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 stepping out on faith by leaving a comment, but I want to do what God tells me to do. I have wanted to attend SheSpeaks for several years now, but have talked myself out of the opportunity every single year. This year, God provided a major healing of a brain tumor for my son (7yr journey) and I told the Lord when this whole ordeal started that I would shout from the rooftops at everything He allowed and did. I have done that within our "comfort zone" circle, but after he completely HEALED my son 2 months ago, I have felt the Holy Spirit telling me I should share Jordan's journey with woman across the country. He did NOT heal Jordan just for me and my family, but also for others. He provided a modern miracle for my son and demonstrated that He is still in the healing business, but most of all that we should trust Him with our lives, our decisions, our thoughts, our husband and our families. Throughout this ordeal, I have learned to TRUST HIM, just as he says in Proverbs 3:5,6 – – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and will direct your paths.
Thank you for this opportunity!
Jai@wifeof1momof4
[email protected]
This ministry is such a blessing to me. As I am praying about the opportunity to attend She Speaks, I would love the chance to be entered in the drawing. To win would be the greatest confirmation of all.
Kim Hinson
[email protected]
I want to become a better story teller & deliver messages in a powerful way. I want to make a difference in the movement against human trafficking and serve orphans. God has given me a burning passion for the hurting and to 'comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.'
What I have learned in the past 23 months as a 40 something widow is that in my weakness God is strong. I am still trying to figure out how to be a single mom. Despite that challenge I know God is whispering to me to dream bigger & step out with courage.
For me a trip to She Speaks would be like a little league player going to the world series. I was so excited to see this additional opportunity. You inspire, teach, encourage & challenge me daily.
Thanks for lighting my path,
Lynn Seng
[email protected]
I have an ache to bring hope (real hope) to hurting hearts. Trully, I have a lot to learn and am not wise but along the way I have begun to learn how good and faithful God is,and how dearly He loves us. I ache to share that in any way possible. I also have had a love for public speaking since I was young. The dream of sharing God's faithfulness and love has been on my heart for a long time. I just haven't known what to do with it, other than sharing with people in my life. I've never been to the conference and probably won't be able to attend without a scholarship. It would be a treat to be considered for this scholarship. Thanks for your time.
[email protected]
I believe that God is my Father and that He has always been with me, protecting me and guiding me through the deepest, darkest and most despairing circumstances in my life. Sadly to say, it has been during these most vulnerable times in my life that I fell away from God. But being God, He was always there and found a way to bring me back into His grace. I do not know where God is leading me or what His plan is for my life, however, I do believe that God has been actively encouraging me to dig deeper into His Word for His purpose in my life. I do not know if I have the abilities, knowledge, skills, characteristics or work experiences to be selected for the "She Speaks Scholarship." But I do know that God is my Father and that I love Him with all of my heart. Perhaps some of my life stories, actions and outcomes, might help someone else to find their way back to God. It would be the greatest honor of my life to be selected to attend the "She Speaks" conference and training and allowed to study and grow among such a dynamic group of Godly women.
God bless each of us.
Take care,
Marilyn Fielding
[email protected]
"All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6 NAS)
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off." (Matthew 18:12-13 NIV)
have an ache to bring hope (real hope) to hurting hearts. Trully, I have a lot to learn and am not wise but along the way I have begun to learn how good and faithful God is,and how dearly He loves us. I ache to share that in any way possible. I also have had a love for public speaking since I was young. The dream of sharing God's faithfulness and love has been on my heart for a long time. I just haven't known what to do with it, other than sharing with people in my life. I've never been to the conference and probably won't be able to attend without a scholarship. It would be a treat to be considered for this scholarship. Thanks for your time.
[email protected]
Words matter because people matter more. God called me to the ministry of writing long ago. But as I’ve grown in Him, He’s helped me to view my words as a vehicle to connect people with the One who loves them more than they can imagine. And I believe He intends to use both my written and my spoken words to accomplish His purposes.
As He’s grown my writing, He’s expanded my speaking opportunities. That’s why I began to pray about attending She Speaks. My husband, like many others, has faced the heartbreak of job loss this year. As important as the conference is, family obligations come first. A scholarship would allow me to attend.
I know the One who calls me to speak and to write is faithful. I’ll trust Him to meet the needs of all who enter. Thanks for offering She Speaks along with the scholarship opportunities. And because both words and people matter, I’m grateful.
I have recently bought the book "the reason We Speak". It has been such an inspiration to me in my quest to answer the call GOD has placed on my heart. I am a servant of JESUS saved by his grace. I have a powerful testimony that I have begun to share with others.
GOD has brought me through some very dark hours and I am eternally grateful for his divine calling on my life. I have fully surrendered to whatever he has in store for me and am excited for each oppurtunity that comes my way to tell of his great love. I am seeking to discover GOD's plan for me in my ministry to others. All that I am and all the stories i share are for his glory!
