She Speaks Stories: Recent Episodes
Susan Wanderer
Today we have the pleasure of hearing from Lou Minichini! He was chatting with the lovely Katie Hawkins at their Sunday School get-together and shared his conversion story. Katie's response was “you HAVE to be on our podcast!” and we are SO thankful Lou agreed!
His story walks us through how a New Jersey Italian Catholic found Jesus. How his upbringing grew from a traditional awareness of God to a life changing relationship with his Savoir.
And after he found Christ, he talked about the importance of sharing the good news! The discussion that follows that: unpacking preferences vs principles in our faith, was so interesting and fun!
Our host Julia Sifers is head over heels in love with today’s guest, and that’s a good thing because he’s her husband!
Yup, Nik Sifers’, Julia’s other-half, joins us today to share some perspective of the trust that develops for those of us “stuck on hard-mode.” Nik in his own sarcastic and thoughtful way walks us through a few examples of God’s specific care and direction in ways he was not expecting.
This episode helps us see that God will always provide, and it’s always good, but it’s rarely what we were expecting!
Are you tired? Just worn out? In this episode Tom breaks down the simple beauty of intimacy with God. It seems like a big feat, but it starts with desire and grows into something wonderful.
Tom, Katie’s brother, has been on our podcast a few times before because he’s a great teacher, one of Katie’s best favorite brothers and he genuinely enjoys our podcast! So that works out nicely!
In this episode shares dreams he’s had and the transformation that came when the meaning of the dreams were revealed.
It’s such a good perspective on the power of valuing the presence of God.
Let’s get the ark back, let’s eat the spinach, let’s rest in the awesome power of his presence!
SUSAN IS BACK for today’s episode!! And it’s so good! God has blown Susan away with all that he has shown her over this year! He has rekindled her love for the local church when it’s partnered with the gospel and shown her the power of community. In her new role in her church, God has showered her with goodness and perspective and this space has fueled the finishing touches on her new book (get excited! We are!)
If you’ve missed Susan, as we have, join us for quality connection as we hear all that God is doing in her life!
Those of you who have been long-time listeners know Portia and the goodness she brings, and though God called her to step down as host of She Speaks Stories, he called her towards some other great changes. And in this episode, Portia shares with us what she’s been up to this past year.
Jesus has held her, through changes, in her identity and quieted her fast pace with deep renewal. Her organization Imago Dei is growing as they learn exactly what it looks like to come alongside the church and help organize conversations about diversity. Their goal is to help leaders see what Jesus taught. That it’s not about the outcome, but about opportunities and looking around to see what is needed in the church’s community. Imago Dei is a much needed perspective. Not just sweeping these hard questions under the rug but really coming alongside the confusion to bridge the gaps and guide them through so Jesus can be seen in all cultures and corners! As they say, “Diversity is a garden to grow, not a problem to solve.”
To learn more about Imago Dei:
Website:www.weareimagodei.co
Instagram: @weareiagodei.co
Our Heart
We'd love to be a part of your (all who hear this podcast) church staff development through our recorded 5 session course to help rediscover diversity through a biblical perspective. The Foundations Course is available through the website.
Not sure where to begin? We'd love to hop on a free call with you. Click here.
Kim joins us today to share the steps she took to find Jesus. Even though she was raised to know there was a God, she didn’t see beyond him as a structured God of Wrath. Through some hard times and with many seeds planted over time, she found what she’d been missing!
Life is hard, and it can be confusing! Questions and uncertainties come and it really is hard to see any hope in the middle of some of the hard. Kim’s story is a clear message of salvation. In her story we can see grace exemplified. When we have a life with holes, God comes in and fills in the gaps!
Check out the episode we did with Kim's daughter, Episode #181 Finding Healing in Marriage with Dane and Brooke Lopez.
Sarah was a military spouse who was slammed with hard times, affairs, financial difficulties and so much unknown. But God knew her and did not leave her. Every step of the way he provided for her in the most personal ways with scraggly old strangers, kind judges, supportive churches and friendly empowering bosses.
This is a story of redemption. Her life exemplifies how God is always there, no matter where you are!
Doris is the kind of gal you want at your table. In this episode we’re getting a good introduction of the quippy Doris Lama! She’s so fun and filled with a confetti of eclectic and mosaic stories all centered around God’s answering her question: “What would you have me do?” With the Holy Spirit’s help she “moves from less than to more than” and encourages anyone who has the pleasure of her company! This is really a part one, because we’re going to have her back after hearing (too many!) teasers of some of the stories from her past, including how she met her husband. So get cozy and join us in chatting with Doris!
Normally we have a lot of SHE’s on She Speaks Stories (it’s in the name!) but we love it when we can have a HE come join in on the fun. Today’s episode we have a HE and a SHE! Chris and Julie Bennett join us to share their story when they said yes to God before they knew what they were getting into, saw Him use bad for good and were enveloped in a community that allowed them to find permission for authenticity while Julie battled cancer.
They have the specific struggles in their story, but even if you can't relate to all the variants, their story is one worth listening to because it's jam-packed with such applicable truths that will leave you not only encouraged but motivated.
And just in case that description wasn’t enough, here’s a few teaser-quotes from our time with this incredible couple–
If you’ve ever gone through something hard:
“God doesn’t waste our hard.”
If you’ve ever had to step out on faith:
“Faith doesn’t feel heroic in the moment.”
There were many many more. We hope you’ll take the time to listen and that you are encouraged!
Life in the Congo was wonderful for our guest, Bijou Mushengezi, for the first 16 years of her life. But in 1996 everything changed when civil war shattered her beautiful country with evil.
This is our Bonus Episode, specifically released on International Women’s Day with the intent to inform more people about the horrific tragedies that are destroying a country full of beautiful resources and innocent lives. Caitlin Sturgis and Bijou Mushengezi have a nonprofit that aids in mending the brokenness in the DRC, called: Moseka Action Project. We want this story to break your heart, as it did ours, in order for us to stop and really ask God how we can help. At the very least we need to pray for these people and for those who are doing something to offer a choice to rebuild lives that have been ripped apart.
This is big. This is heavy. But our God is bigger and stronger. There is hardship but also joy! Listen in as we hear about the GOOD work he is doing!Learn more about the Moseka Action Project:https://www.mosekaactionproject.org/
We’re so excited that Sarah joined us this week to share her conversion story. Sarah was raised in the Catholic Church but when it came time for her confirmation she stopped, not in a rebellious stance, but just not sure. Fast forward a few years, to meeting a very important person, the man who would take her hand and introduce her to the most important person: Jesus. Sarah’s story is so sweet, and we couldn’t help but grin as she shares that in meeting Jesus she’s no longer alone, it’s given her a place, and allowed her to really belong.
Chesed is back! This time she’s sharing some of her story of singlehood and how she fell in-love. Who doesn’t love a good love story? But this one isn’t butterflies and chocolates, in this love story we see how much God showed HIS love by introducing Chesed and Matt. God really gives us what we need. And though Chesed saw “Neither has God chosen this one,” over and over, she learned the truth of “The Lord sees not as man sees.” She really could understand the beauty of the man God had placed in her life and the love that came as they began loving Jesus, and promised to love each other for the rest of their lives. Join us in listening to this story of God affirming his love.
