|
What Others are Saying...
About Gatha Crowson
by Yancey Sumners of Miami,
FL
Why
is Gatha sought after by Christian women around the world? I already know
what my wife thinks about her effectiveness and realism. I've listened to
the women in our church family after her workshops, seminars and training
classes. What about other Christians? Listen to their own words as they
describe what they think of Gatha Crowson.
|
GATHA CROWSON
...cleaning out closets |
| What
is Gatha's Mission in Life? What
is it that drives her to travel the world teaching and
training in churches and corporations? These
were some of the questions I wanted to ask as I sat
down with Gatha on my back patio. I believe
the church needs more women like |
Gatha. Women
of courage and wisdom who are willing to take the time
and effort to share and teach the younger women of our
number. I had known of her from times past when
she had visited our church and held different classes.
I had also sat and talked with her early one morning last
year on a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We both were attending
the Caribbean lectureship. Gatha was there as a speaker/trainer for
the women. I had heard of her work with Christian women throughout
the Islands and America. But I really didn't know her that well. But
now she was a guest in our home. She was in Miami to work in our congregation's
'Spring Break Program'. For the past week my wife Rene and I had been
able to see her 'up close' as she worked with small groups, large classes,
and one-on-one with individuals. We marveled at this woman who completely
gave herself to whoever she was speaking with at the time. Whether
it was one person, fifty or a thousand she always gave 100% of herself. She
could have you laughing one moment and crying the next. Her homespun
wisdom gleaned from years of studying the truth and years in the "University
of Life" captivated those around her. She was a refreshing positive
breeze in a world rift with negative thought.
"What made her presence even more impressive was the
fact that Gatha had buried her very best friend Carol the day she was scheduled
to come to Miami. She came the next day anyway. Suffering from
the grief and shock of this unexpected and untimely death she still gave
her very best to all those who came to hear her speak and to talk with her
personally. Her presence with us at such a crucial time in her life
was a testimony of her faith in God and her commitment to Him. rene
and I quickly fell in love with this wonderful sister in Christ. If
you ever have the privilege to spend time with her, you will too!"
-Yancey Sumners
|
Dalton,
GA - "Three years ago I heard you speak for the first time at
a Ladies Day. You saved my marriage. Because of the impact Gatha's
training had on our employees as far as teamwork, problem solving techniques,
stress management, dealing with difficult people, developing effective listening
skills and customer service, our CEO signed a contract with Gatha as a consultant
for our company over 7 months ago and the work she has done for our company
has been outstanding. Her godly life shows in everything she does....she
is always working for the Lord."
-Lisa Burt, Corporate Executive, Paradise
Mills
Torrance, CA -
Gatha is compassionate and inspirational - more than
just a motivator, Gatha helps folks refashion their very being. As
such, I like to think of the work she does as soul making - and she does
it so beautifully. So many have commented on your presentation. I
just smile and say 'I told you she would touch your life'. I knew you
would because you have touched mine. I am deeply honored to be your
friend."
-George M. Robinson, Clinical Psychologist,
President West Coast Christian Publishing, Inc.
Nashville,
TN - "Gatha brings strangers like myself into her home.
Everywhere she goes she has the gift of drawing people to her. She is such
an inspiration and her work in the Lord's vineyard is so needed!"
-Linda Blanks, RN, businessowner
Texarkana,
AR - "The response to the ladies retreat has been tremendous.
So many have come up to me at church and expressed how much it helped
them. They said you were the most personable speaker they've ever had,
that most speakers return to their room as soon as they speak and don't mingle
with the people. Thank you for coming such a long distance, for going
way beyond the call of duty and reaching in and touching
people's lives. God really is using you in a most wonderful way.
-Beth Pigg, Jackson, MS
Miami, FL - "As an elder and minister I can state without reservation
that Gatha Crowson has blessed our lives immensely with her Biblical-based
presentations, but most of all her living example, modeling the lifestyle
of Jesus. I have been working in the Caribbean over 20 years now,
and I knew that Gatha's Biblical teaching was especially needed because
the typical role of women in the islands has been that of abuse and neglect.
The impact Gatha had on the women in Antigua at the Caribbean lectureships
was awesome and wonderful! As a result she has had many opportunities
to work with the women on different islands and bring hope to their lives.
They are pleading with her to return again this year!"
-Dr. Rex Moorer, Sevierville, TN
Kentucky - "Informative, thought provoking! The illustrations
about the 10 commandments were outstanding!"
-Jeanette Francis, Welcome Wagon,
State of Kentucky
Conway, AR - "Thank
you so much for the wonderful Ladies Day you presented on Cleaning Out the
Closet of Your Life: From Forgiveness to Freedom. This was such a blessing
and so timely for our ladies. You helped us identify the issues confronting
us, the obstacles in the way of forgiving ourselves. You 'held a mirror'
up to our souls and helped us see things as they really are - in the light
of God's Word. Your insight into the subject is incredible and I so appreciate
your ability to touch each of us on a personal level. Your style of
blending humor and intensity creates a perfect environment for learning on
a spiritual and emotional level. Thank you
again for your labor of love among my church family. You have touched
our hearts and lives in a way we will never forget."
