My question?
Who would you say is an influential, inspirational, creative FEMALE voice? Why?
And the flood of responses was overwhelming.
I was surprised by all the guys who tweeted back! Thank you, men, for stepping up and shining light on the women you admire and respect.
And women, thank you for highlighting the many strong women who add so much to your own lives.
I ended up spending hours going through all the names. Many familiar to me... some dear friends... a plethora I'd never heard of before. Until now.
The women on this list span the globe.
They are authors, speakers, artists, musicians, photographers, CEOs, moms...
And all of them? Strong voices of creativity, inspiration, and influence.
Quite a few people asked to see all the names that came in, so I compiled them into a list, along with the "why"s people shared. I've included website and Twitter links, so you can easily start following these incredible women.
Each of us, no matter where we are or what we do, has a voice.
We have influence. We have listeners. We have followers.
(And I'm not just talking the Twitter-kind of followers... Think about your 3-year-old following you around the house, trying to do what you do. Think about your friends who ask for your advice. Think about your spouse, committed to doing life with you. Believe it or not, you have followers.)
People are listening. They are watching. They are being impacted by us, even when we are unaware.
Think about your voice today.
And what you want people to hear...
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Take some time to meet and connect with these amazing women around the world. And let us know who you would add to the list, and why.
Allison Buzard | allisonbuzard.com | @AllisonBuzard Her perspective on how faith influences social work systems is unique in a culture clamoring for 'social justice'
Ally Spotts | allyspotts.com | @allyspotts Courageous faith-walker and bold truth-teller
Amena Brown Owen | amenabrown.com | @amenabee Poet like you've never seen, heard, or experienced; she breathes life through her spoken words
Amy Becker | amyjuliabecker.com | @amyjuliabecker Honest, smart, beautiful writer
Angie Magnino | smangiemag.blogspot.com | @graceinseason Powerhouse of creativity and leadership
Anne Jackson | annejacksonwrites.com | @AnneJackson Truth written in beauty
Ashley Campbell | ashleyannphotography.com/blog Beautiful writer and photographer; Inspirationally teaches her kids to care for the world
Ashley Smith | @ashleyasmith A passionate voice for grace
Beth Moore | blog.lproof.org | @BethMooreLPM Gifted communicator of God's Word
Bianca Olthoff | blog.inthenameoflove.org | @BiancaOlthoff Says it like it is; Biblically sound and unafraid to speak the truth
Bobbie Houston | coloursisterhood.com | @bobbiehouston Strong leader, pioneer, unique thinker
Candace Cameron Bure | candacecameronbure.net | @candacecbure An incredible, Godly role model in Hollywood
Caryn Rivadeneira | carynrivadeneira.com | @carynrivadeneir Candid and authentic about the intersection of life and faith
Chimamanda Adichie | Her TED talk Beautifully weaves African history, stories, and heritage into poignant relevant truths
Christine Caine | equipandempower.com | @ChristineCaine Powerful, passionate teacher of truth; Rescuing women who've been victims of sex trafficking
Danah Boyd | zephoria.org/thoughts | @zephoria She's a genius
Darlene Zschech | darlenezschech.com | @darlenezschech Surrendered heart of worship
Emily Thomas | cancercardxchange.org | @eticklethomas Followed her passion and drive to start a nonprofit with potential to change lives, and the best mom I've ever known
Idelette McVicker | idelette.com | @idelette Passionate about raising our collective voices to bring down the walls of injustice
Jamie Wright | theveryworstmissionary.com | @JamieTheVWM Raw honesty with a little bit of crazy goodness
Jen Lemen | hopefulworld.org | @jenlemen Smart and inspiring
Jennifer White | jenniferowhite.com | @jenniferowhite Full of grace and wisdom
Jenny Jones | jennybjones.com | @JenBJones Shows how a woman can be funny without being crass, brilliant without dumbing herself down for men, and vulnerable without being mushy
Jill Sweetman | jillsweetman.com | @jillsweetman Amazing pastor with a heart for marriage, parenting, and relational issues
Jonalyn Fincher | soulation.org/jonalynblog Intelligent, articulate, and redefines Biblical womanhood
Juli Slattery | facebook.com/JuliSlattery | @DrJuliSlattery Wise, grounded reflections
Karen Hammons | karenhammons.mobi | @karenhammons Encouraging advocate for grace
Karen Walrond | karenwalrond.com | @Chookooloonks Refreshing perspective
Kim Miller | redesigningworship.com | @kimmmiller Giftedly creative woman
Laura Story | laurastorymusic.com | @LauraStoryMusic Honest, thoughtful, and worshipful
Mandy Steward | messycanvas.com | @messycanvas Original and amazingly creative
Margaret Feinberg | margaretfeinberg.com | @mafeinberg One of the most passionate speakers I've ever heard; amazingly creative teacher
Mary DeMuth | marydemuth.com | @MaryDeMuth Transparent thinker who inspires others; Generous with her ideas, resources, and encouragement
Mary Ellen Mark | maryellenmark.com Tells a compelling story in her photography
Nancy Duarte | duarte.com | @nancyduarte Revolutionizing communication
Nicola Hulks | nicolahulks.blogspot.com | @nicolahwriter Never afraid to be herself, takes huge steps of faith, gifted writer who uses her influence for good
Nicole Cottrell | modernreject.com | @modernreject Hip, funny, cool, and can jab people with Scripture and truth; Powerful writer, pulls no punches, challenging/inspiring faith; Someone I'd want to lead my church
Priscilla Shirer | goingbeyond.com | @PriscillaShirer Powerfully influential speaker
Rachel Snyder | thelazychristian.com | @LazyChristian Outspoken, candid, truth-speaker
Renee Ronika Klug | quietanthem.blogspot.com | @reneeronika Passionate to see women restored to freedom
Sarah Brown | gordonandsarahbrown.com | @SarahBrownUK So wise and strong, yet so down to earth
Sarah Cunningham | sarahcunningham.org | @sarahcunning In her element with creativity and influence; Has vision for tomorrow and brings others into it; Speaks directly to this generation with authenticity
Shauna Niequist | shaunaniequist.com | @sniequist Honest about life and faith
Stephanie Smith | stephaniessmith.com | @stephindialogue Encourages me through her writing about beauty and creativity
Sunny Cain | sunnycain.blogspot.com | @sunnycain Challenges me to live up to God's best; Honest, gentle, wise beyond her years
Tamara Lunardo | tamaraoutloud.com | @tamaraoutloud Epitomizes creativity, balance, grace, and beauty -- in words, in life, in faith, in action
Teresa Robinson | rightbrainplanner.com | @stargardener Things that felt impossible for me feel possible in her presence
Tina Francis | shelovesmagazine.com | @teenbug Embraces risk, hopes against hope
Tracee Persiko | traceepersiko.com | @traceepersiko Knows her stuff and her passion is contagious; Loves deeply, makes people feel seen and valued, communicates God's truth from the overflow of her heart
Vicky Beeching | vickybeeching.com | @vickybeeching Creative, inspiring, pioneer
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Who else would you add to the list? Why? (Please include links so it's easy for everyone to find & follow them.)