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
*****************************************************************
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
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I love every morning how my spirt is lifted thru Proverbs31 and the women that are associated with it. since last Sept. my life has been a roller coaster. my brother who is just 37 has lost both kidneys and is waiting for a transplant.But after thanksgivins he spent 25 days on a breathing machine with no hope but my awesome God gave him another chance. My husband and I have dealt with a family battle on his side with a teenage neice. God has gave us so much. I am so thankful daily for what he has gave me and what he is gonna continue to do in my life. I look forward to spending the weekend me and my best friend with other christian women and having our souls feed. may God continue to bless your minitsry.
Michelle Brock
[email protected]
I have been a single mom for almost 3 years. The night I discoverd my husband's extra marital activities was a turning point for me wherein I finally saw Jesus as my only true security. I had always looked to my dad (who had passed away 6 months prior) or my husband. The relationship I have now with Christ is exceedingly and abundantly beyond anything I could have possibly imagined I could ever have. God has very recently called me to become a Personal Guidance Minister for Scope Ministries and I begin training for this in May. I am so excited about sharing my experiences and the love of Christ with other single mothers that I cannot right now keep up with my fingers as I type! I think that I am much more comfortable with speaking than I am with writing and I have never been to a "She Speaks" conference! This would be an amazing experience for me, especially right now during the dawning of my calling! Thanks for providing the possibility of being blessed with a scholarship to this event! I don't think I will be able to attend without such a blessing this year, but maybe someday soon!
Melanie Broadway
[email protected]
I have felt God calling me to some sort of speaking ministry for a while now. I am not sure what it will look like…waiting on Him to show me! I currently am the lay Women's ministry leader at my church and teach a ladies Bible Study. I have recently been appoached about leading a session on mentoring in our local area. I am excited to see what my Jesus has in mind. I would love to attend the She Speaks conference and polish my skills and connect with others who feel His call in this direction. Thank you for the possible opportunity to attend!
Cherie Orange
[email protected]
Renee,
I loved your Q&A; section. I treasure the wisdom and knowledge that I glean from other speaker/writers. I have so much to learn and would love to have the opportunity to attend the She Speaks Conference. Without the scholarship, I am unable to attend.
Also, I clicked on your friend, Lisa Smith's site. She seems to be a very special woman. I will be praying for her.
Bless you!
Nan Jones
I truly believe that God has given each one of us a unique testimony to tell. Whether you speak to an audience of one or one-thousand, His message MUST be shared. I am ready to proclaim the message that I have been given. This is my season to move beyond self and to God's level of beyond beyond!
His,
Kim
Writing is something that I have been doing for a long time, and I've managed to keep it to myself in my journal… until recently.
Speaking is something that I very recetly felt called to do as I wrote and led the fall womens' retreat for my church in '09. This was the 1st time I had ever done anything like that and it was WAY out of my comfort zone!
Since then, I have been feeling the call to vocational ministry, and I believe that She Speaks is my next step!
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/2010/03/shelly-says-he-speaks-will-she-speak.html
Will you consider me for the scholarship?
My husband is without full-time work (since December '08), and I know we can't afford it on our own.
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/
Writing is something that I have been doing for a long time, and I've managed to keep it to myself in my journal… until recently.
Speaking is something that I very recetly felt called to do as I wrote and led the fall womens' retreat for my church in '09. This was the 1st time I had ever done anything like that and it was WAY out of my comfort zone!
Since then, I have been feeling the call to vocational ministry, and I believe that She Speaks is my next step!
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/2010/03/shelly-says-he-speaks-will-she-speak.html
Will you consider me for the scholarship?
My husband is without full-time work (since December '08), and I know we can't afford it on our own.
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/
I have been a teen mother, an abused wife, a church secretary, and now watch my children struggle in many of the areas I did. So I am not really sure why putting a request for a scholarship terrifies me both for winning it and for not winning it! To be able to potentially speak about God's grace to other women of all ages would be an incredible blessing although opening those painful areas doesn't always feel like a blessing at the time, maybe He could use this jar of clay to help another broken heart. Please consider me for this scholarship, with the cost of the flight, conference and the current situation we are in, would be a financial strain. Thank you for Proverbs 31ministry, it truly blesses me on a regular basis, I love how each woman involved speaks and writes from a "real" heart.
