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.
My passion is Speaking. Imparting wisdom, knowledge and power to those in the audience as the Holy Spirit directs my path. Speaking to women; encouraging them; letting them know that there is someone out there that gets what they are going through, that cares and is there for them is the call on my life. I am a survivor of this world we live in. I have survived sexual abuse, domestic violence, self-loathing, hatred and the desire to end it all until I found God. Truly found Him. Let him in my life and embraced the love that He so freely gives me. I am at a point in my life where I yearn with all my heart to take all that I have learned and impart it into others. I want to laugh with them; cry with them; and grow with them as they embark on a deeper, closer relationship with Him. Being able to attend She Speaks! will get me one step closer to the dream.
[email protected]
My passion is Speaking. Imparting wisdom, knowledge and power to those in the audience as the Holy Spirit directs my path. Speaking to women; encouraging them; letting them know that there is someone out there that gets what they are going through, that cares and is there for them is the call on my life. I am a survivor of this world we live in. I have survived sexual abuse, domestic violence, self-loathing, hatred and the desire to end it all until I found God. Truly found Him. Let him in my life and embraced the love that He so freely gives me. I am at a point in my life where I yearn with all my heart to take all that I have learned and impart it into others. I want to laugh with them; cry with them; and grow with them as they embark on a deeper, closer relationship with Him. Being able to attend She Speaks! will get me one step closer to the dream.
[email protected]
A little over a year ago, I attended a writing intensive led by Cec Murphey. In a short amount of time, I realized I was being instructed by a very gifted writer (and speaker), one who cared passionately for those desiring to impart God’s words to others. I pray that the one chosen to receive this generous scholarship will glorify God, bless other women incredibly, and put a smile on Cec Murphey’s face! I would be delighted to attend the She Speaks conference to learn how to do just that!
Julie Lavender
[email protected]
To be able to attend the She Speaks conference means that perhaps my husband would stop giving me books for special occasions, including Christmas and birthday, which are only one day apart, telling me how to become a better speaker, or a communicator whose message sticks, and how to make it through the dip! Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and love that he wants to see me succeed in this calling God has given me. He is truly my greatest cheerleader, coach, and resource! However, I am a woman and love to be around other women, so for me it would be a whole lot more fun to come and hang out with women who have the same passion and calling and learn together…rather than try to get through the first chapter of the last three books he's bought me!
Seriously, God has called me to speak and in this season He is asking more of me in this calling. More discipline, more time, more learning! She Speaks would be a great way for me to develop even more as a speaker and to learn all those "things" from those who are much more ahead of me. Obviously, the scholarship is needed, otherwise my sweet husband would've sent me rather than buying the books:) Thanks for the opportunity to come and learn!
Anita McGinnis
http://www.trophyofgraceministry.blogspot.com
I am up when I should be resting. So many heavy things on my mind and my heart which I do not know how to quiet. I don't know how to hear God's guidance, voice or love. I crave the opportunities to experience the how.
amy
[email protected]
I am a teenager and have a passion for sharing God with others, especially those of my generation. I want to make a difference and feel God is calling me to speak and write about all He has taught me and how He has changed my life. Through my mom's cancer journey, I have gotten to know Him better and have learned to trust Him more. As believers we should have the skills to be the best in presenting our message to others. It would mean so much to me to learn how to better communicate. I don't believe God wants me to wait until I'm an adult to minister to others. I am praying for His provision for me to attend this conference if it is what He wants for me this year. Thank you for the opportunity to apply:-)
LJ
[email protected]
I think it is the coolest thing that God in His wisdom chooses to speak through His creations. As women we have a special place in God's heart and a unique opportunity to reach the hearts of others. I'd love to learn to speak the gospel message more powerfully at the SheSpeaks conference this year.
God Bless!!!
Mary Canfield
[email protected]
Thanks for the opportunity for a chance to enter this scholarship. Even thinking about speaking gets the "butterflies fluttering" yet the thought of not answering the prompting of the Lord makes more than butterflies flutter!
Psalm 115:11
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!He is your helper and your shield.
thanks for the opportunity!
Many Thanks to everyone who is making a scholarship even possible! Learning that God has called me to speak has been a gradual process. I was not raised in the faith. Rather I've been in some of the darkest places. Places only a loving Father like our Lord would dare go and find me. He has time and again made a way where there was not one.
The first time I spoke publically was to a very small group and the feed back was great, however, I found myself so ill-equipped. I long to be instructed. I just need some Titus women to show me the way.
The thought of being around women that can help me direct the gifting God has given me is so very exciting. Further more the thought of being equipped to rattle the gates of hell and see others set free by the power of the testimony He has made me free by,….well that just lites my fire. If that don't well, my wood may just be wet! =]
Thank you so much a for a chance!
