Stephanie May Wilson is a writer, speaker and author. As of 2017 she has started a podcast called Girls Night and it has reached the top ten in Apple podcasts. The Lipstick Gospel started out as a blog and at the time of this interview was conducted in 2014 the website worked, but now it's not functioning. To learn more about what she's up to and listen to her podcast click HERE for her corner of the internet as she calls it.
-Jen Editor and Chief
1.What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Stephanie May and I'm a writer. I write a blog called The Lipstick Gospel, am the Editor and Chief of a new online mag called Venture Magazine, and am so fortunate to be able to write for a handful of other publications, both online and in print.
2. Why did you start the Lipstick Gospel?
It’s my fundamental belief that that’s the way the Gospel is meant to be shared. It’s not certified people or boring people or uptight religious people that are meant to be sharing this story.
It’s us. Everyday people. Messy people. People who live extraordinary lives purely because He is extraordinary and loves extraordinarily. And so this is my story, and His story. His story told through mine, and my story that’s worth telling because of His.
3. What is the World's Race? Why did you pursue it?
The World Race is an 11 month mission trip where you go to 11 different countries. I had been on a few mission trips and knew that I loved being out in the world, hanging out with and loving God's people. And I knew that this was the kind of life I wanted to live—one that was daring and risky and full. And so to me, the World Race was a leap in that direction. And it really was.
4. What do you like to write about?
I love writing about the real things that we face everyday as women. I never knew a Christian before I became one, and I really would have loved someone a few steps ahead of me sharing their story with me as they lived it. And so I write my story–hoping that in the process, someone can learn from my mistakes and successes, and know that in all of it, they're not alone.
5. Do you ever get scared about writing about your personal life over the internet?
I really don't. I'm such a believer in vulnerability. I don't share every detail of my life online, I'm really intentional with what I share and why. But I'm absolutely willing to put myself out on the line if it means freedom, healing, or relief for someone else.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere. I get ideas for my writing in the most random places. It usually strikes when I'm in the shower or driving. I've learned to keep my phone close by so I can jot down ideas whenever they come.
But honestly, I think that this world is so miraculous. I see God all over it and am constantly amazed by the people, the experiences, the beauty, the tastes, and the sensations that fill this world. It's hard for me to walk around and not be inspired.
7. What are your loveliest things on your list as of today?
1. Impromptu parties
Photo by lulaland
My office is really good at celebrating people. One of our coworkers is leaving and so we threw her an Instagram themed party. It's just fun to find reasons to celebrate on a random Thursday in January.
2. Denver, Colorado
I was born and raised there, and I couldn’t love it more. Colorado has so many of the people I love squished inside of it, and I am so blessed that I get to go home and visit often. I'm heading home this weekend to shop for my wedding dress with my mom and best friends. And I'm so excited!
3. Writing
Writing is so much fun to me. I love getting to sit down and write about whatever I want—weaving words and images together into something that reflects my heart that day. I never knew that this was what I'd end up doing, but I'm so happy every time I sit in front of a keyboard and my fingers begin to fly.
4. My support system
I have been inundated with love recently. People from all corners of my life are wrapping their arms around me, offering to help me with anything I can think of, and just drawing close to me. It's so fun to get to share this engagement season with so many of my loved ones.
5. My Fiance
He's so cute and he's my best friend. It's the perfect combination!
8. Where do you see the Lipstick Gospel going in the future?
I honestly don't know. I'm so caught up in living this dream today that I haven't really peered into the future to plan for what's next. I am working on a book that I'm excited about, and it’s almost done. So I guess that’s the next big thing. But after that I'm not sure! I'd love to have more face-time with my readers. I'm thinking about hosting a retreat at some point!
9. What is your hope for today?
My hope for today is that I could really understand the kind of love that has nothing to do with what we do or do not deserve.
10. Where are some of your favorite places you have traveled to? What's the next journey your looking forward to going on?
I’ve been to so many places around the world, but I have to say, my favorite is still Sevilla, Spain. I left a piece of my heart there and think about it constantly.
And the next journey I’m looking forward to going on is my honeymoon! Although, we still have no idea where we’re going.
Fun questions:
If you could travel to outerspace where would you land?
I have no idea. Narnia? Can you get there via rocket ship?
If you could live in a different era in time when would it be and where?
I’d want to live in Paris with Julia and Paul Child. I recently read Julia Child’s memoir about their time in Paris, and I just would love to tie on an apron and cook and eat with her.
If you could host a dinner party with anyone in the world today living - who would be there?
I think I’d want to have dinner with the Obama family. I’d want to ask them about their lives and about their hopes and dreams. I just love getting the story behind the story of people who are in the spotlight, working to change the world.
