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Age: 53
Port Huron, Michigan
It's a good thing Carol Kent radiates confidence—since she founded Speak Up with Confidence, an organization to help Christians develop communication skills. Carol also founded Speak Up Speaker Services, a bureau that works with more than 75 Christian speakers and musicians. Between a busy speaking schedule and work at her organizations, Carol writes books such as the popular Becoming a Woman of Influence(NavPress) and her latest, the six-book Designed for Influence series, which covers such topics as developing friendships, maintaining a balanced life, and making wise choices.
You talk about becoming a woman of influence. That sounds like a lot of work—and pressure!
It can be if you allow it to. But if you tell yourself, Today's interruptions are God-appointments in disguise, being a woman of influence becomes a natural part of your day.
But interruptions can be so frustrating …
Yet when you get that desperate phone call from somebody asking how to deal with her uncooperative toddler, and you share how you survived it, that half-hour interruption might be the most important appointment in your day. Each unexpected encounter is an opportunity to impact someone's life.
How do you keep your faith vibrant?
I read the Bible daily—even when I don't feel like it, or when my agenda's too full. And I talk to God. I pray with my eyes wide open—when I'm driving in the car, walking, or sitting. I'm also trying to learn how to wait on God.
In what way?
By being silent and listening. That's a new part of my prayer life—asking God for what I'd like to see him do in a situation, then praying, "Your will be done." This was especially meaningful when I went through an extended family crisis last year.
How do you prepare for difficult times?
I've discovered what's helped me most hasn't been all the Bible verses people quote me; it's what I've memorized be-fore. God doesn't give you the grace for next week or even for tomorrow. He gives you the grace for today.
What most amazes you about God?
He uses ordinary women to do his extraordinary work. Sometimes we think we have to be the most educated, the most gifted, the most beautiful. But God delights in doing extraordinary things through women who simply say, God, I'm available. When you say that, you truly become a woman of influence.
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Today's Christian Woman magazine.
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