Once you’ve sat down with dear Roberta Damon, you can’t help but want to tap into her wisdom and hear what God has shown her in her adventures. Today's episode Roberta shares a story she heard while she was overseas, one that affirms just who God is and how he truly is the Author of our story. Join us for the Part 2 of Roberta Damon’s Faith Stories. (See Episode 194 for Part 1)
Well as we said earlier, we are gathering with family to bring you stories about Christmas that are centered around the theme or emotions of Advent. And this week, Katie and Julia chat a bit about a deeper kind of love at Christmastime, and then we get to hear from Katie's daughter-in-law, Jill Hawkins! Katie went to visit Jill and they're sharing a convo they had about God demonstrating his love during the Christmas season, even when things don't go as planned!
Who better to talk about joy than with children?! So today we have four very special guests: Julia’s kids! She sat down with Wes, Molly, Drew and LE and chatted about what they think of Christmas Joy.
So join us this week to share some stories of joy in this season of Advent!
Our Advent series continues with the topic of Peace, and boy oh boy does Tom bring us to a new understanding of what peace looks like, why we need it and the key to having it. We don’t know about you, but we could use some more peace in our lives and in this season of Christmas, the Prince of Peace wants to give you the real deal kind of peace: HIS peace.
We hope you will join us in this conversation about Jesus that brings conviction, hope, understanding and so so much peace!
Our first week of Advent starts off with the theme of HOPE. And as you can tell when you listen in, both Katie and Julia were giddy to have Betty Gagnon join the fun! Betty is Julia's mom and Katie's mentor (who is mentioned in her book!)
Betty brings us back to Hebrews and where our Hope comes from. She shares that Jesus is our anchor in the hard, challenging or uncomfortable. When storms hit, we know:
There is a God. He loves us.
We may be helpless, but God is our Hope!
We are taking a break from our Faith Stories for the month of December so we can focus in on Advent. And to get us all ready for what the season of Advent means, we have one of our favorites back: Chesed! In this episode, Chesed explains the difference between Advent and Christmastime, the beauty of the ache of waiting and gives us all Advent Permission to hold onto that unseen hope. It’s such a great way to start off this season!
Chesed is back with one of her faith stories, the story of the start of her faith, her conversion story! Chesed has the gift of sharing stories, and though her faith is described more as a progressive knowledge of Jesus, she reminds of that the dramatic part of everyone’s conversion story is the salvation part! This story is centered around Jesus, and how he calls us to him and that every story of his calling is worth sharing… because stories change lives!
The littlest seed can still grow to become a strong- even if it takes 50 years. This is so true with our guest, Rebecca Wilson. She didn't have God on her radar, but she was definitely on His and through the years He slowly brought her to him. Through ups and downs her faith has grown and spurred on a ministry that practically helps those who desperately need not a "handout but a hand up!"Compassion Restoration Ministries: http://www.compassionrestoration.org/
We are delighted to have Roberta Damon rejoin us for another episode. Roberta was a missionary to Brazil for years and today shares with us some personal experiences with what happens when you share your conversion story. Spoiler: Sharing conversion stories opens up opportunities for conversion!
As we start up a new season of She Speaks Stories, we're excited to dig into Faith Stories, what they are, who tells them and why we should know our own. If you have faith, you have a story. So lean to our second part in this Faith Stories Intro, where Katie and Julia chat about three different kinds of Faith Stories, how they are different, and why they matter!
As we start up a new season of She Speaks Stories, we're excited to dig into Faith Stories—what they are, who tells them, and why we should know our own. If you have faith, you have a story. So lean to our first part in this Faith Stories Intro, where Katie and Julia chat about three different kinds of Faith Stories, how they are different, and why they matter!
We wrapped up our Women of the Bible series a few weeks ago, well, we thought so, until Katie had a fantastic visit with her brother, Tom Flaherty! When they got chatting, a sermon Tom had preached was brought up and Katie knew it fit TOO perfectly with our series to ignore. So today, we’re bringing you a BONUS episode where Tom shares about widows, but this episode is really about stories, and Jesus’ influence on them. Listen in to the perspective Tom shows us and the encouragement it brings!
God sees our pain and he cares.
He knows.
He sees all the levels of hard.
He is close to the brokenhearted!
This episode is bittersweet. All four hosts got together to reminisce and laugh through all the incredible memories and stories they’ve shared together because of this podcast. Listen in to hear the changes for our podcast as we end a chapter with some sadness, but turn the page with anticipation as we continue to see what God has for the podcast. We still have so many stories to share! This isn’t goodbye, this is just see you later!
It’s incredible how much we’ve learned through our Women of the Bible series! Portia wraps up our series teaching us about Naaman’s Wife’s servant girl (2 Kings chapter 5). And although her name is not recorded in the Bible her story is because there is so much we can learn from it!
Portia, as usual, shares so much perspective! In her teaching she brings to light so many simple and applicable truths from such a small section of the Old Testament, proving that God’s Word is living and active and that each part is intentionally placed for us to glean knowledge and grow closer to our Father. SO good!
Lean in, and join the fun as Julia & Portia chat about a little girl full of faith.
Each time we release an episode we’re learning something new about Women of the Bible. This week, Julia steps up to share some of the things she has learned about Rahab. Every story in the Bible is there for a reason. There are layers of truth and understanding, so the more we read the more we understand. Join us as we peel back another layer to the story of Rahab!
Roberta Damon is an author, teacher and a gal after our own heart because she loves a good story, especially those she’s read in the Bible. In this episode she shares her wisdom and perspective on the story of Penninah. She especially loves those uncommon or less known women in the Bible and wrote two books helping us see the purpose they had in being mentioned in the Bible, even the ones who are unnamed. Lean in and enjoy the truth and stories Roberta has to share!
Quote:I think God works in spite of it all.
Most of you know and love one of our podcast’s founders and co-host, the one with the iconic laugh and passionate truth giver, Susan Wanderer. But for those of you who are new to the podcast, get ready, you’re going to love hearing Susan preach. She knows how to bring it!
But before we hear from her, a little background. Susan is married to Ed. After five years of marriage they crossed an ocean to adopt their three courageous kids Josh, Ruth and Dibora. Today she’s a Family Minister, Coach, Communicator and author. She is a gal full of ideas, and vision and firmly believes people were created on purpose, for a purpose and truly delights in cheering them on. Plus she’s fun. We love having her in our lives, and know you do too!
Connect with Susan at one of the following places:
www.letswanderon.com
Facebook: Wander On
Instagram: @Susanwanderer
Well, if any of you are familiar with this podcast you’re familiar with one of our co-hosts and leading ladies: Katie Hawkins! She has a heart for Jesus and the gift of teaching, so naturally Katie is outstanding at hosting this podcast where she can teach about Jesus and we are SO thankful for her!
A little bit about Katie, for those who might not know her, she’s a wife to Big Mike who is a retired Marine, she’s mother to four and grandmother to 5 (almost 6) grandbabies. She adores her family. When she isn’t playing bridge with her siblings she’s involved in as many bible teaching scenarios she can plug into! She is also an author to a memoir-type of book that tells her story of how Jesus swooped in, saved her, and then continued to meet her throughout her life. We highly recommend this book entitled: She Speaks Stories: Finding Hope, Help and Healing in a Hard World because it’s full of relatable life moments that truly encourage you as you read.
