a small topical Bible study for a supper seminar my pastor’s wife had taught. The leaders had been praying for a gift to give the attendees but I didn’t know it, so they asked me to write the Bible study. At at the end of the last fall supper seminar 1000 copies were given away. I was overwhelmed but loved seeing how God was using all He had been teaching me to encourage other women. In the spring I was asked to share my testimony at a supper seminar and then teach a 4 week series based on the study I’d written.
How did your speaking ministry grow? The next year, I wrote another study and taught two more series. Then in 2001 Proverbs 31 Ministries hosted our first annual She Speaks Conference and my church sent me to it. At the end of the conference, I sensed there was more. God was moving in powerful ways in my heart to confirm a calling I had sensed for 10 years but run from due to many fears I’d had. Lysa shared that P31 wanted to build a speaker team of ambassadors for the ministry. All I’d been through and all God had taught me had led me to this place. I’d been serving at P31 for years and had such a passion for the ministry. From that point on, God grew me, my messages and my speaking ministry through opportunities at my church’s events, Bible studies, local dinner events and MOPs groups. Then God brought invitations from churches in other cities and eventually in other states. Each year God enlarged that circle and now I have the honor of getting to meet God’s girls and speak His truth into their hearts from coast to coast.
When it became obvious God was calling you into a speaking ministry, how did you choose the topics you would speak on? Every one of my topics is birthed and developed in my heart through life experiences and lessons God is teaching me personally. My messages reflect my greatest desires, struggles and passions such as reading God’s Word and allowing it to transform my heart and the way I live in my everyday life and relationships; hearing, recognizing and listening to God’s voice and not the enemy’s accusations; living a purpose-filled and balanced life as a wife, mom and child of God.
Are there resources you recommend for someone who feels called to speak?
The Reason We Speak, Gen Ed Marybeth Whalen
Com
municating for a Change by Andy Stanley
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To Enter the She Speaks Scholarship Contest
1. If you’d like to win, or try to win this for someone else, please leave a comment below sharing why you’d like to win by clicking on the word “comments.” Simply type in the white box. If you don’t have a blog, click anonymous. But be sure to include your name and email so we can contact you if you win.
2. We’d like to give this scholarship to someone who has not attended She Speaks before since two of the others went to graduates.
3. Our other scholarships have been for writers, so this one is for a woman who feels called to speak. Be sure to let us know what this scholarship would mean to you to fulfill that calling.
4. Visit as many blogs as you can (linked below) and leave a comment (it can be the same comment) to increase your chances! We’ll compile the comments left on our blogs through Friday at midnight and send them to our home office where a random drawing will be done. The winner will be announced on Monday on the P31 homepage.
So, leave a comment and click away. You have until midnight on Friday. I can’t wait to read your comments!
Wend B www.wendyblight.com
Shari www.sharibraendel.com
Micca www.miccacampbell.com
Whitney www.whitneycapps.blogspot.com
Melanie www.melaniechitwood.com
Lynn www.lynncowell.blogspot.com
Karen www.karenehman.com
Suzie www.tsuzanneeller.com
Zoe www.zoeelmore.blogspot.com
Sharon www.sharonglasgow.com
Charlene www.charlenekidd.blogspot.com
Tracie www.traciemiles.blogspot.com
Rachel www.rachelolsen.com
Wendy P www.wendypope.blogspot.com
Luann www.luannprater.com
Susanne www.susannescheppmann.blogspot.com
Melissa www.melissataylor.org
Van www.vanwalton.blogspot.com
Marybeth www.marybethwhalen.com
Glynnis www.glynniswhitwer.blogspot.com
LeAnn www.leannrice.com
She Seeks www.sheseeks.org
She Reads www.shereads.org
RadRev www.radrevolution.org
Discover more from Renee Swope
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I'm not sure what the specifics are, but I know God is.
I'm not sure where the destination is, but I know He is.
All that I'm sure of is that He is moving in me, working in me, preparing me, and beginning to open doors that are beckoning me to enter. It's due to those recognitions that I am stepping out, beyond my fears and entering this giveaway.
Lord, if it is in Your will for me to attend She Speaks, I pray for the door to be opened and for the courage to leap through with abundant faith. I pray for each woman entering, that You will clearly manifest Your way and Your will for their lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Alone, I am not worthy to attend SheSpeaks. With God this is possible. I feel a need to scatter and grow His Kingdom. If he can take this hot-tempered, silly,stubborn woman to help others. Then that is what I need to do! I would truly appreciate this awesome opportunity!
