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Speaking

Hope, Redemption & Victory

With Jesus You Can Rise Above

The operative word being “with.”  When it comes to passions, my first is to be a clear communicator of the Gospel. Secondly, I long to help others honestly and earnestly seek Jesus for their solutions and fulfillment. I love to see people rise above the brokenness of this world and with Him (one way or another) I know they can.

No matter where people are in their journey, they want to be understood, encouraged with godly wisdom, and (for some) to know there is hope for their situation. Through music, the transparent sharing of my story, and Biblical teaching, I aspire to offer all three.

As a result, I’ve been honored to witness countless relationships with the Lord restored, lives transformed, ministries ignited, and most importantly, God glorified.

Schedule MaryWhat To Expect

Mary’s heart and song combined are capable of delivering you straight to the throne of God! She prepares and inspires women to live a forgiven life, overflowing, and committed to Him.

Debbie HarrisWomen's Ministry Leader, Restored Community Church (Boise, ID)

Mary James leaves a trail of breadcrumbs wherever she goes.....leaving you hungrier for more Jesus.

Paula MetcalfWomen's Ministry Leader, Frontier CC

The first time I heard you speak, I was blown away for days. And today, as a Seminary student, you have given me so much to chew on. Your ministry is alive. Alive. Striking serious chords with people and making a huge difference.

A Church AttendeeCrossroads Community Church

Speaking Topics

Below is a List of Speaking Topics Often Requested

FOR WOMEN’S RETREATS & CONFERENCES

Beauty From Brokenness (Finding God’s Beauty in the Bits and Pieces)

What good could ever come from brokenness? While the concept of brokenness is often viewed negatively, I will show how God can use our bumps, bruises, and broken pieces to raise us up as useful vessels: strong, compassionate, transparent with one another, and growing reflections of the King who dwells within us.

Key Scriptures: Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
#walkinthebeauty

Book Mary

The Pearl of Great Price

Who have you allowed to determine your worth? Being a woman who has struggled with acceptance issues most of my life, I have always loved the parable of the pearl of great price found in Matthew 13. What started as a song has grown into a retreat which addresses the matter of our value in Jesus’ eyes. This retreat welcomes testimonies from the women in your church and a time where attendees are encouraged to surrender all that has kept them from walking in the fullness of their God-given identity. By the end of the weekend, we will all leave challenged and eager to respond to Christ’s love with our own.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 13:44-46 and Luke 7:36-50

Book Mary

Abide In Me

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him will bear much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” It is no mystery where we find our power. But are we living connected to the Vine? During our weekend, we will journey through John 15 to reach a deeper understanding of a woman’s charge as a Christ follower. Through the passages, we will gain a renewed understanding of God’s love (even in the pruning seasons of life), an understanding of the relationship between the Vinedresser (God), the Vine (Jesus) and the branches (us), and we will learn what it takes for us to enjoy a life where our joy is truly full.

Key Scriptures: John 15:1-17

Book Mary

Christ My Joy and Strength

Both joy and strength are traits that most of us long to have as a steady aspect of our character, yet these qualities can slip through our fingers (even without us realizing it).  Life catches us off-guard. It interrupts, overwhelms, and disappoints. But God faithfully stands in the gap of our weakness and graciously provides the strength needed to live life powerfully. How do we get from point A to point B?  From jostled to joyful? Throughout the weekend, we will explore the source of true joy and strength; discovering how they are obtained and manifested in our lives.

Key Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10

Book Mary

KEYNOTE TOPICS

Beauty From Brokenness

Leading listeners through my story of adoption, rebellion, and transformation, I share the enormity of God’s love and grace over my life choices, which for years have seemed unforgiveable. The closing segment of my message focuses on the enemy’s attempts to keep us bound in regret, while Jesus offers a life that is meant to be joy-filled, liberated, and used for His glory.

Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:28

Book Mary

Be-Loved

Even as a Christian, it has taken me years to break free from the rejection and shame of the past.  Drawing from my journey toward healing and restoration, I share life-changing truths for those who question their acceptance, forgiveness, and long to be liberated (once and for all). 

Key Scripture: Ephesians 1:16, “To the praise of the glory of His grace, but which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” 

Book Mary

Strong For the Journey

Do you ever have days when you want to give up or go home? In the privacy of your own heart, you cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus. Enough is enough!” Recent events have caused those thoughts to stir in the hearts of many people. Walking you through some of the adversities we have faced on the road, I hope to encourage you to keep your eye on the goal; trusting God to provide every ounce of strength needed for you to stay the course.

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9
#endurance #easydoesntmakeyoustrong

Book Mary

She Loved Much

A message that will solidify your value in the eyes of Jesus and challenge you in your response to His great love.

Luke 7:36-50

Book Mary

With Jesus You Can Rise Above

There is a battle going on for our hearts and lives. The enemy is working overtime to make us doubt God and do life our way (or his way). John 16:33 tells us, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” We have the freedom to choose our path each day. We decide who and what we will take our influence from. Through various experiences, Mary will share why following and trusting Jesus is always the winning choice.

Book Mary

Fearfully, Wonderfully Made (Pro-life Message & Video)

Out of my story has come a passion to support Pregnancy Care Clinics / Centers and Pro-life organizations as they advocate for the pre-born by helping mothers and fathers make informed, life-giving choices. While sharing the portion of my story that relates to my adoption and reunion with my birth parents/grandparents, I also challenge the audience to speak truth and life into the hearts of mothers everywhere.

Book Mary

Mother's Day Message

Through the lives of the four Mothers the Lord has provided, I will share the invaluable lessons they have each taught me. Every Mother, Grandmother, and Daughter in the room will be reminded of their importance to the families God has placed in their care. Tissue will be required (but in a really good way).

Book Mary

Father's Day Message

A brief talk on what I have learned from the two Fathers the Lord has given me. This time will come as an encouragement to Fathers in understanding their incredible value and influence.

Book Mary

CHRISTMAS TOPICS

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

A beautiful and stirring message that reminds us once again not to fear our own personal “stables,” but to celebrate that Jesus came to meet us in those less than perfect places.  This event will uplift, encourage, and stir hearts during a season that can rob us of our true Christmas joy.

Alternate Title: Your Heart Christ’s Manger

Book Mary

Invite Him In (Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Knowing how quickly life and its demands can leave God (unintentionally) at the bottom of our priority list, this message reminds us to pause and invite the guest of honor into our celebrations and lives. Jesus stands at the door and knocks. But are we living quiet enough to hear and with hearts willing to open the door?

Key Scriptures: Proverbs 4:23, Revelation 3:20

Book Mary

A Lamp for Every Corner

Have you ever caught yourself wondering what you could possibly offer Jesus?  Christmas is a season that activates God’s generous Spirit within us, yet we can often miss the bigger picture and even underestimate our purpose in the scheme of things.  This event will help women focus on the humility of Christ and find contentment in their divinely appointed assignments.  

Alternate Theme:  Adaptable for Mom’s Events.

Book Mary