We’re so happy to have her here today not just to host but to teach us!
Places to find Katie:
Facebook: Katie Hawkins
IG: @Katiehawkins
Shespeaksstories.com
Quotes:I was new to the idea that Scripture can change me. Prayer became an actual heart felt way to bring before the Lord people I loved. Tags:#Mary#Biible#womenofthebible#motherofJesus
The first time Chesed was here, she wow’d us with her bible knowledge and storytelling skills that are wrapped in perspective and truth, so we obviously had to have her on again! And when we decided to do a series on Women of the Bible, after two incredibly fun chats with her, it was a no-brainer to ask Chesed back!
In case you missed her last episodes, Chesed, who is the Director of Global Studies Internships at Liberty University, brought her teaching skills to the table when she shared parts of her story with us. She tells us how we can have security in our purpose, and about the strength we can find in uncertain times. Chesed is a traveler. She spent her formative years in other countries, and this created a very unique global world view that impacts her perspective, and that perspective enables her to enlighten her listeners.
Quotes:"I'm obsessed with God's Big Story.""God has done a kindness in my life by showing me I am not strong."
Jennie Lusko is a mother of five, and she pastors Fresh Life Church alongside her husband, Levi.
She is also a best-selling author of The Fight to Flourish, a book written to show her readers that there is the ability to thrive in this life, even after traumatic experiences or hard seasons. There is grace, and with grace and hard work you can flourish!
She is also a podcast host of the Hey It’s the Luskos podcast, which is an incredibly fun peek into the real, unfiltered life of Jennie & Levi’s marriage, ministry, faith, grief, and growth! Listening to this couple chat about both the silly and hard elements in their life, is both lighthearted and encouraging!
It’s clear that her message to the world is encouragement and hope. She loves to empower the world, reminding them they are beautiful, they are made for a purpose, and they are deeply loved by God.
Author
thefighttoflourish
mom
podcast
pastor
wife
womenoffaith
eugenepeterson
themessage
flourishing
empowering
loss
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hope
Where can people find you?
jennielusko.com
Instagram: @jennielusko
Jada is an author, speaker and fellow podcaster! She is passionate about God as well as studying and teaching the Bible. This passion led to her writing books that include bible studies, books on marriage and leadership.
It’s not at all surprising that Jada has written these books, she excels at communicating clear, helpful, realistic steps that motivate and encourage! All of these aspects are helpful as we study the Bible, work on our marriage and develop leadership. She clearly knows the book she loves: The Bible, because her wisdom is all based on its Truths!
She takes this gift of communication and shares it with everyone and anyone! And though she goes and does frequently, she is happy to be planted at her local church that she and her husband started in 2008. She is very active in serving her church, using her abilities and blessing all those around her.
We are SO glad she’s here with us and cannot wait to hear some of her story!
Where can people find you?
Instagram: jada_edwards
Website: jadaedwards.org
Author
speaker
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writer
biblestudy
leadership
marriage
church
truth
challenges
encouragement
hope
Quotes
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I couldn't live up or live out this fantasy.-Dane
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Facts are not feelings.- Brooke
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When we each started doing our own work, God started to align our journeys.
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The best thing we found outside the grave was Jesus.
Bio
Dane and Brooke have been married for 12 years and throughout those years have experienced very desperate and dark days in their faith and in their marriage. They learned so much about what marriage is and who God is to them. They seemed to be the perfect church couple, but they successfully hid deep brokenness. Brokenness that seemed to be some of the ‘unforgivable sins’ in the church. When everything fell apart, outwardly they pretended to be fine but in reality, they were alone, frustrated, confused, angry, hurt and in hiding. They found ways to cope that only temporarily numbed the truths they were hiding and the hopelessness they felt.
Unbeknownst to them, throughout all of this God saw them even though they didn’t feel like it. Slowly but surely, He led them to himself-- towards redemption, in ways they weren’t expecting.
He took their pain and turned it into hope.
He healed the holes in their hearts with an unshakable identity and relationship with Christ.
And because of that healing they were able to experience true healing and redemption in their marriage! They are here to share this story of how they discovered who God is and how He took them on a journey from hopeless to healed…
Tags
Purity
marriage
sexual addictions
porn
openmarriage
marines
samesexattraction
shame
fear
guilt
separation
counseling
journey
Love Like You Mean It Cruise
healing
hope
Godsperfecttiming
journey
Where can people find you?
Email- lopezbrooke@yahoo.com or lopezdne@yahoo.con
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/brooke.c.lopez.3
Katie was raised on the East Coast in a good American family. When she went to college it was confirmed in her heart that she needed more than just that “goodness.” As she pursued her faith, she grew spiritually and discovered a calling to Russian orphanages. Little did she know that this time was preparing her for a non-stop life God had planned for her. When she moved to California, met her husband and started her family, God brought her close to Himself with a chaotic newness that emptied her self-defined identity with healing.
Rachel Faulkner Brown is a returning guest to our podcast! If you didn’t have a chance to listen to her past episode (Episode #22) give it a listen, but without giving too much away, Rachel’s story is full of heartbreak and hope. She has lived through the passing of two husbands and in the past episode she walks us through these tragedies showing how God showed up and carried her through. She has since been remarried, and has thrived as a wife, mother, author and founder of ministries. Be Still is a ministry created to encourage and equip women through gatherings, a podcast and online resources! It’s impossible not to get excited as she cultivates a space for women with such depth and fun! She also has a specific ministry created for widows called Never Alone. Here she has similar elements available (gatherings, conferences and online connection) but with specific topics and support for those who have lost their husbands.
Needless to say her work is dynamic, her impact is evident and we’re just thrilled to have her with us today!
Quotes:We are in union with Jesus. You cannot get out of union. What you activate your mind to, you will see. The more you can behold [Jesus], the more you become [like him].#Returning Guest#Author#speaker#podcaster#blogger#Christian writer#womensconferences#videos#healing#widow#grief#hope#joy#Never Alone, Be StillWhere can people find you?rachelfaulknerbrown.netneveralonewidows.combestillministries.netInstagram: rachelfaulknerbrownBooks: Father's House: The Path that Leads HomeHis Name: Our Hope in Grief
The world needs more true and vulnerable stories of loss and struggle woven through with healing and hope, so that those who have gone through tribulation can then see the suffering of others and express the truth of God to the world. In this episode, Mikayla Munn and Linda Znachko share how, even through their own personal hardships, God is using them as instruments of healing for others.
Katie and Portia have a conversation about healing which can be misunderstood and mysterious. God provides healing for his children and in comes in many forms. These next several episodes are sure to encourage your heart as we dive into "Finding Healing".