Serving Him
Jenna Berthoud
I have been seeking direction about my life intently for a year. Winning this scholarship would show me God's goodness and graciousness regarding answered prayer. The "She Speaks" conference has been a desire lifted up to Him..Where He leads me I will follow.
Dena Hutton
[email protected]
I'm a young mom to 2 boys. I have not had any opportunities to get away and be with just women since my 2 sons were born.
I LOVE Proverb 31 Ministries and feel that it would be blessing to go to this conference. Also this would help me find who I AM and what I am meant to do within my church. I feel like I have no direction in life right now….
Karen J.
[email protected]
As a young, teenage girl I stumbled across God's timeless wisdom for women as wives and mothers found in Proverbs 31:10-31. That "awakening" became the desire of my heart from my youth onward…although I would bump and tumble to a fantastic fall to my face before the Lord before I would realize it.
The summer of 1998 I found myself pregnant, but unwed. Pride shattered and prostrate before the Lord, my Redeemer cleansed me, forgave me, clothed me, and began restoring me (Psalm 51). He granted me a willing spirit to sustain me and garbed me in everlasting joy (Psalm 30).
God's blessings for obedience began to overflow. A month and 18 days later I married my best friend, soul mate, and the daddy of my first son, "Gift from God." The Lord reassured me that he could STILL use me and I prayed as King David did, "Lord, let me teach transgressors your ways." He initially confirmed His word with an instant ministry to a young mom with a story just like mine.
In 2003 the Lord placed the call on my heart to write for Him. He has confirmed His call in more ways and encounters than I can count or name. He has shown me who I am and who I am not. Not one step or season I have lived in has returned void. Rather, God has grown and groomed me for greater things He has set for me ever since He called me. Like Abraham who believed God's promise, the Lord has asked me, "Do I believe Him that the Almighty WILL accomplish this?"
I remember my Lord, the Promise-keeper. Not ONE of His good promises has ever failed. He knows what I need before I ask. Before a word is even on my tongue, He is there. He KNOWS me completely. Hearkening back, I can trace His hand in my life, connecting the dots He has set for me. My Lord has never left me. His presence, promises, and protection are mine. He is FAITHFUL.
I answer, "Yes, Lord. I BELIEVE you." I ask and pray. I wait. I study His word. I connect with the Lord as His Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and teaches me. He shows me my "next step". I cling to the word He spoke to my heart, "The one who calls you IS FAITHFUL, and HE WILL DO IT." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Just today I asked the Lord to clarify my "next step" for ministry. As if the "green light" from my amazing husband and dual support of my Little Mama and mother-in-love ("My Naomi"), discovering this scholarship opportunity tonight was nothing short of God's impeccable timing. A gift trip to my first She Speaks conference would be yet another confirmation from my Lord that I am keeping in step with His Spirit. While I make plans in my heart, the Lord directs my steps. Praise Him! Also, thank you, Cecil, for the opportunity.
Shannon Lee Cochran
[email protected]
It is so refreshing to see God using all of His women to work together and spread His truth!
God is leading me on an incredible journey. It is this journey, seeking out a writing/speaking conference that I found this scholarship give-away! Is it a "God coincidence" that it was the first place I looked? God only knows! 🙂 If I do win, this will be a God given answer to prayers and leading me into my dreams!
Kathryn Prus
[email protected]
As a young, teenage girl I stumbled across God's timeless wisdom for women as wives and mothers found in Proverbs 31:10-31. That "awakening" became the desire of my heart from my youth onward…although I would bump and tumble to a fantastic fall to my face before the Lord before I would realize it.
The summer of 1998 I found myself pregnant, but unwed. Pride shattered and prostrate before the Lord, my Redeemer cleansed me, forgave me, clothed me, and began restoring me. He granted me a willing spirit to sustain me and garbed me in everlasting joy.
God's blessings for obedience began to overflow. A month and 18 days later I married my best friend, soul mate, and the daddy of my first son, "Gift from God." The Lord reassured me that he could STILL use me and I prayed as King David did, "Lord, let me teach transgressors your ways." He initially confirmed His word with an instant ministry to a young mom with a story just like mine.
In 2003 the Lord placed the call on my heart to write for Him. He has confirmed His call in more ways and encounters than I can count or name. He has shown me who I am and who I am not. Not one step or season I have lived in has returned void. Rather, God has grown and groomed me for greater things He has for me ever since He called me. Like Abraham who believed God's promise, the Lord has asked me, "Do I believe Him that the Almighty WILL accomplish this?"
