1. Leigh thank you for visiting us here, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your ministry “Speaking Thru Me.”
Hey there – thanks for having me. I am a 36 year old, married for 15 years, mom of 4 kids (in 5 years), runner and tennis playing fool…lover of God Almighty!! I have been in ministry for a number of years, but established Speaking Thru Me in May of 2006. Soon after Ginger Moore joined with me and STMM team was born. We are a Fee FREE speaking team and ministry. That means that we do not have a set fee for speaking. We required that a church pay all traveling expenses, but we do not ask for anything on top of that. (We have looked to see where Paul or even Jesus asked for a certain amount for telling the TRUTH and it just ain’t been found.) Ha ha We have approximately 7 speakers across the US and 3 more volunteers that help with day-to-day things! Running a ministry may be the hardest thing – next to parenting that I have ever tried to do. Ok, maybe labor was the hardest. Ha
2. In the book you co-authored with your cousin Heather Hargis Loving God, Loving People you talk about three different relationships. Does the relationship we have with people mirror the relationship we have with God?
All three of the relationships mentioned in the book parallel our relationship with the Lord. We are at times (only symbolically) a stranger, or we can just be friend with Him, and praise the Lord for the times that we get intimate with God!! So yes, we have strangers in our lives, friends, and close family too. Those relationships can mirror our walk with the Lord, but we can also tell others how we truly feel about the Lord by how we treat any of those categories of relationships!
3. What do you believe is the biggest obstacle women face when developing friendships?
I think women are so scared to trust one another. They actually- whether they know it or not – remember and react based on schoolgirls things and how they were treated way back when! I do it too. From early on if they were taken advantage of or their secrets were “stolen” or disregarded feelings, women do not forget and assume that the next female will do the same to them! We do not trust and even when we do, we are often so guarded! Therefore I think we had rather be lonely and safe than to get out there and trust with possible upset.
4. Do you have any advice for first time authors?
Don’t’ do it – just joking. I would suggest a first time author to write whether someone wants it or not. He will provide the avenue for it to be read and it is not always bound. He may take the book and make it a speech or devotion or a chronicle for the grandkids one day! Write and get it out. Do not ever give up in what He commands you to do. Be patient and let Him take care of the details!
5. Is there anything in the works for you and/or your ministry “Speaking Thru Me” that you can share with us today?
We are hosting the Resolution Conference in Sept. Sept. 26 Ergun Caner, Travis Cottrell, and Curtis Jones will be coming to Marion Ill. to tell us more about our resolute walk toward or with Jesus based on Luke 9:51. We are so excited, but this is huge step of faith for such a small and new ministry. I must say that I have days that I want to back peddle and cancel, but I will obey and go forth – resolutely. We are also in the process of establishing our Girls ministry side of the ministry. It is going to be soooo cute and relevant! God is sending Ginger and I to Ecuador on behalf of Compassion International. That trip is in October. A radio show is on the horizon, but many details to that must be worked out. God is moving so fast that we can hardly keep up. He has blessed us immensely and beyond words! To Him all praise and glory!
6. What is one thing or bible verse God has impressed on you lately?
Hebrews 11:6. I can walk in obedience and do exactly what He tells me to do. Like my children that do as I say, but are screaming on the inside or having an internal fit not trusting my decision or not wanting to do what was asked. But if I have no faith about me or I should say no faith in the One who gives direction – my heart not aligned with His intentions – then it is so hard if not impossible – to please Him.
That is a huge wake up call for me. Specifically I am doing exactly as the Lord has asked about this Resolution Conference, but there are many times inside I am screaming or throwing an internal fit that I am not sure about this and fear/ have no faith it will work out. Even though I am walking in obedience my lack of faith and fear is not pleasing to Him! I never want to seem that I have it all together or that I don’t struggle – I do!! I am learning more and more each day and truly am a work in progress. One may be surprised by the things I deal with and yet the platform or position He has placed me in ministry – I am just as shocked! But praise is to Him!!
Click here to purchase her book.
Thank you for stopping by Leigh. Her book is a powerful, quick read, and is recommend for all women! To learn more about Leigh Gray visit her blog Speaking Thru Me.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
So thrilled to read that Leigh has published her first book. Just marvelous!!! Congrats, Leigh
I really liked what Leigh said “Do not ever give up in what He commands you to do. Be patient and let Him take care of the details!” Not so much writing for me, but when I look at my photography. I get often discouraged when looking at all the other photographers…I have to trust Him to take care of the details
Thanks Lori – that was fun and so are you!! have an awesome day!! Love, Leigh
Great interview and awesome ministry!!! Sue
Great interview and awesome ministry!!! Sue