Many Blessings,
Kendra Graham
[email protected]
God has provided a few opportunities over the years allowing me to teach and speak. I always get a thrill from speaking because God provides such peace and guides my words. However, just thinking about the prospect of being on the "front lines" and opening myself up to the criticism and the scrutiny that one bares serving in this capacity, almost paralyzes me with fear. And though I know God equips anyone He desires to use, I still feel insecure about my abilities.
The She Speaks Conference has always interested me but time and money kept the door closed on this opportunity. This year was no different because I was scheduled to participate in the International Hearts at Home Conference in Europe. The conference had to be cancelled due to the volcanic ash. This in turn, opened up the time needed to attend the She Speaks Conference. And now this contest has presented me with the chance to overcome the financial burden. So I feel as if God is telling me to "get out of the boat."
So here I am, following God's orders, trying to keep my eyes on Him and not the fear that is threatening to overwhelm me. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
Connie Johnson
[email protected]
I have wanted to attend a She Speaks conf. for two years, but haven't been able to do so. I have felt a calling to speak to women and ten girls for nearly two years. I have been a youth leader and got to teach many that way. I am now in a new phase of life and feel an even stronger calling to reach out to women and teen girls and just have not been able to figure out how. Getting this would be an answer to prayer of how I am to start and continue in God's will.
Thank you,
Tara DeMaris
[email protected]
I've never attended a She Speaks Conference and would love to be able to. We haven't had an income for the past 6 months and so the scholarship would be an amazing blessing. It’s the body of Christ working together that completes us and makes us whole. I know God's calling me to speak and since "iron sharpens iron" I'd love to have my iron sharpenend at a "She Speaks Conference".
Julie Gorman
[email protected]
It's great to see the 'birth' of your speaking ministry. It truly reminds me its in a relationship wtih Jesus that it develops and comes to be! Thank you for sharing your heart!
On Purpose,
Nichole
http://www.livingmylifeonpurpose.blogspot.com
Oh my, What a blessing!
I would be so thrilled to be able to come to She Speaks. My speaking ministry was birthed at my home church through leading Ladies Bible study and God pushing me in this direction.
I am planning on coming to the conference, just waiting and watching God provide the way to do it!
I've never been before and would love to come and gain all there is to learn from such a great event!
As I type this comment, I'm full of pain and sadness as it appears the Lord is testing me or training me in the areas of loss and long suffering. Testing or training…. Right now I don't know that one is any better than the other.
I know what the words of Galatians 6:9 read, and I also know, without a doubt, that I'm so close to fainting.
I'm the last person who would ever voluntarily want to speak, but I felt the call to speak to women many years ago. My story, my path toward speaking has been much like yours, Renee. I wrote my first Bible study and led a small group of women through it back in 2008/2009. Looking back, I've never been happier than I was during the time I did this.
Just days ago I sat with a friend who was preparing to bury her father. She was a member of that small group in 08. She told me I have no idea how much she talks about and references our nine months together. Listening to her speak of how God used me (a flawed leader and wannabe speaker) and the lessons i penned out of the dephs of my own life to impact her life even during this time of loss and pain somehow refueled my desire to speak, teach, and lead women. Somehow…in the midst of my own pain the ministry of my hear took on a face. It became real.
I've entered a previous scholarship contest for this conference. When I didn't make he winners circle I chalked it up as another loss and God moving me away from my quest for validation. I've wanted to attend the conference for at least the past 6 or 7 years. At the end of the day, I believe I'm just thirsty to be around other women who share my passion for pouring into the lives of our sisters. I saw the announcement for the scholarship for writers, and although writing is a large part of my calling, today out of the abundance of my heart my mouth wants to speak.
I realize the winner will be randomly chosen, but I know God already knows the outcome. Maybe it truly isn't for me to attend this year, but I won't stop until the conference doors open and I do or do not walk through. Then and only then will I know God's perfect will. In the meantime, I'll continue striving to speak.
I am new to proverbs31 ministries, but I just finished leading one of Lysa's Bible studies with a group of ladies from church. The scripture that she included in the study was exactly what I needed to hear. I have felt the call to speak to women since I was in college and I feel like women need other women for encouragement and strength.
Thanks,
Susan Toler
[email protected]
I look forward to my morning devotions everyday with Proverbs31 women. Everyone of you are truly a blessing each time you post something to share. I currently have my divorced daughter and her 3 children along with my elderly parents living with me and I would love to be able to attend one of your She Speaks conferences for a fresh annointing of the Holy Spirit.
Love & Blessings,
Debbie Cox
[email protected]
Wow! I am truly humbled and amazed to see so many women following a call to minister to others. As a greenie starting out in a fledgling ministry even if I did not get to go this time, I see there are more than enough sources to which I could gain insight in refining my skills. Praise God! He always provides!