Jennifer Codner is a committed servant leader with a passion for rehabilitating young people for Christ. She firmly believes that the Spirit of the Lord has appointed her to “heal the brokenhearted and to preach deliverance to those who are captive” (Isaiah 61:1). While working in the United States, she had the opportunity to hear and respond to the cries of hurting mothers, parents, and guardians, who were desperately seeking help and a healing option for their children. These cries moved her to wrestle with God to expand the ministry by creating more opportunities to help more young people. In 2010, Jennifer founded a group home/residential program (Ebenezer Home) in the Caribbean for troubled girls. In 2018 she partnered with Noel Reid in opening a branch for boys. In 2020, Youth of Vision Academy was started to serve both boys and girls. She is committed to empowering lives not just for service in this world but for the kingdom. Jennifer Codner is bringing help to so many lives and families.
https://youthofvisionacademy.org/profile/jennifer-alexis-codner/
cleaneating
empower
healthebrokenhearted
brainbasedbehavior
YOVA
Youthofvisionacademy
Donate to YOVA
https://youthofvisionacademy.org/donate-now/
Parenting...it can be the most amazing and awful experience interchangeably. God wants to help you in all of the parenting things. Whether your children are adopted, foster, or biological, parenting requires help. This one is for the mothers and fathers out there. Join us as we discuss the very present help of God that is available to YOU to parent well.
parenting
foster
adoption
godshelp
community
help
kristianstanfill
weneedpeople
findinghopehelpandhealinginahardworld
shespeaksstories
Link to Kristian Stanfill's song "We Need People"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxCtKW3zpRM
You heard her miraculous story here in Season 1, episode 130; she has also been highlighted on the Today Show, Discovery Channel's Shark Week and numerous other news outlets. Tiffany Johnson is a shark attack survivor, speaker, author, wife, mother to three and a Kingdom builder. Listen in as she tells you how she has experienced help from God through it all and learned how to shift her perspective.
Adria is a pastor’s kid who grew up in Kentucky, she found her voice as a cheerleader and as she tells people “That’s when I started talking and haven’t stopped since!” She met her husband in college, they married, and started their family. While living in Texas, her son, Blake, was born with health issues. For three years they spent a lot of their time in hospitals, being stretched and grown but were delighted to provide him with a normal toddler life, until he passed away.
God surrounded her steps as they moved one more time to Virginia, where He had a plan for Adria to share her story. Through Adria’s Gideon-like story of an accountant turned speaker, she agreed to step out of her comfort zone to follow God’s calling. He has blessed her as she continues to share her challenge: to find joy!
Connect with Adria:
Website: Adriawilkins.com
Facebook: Adria Wilkins
TikTok: Adria Wilkins
Email: adria@adriawilkins.com
findingjoy
spinabifida
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We all have times when we have needed help. Sometimes we don't know what to do or where to start. Psalm 46:1 tells us God is our refuge and strength, and ever present help in trouble. Join us in this episode, as we talk about times when God has demonstrated that he knows us, he loves us and he truly is the help we need in exactly the big and small ways we need.
Lisa was born and raised in Texas. Even though her physical location didn’t change much, she experienced change in almost every other aspect of her life. She endured hardships in her childhood that were carried into her married life. She found herself asking God for a way out. He answered her, over and over and over again, and showed her just how well He loves. Lisa has been refined and with great hope anchors her day with sharing the unconditional love Jesus has brought to her.
Nate and Abby Hoff met at Dallas Theological Seminary and sparks flew. They’ve been married for 15 years and have four boys. They stayed put in the Dallas area to raise their family where Nate has been a professor at his alma mater for the last four years. In the summer of 2015, their family was slammed with hard challenges, and through them it brought to light a hard truth. As they walked forward in the discomfort, unknown and recalibrating, God never let go of these two. Even though it was hard, hope grew and this enabled them to minister to other people going through similar hardships. God daily brings them closer to Him and hope continues to grow as He reveals how much He loves and cares.
Tom Flaherty, besides being Katie's younger brother, number 5 in a family of 6 siblings, is the beloved lead pastor of City Church, in Madison, WI. He is one of Katie's favorite storytellers of all time and the author of nine books: some fiction, some on serious subjects like Calvinism and the end times, and a devotional that is 365 readings for daily doses of wisdom. He and his wife Alice lived in Minnesota for years and pastored several churches there before moving to Wisconsin in 2010.They have four adult children, all married, and four grandchildren. Tom knows first-hand what it means to rely on the Lord for hope in desperate situations. He's handled all kinds of grief both big and small. Tom exemplifies the kind of person that takes heart in the face of tribulations because he knows that Jesus is real and sends hope, help and healing to his people. Lean in as Tom shares just a few of these first hand stories.
Carole is a mom, grandma, pastor’s wife, author, speaker and former Hollywood commercial actress. She works to tell others about depression and how it has affected her and her husband’s life together. Depression can be lonely and is still often considered taboo. Carole knows it is her calling to break the silence and give others hope and joy in the mess of mental illness. This podcast believes “stories change lives”. Carole’s story will not only change your life but can also save you or someone you know. Do you live with depression or care about someone who does? Listen in as Carole gives practical hope for those caring for someone with mental illness.
Athena is a gal with a heart for the Lord, even though her story didn’t start that way. She wanted to be successful in business, just like her dad, and so did just that. She was quickly promoted and established, but God brought her to Him when her life started to crumble. Christianity brought her the hope she needed to strengthen her marriage, until she was hit with a Job-like season and stripped of everything she held dear. But God wasn’t done writing her story. Her restoration through some difficult times has brought her a new understanding, passion and energy to bring help, support, and healing to the world around her.
Susan, Katie and Portia review the most recent season of Meet the Team and look forward to Finding Hope in the next season.
Go to the website, shespeaksstories.com to get tickets for the live event, Songs and Stories, on June 10th, or sign up to watch from home!
Make sure to go back and Meet the Team if you missed any of those episodes!
"The people walking in darkness have a seen a great light..." Isaiah 9:2
Follow us on Social Media
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It only takes 30 seconds of chatting with Lauren to learn that she is bright, energetic and loves the Lord. Like (or unlike?) many of us, she is a planner. From the time she was a little girl she knew she wanted to be an elementary school teacher, a wife and a mom to 2.5 kids by her mid 20’s. As He often does, God had other plans. Lauren allowed herself to grieve the idea she had for her life and let Jesus take the wheel.
If you are a single adult or know someone who is, you are going to want to listen in as Lauren describes her struggles and doubts. Absorb her words of wisdom as she has transformed her vision about what her life should look like.
Ashley Harrell is stunning both inside and out despite the fact that life has handed her a hard blow these past three years. When Katie first met Ashley and her charming husband, they had just started coming to our church and were so eager to know Christ better, have a strong marriage, and have another child. They already had Emma who was seven at the time, and cute as a bug. What a bright and sunny future ahead for the Harrell’s …..until the dark cloud of underlying, unresolved issues moved in and the storm began.
Stacy was an avid watcher of Grey’s Anatomy. If you are anything like her you begin to think you know a lot about the medical field after watching doctors and nurses on tv. She believed that doctors only deliver bad news if they say the words, “I need you to come by my office right away so we can go over your tests.” Unfortunately, Stacy’s life was not a medical drama series. Her life was not going to be fixed in an hour. She had no idea she was about to receive devastating news from her doctor that would change her and her family’s lives. Listen in while you hear Stacy tell her story of when she felt close to God in the most terrifying time of her life.
