10 Questions for Mary Murphy
1.. Tricia: If you only have one message to get across to readers, what would it be?
Mary: No matter what hurts, failures, or disappointments are in your past, there is hope for your future. God delights in using what we consider broken and turning it into something of value for his glory.
2.. Tricia: You regularly encounter men and women who live in the regrets of the past. How do you help them step out of the past and use their future to reflect God’s glory?
Mary: By openly sharing with others my own past hurts, disappointments, and failures, and showing them that God can take any life and mold it into a life worth living. I had cancer as an infant, I was the product of a blended marriage (and my parents went on to have more multiple divorces and remarriages), my husband and I have had marriage problems ourselves, we have lost two babies, and much more. I’ve decided not to wallow in the past and say ‘it isn’t fair’. Instead, I have thanked God for those things and am trying to use those experiences to help others heal. If God can get glory out of a life like mine, he can do the same with anyone!
3.. Tricia: If you could give one piece advice to Winning the Battle of the Bulge, what would that be?
Mary: Remember that it is a life-long war, and though every day is filled with battles, God has equipped you to be victorious!
4.. Tricia: How has your past helped to shape you for your ministry?
Mary: My husband and I both came from such troubled childhoods and dysfunctional families that we can personally relate to a wide range of problems. Each time I share my testimony, I’m amazed at the women who come to me afterward and thank me. Again and again, they make comments like, “I didn’t think anyone had been through what I’ve been through”, or “Thank you for understanding what my life has been like.”
5.. Tricia: Salty or sweet?
Mary: Definitely sweet!
6.. Tricia: For people who have their own message they want to share with groups, what tips do you have for connecting with audiences? (both physically and emotionally/spiritually)
Mary: Be honest and be yourself. I once heard a speaker say, “A message from a life reaches a life, a message from the mind reaches a mind, and a message from the heart reaches a heart.” I want my message to be from my heart!
7.. Tricia: What is your one indulgence?
Mary: I read every night before I go to bed.
8.. Tricia: What do you do for fun?
Mary: Quilt, make stained glass, go to antique shops and garage sales and movies with my husband, have lunch or coffee with a friend.
9.. Tricia: If you could take part in any reality show, what show would pick? Why?
Mary: Any one of the shows that help you get organized. I need someone to come through my house and garage and help me get rid of stuff and build some nice storage areas.
10.. Tricia: Why did you decide to self publish? What tips do you have for others wanting to do the same?
Mary: Although I had several publishers interested in my book “Winning the Battle of the Bulge”, none of them were willing to also publish the companion workbook/journal “Planning for the Battle of the Bulge” (two books from a first time author). After teaching weight loss classes for nearly five years, I knew I needed to publish both books simultaneously. I had lots of wise advice and counsel. My advice: listen to others who have self-published, get a good graphic artist, a reputable editor, and endorsements. Then, be ready to work hard to market your book. There are several companies that can help you through this process, but check their customer list.
website: www.winningthebattleofthebulge.com
email: mary@winningthebattleofthebulge.com
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