Cheryl Bonds - Christian author and speaker │ Influential Women

About Cheryl

Cheryl Bonds is a Christian author and speaker who entered her field in 1974 after being saved. She published her book From Chains to Chosen in June, detailing her life journey from being born in prison, experiencing significant hardships including homelessness and limited formal education to only the fifth grade, and finding redemption through faith. Bonds has spoken in churches, prisons, conferences, and Bible studies, often sharing her testimony to point others to Jesus and encourage victory over shame and past struggles. She credits Jesus as her mentor and the source of her inspiration, noting that she stepped out in fear to obey God after a 53-year pause in speaking. In addition to her writing and speaking, Bonds has participated in prison ministry and remains active in her church. She maintains a personal website at cherylbonds.com.

Ten minutes with Cheryl

01What do you attribute your success to?

It's Jesus. It's Jesus because, you know, when I speak, I speak in fear. ... I know I'm an overcomer. I know I'm greatly loved. I know I'm a daughter of the king.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

My teacher telling me to get over myself. It was like a light went off. You know, I took off The jacket of shame. ... God's not called us to walk like that. He's called us to walk with our chin up.