Most of what I write at Grit & Wit starts with a story.
Something one of my kids said. Something Karen did. A lesson I learned the hard way. A memory from growing up on a dairy farm. A moment when God reminded me, sometimes gently and sometimes not so gently, that I don’t have nearly as much figured out as I think I do.
Then I sit down and write about it.
But long before I started Grit & Wit, I was telling stories in rooms full of people.
I’ve spent years teaching, leading Bible studies and small groups, preaching, and presenting at conferences. I’ve stood in front of elementary students, teenagers, teachers, church groups, and adults and learned something along the way:
People remember stories.
They remember laughing. They remember recognizing themselves in something somebody else says. And sometimes a story creates just enough room for a truth from Scripture to land in a way it hadn’t before.
That’s really what Grit & Wit has become for me.
Faith for real life, with a little grit and plenty of wit.
And I’d love the opportunity to bring that into the room with you.
What Could We Talk About?
I don’t have a binder somewhere labeled Maury’s 37 Inspirational Keynotes.
Probably never will.
But there are a few things I find myself coming back to again and again.
Faith for Real Life
What does following Jesus look like when we’re nowhere near a church building? At work. In the car. Around the dinner table. When the plan falls apart. When we’re tired. When nobody is watching or when our kids are.
Fatherhood & Family
I’m raising two girls and two boys, ranging in age from 9 to 18, which means I’ve accumulated plenty of stories, a little wisdom, and overwhelming evidence that I still don’t know what I’m doing. I love talking about being present, listening well, apologizing when we get it wrong, and building a faith our children can actually see.
Marriage
Karen and I have been married for more than 20 years, together for over 25 years. We’ve learned that good marriages aren’t built primarily in the big romantic moments. They’re built through thousands of small choices to notice, serve, forgive, laugh, and keep choosing each other.
When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan
Some of the best things God has done in my life started with something I didn’t want. A closed door. A disappointment. A change of plans. I love talking about trusting God when we can’t yet see what He’s doing.
Leadership & Encouragement
I’ve spent much of my adult life teaching, leading, and working with people. Whether the room is filled with church leaders, educators, parents, or professionals, I’m interested in the kind of leadership that serves people well, communicates clearly, and remembers there’s an actual human being on the other side of every decision.
And if none of those quite describes what you have in mind, that’s okay too.
Tell me about your people.
We’ll figure out what would serve them best.
What You Can Expect
If you invite me to speak, you’re probably going to hear stories.
We’ll probably laugh.
I’ll probably tell you about a time I messed something up.
And if it’s a faith-based gathering, we’re going to open the Bible and talk about what following Jesus actually looks like when Monday morning arrives.
I’m not particularly interested in standing behind a microphone and pretending I’ve mastered life.
Because I have not.
I’m much more interested in getting a room full of people thinking, laughing, talking, and hopefully leaving encouraged to take one more faithful step.
Let’s Talk
I’m available for churches, men’s groups, parenting and marriage events, retreats, conferences, leadership gatherings, and other events where Grit & Wit’s particular combination of stories, faith, practical encouragement, and humor might fit.
I’m based in Middle Tennessee and am open to opportunities both nearby and farther down the road.
If you’re thinking,
I wonder if Maury would come talk to our group...
There’s an easy way to find out.
Ask me.
Contact Maury at maury@gritandwit.net