Daily Inspiration: Meet Amy Lisek

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Lisek.

Hi Amy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been shaped by a desire to encourage people who are going through difficult seasons of life.

For over a decade, I worked in various leadership roles within nonprofit organizations in the Chicagoland area. During that time, I met many people who were quietly carrying heavy burdens—loss, life struggles, health battles, and moments where they felt completely alone. Those experiences along with my own personal experience eventually inspired me to start Grace in Love, inc., a volunteer-run nonprofit that sends free encouraging care packages to people across the United States who are going through hard times. Our nonprofit also offers a free, uplifting blogging platform (graceinlove.org) to inspire people.

What began as a small effort to encourage a few people quickly grew beyond anything I expected. At one point our website went viral and we suddenly received hundreds of requests from people asking for encouragement. While our nonprofit is still small and volunteer-run, that moment was a powerful reminder of how deeply people need hope and connection.

Along the way, I also began writing as another way to share encouragement and faith-based personal development. I’ve now authored three books focused on helping people rediscover purpose, hope, positivity, and the possibility of transformation even in the middle of difficult circumstances.

More recently, I had the unexpected opportunity to be featured on the TV series Next Level CEO with Daymond John from Shark Tank. It was one of those surreal moments that reminded me how quickly doors can open in ways you never planned.

Today, my focus is continuing to encourage people through writing, faith-based content, and the work of Grace in Love, inc. At the heart of everything I do is the belief that even when life feels uncertain, your story isn’t over and your life can still change in meaningful ways.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like many nonprofit founders, one of the biggest challenges has been balancing a big mission with very limited resources. Graceinlove.org is entirely volunteer-run, and there have been times when the demand for encouragement and support has been far greater than what we’ve had the funding or capacity to meet.

When our website went viral, we suddenly received hundreds of requests from people across the country asking for an encouraging care package. It was incredibly moving to see how many people were reaching out during difficult seasons in their lives, but it was also challenging because we simply didn’t have the resources to respond to every request the way we wished we could.

At the same time, I’ve also had to balance building the nonprofit while working and raising a family. Last year I took a job working night shifts at a children’s hospital so that I could continue working while still being present for our kids during the day. My husband and I often work opposite schedules so that one of us is always with the kids, which can make life busy and sometimes exhausting.

There have definitely been moments where the path forward felt uncertain, but those experiences have also strengthened my sense of purpose. Hearing from someone who felt encouraged during a difficult time reminds me why the work matters. Even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact, and that’s what continues to motivate me to keep going.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers around encouragement, faith-based personal development, and creating resources that help people rediscover hope and purpose during difficult seasons of life.

I’m the founder of Grace in Love Ministries (graceinlove.org), a volunteer-run nonprofit that sends free encouraging care packages to individuals across the United States who are facing challenging circumstances. Each package is meant to serve as a tangible reminder that someone cares and that they are not alone in what they’re going through. Our nonprofit also offers a free blogging platform where people can share encouraging stories, faith devotionals, and inspirational content. The goal is to create a space where people can both give and receive encouragement, especially during times when they may feel isolated or overwhelmed.

Alongside this work, I’ve spent my professional career in the human services field since 2013, serving in leadership roles that support individuals with developmental disabilities as well as those facing mental health challenges. That experience has deeply shaped my perspective and reinforced how important compassion, encouragement, and community support are in people’s lives.

In addition to leading the nonprofit, I’ve also written three books focused on faith, encouragement, and personal transformation. Through writing, speaking, and content creation, I aim to share practical messages that help people shift their mindset, reconnect with their faith, and believe that positive change is still possible.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing how a simple idea—sending encouragement to people who are struggling—has grown into something that has reached people across the country. When our website went viral and we received hundreds of requests from individuals seeking encouragement, it revealed just how many people are quietly walking through difficult seasons and searching for hope.

What sets my work apart is that it combines encouragement with action. It’s not only about sharing inspiring messages—it’s about creating tangible moments of kindness that people can experience in real life. Whether it’s through a care package, a blog post, a book, or a message of encouragement, my goal is to remind people that their story isn’t over and that transformation is still possible.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are definitely several people who have played an important role in supporting this journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for each of them.

My friend Brei Carter has supported the mission of Grace in Love Ministries for many years. She has contributed faith devotionals to our blog and recently joined our Board, where she continues to help guide and support the vision of the organization.

Colleen Anderson has also been a meaningful source of encouragement in my life. We met on a mission trip in Kenya over a decade ago, and that experience helped shape the heart behind the mission of encouraging others. Since then, she has remained a constant source of support and encouragement.

Cristal Mota has faithfully contributed to the mission as well, writing faith devotionals on our blog for over three years and helping create encouraging content for others who may be searching for hope.

Ciara Cowing has also been a strong supporter of the mission. She has shared thoughtful mental health advocacy posts on the blog and recently joined our Board to help provide insight and guidance as the nonprofit continues to grow.

I’m also very grateful for my husband. Building something like this while balancing work and family life wouldn’t be possible without his support and willingness to walk through the ups and downs alongside me.

And finally, Aaron Dithmer has been one of my biggest cheerleaders for many years. She has consistently believed in me, encouraged me, and prayed for me—even during moments when I felt discouraged or uncertain along the way.

Grace in Love Ministries has truly been supported by a community of people who believe in the power of encouragement, and I’m thankful for each person who has helped carry the mission forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graceinlove.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylynnlisek
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amylynnlisek
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amylynnlisek
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@grace.in.love.inc