I have had a part time ladies' ministry for about 7 years. However, about 21 months ago, right when it SEEMED the Lord was leading me into a more full-time speaking ministry it virtually became non-existent. Not through any wrong doing of my own, but through some pretty tough circumstances that instead, had me sitting at His feet and simply being still as He worked on transforming me in ways I could never have imagined (which He is continuing to do). Not to say that every day was spent "being still" because I had many days of doubt, questions and wrestling matches. The reality is, God WAS leading me into more of a full-time capacity, except it was God's plan to first take me through the fire … "But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold!" [exclamation point mine] Job 23:10.
God already knows which precious lady will be the recipient of the She Speaks scholarship. I'm simply excited for the opportunity to throw my name into the hat and will be thrilled for whomever is selected.
Shelly Brown
http://www.shellybrown.com
[email protected]
A very inspiring site! And a wonderful contest, what a prize! To think how many women can be saved through this has lifted my heart and the angels of the Lord are rejoicing! I see a sister in the Lord, Mallory Kristjanson, has placed her name up for this Scholarship, and I pray that the Lord would strongly consider her. She has done so much for suffering women and men through her devotion and her spirit.Her life's transformation and new life are a true testimony to how God loves us by giving us a second chance. I thank God that He is using her and for her willingness to put her pure faith in action. She is an amazing speaker who is genuine and lives her life in service to our Lord – working with the downtrodden, the poorest amongst us, she has been blessed with a compassion seldom seen. She has reached out to so many suffering, many who were considered lost, hopeless and useless by the world – leading many to the Lord.
I know the winner is randomly chosen, and ultimately is in the hand of God, but when I saw her name on the list I couldnt help but tell others about her! May God bless whomever is chosen,
what an exciting opportunity- many people will be blessed! There are so many suffering people on the earth and I'm truly grateful for what is so generously being offered.
Being able to attend She Speaks would be an amazing tool for me, to be around some of God's beautiful ladies who can help fill me with tools I can use to spread God's good news to more beautiful ladies : ) I am excited and ready to learn more about speaking to women. Due to our lack of financial fullness at this point in our life, I am unable to attend this on my own and would love to win this scholarship! Thanks for the chance!
Cec Murphey's generosity is truly inspiring! Every time I see the opportunity for scholarships to "She Speaks" and to other conferences, they always come attached with Cec's name as the benefactor. So thank you, Cec and thank you Proverbs 31 women for offering yet another opportunity for a chance to go to this wonderful conference.
As a speaker of over 20 years and a newbie to the world of writing and publishing, I find that the simplest way to express why I want to attend "She Speaks" is because I feel as though I'm supposed to be there and I know that unless the Lord provides financially for me to go, it's just not in our financial cards this year.
Not only do I sense that I'm supposed to be there, but also that I "need" to be there, as well. I can't explain it. But I'm truly looking forward to how the Lord will use my time at "She Speaks" to change me, to develop me, and to give me the opportunity to do one of my favorite things…spend time with like-minded women who long to make a difference for the glory of God.
Thanks again for this opportunity!
Eternally His,
Stephanie Shott
Phil 3:7-14
[email protected]
Hi Renee, I would like to first comment on the “The Reason We Speak” by Marybeth Walen. I have read it cover to cover and it is an excellent book! The entire time I was reading it I knew God was preparing me for a much larger journey in my life. Larger than anything I had done. I feel like the calling is to become a speaker and minister to women, to serve the needs of the brokenhearted and to help others find the intimate relationship with God that I have found. Since that time I have a God-Given purpose in my life and a clear goal at which to aim.
I have never attended “She Speaks” nor have I ever had the funds to attend. My husband has been without a steady income since last May, so this will not be the year financially I could attend without a scholarship.
If I win, it would be life-changing and I know the knowledge I would gain would give me the wisdom and the faithful instruction to pursue the heart felt endeavor I so desire. If I don’t, I’ll keep on blogging at “My Faithful Living” and will continue to minister the word of God. I want to be a spiritual leader but I am also a spiritual learner. He is in charge! I can only be a tool to accomplish His purpose for us here on earth.
I have heard of “She Speaks” conference only from Proverbs 31 ministries.
I looked up the information on the web and became very interested very quickly.
