By Linda Evans Shepherd
Welcome to Leading Hearts—
an EPA award-winning magazine created by the members of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
As AWSA celebrates our 25th year, I find myself reflecting on what God has built through us—over 1,000 strong—women committed to using our words, our stories, and our gifts to glorify Him.
What began as a support system for Christian women in publishing and speaking has become something much more. We’ve grown into a powerful sisterhood of encouragers—an alliance of authors, speakers, podcasters, mentors, and media professionals.
In a world that prizes platform and competition, we’ve discovered a better way: unity. We pray for one another. We champion each other’s books and messages. We speak life into dreams that feel stuck. Because we know—we’re not competing.
We’re co-laborers in the Kingdom.
Sometimes I imagine us like the wise virgins in Jesus’ parable, lamps filled and lit, waiting expectantly for the Bridegroom. But we’re not just waiting—we’re standing strong, lighting the way for others, for our Lord.
Each message we write, each story we share, becomes a flame passed forward in a world hungry for Jesus. That’s the heartbeat of Leading Hearts. We aren’t just creating content.
We’re making way for the coming of Jesus, one word, one book, one message at a time.
As you turn these pages, may you find encouragement, wisdom, and the spark of your own calling re-lit. You are not alone. You are part of a radiant company—carrying the light of Christ into every dark corner.
