who we are

The Speak Life Project 

is a radical movement of intentionally using words to bring life to the marginalized and beyond. 

We exist to inspire others to use the power of their words - whether spoken or written - for life instead of death.  

Our story began in the summer of 2017, when Speak Life Project founder, Kristen, leapt over seats to reach a friend who was sitting rows ahead. They had been listening to an artist who was using her words to inspire and encourage.  The speaker was calling out people’s identities… “Stand if you are Brand New!  Stand, if you are a Messenger!” Nearly toppling over chairs to get to Meghan, Kristen tapped her friend on the back and exclaimed, “that’s you! You are a Messenger!” Meghan stood up, uncertain if the words were really for her. But over time, it was affirmed; the truth took root within. For the receiver, the words were a gift, being slowly unwrapped. Both receiver and giver were participating in the exchange of... life. The words which Kristen felt compelled to give were no longer being held as a package waiting to be delivered. They were now taking up residence in Meghan’s heart. They were replacing sadness, obliterating death, dismantling fear and creating hope. New life was beginning.  Meghan was taking hold of her identity because her friend spoke it into existence.    

As the months passed, the two women shared with each other their mutual passion of how words impact people - both in positive and in negative ways. They began to dream of being able to inspire others to use words for life, whether directly or indirectly. They envisioned phrases and words printed on apparel and accessories, intentional messages of hope. Speak Life Supply Co. was born. As they discussed the purpose of the company, it became clear that the mission was not just about providing encouraging merchandise.  They began to observe more closely how words affected them and those around them. The weight of what they said, when they said it, and to whom they said it became like a responsibility in light of this broadening awareness.    

What if we all took that responsibility seriously? What if we spoke affirmations to our loved ones, daily? And what if those affirmations outnumbered our criticisms? What if foster children had the opportunity to hear words that were a soothing balm to their hearts? What if the elder citizens of our communities heard us speak respectfully and honorably to them? What if the rehabilitation of inmates included words of life spoken into and over their futures? Into their identities? How could the trajectory of their lives change? How many inmates lacked that while being raised into adulthood? And the homeless? What if we didn’t pretend they were invisible? What if we stopped to speak to them or at least said “hello” to acknowledge their existence?  

Many stories have been shared about those who have been bullied or oppressed with words reaching a breaking point and taking their own lives or the lives of those around them.  How could these stories have been altered?  Belief systems - whether true or false, are heavily rooted in us from childhood because of words used, or not used, in our homes. What we say can be used as weapons of mass destruction, passed on to our children and their children. On the flip side, there are also tales of the valiants who used their words to build up students. Some of these unlikely students went on to become elite athletes, PhD’s, and presidents or CEOs. These individuals were fortunate enough to have those in their lives who understood the power of their words, words that were used to bring perspective, freedom, and to mobilize them toward truth and life.  

We invite you to join this movement of using words for life instead of death. 

We invite you to join this mission designed to bless instead of curse. 

We invite you to begin with your own words, yourself, your own families. 

We invite you to inspire others to do the same, just by your example.  

We invite you to join the movement of:  

The Speak Life Project