_About - Mary Lenaburg

To be free and live free is a battle, but it is a battle worth fighting.

God has already won the war.

Hello! I’m Mary Lenaburg!

Among these pages, you’ll find snapshots of my daily life, lessons learned, insights on love and faith, my passion for clean beauty, books I’ve written, courses I’ve created, family recipes I hope to pass on, and the joy I find in a fabulous statement earring.

I began blogging in 2007, sharing the story of my sweet daughter Courtney as well as my homemaking and homeschooling adventures. While sharing online, I found myself in a position of mentorship – encouraging other special needs moms and families. What a joy it was to find community!

I continue to mentor and accompany women through the twists and turns of life. I work with women walking through fire, helping them turn pain into purpose and leading them to take hold of their God-given mission and dreams. What a privilege it is to accompany these fierce and beautiful souls!

I became an author in 2019, with my award-winning memoir “Be Brave in the Scared.” This was followed by my second book, “Be Bold in the Broken” published in 2021.

I now travel the world to speak, lead retreats and parish missions. I talk about God’s redeeming love, and how he has restored my life and my marriage, in which I have faced loss, addiction, and trauma. I also speak about grief and walking through challenging seasons, always with God in sight.

Our Lord is faithful and true always.

Pray More Lenten Novena Video Series

Mary is a selfless, motivational woman whom I have known for over 15 years who brings life to others. She is a living example of unconditional love. She lives life.

– MaryBeth C.

CWBN Conference, Front Royal, VA

From the moment Mary took the floor, she let the Holy Spirit weave a message through her words. Her talk was inspiring, witty, moving, and offered both practical and spiritual advice. I remember how she reminded us to pray to the Blessed Mother before we write–words I have turned to many times since that day.

– Rita B.

Blessed Is She Retreat, Austin, TX

Mary’s talk was amazing! It was personal, real, and honest. Her delivery was captivating. I can’t wait to hear her speak again, even to hear the same message!

– Rebecca W.

Idaho Catholic Women’s Conference

Mary, you are a blessing to God’s church. I’m so thankful for you and your words of love calling us to action. You radiate God’s love. Thank you

– Gina B.

I experienced (because it is an EXPERIENCE!) Mary speaking on two separate occasions. She shares her story with conviction and charisma. I wouldn’t miss out on any chance to hear her speak!

– Alicia F.

Blessed is She Retreat, Austin, TX

Mary was a speaker at a retreat I attended and her talk was fantastic. It was heartfelt, honest, faithful, funny, and exactly what I needed to hear. You can sense the heart and prayer Mary gives to us all by sharing her journey. I am blessed to have heard her speak at the event and look forward to the next time I have the privilege.

– Nell O.

Catholic Women Rejoice Conference, Portland, OR

When Mary speaks, she moves hearts! I sat at the back of a conference watching an auditorium of women held in rapt attention, a sea tears glistening from side-splitting laughter, from deep emotion, and from laughter again. A storyteller who shares the love story God is writing with her life, Mary Lenaburg is a speaker that I would encourage ANYONE (male, female, young, old, fervently religious or ambivalent) to hear.

– Maia J.

CWBN Conference, Front Royal, VA

Mary spoke at a conference I attended last year, and I was especially struck by her joy and open heart. She managed to pepper her talk with laughter without diminishing the weight of the story she shared. I found her inspiring, captivating, and relatable. I look forward to attending my next conference where Mary speaks!

– Rachel C.

Young Adult Event, Baltimore, MD

The Baltimore Frassati Young Adult Fellowship was pleased to have Mary lead a reflection during our monthly Holy Hour gatherings. Her joy, humility, humor and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit enlightened our hearts to the peace that can be found amidst the trials in our lives. She graciously stayed well into our social time to talk with many young adults, and we are thankful for all the effort she made in coming out to speak. Few speakers have made such an impact on our community.

– Mercedes V.

In Loving Memory of our dear Courtney

Our daughter Courtney Elizabeth went home to the Lord on December 27, 2014, at the age of 22. When she was five weeks old, she was diagnosed with intractable seizures with no known cause. She was medically fragile and severely disabled because of the medical treatment sought to stop the seizures. She fought bravely every day, bringing so much joy to the world. She taught us everything we know about unconditional love. She was the heart of our home, our sunshine. She is missed every single day.

about courtney