Hello, I'm
Rissa Johns
A devotional author, speaker, and mayor helping busy women step away from the chaos and into the quiet presence of God.
A little about me
Faith, service, and a heart for busy women
Rissa Johns is an author, speaker, and the Mayor of Chiefland, Florida. A lifelong Levy County resident, she is passionate about serving others through leadership, faith and meaningful connection. Whether she's working to strengthen her community, encouraging women through ministry, or helping families build brighter futures, Rissa believes that every person has the ability to make a lasting impact right where they are.
For more than two decades, Rissa has dedicated her career to helping people thrive—professionally, personally, and spiritually. Through her writing, speaking and the Carried by Grace community, she encourages busy women to slow down, make room for what matters most, and discover the peace that comes from walking closely with God. Her message is simple: you don't have to carry life's burdens alone.
Now a series
The Make Room Collection
Two companions for the same journey — making room to pray, and making room to be still. Scroll to turn each one over.
Just released
Make Room
30 Days of Praying with Purpose
Thirty guided prayers — a focused Scripture, a prayer direction, and the words to begin — for women who long to pray with purpose.
Make Room
30 Days of Devotionals for Busy Women
Thirty short readings that help busy women slow down, breathe, and rest in the quiet presence of God.
Life is busy…but God is still speaking.
Make Room: 30 Days of Devotionals for Busy Women is a soft space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Written for the overwhelmed, the overextended, and the heart-weary, each daily entry invites you to slow down and meet with God… right in the middle of real life.
With honest stories, powerful Scripture, guided reflection questions and heartfelt prayers, this devotional is an invitation to clear the clutter and make space for grace, peace, and purpose.
Whether you're in a season of hustle or healing, this devotional is a reminder: you don't have to do more to be loved more. You just need to make room.
What readers are saying
A few words from early readers of Make Room.
Make Room gave me the opportunity to slow down, self-reflect, and spend intentional time with God. In a world filled with endless to-do lists, responsibilities, and distractions, this devotional was a gentle reminder to step away from the chaos and into the quiet presence of God. The daily scriptures and journaling questions encouraged me to reflect: am I making room for the things that bring peace rather than stress and exhaustion? It's perfect for busy women who need a few moments each day to connect with themselves and God. Highly recommended for any woman seeking encouragement, balance, and a deeper sense of purpose.
I absolutely loved this devotional! As a busy working mom, it gave me a simple and meaningful way to pause each day, reflect, and reconnect with God. The daily readings, reflections, and prayers were encouraging without feeling overwhelming. It was a beautiful reminder that no matter how busy life gets, Jesus is the center of it all. I highly recommend it to any woman looking to grow closer to God in the midst of this busy life!
Carried by Grace
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A place for Christians walking through real life with steady faith. Here, we grow with grace and show up with grit.
- We pray for one another.
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- We stay accountable.
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Invite Rissa
Bring Rissa to your next event
Warm, faith-filled, and grounded in a life of service. Rissa speaks at leadership retreats, conferences, civic organizations, and community gatherings. Drawing from her experience as an author, mayor, community leader, and woman of faith, she encourages audiences to lead with purpose, serve with heart, and make room for what matters most.
- Finding peace in a busy season
Practical encouragement for women juggling work, family, and service. - Servant leadership in your community
Leading with faith as a mayor, board chair, and lifelong volunteer. - Women encouraging women
Building each other up through faith, purpose, and peace. - Leading where you are
Lessons in leadership from local government, nonprofit service, and everyday life.
Request Rissa to speak
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