Born in Columbus, GA to happily married teenage parents, Shannon experienced a fun childhood when her father joined the Army and they moved all over the world! From GA, Germany, KS to Panama and even Japan! She was encouraged to attend church, when her curiosity of the Bible went beyond what her mom could answer. From a young age she pursued her faith on her own, that is until she met her husband, a chaplain’s assistant, in Japan! They were married, started their family and settled in Virginia. Settled, until her world was shaken when her husband’s headaches that lead to brain surgery and an eye opening calling to serve families with hospitalized loved ones. Shannon’s story is full of change and adjusting but it’s clear to see God’s timing and provision throughout!
As a Navy wife, mother, amazing chef and all around get it done woman, Anna Minogue is a friend of the podcast, a previous guest on the show (episode #89), and is a part of the She Speaks Stories team. She was one of the group leaders in Story School and now is one of our event wranglers. Friends, you are going to be so encouraged and want to know Jesus more after hearing from our friend today.
Joyce is a wife, mother, and a friend to many. She's a new member of the She Speaks Family as our social media manager. She grew up in a family who had faith but a life altering experience caused a major change in her identity and brought waves of anxiety. The last few years she has pursued her relationship with the Lord with an increased intensity. Having decided to follow Jesus with EVERYTHING has caused her to face her anxiety head on and learn how to not be held captive by them. Joyce is not living in a pretend world where she ignores anxiety but she is living with her life open to follow where God may lead her even if it means doing things that scare her to pieces. Lean in as we hear the story of a woman whom we can all identify.
Dawn Groves wears multiple hats like many of you listeners…she’s a wife to a handsome guy named Brian. She’s a mom to 3 beautiful girls ages 11, 8, and 7. She is also their teacher for such a time as this since she is homeschooling all three. She’s a daughter to parents who are extremely helpful on a regular basis (many of us military wives are so envious of that!) and she works fulltime for an incredible organization called NorthStar Church Network, which is a local association of about 170 congregations that energizes churches to carry out their God-given mission. And that isn’t even mentioning all the hard work she does for She Speaks Stories. We wouldn’t have been able to handle a weekly podcast these past couple of years if Dawn hadn’t agreed to be our scheduler. We also would not have been able to run Story School, as Dawn ran the Zoom calls for us each week and sent reminder emails and recordings of each week for those who had to miss. So lot’s going on in Dawn’s life and lots of different stories Dawn could tell, but we’ve asked her to share with you a specific trial she’s been dealing with lately….a valley if you will, that her family has been walking through due to serious medical issues. Welcome Dawn!
To connect with Dawn: Instagram @sunrise1075 Facebook Dawn Groves
https://mogproject.org
SRNA #MOGAD #ADEM #glittermatters #donateplasma #CHOP
Susan, Katie, and Portia are together again discussing the podcast hiatus, Katie's new book, and the upcoming season of the show, "Meet the Team".
www.shespeaksstories.com
Susan, Katie and Portia reminisce about favorite episodes and make an announcement about the future of all things She Speaks Stories. Listen in and be reminded about the power of stories.
Previous episodes mentioned within this episode in the order discussed: Jane Marceski-Episode #112 Irene Rollins -Episode #18 Road trip episodes- #’s 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Julie’s Story-Episode #24 The Flaherty Family-Episode #25 Candace Hurkman-Episode #26 Portia Allen-Episode #27 Susan Blount- Episode #28 Eschet Chahil-Episode #46 Dark Moments-Episode #47 Resources mentioned: Free from Body Shame by Jess Connolly jessconnolly.com
Ed Wanderer grew up in a Washington, D.C. suburb in a loving family and life overflowing with books, sports and exploring the US and Europe with his parents and grandparents. Marrying the love of his life, they went on to adopt three beautiful children continuing their own legacy of loving well.
Ed has battled depression and anxiety since his second year of college until now—fortunately, not continuously. He and his doctor have used counseling and medicine to keep anxiety at bay, adjusting as needed. But as the bleakness of the Covid-19 pandemic grew, so did Ed’s depression and anxiety. Lean into his powerful story of hope.
mentalhealthmonth #anxiety #depression #panicattack #selfcare #counseling #serotonin #parenting #adoption
For Kira Fontana, creating music has always been spiritual. After studying music composition on the East Coast, Kira moved to Los Angeles to further her music career and ended up one of the top vocal coaches in the city. Discouraged with what she saw in the music industry and finding no real place for her music, she eventually stopped writing and singing. But by the end of 2017, something changed. Kira had been “spiritual, but not religious” for many years, but several members of her immediate family became born-again Christians. Join us as we listen in to her story and celebrate her path to freedom.
Listen to Kira’s Refuge album: https://kirafontana.lnk.to/Refuge-album
Watch Kira
More Kira
youtube
Website
“He changed me. I could never change me.”
“I know He heard me because he heard me every other time.”
Andrea is not only the author of two books, but also a Family and Consumer Sciences high school teacher. She lives with her husband, Brian, and their four-year-old son in Lake Charles, Louisiana. (Side note, she went to high school with Adam Busby from the TLC show, Outdaughtered). Throughout her trial-filled life, she has continued to answer “yes” to God by showing others how to turn their pain into purpose. So, if your relationship with God feels stagnant, or if you feel doubt and are desperate for hope, listen in and get ready to receive some practical wisdom.
Her new book
More Andrea:
andreapbourgeois.com
Blog
“Your past doesn’t define you, but it does change you.”
Jimmy and Kristin Scroggins have been married for over 25 years and have eight children. They have served at Family Church since Jimmy became the lead pastor in July 2008. Under Jimmy’s leadership, Family Church has grown into a network of thirteen neighborhood churches in South Florida. Listen in to Jimmy and Kristin’s story of leading families to discover and pursue God’s design.
Full Circle Parenting
More Jimmy and Kristin:
Jimmy and Kristin’s Instagram
Jimmy and Kristin’s Facebook
gofamilychurch.org
Free sample chapter
YouTube Full Circle Parenting
“God was working in his heart. We just didn't see it.”
“God stays in the game with his people.”
“Sometimes parenting feels overwhelming, but God has given you your kids, so it is God's will for you
to be the best parent you can be. If God wills it, it will be.”
For too long, women have assumed they are outliers in their sexual struggles. This assumption often keeps them silent, leaving them to face the battle by themselves. Through working with women in their 20s and 30s, young adult minister Ashley Chesnut has both witnessed the devastating effects of sexual sin in the lives of women and walked alongside them to break free from it. Listen in as Ashely shares her story of compassion.
The book It's Not Just You
More of Ashley
itsnotjustyoubook.com
"You have to fight sin at the root."
"God is after making us healthy and holy."
"No matter what your struggle or story, God loves you."
Author, podcaster, photographer and blogger, Kat Harris loves to equip and empower women to walk in their worth. With us today in all of her sassiness, she shares her journey growing up in the southern American culture and later moving to and dating in New York City.
Get ready Story community for Kat’s always honest, sometimes painful, look at dating, desire and sex.
Sexless in the City
Excerpt from Kat's book
More of Kat:
therefinedwoman.com
Kat's Podcast
“I had to be willing to ask the questions that might blow the whole thing up.”
“God cares about our hearts, not just behavior modification.”
“We live out of what we REALLY believe, not what we SAY we believe.”
“My identity is not my sexuality. My identity is that I’m made in the image of God.”
“Jesus offers a new way.”