Julie Morgan
[email protected]
She Speaks! I'd LOVE to attend this Conference (and win a scholarship) because, by God's calling, I've been asked to 'step up my game' and go from writer, editor, blogger – to speaker.
Here's my story. I have been a Christian-genre writer, editor, and publicist for many years. I worked for my wonderful church (Lake Pointe Church, Rockwall, Texas) for six years as editor-in-chief, lead writer, for their magazine. It shared all the good stuff going on within and through our congregation. It was such a blessing to prepare each time! But God called me out – out into the wonderful world of freelance, where my ministry focus could expand to His entire Church, not just the one I attend/worked for. So, I quit my day job. I have been freelancing "on the side" for 12 years and have edited many books written by Christian authors (some listed on my new blog at writervoice1.wordpress.com). Then, one week later, my mentor (and a client) Thelma Wells, A Woman of God Ministries, asked me to do the unthinkable: she asked me to join her and others on TV and on a Webcast University that she is preparing (she's a busy, busy lady for God!). I can't say no – nor do I want to – but I have no speaking training. Teaching Bible study for 7 years has given me lots of confidence, but I've never taped a presentation nor stood in front of a crowd larger than 50. I want to take this next step – to speak – and allow God to use me as He has prepared. And, ladies, I do believe He is preparing me for Kingdom work!
I know graduates of She Speaks!, namely author Mary DeMuth, and would love the chance to enhance my profile to include SPEAKING for Him! It would be a wonderful adventure and the fulfillment of a tugging that I've not been able to ignore.
Thank you for making this contest available. I'm sure whomever wins will be the RIGHT choice! Blessings to you today in all you do for His kingdom!
Amy Van Vleck, Rockwall, Texas
[email protected]
[email protected]
Thank you for sharing how you got started. It is helpful to hear how God works His way through us in steps so that we are prepared. Sometimes I just want to jump in before God and do everything NOW!
I would love to go to SheSpeaks for so many reasons. I have watched God prepare me through the trials and victories of my past to share with other girs and women where our worth comes from. I like other people have commented, would love to be surrounded by other women who love to share through speaking and writing.
I spoke for the first time in January and my heart just about lept out of my skin when I was done….God breathed such life in to me when I was able to share His Word with others.
I know that God has more preparation for me and I long to walk with Him through the process.
Thank you for offering this scholarship!
I would love to win a scholarship to this year's She Speaks. I have attended one time before, so I understand if you don't included me in the contest. I participated in the Writer's Track last time and have an overflowing desire to attend again and take the Speaker's Track. I am continually blessed by the P31 Ministries. Thank you!
My devotional calendar for today says "You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him." ~ Teresa of Avila. "If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." 1 John 5:14
So far, this deeply embedded dream in me to speak/write has been a prayer answered by 'wait on Me!' But, God is stirring in me to believe with great FAITH that this scripture in 1 John will be fulfilled. So, with great faith, I am asking to be considered for this scholarship so that maybe, just maybe, this will be the beginning of God's answer to my prayers changing from 'wait' to "Child of Mine…Go For It!!" Thank you so much for this chance to be my beginning…
Kim Wideman
[email protected]
The past year has been difficult.
Shattered dreams? Check.
Shattered heart? Check. Check.
But I'm starting to see God work in those broken places. Weaving them back together. They won't ever be the same, but I think He is going to be able to use me in new ways because of them.
He is putting a new song in my heart. "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?" Isaiah 43:18-19
I would love the scholarship because I think it is in these places where we have experienced God's hand that we are in turn called to share with others.
Kate (thequirkyredhead AT gmail DOT com)
My work as a speaker began several years ago and has become a deep passion for me. I consider it a blessing to be used by the Creator to encourage and empower women in their work as moms. God has been very clear to me that it is time to grow this ministry beyond what I can do alone and I believe He is calling me clearly to attend She Speaks this summer. I deeply respect the work you do to encourage women as they seek to build the Kingdom. I would be honored to receive this scholarship. Thank you so much.
I felt called to teach women since a very powerful experience in 1998- a true Holy Spirit encounter. Since then, I've had many opportunities, small and large, to teach my sisters and even have had a few small speaking engagements. I want nothing more than to know how to do a better job, so that I can do a better job of getting out of the way and letting God do His thing in me! I feel that She Speaks would do that for me!
Heatherly Sylvia
pinkdaisyjane at hotmail dot com
So excited about you hosting this contest today!
Love you friend and hope you have a great day~
Your question and answers inspire me! And I'm sure attending She Speaks could only do the same. I would love to be surrounded by other woman that our on the journey of discovering their calling from God. Thanks for the opportunity!
Melissa Reynolds
[email protected]