Skip to content Interview With Elizabeth Carlyle Jun 11 · 29 min ...more
Support this leader Liking this video? Support this ministry.
Support this leader
Liking this video? Support this ministry.
Give
Support this leader Liking this video? Support this ministry.
56.8K followers
Nina and Michelle, are best friends with a passion for the Lord. They bring uplifting conversations, encouragement, and shared personal stories of overcoming and victory straight to your screen.
56.8K followers
Inspiration Behind Americans Who Pray 0:02 We wanna honor God because He sees everything.0:10 You were born with a plan and a purpose. He's the God of all things possible. He's the God of all0:22 miracles.0:52 Welcome to Grace Grace with Naina Michelle. I'm Michelle Humphreys. And I0:56 am Naina Keegan. Welcome to our broadcast today. Today we have a a wonderful guest who's written a remarkable book. Michelle, you wanna do the honors?1:04 Yes. She is the author of Americans Who Pray. Amongst many other things, please welcome Elizabeth Carlyle. We're so thankful that you're1:16 on this show.1:17 I'm excited to be here.1:19 Yes. She is also the CEO of 1st Freedom Art Company and a graduate of Baylor University. She is also a lawyer, and you have led Bible studies for like1:31 20 plus years. She has just got it going on with the Lord. And here is her book right here, Americans Who Pray. It comes in this beautiful gift box. And, you know, how 1st of1:43 all, we want to know how you got saved. How did you know the come to know the Lord? And then we want to find out about your book.1:50 Well, I grew up in a small town in East Texas called Dival, Texas, And my parents had me in 1st Baptist Church anytime the doors were open. And it was on2:02 Devereaux Street. I still remember. And I was 8 years old, and I felt God tugging on my heart. I knew about Jesus. I knew about God, but I2:14 felt that my personal relationship was just sealed in my heart when I was about 8 years old, right before a hot dog supper, I'll add.2:25 So that was the that was the celebration on the back end. Right? I probably2:31 thought it was all for me.2:32 It was a party in heaven, that's for sure.2:35 Yes. Yes.2:37 I love that. So you were raised up in it. So2:39 I really was. You know, but like everyone else, I've had valleys and mountain tops and, you know, struggled with my faith and grown in my faith, all the way until right this moment that2:51 we're speaking. I'm I'm constantly learning and growing in my walk with the Lord, and it's just such an honor to have done it for a really long time. We won't put a number on that, but it's been decades.3:04 Well, it's decades for us too, but you know what? We've got some wisdom in the game. Like, you know, it's like Exactly.3:10 So what inspired you to write Americans Who Pray?3:15 Goodness. That is my favorite question,3:18 Michelle. Good.3:19 I am the CEO of 1st Freedom Arts Company, which is a total God thing anyway, but we steward and own the original and the copyright to The Prayer at Valley3:31 Forge by Arnold Freeberg. And that is the painting that you see on the cover of the book. And so every day, I would walk into my office, and I would see a print, like you see behind me, of The Prayer at3:42 Valley Forge. The original is at Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. I should say that. But I would look at it and think, you know, I'm not called to be a soldier, especially at3:54 age 50 something. I'm not called to go be a soldier, but I am a prayer warrior. And so I just felt the nudge to pray for our country more than I ever had. My children are adults. And so I do4:06 think about the future of America and what it will look like. But I felt this nudging to do that. And so I wrote the prayers down. I took them to the chairman of the board, and I said, hey. I've been writing a few4:17 prayers. What do you think about a book? And he said, I think it's a great idea. Go and do it. Tell people about faith and freedom, Elizabeth. Use this painting. And so then the Lord and I just spent a lot of time4:28 together at coffee shops and in, you know, how when you sit at, you get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic and I, like, grabbed a receipt out of my purse. I'm writing a prayer because there's a big break. Flattening4:40 it4:40 out. Especially in Houston.4:42 Yeah. Of course not. Yes. And so I I then started thinking, well, there have to be other people who wanna pray for the country too, not just, you know, a lawyer in Houston. Right? Right. And4:54 so I started sending emails and letters to people I'd never met, but who inspired me. And believe it or not, 80 people said yes. So I'm thrilled about that. Yes.5:06 So it's been a real journey. I remember when Ben Carson emailed and said that he would do it. I put my head on my desk and I cried because I thought, you know,5:18 Lord, I I am just in charge of my obedience, but you are in charge of the outcome.5:25 That's right. And that was confirmation from the Lord.5:28 It really was. And then believe it or not, Nina, you said that you have a child that went to