A Complete Journey Demonstrates the Influence of Public Speaking as NCAPS Works to Prepare Christian Authors and Speakers for Broader Impact
“Speakers rarely get to witness what happens after they leave the podium. Realizing the message gave Rod the bravery to write is a beautiful reminder that our words keep working long after the stage.”— Katie Hornor
Prize-winning author Melissa Jean Rod is thanking professional speaker Katie Hornor after The Daddy Files earned its seventh literary award, an International Christian Book Award.
Rod points to a talk Hornor gave at the Hope Story Conference in January 2024 as one of the pivotal moments that pushed her to write the book.
Rod recently encountered Hornor again at a Christian women's' conference.
At that gathering, Rod went up to Hornor, expressed her appreciation, and noted that The Daddy Files book might never have come into being without the motivation she received from hearing Hornor speak.
This moving interaction highlighted a key reality about professional speaking: speakers may never fully grasp how their words will influence those in the audience.
Hornor described the meeting as a powerful reminder that God frequently uses one person's faithfulness to become part of a much bigger narrative.
A Book Originating from a Call to Courage:
During the 2024 Hope Story Conference, Rod attended keynote addresses by Katie Hornor and Lysa TerKeurst. Those messages helped confirm what Rod believed God was asking of her—she had to write.
That choice eventually became The Daddy Files, a volume exploring themes of injury, humiliation, damage, affection, mercy, and restoration.
Since its publication, The Daddy Files has garnered seven book awards. The newest recognition comes from the International Christian Book Awards, an international platform created to honor Christian books that show superior writing and substantial faith influence.
For Rod, receiving this award is more than a professional milestone. It is proof of what occurs when a writer responds to the summons to tell a hard but meaningful story.
Rod characterized the experience as a full-circle moment that only God could have orchestrated. She first received the push to write while sitting in an audience. Less than two years afterward, she was able to personally express gratitude to Hornor, one of the speakers whose words helped move her forward.
NCAPS Champions Speakers Who Carry World-Changing Messages:
The story behind The Daddy Files also illustrates why the National Christian Association of Professional Speakers exists.
The organization motivates speakers to aim for excellence in message creation, platform execution, business practices, promotion, audience connection, and professional standing.
Rod's experience offers a concrete illustration of why that work matters.
A thoughtfully delivered message did more than encourage one listener for a short time. It helped spark a book. That book is now reaching readers, gaining international acclaim, and carrying its message far beyond the room where the original talk was delivered.
Hornor, who founded NCAPS and serves as its spokesperson, said this kind of lasting influence is the core of professional Christian speaking.
A speaker's role is not just to stand on a platform, Hornor stated. It is to faithfully prepare and deliver a message that can help someone take a courageous next step. Melissa's story demonstrates how a single message can become part of a chain of influence that reaches people the original speaker may never encounter.
Hornor believes speakers should never underestimate what God might accomplish through a faithfully delivered message.
Speakers do not always get to witness the outcomes of their obedience, Hornor explained. Sometimes, however, God grants them the gift of seeing one fragment of the impact. Rod's book is evidence that a message spoken with faith, skill, and bravery can keep producing fruit for years.
About The Daddy Files and Melissa Jean Rod:
The Daddy Files by Melissa Jean Rod is part memoir, part spiritual investigation—an intense exploration of identity, forgiveness, and faith. With raw honesty, hard-won humor, and a deep reliance on the God who never left, Melissa invites readers into the devastation of father wounds and the redemption that followed. Through personal narrative and a message of faith, the book helps readers [insert the primary reader benefit or transformation].
The book has now earned seven literary awards, including an International Christian Book Award, and it is available on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
About Katie Hornor:
Katie Hornor is an international keynote speaker, award-winning author, business strategist, and founder of the National Christian Association of Professional Speakers. Known as The Flamingo Lady, Hornor teaches leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers to embrace their distinctiveness, communicate boldly, and pursue excellence in their work.
Her contributions have been featured through national media, professional conferences, books, podcasts, and speaking events. She is dedicated to helping Christian professionals understand that their work can be an act of worship and a powerful means of serving others.
Learn more at www.KatieHornor.com
About the National Christian Association of Professional Speakers:
The National Christian Association of Professional Speakers equips Christian speakers to become highly competent, professionally respected, and well-compensated voices across industries. NCAPS offers education, professional development, community, recognition, and industry opportunities for speakers committed to biblical integrity and excellence in communication.
The organization supports both emerging and seasoned speakers as they refine their messages, enhance their platform skills, build sustainable speaking businesses, and broaden their influence. Learn more at www.ncapspeakers.org.
About the International Christian Book Awards:
The International Christian Book Awards is a global awards platform that celebrates outstanding Christian authors and books that inspire, equip, and transform lives. Entries are evaluated for literary merit and Christian faith impact. The awards welcome authors and publishers representing a wide range of cultures, Christian traditions, genres, and publishing paths.
The International Christian Book Awards 2026 Gala will bring authors together for a day of education, fellowship, professional recognition, media exposure, and celebration. Featured keynote speakers include Katie Hornor, Robyn Dykstra, Bob Wheatley, and Jon Kovich Jr. The speakers will provide practical strategies, faith-centered encouragement, and tools authors can use to strengthen their platforms, increase visibility, and reach more readers.
Learn more at www.internationalchristianbookawards.com
Tresa Salters
National Christian Association of Professional Speakers
+1 617-688-8622
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