One of my favorite things is connecting women. The other day I was having coffee with a friend and as she told me about a ministry dream, I immediately thought of two other friends who share a like-hearted passion and whose paths are going in a similar direction. I wanted my coffee shop friend to meet my other friends, stat! The same thing happens when I’m reading a good book — simultaneously processing all the nuggets of wisdom for myself and thinking about who else in my life would be encouraged by the message.
That’s how I feel all the time about the writers of (in)courage. I read their words and we share conversations, I hear the ways they pray for friends and see how they use their unique giftings for God’s glory, and I can’t help but think, I want everyone to know them!
So I love when I have the honor of building a bridge of connection for you and our writers. You might know the faces and voices well, or maybe they’re brand new to you. Either way, I know you will be blessed by this edition of Contributor Spotlight with Denise J. Hughes, Michele Cushatt, and Renee Swope.
Pull up a chair! We’re so glad you’re here!
-Becky Keife, (in)courage Community Manager
Denise J. Hughes
Tell us a little about yourself.
I love learning about people’s strengths and what motivates their hearts.
• I’m an INTJ (Myers-Briggs).
• I’m a 5w4 (Enneagram).
• My top five Signature Strengths are Learner, Strategic, Ideation, Intellection, and Input (Strengths Finder).
If you put all that together, it basically means I’m a book nerd through and through.
I find these various frameworks fascinating, but at the end of the day, true knowledge about self and the world can only come from God’s Word. The Bible is the one true authority on who I am and why I am here. I am His beloved. And so are you. God made each of us a unique creation, and we are here to glorify Him.
How long have you been an (in)courage contributor?
Well, let’s see, I wrote my first blog post for (in)courage on March 15, 2015.
What’s your favorite thing about (in)courage?
All the pretty things! The teacups, the calendars, the journals — especially the journals! I know, that doesn’t sound very deep, but truly, I love journaling. I write out my prayers every day, and I have a whole stack of journals dated back several years.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about empowering women with truth and grace, which is why I love the weekly Bible study at my church. Being with women in the Word is always one of the highlights of my week.
I also love getting together, one on one, with a friend. I form deep friendships by spending time with someone, to hear her story and know her heart.
My favorite part of each day, though, is in the evening with my family. When your kids are older — and mine are 23, 15, and 14 — dinner with everyone present isn’t as automatic as it was when they were little. So I’m being intentional to cherish the time we still have together under the same roof.
I appreciate nature and beauty, too. I can easily spend too much time with my head in a book, so I like to get outside and simply enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
What personal project are you most excited about right now?
In 2018 I finished some major projects, which meant a ton of output, and it’s all been great, but it’s time to fill up again, and for me that means learning. To grow in my understanding of things is very restorative for me.
The personal project I’m most excited about right now is being in seminary. As a writer, speaker, and teacher, I take James 3:1 pretty seriously, so I’m grateful to be in a place where I can delve into God’s Word. And I’m super excited to learn Hebrew and Greek!
What is your favorite…
- Hot drink: Tea – Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice
- Thing to do with friends: Tell Stories – over nachos or pizza or kale (just kidding about the kale)
- Place to go: Long drives – along winding countryside roads
- Way to recharge: Time alone – in a quiet room, reading a book, sipping tea
- Thing to watch on TV: Football – whenever the Green Bay Packers are playing
- Sound: Water – I have a rain app I love, and where I live in California, the app is pretty much the only rain I hear.
How can readers keep in touch and learn more about what you’re up to?
The best way to stay connected is on Instagram — @DeniseJHughes — and at my website: denisejhughes.com.
Did you know that Denise is the General Editor of the new CSB (in)courage Devotional Bible? In this video, you’ll hear from Denise about the diverse group of women who contributed, her favorite part of helping put this project together, and how she saw the Holy Spirit at work in the process!
