Karyl J. Leslie has been an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ since 1986. She served parishes in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Indiana and worked for several years in the mental health field. She is now retired and focuses some of her time and energy on promoting mental health awareness in the church.

Sparkling Light comes from her unique personal perspective based on the experiences of her life, her years of ministry, and her ongoing study of the Bible, the Christian faith, mental health issues, and the promises and faithfulness of God.