I remember my Lord, the Promise-keeper. Not ONE of His good promises has ever failed. He knows what I need before I ask. Before a word is even on my tongue, He is there. He KNOWS me completely. Hearkening back, I can trace His hand in my life, connecting the dots He has set for me. My Lord is FAITHFUL.
I answer, "Yes, Lord. I BELIEVE you." I ask and pray. I wait. I study His word. I connect with the Lord as His Holy Spirit guides, convicts, and teaches me. He shows me my "next step". I cling to the word He spoke to my heart, "The one who calls you IS FAITHFUL, and HE WILL DO IT." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Just today I asked the Lord to clarify my "next step" for ministry. A gift trip to my first She Speaks conference would be yet another confirmation from my Lord that I am keeping in step with His Spirit. While I make plans in my heart, the Lord directs my steps. Praise Him!
I felt useless for the kingdom, so I began to pray daily that God would show me where, when, and how He wanted to use me. He asked me to speak at an all day retreat for young women. I was scared silly, but three days in the belly of a whale wasn’t very appealing either so I said yes. Then he sent me to give a talk on live television. I read the whole book of Jonah . . . and said yes again. When I received my third invitation to speak, I went to the She Speaks website. The conference sounds like a perfect fit, but our check book said no. I’m laying it in God’s hands. If He wants to use Cec to get me there, then God is good. If He sends someone else, then . . . God is still good.
I have a burning desire in my heart to speak to women about Jesus. I truly believe God created me to share my passion for Him with young women.
It would be a dream come true for me to attend the "She Speaks" conference!
Amy in Woodstock, GA
Thankful for the chance to learn more about writing and speaking. God is working through P31!
Rachel Latham
[email protected]
Hi my name is Arial Oliver I would like to win the scholarship because at the moment I am struggling, I was a back sliding christian who got pregnant and recently I have come back to the Lord and trying to change my life around I'm a 19yr. old student studying to become a Medical Assistant I had to take out student loans just to go to school, I have no job, and I'm taking care of my brother who has heart failure and trying to prepare a blessed future for me and my unborn daughter. After I go to school for Medical Assiting I would like to attend the San Diego Christian College and study ministry. Even if I don't get accepted for this scholarship I would appreciate any prayers concerning my situation. I know I'm not the only one facing hard times so for those that are going through something difficult in life I pray that God delivers you from whatever hardship your going through and replace your tears with happiness and love.
I was first introduced to Proverbs 31 Ministry by a very close friend. I was going through a vital trial in my life. She read one of the daily devotionals and emailed it to me. She felt that I needed the encouragement that day. It was encouraging. Soon after that, I received another emailed devotional from my friend. Again, she felt I needed encouragement and again, I was. I decided to sign up for the daily devotionals and get them emailed directly to me. I am so glad I did. On many occasions I have been inspired, motivated, encouraged, and equipped with God's Word. It has been refreshing to read about real life stories from other Christian women.
Over the past few years, probably close to about eight or nine years now, I have been slowly pursuing what I believe God is calling me to do for Him: write and speak. I want to encourage others (especially women) to trust Jesus, live for Him, and believe in the power of Him. No matter what. He is good.
It has been a journey I have needed encouragement and focus to succeed. God has provided this every step of the way. I completed my bachelor's degree in communication studies in 2009 and just got accepted into a graduate school program for a master's of art in communication. I know this traditional educational part of the journey is a necessary part.
When I saw last week the "She Speaks" conference information, I was again encouraged. How awesome that this type of conference is being put together. In the years I have known about Proverbs 31 Ministry, I never saw this before. It just lifted my spirit to know there people out there helping train others to pursue and live out their dreams, their calling of writing and speaking. I am one of those.
I have never attended a "She Speaks" conference, but it would be amazing to be trained and mentored by others who have been traveling this path already.
No matter, truly, whether I get there this year or not, I will continue pray for the Proverbs 31 Ministry team, the training, the conference, so that God's will be done for whoever does attend.
Thank you for putting in all the time and effort to help others become what God has called them to do for Him.
Michelle Barringer
[email protected]
Thank you so much for this additional giveaway!
I have felt so strongly that I need to be at She Speaks this year – the only reason I haven't registered yet is money!
I am passionate both about speaking and writing – I've been teaching Bible studies in my local church for several years now, creating them from my Bible training at Cedarville University and from my own study of the Scriptures. It has been EXCITING to see how God has been transforming lives through women getting into the Word on a deeper level!
After teaching for a while, God opened opportunities for me to speak at several womens' retreats through our church. About the same time, I began blogging and have been stunned to see how God has grown and used this little "ministry" from my living room.
At this point in my life, God is opening doors for me to continue teaching, writing, and speaking – and I would love to glean from the wisdom and training at the Proverbs 31 conference!
Thank you again for the opportunity!