Baylor. My Baylor little brother was Anne Graham Lotz's son. And so I wrote her an email5:40 and reminded her of that and said, you don't know me, but here's what I'm doing. And then she agreed to let me reprint a prayer that she had prayed. And so every little story like that just is confirmation5:52 that this project was not mine. Wow. But it it is God's.5:56 And you know what? It it and, you know, think about God's timing too because, you know, he's not chronological. It's the Cairo's timing of the Lord. And here we are, you know, right at the right at the America's6:08 rededication and of to be 1 nation under God, the 250th anniversary of our nation, and, you know, think about the founding fathers, right? And6:20 so, like, you're looking at Valley Forge. Think about everything, you know, from that perspective of 2 50 years ago when it was a nation under God, a Christian6:32 nation, and now we're standing and seeing all this division and all these things happening to our nation. So there could be no better time to be praying for America and to have a book like this. And so so6:44 so how long did it take you? When did because I'm looking at the timing of your book right now, but, like, how long did it take you to get this, you know, because God's timing brought it here right now. So how long ago6:55 did you start this6:56 to bring it to fruition? From the day of publication, I went and looked back on my computer. You know, computers are handy for that. Right? But I looked and it was 30 months. Wow. So that7:08 is a long time of, of obeying. I wish that I could say I'm super patient. I'm not. I mean, I would, you know, knock on God's door all the time, say, why isn't this happening faster? Why this7:20 happening faster? I'm sure I drove my agent and my publisher crazy. But it was published on March 31st. And as I look back, you know, that rearview mirror is just7:31 so telling. But I see God's fingerprints on the timetable of that because any earlier it might not have been noticed. Right. Any earlier it might not have been needed at the time.7:43 But certainly, I've gotten lots of texts and emails that said this is what I needed for today or this is what our country needs for today. And so I'm really grateful about that.7:53 That it it could not have been a better time.7:56 I mean, it's just7:57 perfect. So what did you learn personally while gathering the prayers?The Journey and God's Perfect Timing 8:04 Do you wanna think about that a 2nd while we take a quick break? And that way, we come back and you can start telling us, what you've learned. Okay. We will be right back. Stay right there. You're watching Grace Grace8:13 with Nina and Michelle.8:15 It's finally here, our 2nd annual mega sale. This sale only comes around once a year, so take advantage of the best offers ever while you can. For example, save 50 percent on our Giza Dreams8:27 bed sheets, as low as 29 98. And for the 1st time ever on TV, MyPillow mattresses and MyPillow mattress toppers, as low as 99 98.8:39 And you save 50 percent on our LuxPure 6 piece tall sets. Regular, 69 98. Now only 39 98. And our best selling stand under my pillows, regular,8:50 49 98. On sale for 17 98. Wait on it. Mega sale only 14 98. So go to my pillow dot com or call the number on your screen. Use this promo9:02 code to take advantage of our 2nd annual mega sale. But wait. There's more. To make the mega sale even more special, when you order right now, your order's gonna ship absolutely9:14 free.9:15 Welcome back to Grace Grace with Nina and Michelle and our wonderful guest, Elizabeth Carlisle. And Michelle, you were just asking what she had learned, during this time.9:25 What did you what did you learn personally while gathering the bridge?9:29 This is embarrassing to say that. But,9:33 I mean,9:34 how many people are watching? I learned that I am not in charge. I I always know that I'm not in charge, but or I say that I know that I'm not in charge, but then I try to take9:45 back the steering wheel or take back the ball and and and drive it and make things happen. You know, God is not early. He is never late. He is always right on time. And the more I pat9:57 my foot, the more I think he shakes his head at me because I I just see his timing. And like I said earlier, you know, my my family's verse, I didn't say this, but it is work as if you work for the Lord. Yes. And so we10:09 would tell our children, work as if you work for the Lord. Like, the Lord is your boss. Give him your very best. That's what he gives to you. And so sometimes I I conflate control in doing my best.10:21 And so I really did learn. That's good. Though ask me tomorrow. But I I think that I've learned to give God my best and let him take charge of the outcome. And I alluded to10:33 that earlier, but my obedience is what I control. He controls whether the book will be sold on Amazon or whether Marzell will carry it or who's going to say yes. Right?10:46 He controls that. And so I really learned that, and and I marvel at his timing and his goodness and his patience with me.10:54 You know what? Think about this. When