-Kim Wilson
Cullman, AL - "Those of you who heard Gatha
last year know that we are about to receive a rich blessing
from a very gifted speaker. Gatha has accomplished so
much while coping with chronic pain from her debilitating
illnesses. She routinely donates her services to speak to others suffering
from these afflictions at their organizations and support groups. She truly
is a lady who is living the example of Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things
through Him who gives me strength.' What a privilege to have Gatha
for our Ladies Retreat two years in a row."
-Shelley Parnell (now at Lubbock College,
Lubbock, TX)
St. Lucia, Caribbean Islands - "You've
made such a difference in my life. I could not believe people
like you existed. You are one in a million. You are wonderful.
I thank you so much for speaking at the lectureship in Antigua where I met
you years ago. From the first time I heard you speak I couldn't believe it.
You were great. I knew if I spoke to you about my problem you would
understand, help me, guide me through God's word. I have been a changed person
since I met you. I have a better relationship with Bertram. Do you
know you change lives? Great will be your reward in Heaven! God
loves you and you better believe it. I LOVE YOU TOO! Keep it up! You are
GREAT!"
-Allison Jean
Hixson, TN - "What a blessing
it was to have you visit Hixson last weekend. The Spirit
spoke through you to some specific needs of our ladies. Your words were
a particular blessing to me. I felt encouraged as a parent, spouse, and
spiritually. Many of the ladies are talking of having you back for
a weekend. I'll be in touch soon about the
specifics.
-Jane Beasley
Toney, AL - Gatha Crowson is an inspiring and
overwhelming public speaker! The first time that I heard
her speak it was as if I was the only one there with her, although there
were hundreds on other women in the room. I felt as I am sure others among
me did, that she was talking to me. This is because her message is one that
we can all relate to, it is universal in that anyone, regardless of profession,
religion, political party, or age can truly appreciate. She sends a message
of something we all possess but need to know better, our self.
Gatha has an energy level that I, at 25, wish I could
have. She flutters among her audience like a butterfly among a cluster of
wild flowers. She uses the butterfly as a symbol for personal growth, as
it is the caterpillar's choice to become something more. As I looked around
the room I could see the emotions change by the look on my fellow audience
member's faces. To hear Gatha talk of the things she has been through amazed
me to see a professional woman, a mother, as well as a grandmother so full
of life! Many of us would have tossed-in-the-towel long ago but Gatha
found the strength through God and herself to make it through. Gatha has
a wonderful talent which she uses to spread her message, humor. She
brought us all from laughter to tears in her final five minutes. She turns
tragedy into triumph and tears into laughter.
When Gatha had finished speaking, I felt like a new
person ready to go out and tackle the world! The difference I felt in me was
incredible. In talking with others that had heard her speak the consensus
was the same, Gatha had brought something back to our lives that had been
missing for a long time--hope--joy for tomorrow. It may not have been the
same thing for everyone, but for me it was the ability to turn the mirror
around and look at me. Today she passes her message of survival and growth
to thousands of people worldwide."
-Kirsten Harkness
Wayne, MI - "Gatha has a fountain of experience to share. But
what sets her apart as a dynamic teacher is that she totally opens up her
life like a book whose pages are covered with her own personal pain, struggle,
failure, joy and triumph."
-Rachel Hickman
Tampa, FL - It is a comfort to know that another
has faced many of the same trials that many of her listeners
are now facing and has found positive ways to not only
endure but thrive."
-Alice Anderson
Downers Grove, IL - "I deeply admire your ability to look deep within
and express your fears, feelings, successes, failures, and pain with such
unabashed candor and leave us searching God's word for more. You
are truly remarkable."
-Grace Stanford
Nashville, TN -
"It is the Zig Zigglars and Gatha Crowsons who bring
motivation and growth to individuals in the workforce. I have worked
with Mr. Zigglar. Gatha's work and abilities certainly match his. Her
program 'Stepping Stones to Professional Development' is dynamic!
-Helen Andrews. World Christian Broadcasting
Greenville, MS
- "I know of no woman who goes about the country and
actually the nation doing more good than this Lydia, this Gatha Crowson.
There are many things I already know about Gatha Crowson. I have
sat in her seminars which she conducts for corporations and communities. I
have heard how she magically weaves God into everything she does regardless
of whether it is for a corporation, a civic or professional group or a group
of Christian women. I have noticed that the people in the corporate
world from top executives to the janitor are impressed with her wisdom. Those
who are Bible students recognize her material and the rest of her audience
in the business world just thinks that she is a wise woman. Our women
at the South Main Street Church are still sharing glowing reports concerning
Gatha's presentation to them. And while in Greenville, she also reached
out to our community through our Optimist Club. Gatha is truly an
electronic Lydia with her powerbook Mac and her electronic Bible."
