BIO
Leah Stirewalt lives in the foothills of Western North Carolina with her four youngest children (all adopted). She is also the proud mom of one biological daughter and bonus (step) mom to four additional adult “children” and Grandma Leah and Nonnie to four precious cuties, with another on the way.
She is wildly crazy about her family and also passionately in love with Jesus! As a Christ-follower, she takes the command to care for orphans and widows seriously, as she knows both ends of that spectrum intimately.
On February 12, 2017, Leah was suddenly faced with becoming a widow for the second time (yes — twice!) following her husband Joel’s unexpected death after a brief illness. In 2011, Leah was also met with great tragedy following the suicidal death of her previous husband (Chris). Even during those early dark days following Chris’ death, Leah continued to write for her long-time blog, Out of Deep Waters, which became part of her grief therapy and remains an “electronic oasis”.
In June 2016, Leah published her first book, Rescued and Restored, detailing portions of her grief journey throughout her first year as a widow. Most recently, in October 2026, she published After the Ashes: A 30-day devotional for rebuilding your life after loss.
Having walked through life as both a widow and single mom, Leah frequently seeks to plead the case for widows and single parents in general.
She shares her story at women’s events nationwide, sharing how God reached out, rescued her, and continues to restore her. Leah has a unique ability to connect with a variety of groups due to her exposure to many of life’s traumas and difficulties. (Please see speaking topics for more information.) She is also deeply honored to have shared her story internationally in Africa, leading women’s conferences in Liberia and the Andes Mountains of Ecuador.
PASSION
Leah’s passion is to inspire people to embrace and live out authentic, victory-laden relationships with Christ that produce significant, God-honoring change, regardless of past hurts, tragedies, and brokenness, and reveal that God is in the business of restoring lives and producing overcomers!
SPEAKING TOPICS
ENDORSEMENTS
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