I'm looking at it, when you said 30 months, like Yes. There was nobody even saying we were gonna have a rededication or a birthday bash for the 2 50 because we didn't know who11:06 would be president 30 months ago. Like, think about, like, really, that's kind of timing. And so it's amazing. And look, like everything you wanted God to to rush, you wanted to take charge of that, and11:18 look at the timing of him. Like, he just don't you just wish, like, you could just sit back and say, okay, I get it now, until until the next time, because, you know, that's what happens. Right? We always have to jump in11:28 and try to try to take it back, like you said. So11:31 Well, you know, even when we're uncertain about what's happening in the world or when we have uncertainty in circumstances or culture, whatever it is, God is never uncertain.11:41 He11:42 is always certain. And so I think that that's another thing that I learned is just because I don't understand what's going on doesn't mean that He doesn't. And it doesn't mean He's not going to use me to accomplish what11:53 he needs to accomplish. And I can either go with him or not. So I choose to go.11:59 Right. Well, was there 1 prayer or contributor that especially impacted you?12:06 Goodness. I will always say doctor Ben Carson because just from a professional standpoint, I've just admired how he lived his life. He did.12:16 I would say12:16 that, but there's 1 that I think I would mention today, and that is Victoria Jackson. You know, she was an actress on Saturday Night Live, and she was battling cancer when she was writing her12:28 prayer. And so she shared that journey with me. And her prayer is just so beautiful and so Victoria that I think it's going to reach a lot of people. And as I talk to people12:40 who are going through battles, I'm like, you need to read her prayer because she's just so thankful and fun and and just so trusting of the Lord. So that 1 would be12:50 the 1 I would say today. You know, how did you come up with all the different names? Like, you know, there's, you you know, you know, Victoria Jackson, for instance. Like, how did you decide or, like, who you were gonna13:02 reach out to and how did you come up with it? Because that's a very diverse, you know, set of people in your book. And so so how did that all come to pass?13:11 Well, I made a list. You know, I I dream big because God is our13:16 creator. That's how13:17 inspired me. Yeah. Like us. Yeah.13:20 So I would yes. So I would just write down all these amazing names. Just I I happen to know Lance Berkman and Andy Pettitt, the base of Major League Baseball players and all stars. And so I was like, well, I'll ask them.13:32 And like I said, you know, Ben Carson, I love. And Victoria Jackson knew someone who worked at my publisher. And so so it it kind of became this community effort. I would just ask13:43 favors to be connected to people. And and listen, I would write people out of the blue. And a funny story that that you will love. So my mother wanted me to ask a particular13:55 pastor. We won't say his name because he said no. And I wrote him this lovely letter and told him how my mom had reared me reading all of his books and and all of that. And wouldn't he please write a prayer? And this is14:07 who else had already said yes. And so he said no, he couldn't do that. And so I called my mom and said, hey, don't get your hopes up. You know, he's already said he's not gonna do it. And I said, but I understand. He14:18 doesn't know who I am. And she said, well, I don't understand and I'm throwing away all of those books right now. So she did.14:26 That sounds like a14:27 real mom.14:28 Does she is she Italian by any chance?14:32 She's not. She is she will probably watch this in East Texas and shake her head. Yeah, totally that. That That's hilarious. Yes. So, yeah, that's, that's what I'll get.14:42 So, but you know what? It's like, it's like anything. You know, God knew exactly what would make it inside the cover of this book, and whose prayers belonged, and who would say no and who didn't. Like, you know, it's14:53 kind of like the Bible, because, you know, every book that's supposed to be in the Bible has made it into the Bible, and, you know, God, you know, takes care of every detail, and we don't have to worry about it. But thatLessons Learned and Impactful Prayers 15:05 is super funny because, you know, sometimes you probably thought, like, if you already gave him your laundry list of all the cool people who are gonna be in this book, then, like, why wouldn't he have wanted to say yes?15:15 It's just kind of funny,15:16 really. Right.15:17 You know, so, Especially a hero, right?15:21 Yeah.15:21 Well, so do you think America has lost a sense of public dependence on God?15:27 I do. And I think that we have lost our sense of public dependence because we've lost our sense of private dependence. You know? Like, we are not growing closer to God and and spending15:39 more time, with the Lord as we should. We we sit behind keyboards and and we fire off nasty emails and posts and things like that because