When I was a young woman (teenage years) I had a woman minister speak into my life and tell me that I was someday going to tell the world my story, being young and naïve and I had a “Whatever “ attitude and went about my business.
Here it is 15 years later and I remember that day like it was yesterday, because through all the pain and suffering in my life I have recently (2 years) have finally decided to do it God’s way. God has put a book in my heart to write entitled “I’m Nobody’s Secret” It is the story of my life and how God has stamped those very words on my heart and through lots of prayer and counseling I am realizing how valuable my life is to Him.
I have looked at different resources to help me in accomplishing this God dream and because of limited money on my part I know that anywhere I go will only be by His command. Thank you for the opportunity to share. Maria Olvera – Lomeli
Yay! Another contest! I'm going to be like the friend in Luke 11:5-13; y'all are going to get so sick of my entering all the She Speaks scholarship contests that you'll eventually award me one! I'm really believing that I need to keep asking for this opportunity because I know I need to be there this year and this is the only way I can manage it (I even live right in Concord, but have never been able to attend).
I'm an accidental speaker. I never set out to speak publicly, although I'm not afraid to be in front of a crowd. I started writing a few years ago (also kind of by accident), and then people started asking me to speak on those same topics. Knees quaking and voice shaking, I have spoken a few times. I have a few more speaking engagements lined up, but I need so much help and direction to move from being an adequate speaker to being an excellent speaker.
Thank you, thank you!
Bethany LeBedz at gmail dot com
I am a "new" Christian and just came onboard with the Lord in the fall of 2009. I have a wonderful infertility story that was totally left in God's hands and he worked miracles in my life… but I still struggled with coming to Him. I love to share my story and hear everyone's story. I have been told that I am so funny and yet so sincere in my testimony that it makes other "long-time" Christians feel that same "newness" all over again. I LOVE THAT! I recently listened to Lysa TerKeurst messages through some Hearts At Home CDs my friend loaned me. I just love her and her style and her funny stories… "WHITE SHOES" I do feel called to be in front of people, sharing, being funny and bringing out the laughter in their hearts and helping them to feel "new" with God again. Let me know if you want to hear more of my story.
Amy Dunham
[email protected]
I have been involved for many years in my local church teaching Sunday School and Girls Club. I have to say that Girls Club ministry is very special to me. About two years ago I began to feel a need for teaching on a deeper level to teenagers and new converts about really connecting with God and developing a personal relationship with Him. I feel that attending the She Speaks conference would answer questions I have about moving forward and following this calling I feel in my life.
Rebekah Lilly
[email protected]
My roommate went to She Speaks last year. We were not roommates when she signed up for the conference, but by the time it rolled around I was super jealous I wasn’t going too. She was a little timid at first, but it totally changed her and gave her a boldness I hadn’t seen in her before. So, this whole year, I’ve been wondering how I could find a way to go myself.
I don’t have the money…like a lot of people these days. I do have a heart for women. I’m developing a love for writing that I don’t understand. I have always been a bit of a performer so I’m comfortable speaking/talking with people, but I have no training in either. I’m not sure where God is directing me, but I know I need some honing in both these areas to get there.
Lots of potential…needing some direction.
~Laura
laurarmullen.wordpress.com
To attend a "She Speaks Conference" would be an answer to many years of praying! I could never afford to enroll so to win would be my miracle and I would be so grateful for the opportunity. I have felt "called" to speak from the very first time I shared my testimony in Bible College 28 years ago. Since that time I have been developing my "credentials for sharing" as Barbara Johnson referred to her difficult places in one of her books. In and of myself I have nothing to say but because of Christ and His amazing grace over my life I have been on a spiritual journey that shows forth just how awesome my great God is. I want the world to know that God has brought me through everything I have ever been through. I used to read Ann Kiemel Anderson books and want so badly for the opportunity to share my story also but I have never known how to get started, where to find a platform and so I basically have put my "calling" on a shelf for a lot of years and it is time I attend "She Speaks" and get about the business of "speaking"!
As an "older gal (over 50 BUT under 60!!) I have prayed that God open new doors, as my life, albeit great, has been on a vertical hold. Recently, doors have opened for me to speak at a few meetings…sharing my testimony as a single mom. Who t'woulda thought! Anyhoo, the timing of this conference sounds custom made!
[email protected]