We were lucky to catch up with Laura Lee Leathers recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Laura Lee, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
It was June 2020, and I had been off work for several months because of the pandemic. Within several weeks of returning to work, I felt unsettled not at peace. Seeking the Lord, I committed to a time of fasting, prayer, and searching the Scriptures. Through Scripture and other affirmations, I knew the Lord had a new job for me to do. It was caregiving and writing.
However, I struggled because, at 66, I needed an income. After several months, I turned in my resignation. My last day of work was on October 30. To make this story short, I started a remote part-time job the following Monday. My caregiving job came to an end the following February. Then, by the end of the summer of 2021, new writing opportunities began to unfold. God had a new purpose for me at this age and stage—full-time freelance writer.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Christian author, speaker, and writers’ mentor. While homeschooling my two younger children in the late 90s, I started a ministry called Tea Time Treasures. I created tea parties, catered events, taught etiquette classes, and spoke at women’s ministry events, schools, garden clubs, and other programs. The ministry also grew into a writing ministry, offering a quarterly newsletter and writing for magazines and newspapers. I owned and operated a tea room and developed a scone mix and tea blend as Mississippi food products.
In 2002, I attended my first writers’ conference. When I returned home, I submitted my first formal pitch to an international magazine. It was accepted. I learned that interviews were my specialty. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about people and their work.
Around 2008, the tearoom closed, and I went to work outside my home. During that time, I continued to speak and write. It was 2020 when a new chapter opened in my life. I went from writing part-time to full-time and continued with speaking events. I also realized that my purpose had shifted to reaching women over age 55. I aim to encourage women to be intentional about living by faith, flourishing, and finishing well.
I am currently working on a Bible study for seasoned women. I offer a weekly newsletter called “A Cup of Encouragement.” Writing endeavors consist of print and online magazine and newspaper articles, devotionals, and a contributor to several anthologies.
When I am not at my computer, I work in my flower and vegetable garden, which I call Lady Laura’s Garden, spend time with my children and grandchildren, encourage other writers, and am involved in my church.
In my bio, I tell my readers, “Imagine Lois Lane, over sixty-five, and living on a farm. Her metropolis is the area of freelance writing. Her primary love interest is the Word of God. She digs for information, interviews fascinating people, offers a cup of biblical hospitalit-tea, encourages, and helps others with the ‘how-to’s’ of life.”
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First and foremost, as a Christ follower, I have a love for the Scriptures and a passion for teaching the Word. Second, going back to purpose, one of my life’s expectations was to be an executive secretary. Being an author and freelance writer didn’t even enter my mind as a young woman. Looking back, I can see where my training as a secretary prepared me and benefitted my writing. My skills are investigation, organization, creativity, and entrepreneurship. I enjoy helping and encouraging women through life’s challenges and giving them creative ideas that might be beneficial for celebrations and challenges.
My advice for those early in their journey is to drop the expectations. Usually, life doesn’t turn out the way you expect it to. Ask God for wisdom in making plans and decisions, and then wait for His timing. For this farm girl from Illinois, now Mississippi, God’s purpose for my life has taken me on an amazing journey with the most unusual experiences, way above anything I could have put together or imagined. Has life been easy? Certainly not, but I’ve seen God’s protection and provision. I’ve learned to trust Him through life’s highs and lows. Know your skills. What is your passion? Then, watch how God weaves and works people and experiences into your life for His purposes.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
God has placed godly women who were role models at every stage of my life. They have invested in me and my endeavors in so many ways. They are women of influence who have taught me how to pray and study the Scriptures. They have prayed for me. There would be a mentor when I needed guidance about being a wife, mother, and writer. I have women who hold me accountable, provide encouragement, coach me in writing, provide a listening ear, rejoice in my accomplishments, provide godly counsel, and grieve through heartaches and disappointments. Our deep friendships make my life blessed, enriched, and richer. They are my sisters in Christ.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lauraleeleathers.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/laura.leathers77/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.leathers.33
- Other: Teacups & Friends: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201387025539171
Image Credits
The pictures are my personal photos.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