Michele Cushatt
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a Midwest-raised, Colorado-living girl who loves great books, solid theology, honest conversations, and hiking the Rocky Mountains. A three-time tongue cancer survivor, I went from speaking in arenas and podcasts to tens of thousands of people around the globe to losing two-thirds of my tongue and fighting for my life. As a result, I’ve become a (reluctant) expert of pain, suffering, trauma and our deep, human need for true connection — with God and each other.
I’m married and a mama to six children (ages 11 to 26), three of which came to us through foster-adoption and have their own hard, trauma story. Turns out our deepest suffering can be a means to the most beautiful and healing connections with others.
Sounds a little bit like the Cross, doesn’t it?
How long have you been an (in)courage contributor?
FIVE WHOLE MONTHS! I’m like a high school girl with a new boyfriend.
What’s your favorite thing about (in)courage?
I love the diverse experiences, unique perspectives, and complementary passions represented by writers and readers alike. But most of all, I love that we love the Gospel and each other more than any individual agenda. That kind of relationship is both rare and beautiful.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about mentoring and equipping women to use their unique talents and voice to lead well wherever they are, in whatever way they can. I’m also passionate about facilitating meaningful, Gospel-based conversations around the tensions between real faith and real life in the hopes of building the faith of God’s people, one story and circumstance at a time.
What personal project are you most excited about right now?
I’m so glad you asked! I’m currently putting the final touches on my third book, scheduled to release Fall 2019. Although each of the books I’ve written have a special place in my heart, this one connects with a tender and intimate piece of my recent experiences. In short, it’s all about helping men and women find solid evidence of God’s unshakeable presence in seasons of pain, suffering, and spiritual doubt.
What is your favorite…
- Special meal: Carne Asada, Tacos, Enchiladas, Chili Rellenos, … you get the idea.
- Salty snack: Chips & Salsa
- Sweet treat: Dark chocolate with caramel
- Hot drink: Green Tea Latte
- Thing to do with friends: Hiking. And slow, satisfying conversation
- Thing to do alone: Reading and napping (not simultaneously)
- Place to go: The Mountains
- Way to recharge: Solitude.
How can readers keep in touch and learn more about what you’re up to?
Instagram is my favorite hangout on social media. But the best way to stay connected for new book releases, podcasts, and other projects, events, and updates is my website: www.MicheleCushatt.com. 2019 promises to be full of exciting news! I don’t want you to miss it.
Okay, go grab another cup of tea and get ready to be deeply encouraged by my conversation with Michele as we talk about what it means in look for God’s presence in places of pain. If you’re suffering or know someone who is (that’s all of us!) then this is for you.
Renee Swope
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a work-at-home ministry leader, author, and mom’preneur. I spend some days drinking coffee, running errands, doing laundry, and all the things of parenting and marriage. Other days I’m at my computer loving and serving Jesus and women online, writing words for blogs and books, and connecting with event leaders I get to partner with at churches where I speak.
I’ve written three books, including the Come to Me journal, 60-Days to Stop Doubting Yourself devotional, and A Confident Heart. With a degree in Marketing and Psychology, and a love for Jesus that fuels everything I do, I loved using my passion for collaboration, connection, and content strategy to help grow Proverbs 31 Ministries from a tiny newsletter into an international ministry while serving on staff there for over 20 years, with some of my closest friends. A few of my favorite roles over the years were devotions editor, radio co-host, and executive director of social media.
I’m in a new season of life and ministry. Our firstborn got married in May, our second son is a junior in college, and our baby girl, who we adopted from Ethiopia, is about to turn 10!
How long have you been an (in)courage contributor?
I joined the (in)courage team in April 2014.
What’s your favorite thing about (in)courage?
One of my favorite things is the place we hold in our minds as we write: a table where we save a seat for each other, with an open invitation to women of all ages, stages, ethnicities, and backgrounds to come and be together, pray together and share life together with Jesus and each other.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about growing things -– whether it be flowers and tomatoes, ideas and dreams, ministries or my kids, my marriage or a project I’m excited about! I love helping someone or something grow into its fullest potential by exploring and discovering the best environment and conditions in which it (or they) can thrive.
