Hi there, I’m Carol!
Hi there, I’m Carol!
Much like you I juggle many roles. I’m a wife, mom, sister, and friend. Professionally, I’m a speaker, author, blogger, coach, and communications trainer.
Most of all, I’m a follower of Christ who believes that the answers to our questions can be found in God’s Word.
My prayer is that you’ll find this site to be a place where you’ll find encouragement, Bible-based resources, links to helpful resources, coaching, and training, along with encouragement for your daily life.
How It Got Started
Soon after I finished my university studies, I married Gene Kent. Five years later, I gave birth to an adorable baby boy. We named him Jason Paul (J.P.).
While I was pregnant, I hosted my first Bible study around my kitchen table with a group of friends and neighbors. We looked for principles in the Bible to discover how to make our marriages better. Soon after that, I was asked by a friend, “Will you lead that study with a group of State Troopers’ wives?” By the end of that second study, I had the privilege of leading many of the attendees to a first-time commitment to Jesus.
I discovered that women love connecting with each other and enjoy discussing what the Bible says about how to cope with everyday challenges.
While I was pregnant, I hosted my first Bible study around my kitchen table with a group of friends and neighbors. We looked for principles in the Bible to discover how to make our marriages better. Soon after that, I was asked by a friend, “Will you lead that study with a group of State Troopers’ wives?” By the end of that second study, I had the privilege of leading many of the attendees to a first-time commitment to Jesus.
I discovered that women love connecting with each other and enjoy discussing what the Bible says about how to cope with everyday challenges.
Moving into Ministry
Due to my husband’s job, we moved to Indiana and began attending a large church pastored by Dr. David Jeremiah. I soon became the Director of Women’s Ministry and began writing curriculum for the women who were coming to our weekly Bible study.
Another move brought us back to Michigan, where I became the Teaching Leader for a Bible Study Fellowship class. Eventually, 350 women were enrolled. I noticed that some of these women had powerful testimonies but needed help making them concise. Others loved God’s Word but needed guidance on how to teach it to others.
The Start of Speak Up Ministries
That was the start of Speak Up Ministries. I launched a training in my home to help women prepare to tell their stories publicly and teach Bible study messages. As the demand grew, the Speak Up Conference was born.
Originally a speakers’ seminar, in 2012, a writers’ track was added. It has since grown into an annual in-person event, a virtual conference, and small group MasterMind and intensive coaching groups for Christians interested in speaking, writing, and leading.
Speaking and Encouragement
One of my greatest joys is speaking at women’s retreats, conferences, and outreach events, where I teach biblical principles and share my story of renewed hope and faith after a season of sorrow. I love to include lots of laughter in my talks because life is hard, and humor helps us navigate everyday circumstances.
An unexpected part of my journey has been the arrest, trial, and conviction of my son for a heinous crime. This experience brought tears, opportunities to meet people I never would have encountered otherwise, and the launch of Speak Up for Hope, a nonprofit that provides resources for inmates and their families.
This journey has also led to invitations to speak at jails, prisons, and fundraising events for organizations that minister to prisoners.
If you’re struggling or you’re in the middle of a crisis, just know that God sees you, He knows you, and He loves you.
One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 43:19 and I hope it’s encouraging to you today
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
— Isaiah 43:19
A Cup of Coffee and a Prayer
A Cup of Coffee and a Prayer
I love a great cup of coffee and connecting with people who are passionate about life and ministry. It’s my prayer that you’ll find encouragement on this website—through the blogs and books you’ll discover here.
If your church or organization sponsors a retreat or conference, I’d love to speak at your event.