Shannon McGraw Carr is the proud Founder of Hopeful Hearts Ministry, a 501 c3 non-profit aiding in the long term healing of survivors of abuse and trauma, the author of EXPOSED, REDEEMED, and RECLAIMED. Shannon is a survivor of incest, rape, and emotional abuse. She has spoken across the United States, and at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia and Madrid, Spain addressing the realities and affects of abuse in our culture and the graces faith provides for one’s healing journey.
We all yearn to be loved. It is our self-imposed litmus test for worthiness; our way of confirming we are special and knowing that we matter. Acclaimed author and speaker Shannon Carr understands that yearning well. Incest by her grandfather at the tender age of three to six, raped at seventeen, and then again as a freshman in college, she felt completely bypassed by love. Rebelling against the violent attacks on her body and struggling to quiet the pain through self-abuse, her feelings of worthlessness eventually became so palpable she could not fathom how anyone — most especially God — could love her. This only caused her to push deeper into her own torment. “I endured countless, inexcusable trials walking further and further way from the embrace of Christ because I felt too unworthy to look back.”
Then, at the age of 27, unable to fight the battle raging inside her any longer, she gave it all up. Face down on her bedroom floor with her life in shambles all around her, Carr surrendered every aspect of her being to God. She gave up the self-judgment, the condemnation, the need to be better. She let it all go. And in that moment every fear faded away and for the first time since childhood, she experienced true peace.
Shannon was CBS Houston’s featured author and has been a featured columnist with Choose-Now Ministries, featured on Charisma Mag, Spirit Led Woman, Catholic Lane, Lifestyle & Charity magazine and Catholic Women’s magazine. Shannon is an annulled Catholic, married in the church to her best friend, Russell Carr and the proud mom and bonus mom to Ryan and Seth Deitz, and Simon, Molly and Laurel Carr. Shannon also hosts the **Hopeful Hearts Podcast** on Spotify, Apple, and other platforms.
TALK SUMMARIES (Shannon is additionally able to create a talk based on your requested topic)
Mercy vs. Forgiveness – Not What You Think! In this talk, Shannon candidly shares the steps to resiliency of personal growth and success beyond the suffering of past emotional and sexual abuse that led her down a path of hostility, anger and discontent affecting both her personal and professional life. Your attendees will learn: What Mercy is – Giving and Receiving. The power behind the steps in Forgiveness. Tools to be emotionally healthy. Key to changing perspective on life circumstances.
Wearing the Scarlet A – The Grace in Annulment In this talk, Shannon candidly shares the experience of divorcing in the Catholic church, the struggles and triumphs in the journey, and the graces received along the journey of the annulment process. Your attendees will learn: Annulments – Addressing the misconceptions and dispelling the fears. Overcoming Judgement – How to respond to and encourage a fellow parishioner on this path. Life After Annulment – What happens next? Marriage, volunteering, embracing the life God has for you.
Wake Up! Show Up! Get FIRED UP with Intention! In this talk, Shannon shares her freeing three step formula, designed to pull them out of the rut of complacency in all areas of life by waking up, showing up, and setting intention to find purpose in life’s chaos. Your attendees will learn how to: Recognize the internal lies that keep them from success. Name and set healthy boundaries to achieve their desires on a daily basis. Feel comfortable in celebrating themselves. Happiness is a choice and Shannon will Fire Up your audience to embrace their worth!
PAST SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Shannon has spoken at Franciscan University Steubenville Youth Conferences across six states, Baylor University Chapel, and World Youth Day in Sydney and Madrid. She has also been an MC at the Theology of the Body conference with Christopher West at Rice University and has presented at numerous conferences and retreats since 2005, including: - Renewed by Faith Conference - Fullness of Truth Conference - Stephen F. Austin State University 'Faith & Trauma' conferences - University of Dallas Ministers Conference - Various women’s and youth events.
