Ashley Smith

Would be great for...

• -Inspiration
• -Overcoming Adversity
• -God's Plan for Your Life

Video of Ashley Smith

BIO             

By her own account, Ashley Smith is far from an angel or a hero. Yet today, her face is known around the world as the single mother who persuaded Brian Nichols, Atlanta’s courtroom killer, to surrender to police. Nichols called Ashley “an angel sent from God," but, ironically, it was Ashley’s less-than-angelic past that allowed her to convince him to face justice.

Elizabeth Ashley Copeland Smith was born August 1, 1978, in Augusta, Georgia, surrounded by a God-fearing, sports-loving family. Her parents divorced when she was a toddler and she spent much of her early years in the company of her mother’s extended family - especially her grandfather and aunt who both worked at Augusta Christian, the private school Ashley attended through the 8th grade.

At an early age she took up with Mack Smith and became pregnant less than a year into the relationship. The couple married just two months before baby Paige was born prematurely, weighing less than 3 lbs. It was a volatile marriage but Ashley was determined to keep her family together. Things were beginning to settle down when Mack ran into his old gang, exchanged ugly words and was fatally stabbed by people he once called friends.

Following Mack’s murder, Ashley willingly gave her Aunt Kim temporary custody of Paige, who is now a healthy six year old. She wanted to be a mother to her daughter but her addiction to methamphetamines kept pulling her farther away from her dreams. God kept calling but Ashley always put Him on hold while she flirted with temptation. All of that changed dramatically on March 11, 2005, when Brian Nichols forced his way into her apartment following his deadly rampage at Atlanta’s Fulton County Courthouse. He asked for marijuana. Before thinking it through, she offered him her remaining stash of meth - the thing that had dragged her life down. Several miracles followed, which allowed her to talk to Nichols about God’s purpose for their meeting.

Among her few possessions was a copy of Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life.” She was on chapter 32—“Using What God Gave You.” During her seven hours as Nichols’ hostage, she read from this chapter and encouraged him to consider how he might be able to serve God if he surrendered, which he did the following morning.

Ashley believes that God led her through her dark hours with Nichols and has called her to use the highly publicized experience to help unlikely angels everywhere find hope.

Today, Ashley is back in active worship at The Church at Greenbrier, attends weekly Bible study and is living with her daughter Paige. She has returned to the familiar embrace of her extended, sports-loving family and has embarked on a tour to promote “Unlikely Angel-The Untold Story of Atlanta’s Hostage Hero,” which debuted at #15 on the New York Times Bestseller List. According to her wishes, some of the proceeds from the book will be donated to a memorial fund that will honor the victims of the courthouse tragedy.

What Others are saying: "Ashley's story illustrates four spiritual truths that give us hope and encouragement for those difficult times in our lives. First, no matter what bad decisions you've made, you don't have to stay stuck in your past. Your past is past and it's never too late to start over. Second, God's purpose for your life is greater than any problems you're going through. Third, the Bible really changes people. And finally, the fourth truth is that God has the power to help you over any addiction." - Rick Warren, Author of "The Purpose Driven Life" "Ashley Smith has a God-given presence and story that will impact any audience. She is the most generous speaker we have ever had; making extra ministry appearances at a prison, speaking to 100 women - 25 who committed their lives to Christ, Ashley holds nothing back, gives all the glory to God and loves Him personally. Many in attendance responded to the Gospel message. I cannot recommend her highly enough." -Nancy Cobb, Director of Women's Ministries, Christ Community Church, Omaha, NE

Travels from: Atlanta, GA

Performance Fee: Call for quote

Travel Requirements: Airfare & Hotel for (1)

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