I’m also passionate about helping women discover and embrace their own beautiful God-given roles, gifts, and potential and equipping them with courage and confidence to make a difference right where they are, with what they already have!
What personal project are you most excited about right now?
I’m really excited my publisher just put my first book, A Confident Heart, on sale with the ebook being ONLY $ .99 through October on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Yay!
What is your favorite…
- Special meal: Grilled steak and shrimp
- Salty snack: Tortilla chips sprinkled with fresh lime juice
- Sweet treat: Heath Bar Toffee milkshake
- Hot drink: Skinny White Chocolate Latte
- Thing to do with friends: Talk and laugh for hours
- Thing to do alone: Landscape design and gardening in our backyard
- Place to go: To the mountains or to the lake to watch the sunset
- Way to recharge: Out on a boat on the lake near our house, reading a good book.
How can readers keep in touch and learn more about what you’re up to?
I’d love to invite you to stop by for a visit in what I like to call my “living room” online at ReneeSwope.com. And if you’d like to subscribe to my bi-monthly family and friends newsletter, I’ll send you one of my favorite chapters from A Confident Heart, as a thank you and welcome gift!
Now, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Especially if you’ve ever felt like your life, job, circumstance, or schedule are impossible. (Raising my hand!) Renee shares about times when she’s felt like she’s living in the middle of impossible and the new ways she’s learning to rely on God’s power through it all. (It’s also the topic of her next book!)
Get caught up with all our past contributor spotlights!
Now it’s your turn: How long have you been reading (in)courage?
What are you passionate about?
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Good morning ladies,
Denise, I have to say that you are my inspiration as a writer. I am amazed at ALL the projects you are continually working on. I have so enjoyed your Bible studies and “Deeper Waters”. I can tell you have a real passion for taking women (and men) deeper into God’s Word and helping them unearth the awesome Truth that dwells there. I loved working with you on “A Moment to Breath,” and now that I have my new (in)courage Bible, I am going to set aside my well worn, highlighted, scribbled in, Bible that has been my trusted friend for years and begin illustrating my faith on some fresh pages for the coming decades (God willing). I share, with you, the a love of Greek and Hebrew. I love digging into my G/H concordance to find out the exact meaning or “hue” of the word that the writer was trying to convey. Yes, I’m a “word nerd” lol.
Michele, I do agree with you that nothing draws you into a close relationship with the Lord like pain and suffering. As hard as it is to be in the crucible, the sweet side of bittersweet is that we are drawn into the loving, comforting arms of Christ when our life is in the balance and all we can do is simply “be” in His presence and wait on Him. I love the mountains of CO and I look forward to your presence here. I’ve been reading here for a LONG time and I love meeting and reading the new voices that God brings to this awesome table. Welcome!
Renee,
I have always related to the posts you write. I love that you are honest and real…no pretension of having it “all together” from you and that is a breath of fresh air. When your posts are featured, I feel like I’m talking with a close friend. I resonate with much of what you write. I love to grow things as well. It’s so much fun rescuing the near dead plants off the bargain shelf and nurturing them back to life….it reminds me of what God continually does for and with us. I don’t ever want to feel like I’ve “arrived”. I’m glad God continues to grow me in my faith through writers like you.