we can do that anonymously15:51 or maybe we don't even care. Like, some people don't even care. They just post whatever on social media. And there's all this exchange of hatred and people spend their time, and their energy doing that instead16:03 of falling on their knees before God Almighty and depending on them with their own life, but certainly as our country. Right. So yeah. Mhmm.16:12 You know, like, what did you did you you know, where you work, I'm sure not everybody is a Christian. And so how did, how did that go over when you when they found out about16:24 your book and all the prayers?16:26 It's so amazing. It's it's a total God thing. And I know I say that repeatedly. I just live that out in my life. But the chairman of our board was the 1 who was approached by the family of the artists. They're firm16:37 believers. They're Christians. And they said, listen. We know that this painting inspires Christians everywhere, and we want it to be stewarded well. We want it to constantly point people back to God and and to the16:49 savior Jesus Christ. And so my the chairman of the board, of course, gave me as the CEO of this portfolio company of CAS Investments. I mean, he he gave me financial goals and KPIs17:00 because we have to, you know, live by goals and move the ball forward. But do you know what 1 of them is? That the like, I have an impact goal and that is to reach 10000000 people for faith and freedom.17:11 Oh, man.17:12 And so is that just the coolest thing?17:14 Yes. To17:15 be able to reach 10000000 people and tell them the story of why we have freedom faith is important. And that's why our company is named 1st Freedom Art, the freedom17:27 of speech and the freedom of religion. And so it is a pleasure to be able to work here. And in fact, we just we were got a full page spread in the New York Times this week. Praise God. And so it was17:39 really amazing. Well, it was great because it was the opportunity to say that the painting, you know, bridges the gap between faith and freedom and points people back to how we started. And so17:50 it's it's really working. God is just moving in mighty ways. Amen. That's17:56 amazing. Well, we're gonna come back in just a moment.17:59 Have you ever wondered if someone was monitoring you, like nefarious tech companies, corrupt federal agencies, or hostile foreign countries. Newsflash, they are the deep state, big tech, and China are tracking your every18:10 move and using it against you up until now. You've been powerless to stop it. However, Quanta has cracked the code with quantum resistant encryption, and we control the entire ecosystem end to end. Visit18:22 quantasure dot com today to take back your privacy and help vanquish the enemies of free speech. When communications need to be secure, use Quanta and be sure. Enter the promo code on your screen for a discount on your18:34 subscription.18:37 Welcome back to Grace Grace with Naina and Michelle and our, wonderful guest, Elizabeth Carlisle. And so, Elizabeth, Michelle, you had a question that I thought was super awesome.18:49 We just wanna know how we can use your book. So tell tell us.18:56 It's interesting. I actually have a page at the beginning, how to use this book. You know, it's super creative, as you can tell. It's a blurrier, I guess. But, I really want19:07 people to use it as a tool. It is not the beginning and ending of someone's prayer life, but it'll take about 5 minutes. You can study the scripture at that is at the top of the page. Read the19:19 prayer, dig into the scripture and and maybe even go and and, you know, learn about the person who wrote it and what their perspective is on life. And so it's about a page a day. I mean, I have friends who text me say,19:31 well, I'm gonna read 3 pages today. Whatever you want. It's not like a novel. But we are doing, you know, 50 days of prayer for the 250th. And so on on our19:42 Instagram, Americans who pray in Facebook, you can go and follow along, and and we're hoping that Americans will all pray a particular prayer on a specific page on that day together. You can19:54 start when you want. You can end when you want, but we also have a a plan on you version, which is available. That's a 7 day pray for the nation plan, as well. So all people20:06 need is a copy of the book. You can get it on Amazon, Mardell, Christian Book dot com. You can look on Americans who pray dot com to find out where to get it, and then you can join us in prayer for a specific time or20:17 day.20:18 Well, don't20:18 you think it's so important for people to know that others are praying in agreement where, you know, the Bible says 1 will send 1000 to flight and 2 10000. And so you don't actually20:30 have to be in the same room with that person, or persons, but you're praying in agreement. So I love it.20:38 It's it's a it's a collective, you know, I love that because, you know, when when we're all praying in unison, just like the rededication, you know, and just all gathering as Christians with, you20:50 know, to amen God, and his plan and purpose for this nation. And, you know, this nation, you