God did not have me suffer all the trials and tragedy in my life just to sit back and rest in his peace. This peace I have found needs to be shared with every single soul that is lost and desperate for answers to "WHY". I used to ask that all the time in a negative way. "Why Me LORD?", "Why did this happen?", "Why am I here?", "why, why,why?" Now my heart crys out "Why" in a new way. "Why do you love me so?", "why did you allow your only son to die for me?", "Why do you chose to use a wretch like me?" When i compare my suffering to the cross I get a whole new perspective. I want to tell the whole world how great our GOD truly is and all that he has done for me in my life.
"Many, O LORD my GOD, are the wonders you have done. The things you have planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."
Psalm 40:5(NIV)
I want to declare to everyone of all the things GOD has done for me.
If I am able to attend this conference it will help me to learn how to be the most effective for the kingdom. Thank you for this chance to move forward in the call GOD has placed on my life.
Sincerely,
Deborah Pinnell
I have been running from and ignoring God’s plan for my life – my whole life! I’m tired of doing it my way and have finally surrendered to His way. What a great feeling! Although the very thought of winning this scholarship leaves me petrified, I can no longer ignore the small voice in my ear telling me that I’m perfect in His eyes and that He can use me. Despite the fact I keep telling myself that I’m not intelligent enough, I’m unequipped and so much more. He still keeps whispering to me that I have a story to tell (by speaking) and to leave the rest to Him. I’m totally a beginner and scared to death, but take comfort in the fact that He is leading me in this leap of faith by attempting too win a She Speaks Scholarship.
Thanks!
Amanda Johns
[email protected]
well, i guess it would be an answer to prayer because I am not working and have a testimony to share. I know I have the TALENT to speak, but not sure if He wants to use this as a spiritual gift. So I trust God will let me know. I have a platform so i guess this may further that. And I have a big mouth. Thanks.
Hi Renee,
I would love to be entered into the draw for the "She Speaks" conference. I have wanted to attend the conference for years, but never felt ready. I think that I feel ready now! I have gone from being a innocent young Sunday School teacher with a strong desire to serve God with all my heart, to living in adultry and shame for years, and then back to a saving God who called me out and cleaned me up and gave me so much more than I could ever ask or imagine. He gave me back many times over than what the enemy took from me. I love Him and want to serve Him my whole life, and so I have a story to tell. If I speak, it will be for God's glory. The few times that I have spoken in front of a group of people, I have been told that I should do that more often, that I speak well. I would love to learn what I can at the "She Speaks" conference. I feel excited about being stretched beyond my comfort zone, and stepping into what I feel that God is calling me to do -speak for Him.
Connie [email protected]
My God has great plans for me and my family, it has been a desert walk for about 10 years but He has been so faithful taking me step by step in the direction He desires for my life. It was just impressed upon my heart in the last weeks about public speaking and been confirmed by God through someone else. I truly desire to share more of Him and less of me. Thank you for this awesome opportunity.
Barbara Martin
Life's truly is a journey. I'll never forget the day I told my dad that when I grow up I want to be a preacher's wife. Years later God honored my child-like faith and I married a preacher. This journey has taken be down many wonderful and challenging twists and turns. Today, I am now fulfilling the role as a pastor's wife. Deep within I have a desire to someday minister to young minister's wives and be able to offer words of encouragement when they are facing those long, lonely nights. I believe the She Speaks Conference may offer the preparation that I will need to begin a new journey. Thank you for considering me for the scholarship.
Sincerely,
Debbie Pryor
[email protected]
Debbie Pryor ([email protected])
I would like to attend the She Speak conference. I feel I should get the scholarship you have to offer because .I have been teaching for 19 years. I first started by the life I live. When I rise up,sitting,standing,eating and laying down. I try to be a living example not just words.Then I trained my children up in the way they should go.I must be able to rule my house well in order to do the same in God's house. Then I was able to apply what I do as far a teaching to other.I have never spoke at a ladies event. I do coach my son on preparing lesson when he had to to a mini sermon.I feel this will give me the chance to advance what God has in me.
Having breast cancer at 33 with 2 small children has opened my eyes to what God is calling me to do. I have been invited to speak at large meetings about my experience, but I have told the Lord that the Holy Spirit will have to speak right through me. I was led to the She Speaks conference website but I don't know if this is what God wills for me. Praying!
Shelley Rindfuss
[email protected]
I would love to attend as I have felt God calling me to serve as a speaker/writer to encourage other women and to share how much God has done for me. Currently, my husband are in a financial position of really counting on the Lord for everything. I have been so blessed in my life despite many trials and testings, but God is so faithful. I would love to have this training so that I could continue to be molded into the woman God designed me to become. Thank you for this opportunity and a special thank you to Cecil for her generosity! May God continue to bless the work of your hands and thank you Jesus for bringing all of these dear sisters in Christ together to glorify you!
[email protected]
Chrystal Maxwell
Batavia Illinois
Hello Renee–
I've been getting Encouragement for Today for a year now. God has spoken to me in such direct ways through the P31 women. It's been very amazing–I've been so blessed by this ministry!
