Kevin and Marla Pace, Mt Comfort, Indiana
www.WordsDoMatter.com
Where Hope is inspired.
As one of ten national finalists in Oprah’s Nissan “Quest for Inspiration 2005”, Kevin and Marla Pace have made quite an impact in their first year in business. Their amazing collection of original images and original words have captivated the hearts of show-goers in the Indianapolis area. They produce spiritual, inspirational, and motivational prints, books, screensavers, dvd’s, etc.. They call it “God’s sense of humor” that transformed a corporate “numbers-geek” and a “stay-at-home-mom” into a husband-wife team that is inspiring the world. Their story of facing and overcoming adversity is a living testament to how God can turn burdens into blessings.
“I allowed a Parkinson’s diagnosis at age 33 to slowly and methodically steal my dreams, hopes, and desires. At age 42, I woke up one day and started writing stories and sayings that rhyme. If you knew me, a 23 year accounting spreadsheet guru, you would know how strange that was. God was calling, I was reluctant. I explained to Him that I don’t even like poetry. I have no writing background. I have zero punctuation skills. Everything I read said there is no market for rhyming poetry. I reasoned that there are so many more worthy, more likely, more qualified than me. Besides, God, it’s embarrassing. How can I tell my friends I’ve turned into a poet?
“If you call me a poet, I won’t disagree,
But inside I will cringe, ‘cause I know that’s not me.”
I made every excuse not to, but the words came anyway. God was calling me to step out, do what seems foolish and illogical. Follow a vision, follow a passion, and follow a dream. At first, I attempted to negotiate the details, but finally ...
... it occurred to me God wasn’t likely to say,
“It never occurred I should do it your way.”
So my burden became my blessing. My incurable disease became my cure. My hope was renewed, my faith was refreshed. The fact that “the world” said over and over again that it cannot be done only made my conviction rise. I have to admit, if someone had asked my advice on this, I would have politely said, “What are you thinking?” But, if God tells you to wear black socks, what are ya’ gonna’ do, huh?
“The anguish that causes a willow to weep,
is also the reason it’s roots run so deep.”
Confirmations came quickly when I met Marla, who would become my encourager, my best friend, and my bride. She is a battle-scarred warrior, who’s incredible story I will one day write. Her servant’s heart and her tested-faith gave me the courage to follow God’s call. We had little idea where God would lead us just two years later.
“The two best decisions I’ve made in my life,
Christ as my Savior and you as my wife.”
Words Do Matter began in January 2005 as a result of my putting some captions on some pictures Marla had taken. When they started selling, we thought it might be a way to fund the production of the books I wanted to produce. When they started selling a lot, we knew we had started something that could touch the world. “They take simple pictures with simple words, but the results are incredible.”
2005 was a year of sharing their blessings and their talents. Throughout the eight vendor shows they did, the common reaction was a jaw-dropping look of amazement, followed by, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” Marla is a true prayer warrior and blankets the Holy Spirit firmly in our booth. Often times our sports material draws people in, where the true seeds of life can be planted. What great opportunities to witness that has opened.
“Our business consultant said we should do more cross-promotion.
We agreed, do you know Jesus?”
2006 brings an exciting new business venture with Working Together, Inc., called “Inspirations-Direct” (ID). ID will become the marketing/distribution arm for the ever-expanding Words Do Matter product line. A Direct-Sales company, ID offers a unique and exciting opportunity for individuals to create a significant income while sowing seeds of faith and spreading the good news. “We have proven the product not only inspires and grabs people, but also sells itself, when people get to see.” ID gives us the chance to show, and share with the world. It also gives us the opportunity to help people fill their needs, spiritually, financially, and emotionally.”
2007 is hard to imagine, but the vision (at least the part we can see) is to open the opportunity up to artists, authors, musicians, crafters, and creators everywhere. The “normal” avenue seems to be, the promoters take all the profits, leaving little for the true artist. We will change that concept by not only rewarding the artist handsomely for creating something people buy, but also giving them an avenue to share (and sell) their work, their calling, their passion.
“If I were a fish, I’d tell all my friends,
that worms come on hooks with sharp pointy ends.”
The world is place where evil can methodically, meticulously, quietly, and strategically break down the values that the Bible teaches. Words Do Matter and Inspirations-Direct are using those same principles to honor God, raise awareness, inspire hope, make people think, and connect purpose-driven people throughout the world. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples.” So be it.
“It’s hard to imagine, it’s tough to conceive,
how anyone watching could still not believe.”
Parkinson’s taught me to slow down (literally), enjoy life, bask in God’s creation. If you are following your calling (and you do have one), God bless you. If you aren’t sure, come join us. I’ve often questioned who am I, to think that I could make a difference in this world. Thank goodness two-thousand years ago, eleven scared men, huddled in a room, given the task of sharing the gospel, did not think that way. You are a child of God. You have a mighty and magnificent purpose. Are you too busy to find it? Are you negotiating the deal? Are you ready for the peace that comes from embracing the thing you were meant to do? You have been prayed for.
“Just like the sun dancing light through the trees,
when the Son shines in you, that’s what everyone sees.”
