Maribeth Ditmars
Helping People Find Biblical Hope In the Midst of Loss and Adversity
Encouraging and Inspirational Messages Based on Personal Experience
For Any Event That Addresses Life's Most Difficult Situations, Including Loss, Grief, and Life After Loss
Keynote Speaker for Women's Ministry Events, Cancer-related Events, Grief Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, Fundraisers and Other Non-profit Events
Authof of ...
Travels from Florida
In 1997 my world was rocked when our ten-year-old son Chris was diagnosed with leukemia. As our family walked through the journey ahead of us, I began journaling. That journal became my first book, Christopher's Journey.
Our funny, compassionate, and loving child lost his battle with cancer in 2001 at the age of fourteen. Although Chris had lost his earthly battle, he fully conquered his spiritual battle. His acceptance of his situation and faith in Christ were beyond anything we had taught him. On his deathbed, Chris assured us that Jesus was coming for him. Chris had become our teacher.
The loss of Chris became the beginning of my journey to grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ, and that journey continues today. As my faith has grown, so have my life challenges. I struggled with alcoholism, and our daughter battled drugs. I was the perfect example of someone who looked great on the outside but was dying on the inside. In my commitment to follow Chris' example, I finally put everything in God's hands.
In 2015 tragedy struck again when our 21-year-old son Jarrod was killed in an accident. Once again our family was plunged into unimaginable grief. It took a huge toll on our marriage. It would have been easy to turn away from God and back to alcohol, but I clung tenaciously to Jesus Christ and the hope of glory. My husband Rob and I were so grateful that before this second tragedy, God gave us the beautiful gift of seeing Jarrod turn away from his rebellious ways and become a true Christian.
Today Rob's and my marriage is stronger than ever because we have placed Jesus in the center. When we tell people that we've been married for over 45 years, Rob always jokes by saying, "God bless me!" and I respond, "Yes, He did!"
Not long after Jarrod's death, Rob became ill, and we faced financial hardship. We had to sell everything and completely change our lifestyle. For a couple of years, we lived in an RV, and I sought the Lord in nature. God nurtured my soul during quiet times in the woods. This time of reflection led to my most recent book, Dancing in the Minefields: One Woman's Faith Journey Through Child Loss, Addiction, and Adversity. This book tells our family story and offers an eternal perspective for all who have suffered loss. It also contains humorous stories and relatable Biblical references.
Today I am blessed to use my speaking and my books to share my hope with others who struggle with adversity and loss. It is a privilege to speak at Christian conferences, non-profit fundraisers, recovery events, and women's retreats on topics of grief, overcoming adversity and finding hope, child loss, and recovery. I love using biblical strategies to teach women to supersize their hope regardless of their circumstances.
I believe the Lord wants to use in a mighty way those of us who have suffered. But we must choose to trust in Jesus Christ and allow Him to use our stories to encourage others, according to His will.
In this fallen world full of pain and sorrow, it is a privilege to help others find hope, joy, and even humor through the only source of hope -- Jesus Christ. Laughter and tears are only a moment apart, but joy is eternal.
Through the grace and faithfulness of God, today I have over 20 years of sobriety, and I mentor women in recovery. Our daughter is doing well, and we have two beautiful granddaughters. It is my joy and honor to share my story and watch God work in the lives of others as He has done in mine.
A Sample of Maribeth's Powerful Presentations
Gain an Eternal Perspective with Maribeth's 4 R's for Renewing Your Mind
Supersize Your Hope and Move Beyond Your Challenges
Famine, Fields, and Faith: Experience New Growth in the Book of Ruth
Recharge Your Hope for Families Affected by Addiction
Parents: Speak New Encouragement Into the Heart of Your Struggling Child
In preparing each presentation, Maribeth carefully considers the planner's goals, vision, needs, event theme, and purpose.
Testimonials
Maribeth has been honored to speak at events for Umbrella Ministries, Lakewood Ranch Baptist Church, Purpose House Transitional Homes Infinite Wishes Foundation, Coastal Community Church
"Beautiful and Powerful" "Touching and Inspiring" "My hope was supersized!"
"She weaves humor, courage, and faith into her work, and offers hope to others. Reach out to Maribeth -- you will not be disappointed!"
Maureen Bogutz
Holy Eucharist Church
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
"Maribeth gave us more than we expected ... we laughed and cried ... she should have given us a runny-mascara warning!"
Kim Rolston
Coastal Community Church
* * *
A Note from Maribeth ...
With many years of experience in classroom teaching and speaking presentations, I truly enjoy designing an experience that delivers the perfect kingdom message for the unique needs of your event and attendees. This may include a keynote, an interactive workshop, or a lively break-out session.
As a woman who has walked the valley of child loss and addiction, I know what it is to have a crisis of faith. I have a passion for Christians who look good on the outside but struggle on the inside. And don't be surprised if your attendees find reasons to laugh along the way.
My pledge to every event planning team is to be available before, during, and after your event. I am always happy to collaborate with planners to ensure that I do everything possible to help you meet your goals and vision for your event. During your event, I enjoy being present at all sessions and actively engaging with the audience on and off stage. It is always a great joy to talk and pray with attendees. And I've even been known to invite attendees to power walk with me between sessions.
I'm always happy to promote your event, including a brief personalized video which you are welcome to post on your social media platforms, share with your attendees, and include in your event promotion. And, of course, I'll promote your event on my social channels as well.
Maribeth Ditmars
