Look and Listen

Biography

Jo Franz began speaking and singing as a single in 1984 after her divorce with the help of friends. Audiences immediately asked for her story in book form…but it wasn’t time for it to be written—so much more would happen. As a motivational keynote and women’s conference and retreat speaker Jo is known for her vulnerable sharing of what God has done and is currently teaching her through life and the Bible. While speaking across the country and in Sweden, Jo saw a hunger for people—men and women—to be whole, and to know God as Abba Daddy, not just some “force” out there in the universe. She loves speaking and singing and writing in the Spirit’s strength, and telling her Praying Friends how he worked through her. Jo enjoys being a certified peer counselor and inspirational speaker for the National MS Society. A portion of all book sales are donated to the Society. Jo is being interviewed about "Soar Unafraid" on TV and radio programs that circle the globe.

Inspiration

I was first “published” in second grade in a Teacher’s Newsletter. Many years later, when I lost the ability to speak due to an MS attack, I submitted my first story for a book and then many others followed. I tried to write my memoir/autobiography three different times until, in 2003 I sensed the Spirit tell me, soar unafraid as you write, and I began reading journals dating back to the 1970s. I had written conversations down after they happened, so those are included in my book. (As a “guilt-aholic” I couldn’t understand why things turned out as they did. I doubted myself and my own motives, so when I wrote down conversations things made more sense, and I could accept my own responsibility, and eventually see others’ as well.) I love the outdoors and God’s creation absolutely leaves me breathless, so seeing it anywhere is inspiration for me! Since I grew up in Colorado loving the Rockies, I backpacked carrying thirty pounds up 14,000’ peaks. But when MS no longer allowed that, I horsepacked into the wilderness! When I could no longer ride a bike alone, my husband Ray and I rode a tandem—even in five MS Bike Tours to raise funds for the National MS Society. I was also a motivational spokesperson at many of the bike tours, even those we didn’t ride in. I learned to ski as a disabled person, using outriggers—short skis attached to forearm crutches. I traveled alone and realized strangers were glad to help, carrying not only my luggage, but even me in Israel! Ray and I love to travel, jeep in the Rockies, view wildlife, and live a life of adventure!