Gay Lewis is an author and speaker most often dealing with family topics. She believes that the concept and example of ‘family’ is of utmost importance in today’s world. She speaks to share the on-going healing and restoration in the lives of her own large family, some of which is described in Gay’s book, ‘Bittersweet’.

She has spoken in morning church services, women’s retreats, breakfasts, banquets, MOPS groups, youth gatherings and schools, as well as general audiences in large and small groups. Her message is primarily one of going through life understanding that the “bitter” things that a family experiences have the potential for producing either destruction or a deeper understanding of true forgiveness and restoration. Gay shares the ways that her family is learning to deliberately face and walk through through the “bitter” until the sting is gone. They have come to believe that no matter what comes along, death, rebellion, betrayal, addictions or wounds of every description, restoration is always offered. Its not always in the form one would desire, but individual restoration can be “sweet.”

Gay is a member of NCWA (Northwest Christian Writers Association) http://www.nwchristianwriters.org and a member of their Writers Connection. She has also worked in writers conferences in Florida, Washington and California. This year, 2011, was the 24th year that she has worked with the conferees and faculty in the annual Mount Hermon Writers Conference in Mt Hermon, California.

Gay (the eldest of 11 siblings) and her husband, Tom, also spent eight years with hundreds of young people filling their home. Eighty-plus of them actually lived with the Lewises during that time, for periods of two months to two years.

Later, Tom and Gay managed a private retreat center on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland for four years, with the International Foundation in Washington D.C. Highschool sweethearts, in April of 2011 Tom and Gay celebrated their 52nd anniversary. They have four daughters, four sons-in-law, eighteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The Lewises currently live in Redmond, Washington.

Speaking endorsements:

Gay Lewis and her family came and spoke at our High School chapel last year and did a fantastic job. I was so impressed with Gay’s natural ability not only to speak well in front of people, but in front of young people. Her passion and charisma as a speaker and follower of Jesus held the attention of the students and they were able to receive a clear passionate message. Her gifts are many and public speaking is a frontrunner.

Jessica Nienaber
Student Life Director
Bellevue Christian School
425.454.4028

I have known Gay Lewis for 27 years and I have witnessed many times her writing and speaking skills. As a public speaker she communicates her topic in a warm and compassionate manner. She organizes her material well and uses visual aids to illustrate her point. She is very comfortable in front of people and puts people at ease with her casual manner. I trust her public speaking ability.

Lee Bennett
Sr. Pastor
Northwest Community Church
425-402-3703

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the privilege to know Gay Lewis for many years, primarily through our association with the annual Mount Hermon Writers Conference. She is a charming, literate, warm and outgoing person who puts friends and strangers alike at ease in just a few moments of one-on-one conversation.

I’ve also been able to observe and even critique her public speaking skills, and she brings those same personal attributes to the podium as well, making her audience comfortable while establishing both her credibility and personal concern for her listeners as much as for her subject matter.

She is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable speaker, intelligent and well versed in her topic, yet able to connect to her audience in a casual, relaxed manner so that everyone feels included. She is adept at using self-deprecating humor to make a point and gains her listeners’ respect as a result.

I’m certain that Gay Lewis would be a valuable asset to any speaking group, and I would be happy and honored to hear her on any occasion.

Yours,

Daniel E. Kline
Public Speaker
Former member, National Speakers Association
Greater Los Angeles Chapter
President, Kline, Strom International, Inc.
www.dankline.com