She Speaks Conference

When God places a passion in your heart for others, He expects you to use it. However, getting that passion from your heart to eyes or ears in the most receivable way sometimes requires learning from others' experience. She Speaks Conference is a wonderful offering of resources for speakers, writers and/or women's ministry leaders. After attending sessions with down-to-earth speakers and authors like Lysa TerKeurst and Renee Swope (just to name a few), the unattainable, overwhelming dreams become realistic, worth-working-for goals. Hundreds of women join together in June with a united heart's cry,

"Use Me, Lord."

With godly discernment and available training, women can be used most-effectively for His Glory. And isn't that what we all want?

I know that's what I want. The year before I was named Miss South Carolina 1997, my mother passed away after a battle with cancer. I have shared my testimony of a mother's legacy in many places since then. Although I view that year as a great opportunity to pay for college, the title captures the attention of others who invite me to share at their events and churches. Whatever the reason for the invitation, I want to share the gift of Christ with others and offer an invitation to join His family.

I attended She Speaks in 2006. What a time of motivation and inspiration! Since then, God, my official booking-agent, has opened doors and moved as only He can. He says, "go" - I go. I am amazed how God honors our obedience with His blessings! I've wanted to come back to She Speaks but, as a stay-at-home-mommy of two, my purse cannot afford the opportunity to attend again; however, this scholarship would change that.

Do I deserve the scholarship more than another woman? Not necessarily...but if God awarded only what we deserve - none of us would have anything. I have always loved to write. God has given me great book ideas. I would treasure the opportunity to learn more about the process of writing and publishing - not to mention getting in front of a publisher.

I am expectantly excited to learn more about how to minister to others more effectively, not just as a speaker, but as a writer as well. I can hardly wait until Monday.