Sunday, May 11, 2008

Florence Littauer's Amazing Influence

Since 1970, legendary speaker and author Florence Littauer has bravely pioneered the path for Christian women speakers everywhere. From a humble home and an unchurched background, Florence never aspired to greatness. She simply wanted to reach hurting women. Thus, she began teaching small Bible studies in her home. But it wasn't long before God called her to take His message to a wider audience. Thirty books and millions of people later, Florence has touched the world.


Last week in Austin, Texas, I had the amazing privilege of being trained by this gentle giant. For three days, I sat under her teaching and she sat under mine – gulp. Why? Because although Florence could have taken those three days to make ten of thousands of dollars and added one more conference to her own resume, she chose instead to pour her wisdom and experience into the lives of 70 other Christian leaders.

Ten years into her speaking career, Florence faced a fork in the road. Down one path lay personal success and the accumulation of the world’s accolades. The other, more narrow path offered the possibility of kingdom influence. Florence chose influence. For over twenty years, she has dedicated herself to reproducing quality, godly Christian communicators who would share God’s good news.

I am blessed. I have watched, learned from, and been critiqued by this godly, talented woman. Florence Littauer has inspired me, not just to be the best speaker and author that I can be, but to more than that. She has reminded me that true success comes from influencing people who will influence people. Together, with God’s help, we can change the world.

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