-John Pigg, Jackson, Minister
Conway,
AR - Fifty-seven ladies participated in a retreat with speaker,
Gatha Crowson, that they will not soon forget. The following comments
from some of those who attended speak for themselves:
"The most uplifting weekend I have ever experienced."
"We developed closer relationships."
"We can cope with life better after this weekend."
"The weekend touched everybody's heart and made you look into yourself."
"Gatha helps you be more tolerant of people and understanding where
they come from."
"Gatha taught me how to deal with my children's personality traits
as
positives."
"She challenged me to make changes in my life that I had not realized
needed to be changed and helped me realize that everybody
struggles
and I am okay because God made me."
"I am better off after hearing what she said because her information
was
for everybody in any situation."
"Gatha was fantastic! Can we have her back next year?"
-Debbie Moreland, Robinson &
Center Church
|
Lecturer 'hasn't
got time for the pain'-
“Our hearts were wrenched and burdens lightened as Gatha Crowson shared
the traumatic events of her life. Gatha related that she is a product
of a dysfunctional family, that drug addiction, alcoholism, or physical
and verbal abuse are passed on from generation to generation, unless we
choose to stop them with us.”
This was the observation of Betty Eldridge of
Connersville, IN, and Peggy Spargo of Richmond, VA, after attending a Gatha
Crowson seminar in October. Her topic of the day was “Cleaning Out the Closet
of Your Life” for women in every walk of life who are looking for a closer
walk with God.
Crowson, a Christian and member of the
Elk View Church in Athens, AL, where she has developed material and taught
women’s and children’s classes for many years, lectures nationwide for government
and business circles, students, prison inmates, civic and professional
associations and special events.
Her customized presentations are “guaranteed
to give her audience the skills and confidence to succeed, as she has for
us on an international level for the past several years,” says Regina Payne,
past Director of Leadership Development, Optimist International, which naturally
brings about a paradigm shift.”
How has she gone about developing this theme
so convincingly? She explained: “Life experiences produce growth and
are nothing more than ‘homework from God’ . I am in charge of what I do with
the homework, either positively or negatively.”
Honey Ferguson, writer for the Decatur Daily,
noted, “Experiences such as emotional and sexual abuse showed her that pain
not dealt with has a negative impact on the rest of your life. She was told
frequently, ‘You are fat, dumb and ugly.’ This so distorted her self-image
that she began to write about how she felt, crying as she did so...grieving
her losses. Slowly she began to realize that she would have to come to terms
with the past in order to have a present and a future. She learned to clean
out her own closet on her own. She turned to older women to only have them
tell her, ‘get over it’, or ‘what are you doing to cause it?’ She thought
“something must be wrong with me,” until she cleaned out her closet.
Crowson observed, “We can be happy in the present, learning, growing, developing...when
we leave the past.”
“Need a shoulder to cry on? She’ll change her plans and listen.”
“We deal with it or carry the garbage with us, collecting it in our closets...affecting
every relationship. It is like baking a cake with rotten eggs. As long as
we have secrets hidden inside of us, every part of our lives, every relationship
is contaminated by the poison.” She also noted, “I’m the only one who has
access to what lies within. I am in control of my own destiny.”
Crowson, a Motivational Humorist began her speaking
career years ago while visiting a friend in Tampa, FL. Members of the class
asked her to return for their annual ladies retreat. sharing her story of
“how” she reclaimed her life through cleaning out the closet of her life.....from
depression and wanting to die to parasailing and snorkeling, from attempted
suicide to a contented, successful business woman who trusts God. At 65 yrs
of age she has energy to spare, living her life with zesto as she plays with
her 10 grandchildren, travels internationally having given over 6,000 presentations
in the United States alone, by word-of-mouth advertising.
She suffers a 26-year physical disability which
causes continual pain, battling the debilitating fatigue of Fibromyalgia,
but rather than dwelling on it, “she is wonderfully bringing healing to the
hurting people in our world,” says Tommy Carter Alabama State Representative.
While in her 30’s, with five children and Fibromyalgia,
Crowson accepted the challenge of becoming a student majoring in psychology.
Early in life, she earned an on-the-job-degree in human development and performance.
Now after 40 years of analysis, research and
implementation in the fields of applied behavioral science, Crowson brings
a unique depth of sensitivity to her specialities of leadership, recruiting
and managing volunteers, team building, and stress management and her first
love - Christian Maturity.
She has the ability to take complex issues and
translate them into easily understood, readily applied concepts, skills
and actions.
She is the speaker and author of many tapes,
books, including "The Ultimate Recruiting Technique: the G.A.T.H.A. Principle",
a training program that is being used by civic and professional organizations,
recently published in the Credit Professionals International Education Manual.
Crowson is recognized in the association and business world as one of the
leading authorities on “recruiting” (in the top 1% internationally) and runs
two businesses, one of which is a multi-million dollar sales force where
recruiting is a part of her everyday life.
What is her focus? “Working God's Plan daily,
accepting God’s special homework for me, thereby ‘Becoming My Own Best Self’!”
-Glover Shipp
|
|