I've dealt with clinical depression for the past 10 years. I have a past that includes sexual abuse and deep anger toward men….I grew up with six brothers and I'm the only sister!! P31 meets my Daily Bread needs because I can relate to so many of the stories!
Encouragement for Today has basically been my friend throughout the past year. My family relocated to our current town a year ago and I still don't know many people. We've moved 4 times in the last 5 years and have lived in 3 states throughout this period of time. I always try to get plugged into a MOPS program in each new town but moving is just so hard and so exhausting with little ones.
Two weeks ago I was sharing a small part of my testimony with an old friend over the phone. I realized that I had admitted for the first time (out loud) that I truly believed God could heal me and take me out of my pit of depression for good. Ever since I made that statement I feel like God has opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. I feel like I have stepped out of the boat and started walking to Jesus with a whole new faith.
I would really love the opportunity to go to the She Speaks Conference. Please consider me. This is my only chance to attend…through your choosing. We are having an enormous financial crisis as a family….we are among the thousands wounded by the failing housing market. We are currently renting (with 4 young children!!). Today I paid for a loaf of bread with quarters and dimes from my 3 year old's piggy bank. This has been the most humbling year ever! But God "rains" on the unrighteous AND the righteous….He said we WOULD have troubles. We are fighting for the hope and trying to push away the despair.
Please pray that we can trust God to meet our needs. And please pray also that as parents we can keep walking across the lake to Jesus knowing that He can do the impossible.
Thank you.
hudsonmotherof4
I am from the very small town of Blanchard, Louisiana. I accidentally got on your website a couple of months ago. I read about the "She Speaks" conference and for some reason it has stayed on my mind. I believe the Lord is wanting me to attend this conference. I'm a lot like Moses, not an eloquent speaker, but I pray to be one so that I might make a difference in someone's life. Please pray with me to see if the Lord wants me attend this conference. God bless you all!
She Speaks
Wow, it is amazing to see how God is working in and through the hearts of so many women He is calling to speak.
God saved my life from the hands of a very violent and abusive marriage. I was saved and called into His leadership army within the same year. He spoke to my heart saying “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. Even though I knew this truth, I still felt as though I was in the “March of The Unqualified and the Unworthy”. Over the years He has reminded me that Moses and countless others formed His leadership army then and the call is no different now. For as He calls thus He equips…God spoke to my heart and said you are unconditionally loved, emotionally healed, and made whole. Remember my daughter there is not an affliction beyond My conviction. Your responsibility is to be 4 real to be healed.
I began serving with a local domestic violence shelter teaching cooking classes and sharing my testimony. I served within this organization for eight years. God expanded my territory and I served on a local governance board that supports domestic violence initiatives. At my former home church I served in the health care ministry where I was asked to speak/share my testimony at several events. God expanded my territory again and I worked and shared my testimony to survivors of violence in Celebrate Recovery.
In 2008 God called me to write devotion about my life experiences on this journey with Him. He spoke to my heart sweetly, that the devotions would become topics/platforms for my speaking ministry. In 2009, God created two open-door opportunities for me to speak. One was at a local college where five women who are walking with Christ shared their personal testimonies of surviving violence and God’s calling on their lives. The other opportunity came from a dear friend who was led a women’s ministry at her church. With God’s leading she purchased my ticket and paid me a nominal fee. I spoke at her women’s conference and the topic was Unconditionally Loved, Emotionally Healed, and Made Whole.
It has been a year since I last spoke. I have continued to write and develop the speaking platforms for which God is directing me. I am follower of your ministry and have prayed for three years to attend your conference. Finances have prevented me. I realize that God will complete His plan in His timing. This opportunity for Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference is God’s open-door opportunity to expand my territory once again. To allow me to be in the company of women that are called to speak, write, and teach His word and increase His Kingdom for His glory.
Joan Taylor
[email protected]
I was very excited to read there was another opportunity to win a scholarship to She Speaks! I don't believe at all the work(preparation) God has done in my life over the past year has been for nothing. I was randomly (yea right!) asked to speak at 3 different ladies' events last August, September, and October by totally different women and totally different churches (all different denominations). Oh, and just to tell ya, I've never spoken in front of a group before this! My pastor's wife and my sister attended all 3 events to support me. God was so in control of the words I spoke! At the first event, I shared things from my heart that had been hidden for years! but God didn't want me to speak that particular information at the other 2 events. I'm confident that the Lord ordered all of this to bring me to a place where I could find healing and restoration! My pastor's wife lead me through a Bible Study after she heard my story that released me from bondage of my dark past!! I have not only been delivered from my past but I've been set free! I don't believe God intended for me to keep this to myself! It's just too extraordinary the way He ordered all the events to bring me to this FREEDOM!
I'd be honored to attend the Conference so I can continue to watch God's mighty hand at work in my life! May God's will be done….not mine.
Edie Blackmon
[email protected]