Chrissie Kenaston is a military spouse, a mom of three beautiful children, and the author of What If I Name Her Grace? –a transformative tale of trying to live like Jesus in the trenches of early marriage and motherhood… and learning how to find God’s grace when you miss the mark.
Founder of Copy with Chrissie, an online copywriting business, she’s also featured on online publications and a popular guest on entrepreneurial podcasts. Chrissie currently lives with her family in New Mexico but frequently moves, as most military families do. Pull up a chair, story community, and listen in to Chrissie Kenaston’s story of trading guilt for grace.
Her Instagram
Find her book here
Her website
Pulled from our most recent At the Table virtual event on January 27, join Portia Allen, Irene Rollins, Susan Wanderer, Katie Hawkins and our very special guest Sarah Anderson around the table.
How do we live together when religion and politics tear us apart? Lean in and borrow hope today, Story community.
Sarah Bauer Anderson on Instagram
Irene Rollins on Instagram
Portia Allen on Instagram
Susan Wanderer on Instagram
Katie Hawkins on Instagram
The Space Between Us
Chandra Moyer is a speaker, author, life coach, and decorated former Army officer. For three decades, she has empowered women through speaking, books, coaching, conferences, retreats, and workshops. As a survivor of incest and complex trauma, Chandra understands the obstacles women have to overcome to find freedom. Don’t miss this episode. Pull up a chair and lean into Chandra’s healing story.
For more Chandra: Instagram Facebook chandramoyer.com
Chandra’s novel, I Met Her Before
Chandra’s memoir, Tragically Taken
“I was able to write things in my journal that I was too ashamed to speak.”
I Met Her Before… “is an invitation into a difficult space.”
“Nothing is wasted when we give it to Him.”
“Rest is your weapon.”
“You are your Father’s joy.”
She’s seventeen and the third born of six with a heart-felt desire to honor God with the gift of worship. Story community, come join us at the table for more of Claire Seevers’s story!
For more Claire: Instagram Facebook
Watch Claire!
Visit the bakery
“I’ve always loved worship. There’s something special about being able to encounter God through music and welcoming the Holy Spirit into your heart.”
“My desire is to know the heart of the Father. I realize it’s actually a gift He has given me. Right now, I’m on a journey how to steward that gift well.”
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
“They cultivated it and poured it out.”
I don’t think many people think their obedience plays a role in their kids’ lives, but I can tell you it does. Parents' obedience to the Word of God absolutely influences kids.
“Stay humble. Stay prayerful. Stay intentional and keep going back to His feet time and time again."
She grew up the oldest child of four and the daughter of an Air Force Chaplain moving every 2-3 years. Today she’s mom to four and co-pastor of Lifepoint Church with husband Daniel Floyd. Lean in and listen in to Tammie Floyd’s story of staying faithful.
For more Tammie: Instagram lifepoint.org
Watch Tammie!
Mother's Day message 2020 Lifepoint College For more about ARC Churches
“Let God do the things He wants to do in our lives right now so we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
“You have a week.”
Encouraged by the mentoring of teachers in high school, Danny Forshee’s gift for learning came alive. A few years later his heart did, too, with a new passion to share the Gospel. Surrendering to this new life, he focused on an accelerated path of learning to prepare him to share Jesus and preach Scripture to people who’ve never heard it before. Lean in today and listen to Dr. Danny Forshee’s story of purpose.
For more Dr. Danny: Instagram Facebook
Danny's website
Church website
To sign up for Dr. Danny’s Daily Devotionals
Dr. Danny's podcast
Read or download the Romans 15:13 sermon manuscript
“It’s God’s Word, and oh, I’ve seen it change peoples’ lives from death to life—and the growth and sustenance it gives!”
“The greatest gift a mom can give their preschoolers right now is reading and praying the Scriptures over them.”
Nancy grew up in southern California and graduated from Point Loma University before moving to Minnesota with her husband, John. She loves to travel, has been on 15 worldwide mission trips, published articles for various publications; and loves to read, laugh and spend time with friends. Join us today as she shares her story and all about her new book Back Away from the Cookies: And Other Stuff You Should Know.
Buy Nancy’s book
For more Nancy:
nancyholte.com
“That’s just the way I like it.”
“If you have a dream that God has placed on your heart, share it with two or three people. They will hold you accountable.”
“God is crazy about you.”
Counselor, case manager, program administrator, researcher, mentor and life coach—Tabatha Perry has worn many hats, and in each role, loved problem solving to help people achieve their goals. Join us as we listen in to her story and celebrate her adventurous spirit and heart for people to find freedom.
For more Tabatha:
YouTube
tabathaperry.coach
To order Living Forward
Young Lives
“I could affirm who they were and not what they did.”
“What was it that God put in your heart when you were a child?”
“You are not defined by your choices. You can choose to step out of your prison.
Sharon Garlough Brown is an author, spiritual director, speaker and cofounder of Abiding Way Ministries, an organization providing spiritual retreats and growth. As a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, she’s served on the pastoral staff in churches in America and Europe and most recently in Michigan where she co-pastored with her husband Jack. She’s with us today to share what she’s learned along the way and all about her book, Sensible Shoes.
Sensible Shoes book
For more Sharon:
Sensible Shoes Facebook
sharongarloughbrown.com
abidingway.life
Some articles about Sharon:
Just between Us
West Michigan Christian News
More books
Portia’s mention: Hind's Feet on High Places
“Whatever I have been able to do is because the Lord has done it. It’s my own weakness where His strength has been made perfect-and that’s the heart of my story.”
“The Lord delivered me from my assumption that my faithfulness and obedience guarantees His goodness.”
“My heart is to find our rest in the love of God.” Ephesians 3:14-21
In 2016, Catherine Poss, a cardiac care traveling nurse and her husband of 15 months masterfully packed all their belongings and set off from Houston for a road trip to Catherine’s new assignment in California. Filled with hope, little did she know that a few days later on a highway in Arizona at 9:40 in the evening she would be on the phone with a 911 dispatch after watching her husband leave this world. Join us as we walk with Catherine through her journey through grief, loss and the making of all things new.
Reach out to Catherine
Read Catherine’s story on her blog.
Read about God's sovereignty on Sarah Bessey's blog
For more on EMDR Therapy
The Jesus Storybook Bible!
“Do not gloss over the little griefs.”
“Grief is not your name. Trauma is not your name. This will always be a part of your story but this is not who you are.”
“God is not causative. He is redemptive. He is making all things new.”
“Death is not the most important part of the story. The power of God with us co-laboring towards healing will make all the sad stories come untrue.”
Has God given you a dream? One so big, so out of reach that you can give a thousand reasons why it can never come to fruition? Motivation might be low, money tight and life busy, but push through your procrastinations and keep the result in mind. There’s something beautiful waiting to be born.
“Graveyards are full of callings that people never got around to answering—procrastination is that cunning of a thief. It steals time. It tells us that we can put things off, so the perfect moment may never come,” says today’s guest Marsha DuCille. Pull up a chair as Marsha shares her story and her new book Called to Inspire.