know, when you repent and turn from our wicked ways and humble ourselves,Using the Book and Family Legacy 21:03 he will heal our land, you know. And so we saw our president even read that scripture. And so we know that God's hand is on this nation, and he's got so much in store, and so a book like this is so21:14 amazing. So so now that the book is finished, what does your mom think now?21:21 Well, my mom, I'm told, has a box of books and she is driving around my small town giving it to anyone who will take it. Oh, that's so sweet. Good mama. Yes.21:33 She has to replace them on her bookshelf. She threw all those other books away. Yes. So so we love that. That's so sweet. So what about your family and, you know, your kids and, you know, how is how are21:45 they all receiving this kind of Well,21:47 it's so interesting that you asked. My children are adults now, 23 and 27, but they each wrote a prayer to be included in the book, and they asked me if they could do that. And so it just really warmed21:59 my heart. My husband's bummed because he was left out of the mix.22:06 But, there I was left out as for another show.22:09 That's why.22:10 We'll have to talk about that. Y'all have to face22:13 the counseling about that. But,22:15 But, you know, it it just shows me the legacy that I live. And you asked about my mom. I just went to my hometown of East Texas and had a book signing at the feed store. And I I would consider those people in my22:26 hometown, my family too, because, you know, they all rallied together to rear me and make sure that I know who Jesus was. And my 1st grade Bible study teacher was at the feed store to22:38 get me to sign22:38 her. God.22:39 I know they have to be so proud of you.22:41 Full circle.22:43 Full circle moment. Yeah.22:44 Yes. Wow. That's just amazing. Elizabeth, do you want to pray for our viewers and, again, tell them, another 1 more time how they can find your book or find out about you, too.22:56 And, so give them all the websites and everything. So, and and please pray for our viewers.23:03 Got it. Well, I'll tell you 1st. You can go to americanswhopray dot com, or you can go to firstfreedomart dot com and learn a little bit about 1st Freedom Art and Americans who Pray and the book. It's for sale wherever23:14 books are sold. And I I hope that people will join the chorus of prayer for America, and I hope they will use this book to do it. Amen. Amen. Let's pray. Father God, I just thank you so much for how big you23:25 are and how awesome you are, Lord, that you hold our country in your hands, and we know that you are victorious, and we just are so incredibly thankful for that, Lord. We are thankful to live in a23:37 country where faith and freedom can ring, Lord. We just ask that that you ring it again, that you ring it 1st in our hearts, and you let revival begin in each of us 1st. I hope that you will give us23:49 all courage, Lord, to boldly say, I am an American who prays, because someone out there may need to see Jesus, Lord, and we want to be, the person that they meet. Give us, the24:01 boldness and give us the knowledge and wisdom and walk with you to be able to speak and spread your holy word. All these things we ask in Jesus' name.24:10 Amen. Amen. And we just pray blessings upon blessings over your book, and everything you put your hands to do would prosper and succeed for God's glory. And we have so loved having you on, and we are just24:22 so grateful. So thank you so much for joining us. My pleasure. And we wanna tell our viewers we are just so grateful for you all. Thank you for our partners and our donors and all who just follow our ministry.24:33 We love you guys, and we wanna hear from you. We wanna hear your praise reports. We wanna hear your prayer requests. And and, you know, just write to us. And and, we read them and we pray over you, and we are just so24:44 grateful. You also wanna stay tuned for a wonderful message from Daryl Youngblood. He is an amazing, you know, man of God and has a powerful ministry called RDOF.24:56 You can also head over to social media to, Grace Grace with Naina and Michelle, Naina Keegan Ministries, where we have daily devotions. We have all kinds of, wonderful,25:08 scriptures there available for you. We also have a couple of books, 100 Days with God, book 1 and book 2, and you can find those wherever books are sold as well to help you in your walk with the Lord.25:20 We are so grateful, we love you, and we are just praising the Lord for this time together. We'll see you next time on Grace Grace with Naina and Michelle.25:29 Thanks again for joining us.25:31 God bless you, and thank you, Elizabeth. We have so enjoyed meeting you, and, tell your mom we said hi. Yeah. SoShow more In this video 0:00 Inspiration Behind Americans Who Pray8:00 The Journey and God's Perfect Timing15:00 Lessons Learned and Impactful Prayers21:00 Using the Book and Family Legacy25:40 Defending Faith with Evidence28:30
Interview With Frankie Mazzapica (Part 2) Nina & Michelle
Comments No comments yet. Start the conversation.
Comments
Keep it kind. Comments are public.