Raised in academia in a protestant ministry home, Kathy Gray became addicted to comparison and perfectionism. Reeling from the effects of childhood sexual abuse and the violent murder of her brother she entered the perfect storm that eventually plummeted her into mental instability. She found herself groping her way through a nervous breakdown.

Emerging from the fog of destructive mindsets, Kathy embraced the bedrock truth that every life is valuable, even her own. Transformed from a formerly suicidal, non-functioning, panic-stricken young mother, she confidently raised four sons, weathering the storms of teenage rebellion and drug and alcohol abuse.

Her newly released book, Light in Our Darkness, written with former radio co-host and longtime friend Lisa Kratz Thomas, focuses on the value of life, all life. This book shatters the delusion that some lives are considered throwaways while others are thought of as indispensable.

As a speaker and former radio talk show host, Kathy is passionate about helping others get free of enslaving mindsets. She is a veteran of Twelve-Step recovery and mentors numerous women both inside and outside the programs of recovery. She shares her story of transformation and the paradoxical truth of the invaluable “Fruit of Failure” with both men and women at conferences and retreats. An accomplished musician she pours into the musical development of her students and uses her musical gift composing and performing.

Kathy lives with her husband David in Dallas, Texas. Their four grown sons also live and work in the Dallas area. 

Lisa Kratz Thomas was compelled by a hunger for love and a thirst for freedom. Carrying the shame of abortion she spiraled into the dark world of drug addiction and prostitution on the streets of our nation’s capital where she found herself incarcerated. For many, that would be the end of the story but not Lisa; entering a Twelve Step program she began to recover.

Through repentance in Christ, Lisa worked diligently to overcome guilt, shame, and remorse. She has been able to motivate, inspire, and help women, drug addicts, alcoholics, and offenders not only believe that second chances are possible, but attainable. Lisa founded a non-profit for disenfranchised women and served on a Virginia senate sub-committee that studied prisoner re-entry. She is a sought after speaker and the author of three books.

Her newest book, Light In Our Darkness, written with former radio co-host Kathy Gray, is an outstanding must read. It tackles the pervading question, why are some lives deemed throwaway while others are cherished?

Lisa Kratz Thomas’ life story will ignite the flames of possibility in us all and spur us onward to awaken unimaginable opportunities.

Update

According to the latest Economist/YouGov poll, conducted from May 20-23, now 59 percent of Democrats believe Russia changed the tallies to swing the election for President Trump.

President Trump's fiscal 2018 budget proposal would completely eliminate 66 federal programs, for a savings of $26.7 billion.

Some of the programs would receive funding for 2018 as part of a phasing-out plan.

Here are the programs the administration wants on the chopping block.


Agriculture Department — $855 million

· McGovern-Dole International Food for Education

· Rural Business-Cooperative Service

· Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account

· Single Family Housing Direct Loans

On April 26, 2017, the Trump administration released its tax reform plan. It's similar to the "Five-Part Tax Plan" outlined by Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.

The Tax Policy Center analyzed the 2016 plan. They said it would boost the economy over the next two to three years. That's because the tax cuts will put more money into people's pockets.

But in the long run, the Center predicted the plan will dampen economic growth.

That's because it would add $11.6 trillion to the $19 trillion national debt. That will eventually weaken the dollar and raise interest rates. The debt is already more than the nation's annual economic output. To find out why this is important, see Debt-to-GDP-Ratio. (Source: "An Analysis of Donald Trump's Tax Plan. Figure 1," The Tax Policy Center, December 22, 2015.)

On April 24, 2017, Trump said he didn't care if the tax plan increased the debt. On Wednesday, April 26, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin wouldn't say whether the new plan would increase the debt. (Source: "White House Just Outlined Its Tax Plan. Here's What's in It," CNBC, April 26, 2017.)