The book Called to Inspire
For more Called
calledworldwide on Instagram
CALLEDworldwide on Facebook
Called Magazine
Lynn Donovan is a speaker, award-winning author, pastor, spiritual formation coach and an ordinary woman who shares with audiences her everyday adventures of walking with God. Delighting to inspire women to step fully into their divine identity and purpose, Lynn joins us to share her story and discuss her book, Marching Around Jericho.
Lynn’s book on her website
Or head here.
For more Lynn:
lynndonovan.com
“Find joy in your purpose.”
“God loves to dream, and He wants us to dream big with him.”
“You will experience your highest and best life when you engage with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
She grew up in the Saturday Night Live's Green Room and started writing her autobiography when she was eight years old. Today’s she’s a mom with a biblical counseling degree who’s taught school, married a pastor and enjoys studying stand-up comedy. Pull up a chair, Story community! We can’t wait for you to get to know our new friend Scarlet Hiltibidal, author of Afraid of All the Things.
Scarlet’s book!
For more Scarlet:
scarlethiltibidal.com
Scarlet on YouTube
Finding Faith in the Midst of Fear
Eating disorder statistics
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
“Christianity is about good works - just not ours.” ~Anonymous
She’s often been compared to a velvet-wrapped sword: her voice is soothing and her messages are piercing. She loves to study and teach less than trendy themes like what grows in barren seasons, the discipline of decrease, doubt as a growing pain of faith and habits of a truly healthy soul. In a day distracted by all things new and shiny, Dr. Alicia Britt Chole brings ancient truth to life. Slow down and say hello to our new friend, Dr. ABC—an award-winning writer, wife, speaker, mama, leadership mentor and wordsmith extraordinaire.
For more Alicia:
aliciachole.co
Alicia's books
Watch these videos!
Hope is an investment in God
God Prints
Who should I love first?
Love:
- God
- Others and Yourself
“Every moment is an invitation to intimacy.”
“When I was close to them, I was close to their Jesus.”
“Being honest emotionally is the threshold of faith.”
“Living loved means we have stepped into the certainty of God’s love for us. As we are, we are truly, fully loved.”
“Think in the plural. Faith is a duet, not a solo. We are never alone.”
Listeners, we’re so excited to introduce you to Ellen Vaughn—a wife, mom, grandmother, speaker and New York Times bestselling author who’s written or co-written 23 books. She joins us today for a conversation about the intersection of her story with the writing of her biography Becoming Elisabeth Elliot.
In 1956 Elisabeth Elliot was a young missionary in Ecuador when members of a violent tribe savagely speared her husband Jim and his four colleagues. Incredibly, prayerfully, Elisabeth took her toddler daughter, snakebite kit, Bible and journal and lived in the jungle with the people who killed her husband. Compelled by her friendship and forgiveness, many came to faith in Jesus. Ellen’s book introduces a new generation to the life and faith of this amazing woman.
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot
For more Ellen:
ellenvaughn.com
Ellen's books
The Screwtape Letters
More on Elisabeth Elliot:
Revive Our Hearts
The Elisabeth Elliot Foundation
Elisabeth Elliot's books
“A book makes us realize that I’m not alone.”
“The writing of this book was organic: writing it to be giving hope to others, it was giving hope to me.”
“Suffering is having something you don’t want and wanting something you can’t have.”
“The only way to nourish my soul and spirit with a perspective big enough was to immerse myself in the Bible. Our perspectives will be shaped by what we take in.”
Amanda Mejias has been passionate about equipping the global Church since her freshman year of college. She grew up in Hampton, VA, then went on to work at her home church while earning her undergraduate and seminary degrees online through Liberty's School of Divinity.
Despite feeling out of place and held back for years, Amanda experienced God take her ordinary circumstances and decisions to launch her into an unexpected place where her dream to reach the global Church became a beautiful reality.
For more Amanda:
LifeWayGirls on Instagram
lifeway.com
“I get to do this!” “I feel like God is calling me to more.” “God is not going to waste a thing.” “God has made himself completely accessible to us through prayer.” “We’re not that good at being God.”
Principles to discern God’s will: 1. Peace 2. Prayer 3. Counsel from godly men and women
In 1999, Lilly Klepp heard a speaker describe the plight of orphans and widows in southern Sudan. For more than 20 years, Sudan had been in a vicious civil war that had left more than 2 million people dead, 6 million homeless and thousands of women and orphans with no food and nowhere to turn.
Stirred by the message, Lilly prayed, “Lord, what can I do?” The Lord’s response: “Sell all you have and give it to the poor.” Believing that this was God’s call to them, Dennis and Lilly Klepp sold all of their belongings and moved to Sudan in 2001 to begin their journey of giving to the poor with their lives.
What began with the clearing of land and the making of bricks by hand, quickly became a home and haven for orphans in the region. Today known as Harvesters, it is still in the business of providing environments to bring relief to the poor from war-torn South Sudan. Listen in to Lilly Klepp’s story.
Sponsor an orphan
For more Harvesters:
YouTube
“God was ordaining our steps even before we became Christians.”
“My sister, go preach the light to my people.”
“God is still God even when we don’t understand it.”
“Some fire is better than no fire.”
“Do nothing and evil will prevail.”
40 Days of Fasting and Prayer Guide
He was focused on attending law school when a job opened to host a radio show. Hanging out at an all-day party with music? He was in! Podcast and radio listeners now know Bob Lepine as the marriage and family expert and co-host of FamilyLife Today. He’s also the teaching pastor at Redeemer Community Church in Little Rock, Arkansas and author of the new book Love Like You Mean It.
It’s not emotions that define love, but the actions and decisions that fuel emotions and cause marital love to grow. Love Like You Mean It gives husbands and wives a biblical understanding of what real love looks like by unpacking the ten attributes of genuine love.
Love Like You Mean It
For more Bob:
FamilyLife Today podcast
A Weekend to Remember
“The absence of love invalidates everything we bring to the table.”
“Love gets up every day and puts on its work boots.”
“Drink in, pour out.”
Sue Brooks is a wife, mother of five, college professor, friend and someone walking in freedom. The Enemy tried to paralyze her with filthy lies and take her out for good, but the Spirit of God awakened her with His love and power. Listeners, God’s Word says Jesus came to set the captives free and release the oppressed. Lean in to hear this powerful story of God’s lie-exposing, chain-breaking, freedom-giving power.
“We believe lies when we are scared.”
“The same Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you.”
“Obedience is tied to freedom.”
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
Watch Sue’s full story.
For more on the Freedom Ministry at Gateway Church
Additional Reading Resources:
The Bondage Breaker
My Name Is Hope
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
She was 33 in June of 2017 while snorkeling with her husband in the Bahamas when she felt something tugging at her right arm. "What did I bump into?" she wondered. When she turned to look, she was face to face with a shark. Pull up a chair and lean in to Tiffany Johnson's amazing tale of resilience and hope.
Watch Tiffany's story!
For more Tiffany:
Website
Watch more about Tiffany’s Smart Arm prosthetic:
CNN's Vital Signs Segment
Concord mother who survived shark attack
Sarah Anderson grew up in a culturally aware and politically involved family a few miles from the heart of Washington, D.C. When her dad (Gary Bauer) ran for president her senior year in high school, she made the decision to move to the Pittsburgh area to attend a small Christian college and major in Christian Thought.
