We recently had the chance to connect with Maggie Kavanaugh and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maggie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
My First 90 Minutes
The first part of my day is sacred. I begin with quiet meditation, centering my thoughts on the Lord. From there, I read Scripture and devotionals, letting God’s Word renew my mind and set the tone for the day.
Next, I spend time in prayer, talking to God and listening for His direction. After that, I do some journaling—writing down insights, reflections, and anything the Holy Spirit impresses on my heart.
Before I begin the day, I plan my goals, tasks, and schedule, making sure my priorities align with my purpose.
These 90 minutes anchor me, helping me stay Godfident, focused, and filled with peace as I move forward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Maggie Kavanaugh, the founder of Moving Forward Ministries and the Be Godfident Movement. I’m a speaker, coach, and TV host passionate about helping people walk in their God-given identity and live purposefully. Through our ministry, conferences, and media outreach, we equip women, teens, and families to heal from the past, strengthen their faith, and move forward into freedom.
Our work is unique because we combine biblical counseling, practical coaching, and creative media to reach multiple generations. From our Godfident Next Gen TV show empowering young people, to our Be Godfident Women’s Conference that bridges the gap between mothers and daughters, everything we do is about transformation through Christ.
Right now, I’m especially excited about our new initiatives—like Ridge Living, our faith-based lifestyle brand, and upcoming leadership programs for teens and women ready to share their stories boldly. My mission is simple: to help others embrace who they are in Christ and live their best, most confident lives—Godfidently.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
What I Believed Then vs. What I Believe Now
As a child, I believed I wasn’t loved. That lie settled deep into my heart and shaped how I saw myself and the world around me. For years, that belief led me down destructive paths—searching for love and acceptance in all the wrong places. I tried to fill the emptiness through unhealthy outlets, codependent relationships, and substance abuse, but nothing could satisfy the longing in my soul.
My freedom came the moment I surrendered my life to my Creator. Everything began to change when I invited Him into the driver’s seat. I discovered I had been loved all along—fully, unconditionally, and eternally. Today, I no longer live chasing love; I live from it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
What did suffering teach me that success could not? Well, having overcome cancer and several diagnoses, I can honestly say suffering is very familiar to me. Through those seasons, I’ve learned that in this world we will have trials—Jesus said so—but He also told us to be of good cheer.
Jesus said in John 16:33 (NKJV), “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Suffering taught me things that success never could. It taught me dependence on God, humility, and compassion for others who are hurting. It reminded me that faith isn’t proven on the mountaintop—it’s forged in the valley. Those valley moments have produced in me a deeper gratitude for every mountain experience. They’ve shown me that even when life is hard, God is still good, and there’s purpose in every kind of pain.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of the real Maggie Kavanaugh is pretty much the same as the private one — passionate, purpose-driven, and utterly dependent on God’s grace. What people see on stage, on TV, or behind the mic isn’t a performance; it’s a testimony of what God has done in my life. I’ve walked through pain, loss, addiction, abuse, and even cancer — but I’ve also walked into freedom, healing, and restoration.
I’m not perfect, but I am real. My mission is to help others see that they can move forward from their past and live with confidence — or as I like to say, Godfidence. Whether I’m teaching, coaching, or hosting a show, I want people to know that Jesus can take the broken pieces of our stories and turn them into something beautiful.
That’s who the real Maggie Kavanaugh is — a woman molded by grace, led by purpose, and determined to help others live their best, most Godfident life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what most people misunderstand about the legacy of Maggie Kavanaugh is that it’s not really about me at all. My legacy isn’t built on my accomplishments, titles, or platforms — it’s built on the lives touched, healed, and set free through the power of Christ working in and through me.
Some people might see the conferences, the TV shows, or the ministry and think it’s all about success or visibility. But the truth is, every bit of it was birthed out of brokenness and redemption. My legacy isn’t one of perfection — it’s one of perseverance, grace, and obedience.
If I’m remembered for anything, I hope I pointed people to Jesus, encouraged generations to walk in their identity, and showed that no matter where you’ve been, God can use your story to bring hope to others. That’s the heart behind Be Godfident — not my name remembered, but His name glorified through my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.movingforwardministriestn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/maggiemkavanaugh/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-kavanaugh-34931610a/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivationbymaggie/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@movingforwardmedia
