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"There's just something about my black leather jacket and Harley-Davidson motorcycle that makes minivan-driving moms frown in disapproval," says Lisa Harper with a laugh. "The funny thing is, I'm usually riding to a Bible study!"
Lisa, 42, doesn't mind shaking things up a bit. A seasoned author and in-demand speaker known for warmth, comedic wit, and skill in communicating biblical truth, Lisa's even shattered some "church lady" stereotypes by kicking off a women's retreat with a motorcycle ride up the center aisle of a church sanctuary. A shrinking violet she definitely is not.
But shaking up stereotypes or making the big entrance isn't what revs Lisa up. Her driving passion? Helping women discover the Bible she loves is far from boring, inexplicable, or irrelevant.
"I've met women who think Scripture's about as exciting as the phone book. Yet they feel they should read the Bible, so they sleepwalk through it or struggle with guilt over it," she reveals. As a result, Lisa—former women's ministries director for Focus on the Family, where she developed Renewing the Heart women's conferences—put her storytelling gifts, Bible knowledge, and trademark humor to work to create On the Road with Lisa Harper (Tyndale), a series of Bible-study books with interactive DVDs. Rich with pop-culture references and historical background, the first in the book series explores Hebrews; the second delves into the Old Testament Minor Prophets. This month her third releases: What Every Girl Wants: A Portrait of Perfect Love & Intimacy in the Song of Solomon—territory, she's quick to point out, singles like her often don't wade into and pastors don't often teach on "lest people blush!"
"My hope is women will put down People and pick up the Bible, that they'll see how pertinent, compelling, and personal it really is," Lisa explains.
TCW caught up with Lisa at home in Nashville during a break in her busy travel schedule and seminary coursework (she's working toward her Masters of Theology) to hear what she has to say about a woman's relationship to God.
You've raised some eyebrows by riding a motorcycle.
A lot of women tease me that they're always nice to bikers now because they're afraid one might be me! [Laughs.] There's this stereotype of what a Christian woman should look like—and it doesn't include leather and Harleys. It has more to do with baking casseroles or being peppy or …
Or being a size 2?
Right! You have to wear the right outfit in the right size, or you really aren't fitting the bill. But I bet we'll be stunned by how many people in glory won't necessarily be the ones with the perfect haircut and perfect outfit!
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