Denise Hildreth

“I’ve learned through the years that it is the power of a story that changes people. Whether it’s the stories I write, or the story of my life that has been written so far, stories have a powerful ability to influence, enlighten, and transform.”

Denise Hildreth’s novels have moved her readers to tears and laughter as they stay up all night just to finish the last page. “I’m just a southern girl from South Carolina who knows crazy people, the south, and rigged beauty pageants. So, I thought I’d write a book about them. I didn’t even know I could write fiction. Come to find out people have fallen in love with that crazy Savannah from Savannah and I’ve fallen in love with telling stories.”

Ironically, telling stories was never part of the plan. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Denise headed to Nashville with dreams of being a singer. “No one wanted to hear me sing,” she says laughing, “which is apparently a prerequisite for getting a record deal.” But Nancy Alcorn, the Founder and President of Mercy Ministries of America, called destiny out of Denise. Nancy asked Denise to come work with her on her first book. “I don’t write,” Denise insisted. “Oh, yes, you do,” Nancy countered. Echoes of Mercy launched Denise on a 10 year journey of writing for other people.

In 1997 Denise started teaching a College and Career Sunday School class at her church. “I had never taught in my life, except for children’s church years before...the kids asked me to quit! So, I knew teaching wasn’t my calling. Once again, someone called me into my destiny. My friend, David Spring, said, ‘Come teach with me.’ I said, ‘I don’t teach.’ Little did I know what that would birth in the soul of me.”

For the past twelve years, Denise has traveled across the United States depositing her authentic style of teaching into the lives of people everywhere. Denise has found a passion for people who are hurting. “I know what it is to hurt. I’ve walked through some of life’s darkest storms, but God has been such a faithful companion. I have one desire, to walk with people as they are set free from their condition and learn to walk in their position.” Denise’s powerful teaching leaves the hearts of the listeners challenged and changed.

Her books have the same impact. Though her books have received awards and accolades, the letters Denise receives from readers mean the most to her. “I know that I am doing what I was created to do when I get that letter that says, ‘After reading your book, Flies on the Butter, I knew I had to make things right with my mother.’ Everyday I thank the Lord that I am able to do what I love. I don’t take one day for granted. Nor do I take the hearts of people for granted.”

When Denise steps up to the microphone to read from one of her books, or to speak at a church or women’s conference, you can be sure you will get transparency. “If I am known for loving people well; offering stories that touch people’s hearts; and being a good daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law and friend, then I believe I will have lived out the calling on my life. If at the end of the day I have pleased the heart of my Heavenly Father, then I can leave this life satisfied that I have done what I was created to do.”

If you read any of Denise’s novels, or have the opportunity to sit with her as she teaches, you will know beyond a doubt that Denise is doing exactly what she was created to do.