Gladys Simmons Carson

Gladys Simmons Carson is the award-winning author of "TRIUMPH! A Battle Plan for Joy," a riveting memoir that traces her victorious journey through the American Jim Crow era; "Turning the Tables on Adversity," her uplifting guide to meeting life’s challenges with courage, grace, and unwavering faith; and her latest book, “Inspiration from the Holy Land,” which is a sacred reflection of her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, woven with biblical truths, personal experiences, and divine inspiration.

She is also an inspirational speaker who delights in sharing the hope of Christ, an encourager who celebrates the success of others, and a steadfast advocate for joy. As the one who coined the phrase “Joy by Choice, Not by Chance,” she continually reminds believers of Jesus’ promise: “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11). She often says, “Since Jesus freely extends His joy to us so that we may have it in full, the right response is to receive it—and to live joyfully.”

Carson’s passion for writing stems from an early introduction to the written word. By age three she was reading her older siblings’ school books. By age four she was introduced to her first novel, Betty Smith’s "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." This early exposure gave birth to a love affair with books and a fascination for writing. By the time she reached adult status, she had evolved into a natural encourager with a wealth of information to share, and a zeal for sharing it.

The first text she remembers writing for others to read, besides family and close friends, came in the form of a fourth-grade assignment, which her teacher did not believe she had written. That is until the young author explained the motivation behind the writing, and demonstrated mastery of the vocabulary used.

This fifth-generation Texan draws from a lifetime of active learning, mindful experiences, and God-given insight to uplift others on their daily walk. And as she pours into others, the Lord faithfully renews her own joy.

Now in her senior years, Carson continues to grow in the grace of optimism. She has embraced the transforming power of deliberate gratitude—practicing it daily and witnessing how it reshapes attitudes and lifts the spirit. One of her favorite reminders comes from Steve Maraboli: “The more I understand the mind and the human experience, the more I begin to suspect there is no such thing as unhappiness; there is only ungratefulness.”

Through her writing, speaking, and testimony, Carson remains committed to pointing others toward a life of intentional joy, anchored in Christ and strengthened by gratitude.