People are the same no matter where you go, and we all are dealing with some sort of adversity. And the one thing that we all have in common is that our lives are happier, richer and better with God in them.

That's the inspirational message that Carol Hamilton will bring with her from Charleston, W.Va., when she speaks at the Lancaster Christian Women's Club (LCWC) luncheon at Bent Creek Country Club, 620 Bent Creek Drive, Lititz, on Wednesday, April 5, at noon. A seasoned public speaker, Hamilton still leads an active life in retirement, after a 30-year career that included working as a television news anchor in southern California.

"My job as the speaker is to reach out," said Hamilton. "This is considered an outreach event, but a very non-threatening one. Kind of like, 'Here's what we believe. What do you think?' My job is to give my faith story. Everyone's story is obviously different. But the bottom line is we all have come to a place where we invited Jesus into our lives."

The LCWC is associated with the national religious organization Women's Connection, for which Hamilton does a great deal of public speaking. In addition to speakers, LCWC's regular luncheons typically feature music, fellowship and praise.

Hamilton said her speech will include three or four of her favorite Bible verses.

"The theme of the speech is how you come to know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and what a difference it makes in your life," said Hamilton. "A personal story is always a good start. I don't go unprepared, and I also pray beforehand. When you're telling your own story, it's a little easier. It's about having something relatable, having a message."

With many of her career accomplishments behind her, Hamilton notes that she is in a very good place at this point of her life. She knows where she's going because she's comfortable with where she's been.

"Life is full of bumps," said Hamilton, a breast cancer survivor. "But by and large, it's better to live with God, instead of searching all the time. I've made a choice to have Jesus take control of my life. Lately, I've found myself enjoying being in the background a little bit. My ego is fine with that. It's the cycle of life. The hope is that at the end, it's not the end."

April won't be Hamilton's first trip to Lancaster County; she spoke here five years ago. She said that on her list of Lancaster must-dos are side trips to Sight & Sound Theatres' production of "Moses" and a shopping excursion to boutiques in Lititz.

"I love central Pennsylvania," said Hamilton. "People are lovely. It doesn't matter if you live in the East or the North or the South or the West; we're all in the same family."

For information on how to purchase tickets to the luncheon, call 717-799-0088.