Blessings today all,
Bev xx
Michele Cushatt says
Thank you, Bev. I so appreciate the warm welcome! And I love that we share an affection for the Colorado mountains. Blessings, sister. ~MC
Renee Swope says
Bev, I love that my posts make you feel like you’re talking to a close friend! That makes me smile from ear to ear because I wouldn’t want it any other way!! And, how fun that we share a passion for growing things. God speaks to me so much when my hands are in the dirt, caring for my veggies and flowers the way HE cares for me. So grateful you are here. xoxo
Beth Williams says
Denise,
I am an INJF & 2W1. Love helping people. Seen you on In Courage the first Sundays of month when we pray for each other. Like you I love tea- English Breakfast is my favorite. Congratulations on the new In Courage Bible. I pray it helps many women. i PRAY God will continue to bless you with many more books & teachings. Glad I finally got to know you & learn who you really are. Blessings 🙂
Michele,
So sorry you had to deal with cancer. Know that I work with Relay for Life to help raise money to help fight cancer. Each day you hear of new people getting cancer. You are a strong woman who perseveres in trials. Your faith seems strong. I agree that trials bring you much closer to God & increases your faith. I also love to hike in the mountains of upper E. TN & bask in the beauty of God. Also love dark chocolate & hot tea. Praying your books will help many many women. You inspire so many women to be strong & cling to Jesus no matter the situation. You are spot on when talking about I am. We are not the titles this world puts on us. We are forever a child of God. (((((Hugs)))))
Renee,
I’ve known you for years as a Proverbs 31 ministry person. So glad to have you over here at In Courage. We, as women, want to do & fix everything & do it now. We must learn to let go & let God help us work out a solution. Yes! “It’s our response to His ability”-such great wisdom. God doesn’t want us to “have it all together”. He wants us to come to Him with our problems. He is continually molds us into the person He wants us to be. God allows trials in our lives to build us up & make us a better version of Himself. I’m learning to get wisdom from God’s word & take the truths into each situation & season I journey through. Just love practical books with wisdom that you’ve learned from trials & how I can apply that wisdom to my everyday life. Yes! Self doubt comes into my life in all my trials also. We don’t have to have confidence in all areas of life-just confidence in God’s ability to handle this situation to our best. I pray your books inspire many many women. Welcome to In Courage!!!
Blessings to all ☺❤
Michele Cushatt says
Beth, I’m a 2W1 too! It’s not easy being us! 🙂 Hahaha. Seriously, love knowing this about you. AND I love that we both love tea and dark chocolate. Destined to be friends, for sure. xoxox ~MC
Renee Swope says
Bev, thank you for taking time to say hi and for such a warm welcome! I have loved being part of both P31 and inCourage. It’s so fun to meet online friends who have grown with us through the years.
Penny says
Dear Becky, Denise, Michelle, and Renee,
Thank-you all for being here at in(courage) and for sharing your inspirational voices with us. I truly am grateful to you and the others who have contributed over the years. When I first came upon in(courage), over a few years ago, it was a God send for me.
I am sorry for your individual hardships and appreciate how you’ve turned them into a way to help others.
After my Faith and Hope I’ve become more passionate about trying to simplify in order to focus on other meaningful things. Sometimes I still get sidetracked, but I’m learning, which is something I’m also passionate about.
With gratitude,
Penny
Michele Cushatt says
Love that we can learn together, Penny. So grateful for the gift of your life and voice here. ~M
Renee Swope says
Grateful for your presence here Penny!! We love having you as part of our inCourage family!!
Summer Rae says
I have been reading since 2016 when our Almighty GOD… being the intimate, loving, merciful Father that He IS reached down and completely changed my idea of what life was. When He gave me a family and showed me it is a relationship with Him… not a religion. And blessed me with this online space of constant encouragement and community and love and showing that you are in fact NEVER alone in a time when satan was doing his very best to make me feel that way and supplying pretty convincing evidence. But, our GOD is GOOD. And HE does GOOD. He is sovereign and near and personal and loving and compassionate and merciful… and He has instilled a passion within me for showing His children (age aside) that there is HOPE for that relationship with Him. HOPE for having family. HOPE for climbing out of that empty, lone, hole satan and the world has put you in one dig/jab at a time. Trusting in that strong, ever faithful, GOOD Ladder. One “rung” at a time. You never have to sell yourself short or compromise to the world’s ways… for you are worthy and treasured by the Creator of the heavens and earth. He knows our name.
Thank you (in)courage.