Speaking/Writing | Lysa TerKeurst

4.25.2019

Writers, speakers, leaders… don’t miss this!

I love books. I love getting lost in them. And I love finding myself in them. I love authors that put into words what I’m feeling but can’t quite express myself. I love messages that step on my toes and then take me straight to Jesus.

My shelves are full of words on pages in chapters in books.

But you know whose book is missing in my life? Yours.

That message that’s been stirring in your heart and nipping at the edge of your dreams? The one you know you’re supposed to write but haven’t known how to start… it’s time.

I’m just going to be bold and say today is the day. We at Proverbs 31 Ministries would love for you to join us for the She Speaks conference this July 25-27th.

Getting equipped to walk out your calling is the best investment you can make this year.

I’ll be there ready to show you how to turn that idea… that message… your story… your passionate calling into a book.

If you aren’t a writer, don’t worry! She Speaks isn’t just for writers. It’s for speakers and leaders too! It’s for any woman who wants to learn how to better maximize the message God has placed on her heart to reach and help more people.

At She Speaks, you will:

Learn to engage an audience with your story and how to unpack biblical Truth.
Discover how to write effectively and get published.
Make connections with editors, agents, publishers, and other authors.
Step into your unique ministry calling with excellence and a better understanding of how to lead others.
Customize your experience with breakout sessions that apply to your specific needs, publisher appointment options, and Q&A sessions with top authors, speakers and podcasters.

It’s going to be amazing! It’s my favorite event of the year, and I can’t wait to see you there. Click here for more information and to register for She Speaks.

5.30.2018

Unlock the Words Hidden Inside

There once was a little girl with a battered heart.

The first love of her life told her she was unwanted. Her Daddy’s silence made her cry. His words made her broken.

Then one day she was given an old typewriter and when she placed her fingers on the dusty keys, her heart settled.

Words came from her fingertips that her lips couldn’t process. Her poems cryptically told of hidden abuse. Tears often smeared her little girl masterpieces.

Years passed—her fingers stilled. Her heart grew cold.

But there were other people busy at their keyboards pouring out inspired messages. Messages that would one day reach her—in deep places—places long ago hidden away. Messages that told her she didn’t have to be a child of a broken parent.

She could be a child of God. She was wanted. She is me.

Jesus used their striked keys to produce words, messages, books, and Bible studies as keys that unlocked me—released me—held me—challenged me and helped put me together again.

And then my fingers found their way back and dared to strike a key or two or ten thousand. Letters became words. Words became chapters. Chapters became books. And somehow others were unlocked, held, challenged and helped.

Every one of us has words inside that were never meant to just rumble about, hidden away. They are meant to be shared.

Do you have words rumbling about waiting to come out like I did?

Are you meant to write or speak those words as a method of bringing healing to someone else?

If you feel like you’ve heard God’s call to write, speak or lead, you know the path isn’t always clear. How do you start? Where do you go next? Who can help you?

I get that. That’s exactly why I developed a conference called She Speaks to train, equip, connect, and breathe life into the dreams of writers, speakers, and leaders.

She Speaks offers workshops and keynote messages that will help bring clarity to your calling. We combine equipping with encouraging as you learn specific, fresh techniques to help you better communicate God’s Word through your writing, speaking or leadership skills.

If these sound like the tools you need, I’d love to have you join me July 26-28 right here in Charlotte for an experience you’ll never forget!

Click here for more information about She Speaks.

3.18.2016

Did I Hear God Wrong?

Have you ever felt God calling you to step out in faith, only to find yourself wondering if you heard Him wrong?

I understand. Thoughts of doubt crossed my mind daily when I began to listen to the promptings on my heart to write.

The International Christian Retail Show is a big book convention where publishers, authors, agents, media and bookstore owners all gather to talk shop. Books are pitched. Books are sold. Books are talked about a lot!

I went to this conference years ago when I was a wannabe writer with a book proposal and a dream. Recently, as I signed copies of my book, two thoughts went through my mind.

First … thank You Jesus, that people actually came to my book signing. Because there’s nothing quite like standing there with a big stack of free promotion books, a permanent marker and not a soul interested.

So when people actually came, I just wanted to hug every single one of them. Seriously. And if I had lots of money, I would’ve bought them all a steak dinner. I’m not kidding.

The second thought was … look for those desperate for your encouragement.

Many who came through my book signing line were interested in writing a book. I remember being there.

I know what it feels like to walk around with a tote bag full of book proposals and a heart full of nervous hope.

I know what it feels like to consciously choose to live every day “by faith, not by sight” like 2 Corinthians 5:7 instructs. Honestly, it’s hard to hold on to God’s promises when all that’s staring back at you is a pile of rejection letters from publishers.

That calling we once felt so strongly starts to feel more like a fairytale than a future reality.

So, I felt the weight of responsibility to give them the encouragement I so desperately needed when I was in their shoes.

Maybe you are there right now, looking to actively pursue your dreams or the things God has called you to. But whether it’s the hope of being an author or another dream you have bumping around in your heart, here’s what I’ve learned:

Rejection from people doesn’t mean rejection from God.
If God has gifted you to write, write! You don’t need a book deal to have an impact with your writing. The same is true with other dreams. If you’re called to sing, create, teach, paint, develop — use your gifts right where you are to bless others.

Most overnight success stories are years in the making.
Value the daily discipline of small steps of faith, hard work, honing your craft and putting in time learning and developing. Take classes. Be mentored. Push through those moments you want to slack off. And do it over and over, year after year.

Be a blessing to others.
Don’t keep your work to yourself. Find people who could be blessed with your work. I love to write. But what I love more than writing is seeing my writing help other people. That’s where I find the encouragement to push through the hard times.

Expect opposition.
The challenges and disappointments and setbacks are all part of it. And honestly, these hard times serve a great purpose. I’ve learned much more from my failures in writing than my successes. Use these lessons … don’t waste them by giving up too soon. And remember to glorify Him whether it’s a struggle or a success. God uses all things for good.

Look for the small open doors right in front of you.
I always scratch my head when I meet people who tell me they want to write and speak but aren’t willing to teach a small Bible study first. If God is calling you to do something, He’ll have a door open in front of you. But it might be a small door. Look for the small door and walk through it.

Actually … dance through that door with great joy because He will always do great things with people willing to be faithful in the small!

If you feel called to be a writer, start with a small step by downloading my free audio series, “4 Resources You Need to Jump-start Your Writing.” Click here to get started!