Looking for a speaker? Mary is available to speak at meetings, retreats, conferences, workshops, and more. A warm and engaging speaker, Mary tailors her speaking to fit the needs and structure of your event.
Don’t see a topic below that works for your event?
Contact Mary to discuss your speaking needs.
Transforming Pain Into Purpose: One Day at a Time
Do you live with chronic pain or illness? Do you struggle with isolation, loneliness, and depression because of your illness? While there are no quick fixes or easy cures, there is hope. Inspirational writer and speaker Mary Yerkes offers practical tips, tools, and resources to help you “live well” with chronic illness. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1997, Mary draws on her personal testimony, the stories of others, and advice from experts to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of chronic pain and illness. Learn how you can live a life of passion and purpose, one day at a time.
Spiritual Journaling–Writing for Spiritual Growth and Transformation
What do Amy Carmichael, David Livingstone, and Martin Luther have in common? These men and women of God all wrote privately. They kept journals, diaries, or wrote letters, sorting through their private thoughts and spiritual challenges with the help of a pen. More than a record of daily events, a spiritual journal records conversations with God, spiritual insights, and serves as a mirror of the soul. Discover how spiritual journaling can result in greater intimacy with God and lead to spiritual transformation.
Magazine Writing—How To Write Articles That Sell!
Why do so many new and established writers overlook writing articles for print and online publications? Whether you’re an author working to build your platform or a new writer trying to break into print, you can learn what it takes to become a writer editors want. From regional and national periodicals to ministry websites, editors need writers who can deliver timely, well-researched articles on deadline. Mary will give you the knowledge you need to turn everyday subjects into salable articles. From gathering information to writing compelling leads and endings, Mary will offer practical tips and proven strategies for writing articles that sell!
But You Look so Good! Understanding and Encouraging Those Living with Chronic Illness
Did you know that ninety million Americans, or 1 in 3, live with chronic illness? Yet, most show no outward signs of their disability—or the sense of isolation, loneliness, and discouragement they live with daily. Once diagnosed, many feel relegated to the sidelines of life—even at church. Understand the unique struggles and challenges those living with chronic illness face. Learn how, with simple accommodations, those living with chronic illness can make a difference in your community and church.

Here are a few more topics that may work for you:
- Seasons Change (Managing life transitions and change)
- Soul Care (Restoring life and health to your soul with spiritual disciplines)
- Victory over Emotional and Verbal Abuse (Reclaiming your identity in Christ)
- Depression: Journey to Wholeness (Understanding and overcoming depression)
Additional Topics: Bible Teaching/Bible Study, Christian Living, Faith/Trusting God, Life Challenges, Inspirational/Motivational, Loss/Grief/Overcoming Adversity, Parenting/Family, Spiritual Growth/Prayer/Worship, Teen Issues, Women’s Issues, Writing/Speaking/Publishing
Event Type: Church/Religious, Conference, Women’s Event, Retreat, Workshop, Seminar, Community/Civic Event, Chronic Illness Group, Writer’s Conference