Today she lives in Atlanta as a wife, mom, author, writer and speaker who deeply loves her family and the Church. You’re going to love her story and our discussion with her about her new book, The Space Between Us: How Jesus Teaches Us to Live Together When Politics and Religion Pull Us Apart.
Sarah’s book
For more Sarah:
sarahbanderson.com
“Do not give up on each other...do the work.”
Diana LéGere is passionate about sharing her faith and life experiences with words and helping other women do the same. As the founder of the women’s writing group, Women of Words, she works with first-time authors to provide editing, ghostwriting and coaching services to get their words published.
The author of four books, including a cookbook and two memoirs, Diana is with us today to talk about her newly released devotional Celebrations of Praise: 365 Ways to Fill Each Day with Meaningful Moments.
Diana's book
For more Diana
In early January of this year, Anne and her husband Josh were living in Mexico as missionaries with their twin sons while serving side by side her husband’s family. Within that same month one of their sons, Will, passed away.
Join us today for Anne Flaherty Angel’s story of working through tragedy and grief with eyes on eternity.
The Princess and the Flower
Make sure to go back to Episode 25 to hear Anne’s dad, Tom, and her siblings!
Follow Anne and Josh on Facebook
I
Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for looking at life through a Biblical worldview.
Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He’s with us today to talk especially about his new book Chasing Love: Sex, Love, & Relationships in a Confused Culture.
Sean's book
For more Sean:
TikTok
seanmcdowell.org
Think Biblically Podcast
This mother/daughter duo hasn’t always had a close and healthy relationship, but if you’re ready to deepen and strengthen your relationship with your mother, daughter, mother-in-law or daughter-in-law, Dr. Helen McIntosh and Blythe Daniel might just offer the wise and heartfelt encouragement you’re looking for.
Listen in as they share how they’ve learned to build and renew a relationship centered around respect and listening. Draw closer to learn all about their new book, Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters.
Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters
More of Dr. Helen & Blythe
The Blythe Daniel Agency on Facebook
Blythe Daniel on Facebook
Helen B. Mcintosh on Facebook
Blythe Daniel on Instagram
www.ourmendedhearts.com
Watch Dr. Helen and Blythe
What do middle schoolers and marginalized women have in common? Say hello to Ashley Bohinc, the Director of Middle School Strategy at Orange and USA Executive Director of Carry 117, a ministry based in Ethiopia that focuses on orphan prevention and family preservation by empowering women. Pull up a chair, listen into her story, and fist bump her energy and passion. Celebrate the strategist, learner and adventurer within her!
For More of Ashley:
AshleyBohinc.com
OrangeStudents.com
Cary117.com
StrengthFinder Coaching
When she was in fifth grade she was sexually abused by her father. When she was fourteen, she lied to a judge to protect her family. Six years ago she broke her silence, went public with her story, and hundreds of emails flooded her inbox with “Can you help me?” Today she’s an advocate for victims and perpetrators in high profile court cases (such as Larry Nassar), a motivational speaker, and so much more. Story community, say hello to Priscilla Bordayo.
Priscilla’s lipstick!
For more Priscilla:
priscillabordayo.com
She put a picnic table in her front yard, painted it turquoise and invited neighbors, friends and strangers to hang out. Before long The Turquoise Table became a movement of ordinary people creating community right where they live.
Get ready, friends, to listen to our new friend Kristin Schell and the story behind her book, The Turquoise Table.
Kristin’s book
The Turquoise Table Podcast
For more Kristin: Instagram Facebook
theturquoisetable.com theturquoisetablecommunity.com
Eighteen years ago and newly released from Riker’s Island, Dana Brown called her parents to say yes to their invitation to come home. No one on the New York City streets had reached out to her, but her mom and sister had told her about Jesus and she saw the change in them. How she yearned to leave the last nine years of drug addiction, prostitution and homelessness behind her. Pull up a chair, Story community, and listen in to Dana Brown’s story.
“He is speaking our names in rooms we have never been in.”
For more about Zoe Freedom Center
Reach Dana directly through the site.
Dana’s book, Desperate for a Fix
For more Dana:
Zoe Freedom Center
Can you relate to struggling in your faith but longing to believe? So can Robin Dance and invites us to find hope and healing for our own story within the pages of hers.
Sometimes wandering is the path that leads us back to God.
Listen in to Robin’s conversation about her book, For All Who Wander: Why Knowing God is Better than Knowing it All.
Robin’s book
The Journey Guide
For more Robin:
robindance.me
The women of Point of Grace have provided a soundtrack to our lives for over two decades. With faith-filled lyrics their melodies have inspired generations to keep God’s love as the foundation of our lives. With eight million recordings, three GRAMMY® nominations and multiple Dove awards, the original story of four gifted college girls with a passion to share their musical gifts continues to evolve and engage thousands of fans and multiple generations.
Listen in as original member Shelley Breen shares her story and their brand-new book, How You Live. Whether starting a new job, graduating from school, welcoming a new baby, experiencing an empty nest, or facing the daily battles of life and faith, it’s comforting when someone comes along and says, “I’ve been here before.” It’s even more comforting when they share their lessons learned!
How You Live book
howyoulivebook.com
How You Live song
For more Shelley and Point of Grace:
pointofgrace.net
From a young age, Estella pursued dreams of acting, performing, and singing in hopes of one day becoming the next pop star. As she chased this dream, her desires shifted, and when the question, "Who are you going to do this for?” was asked, her only answer was, “God.”
It was around this time that Estella began working with Kira Fontana of Kingdom Sound and together they began writing her first songs. Grab your daughters and younger sisters and listen in to 14 year-old Estella Kirk’s story.
For more Estella:
Spotify
YouTube
estellakirkmusic.com
Kristina is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur and conqueror of mountains. When life had her at a breaking point, she packed her bags and headed to Colorado where she successfully climbed 55 of Colorado's tallest mountain peaks in 87 days. Not only did she complete an amazing physical feat that had never been done by a woman in that short amount of time, she also found freedom from depression and an eating disorder that had plagued her life for years. Kristina’s journey shows people how loved they are, reveals the crowns God places upon their heads and opens their eyes to see their important and unique role in building God's Kingdom.
For more Kristina:
kristinabonfe.com
To meet Angela Donadio means you will invite this adventure junkie into your life.
An international speaker, recording artist and advocate for rural women in Africa, she is also a survivor of two near-death experiences and encourages others to “Make Life Matter.” Whether she’s sharing with thousands in an open field in Africa or in her weekly podcast, the message is the same: we are each created with a purpose.
Angela’s new book- Astounded: Encountering God in Everyday Moments
For more Angela:
YouTube
angeladonadio.com
Her parents are from colonial ruled Ghana on the African West Coast. She’s from Nashville, Tennessee, and the first person in her family born on American soil. She’s confetti in human form—a life enthusiast! We can’t wait for you to meet Reverend Lisa Yebuah, a community leader and builder of relationships through sweat and Lulu Lemon.
For more Lisa:
seraleightable.org
racialequityinstitute.com
Her heart is broken by poverty and lack of opportunity. Her purpose is to make a difference. She’s a wife to Nathan and mama to three white and five black kiddos. The three youngest are black boys. She once believed that if she taught her children respect, they would stay safe. She doesn’t want to admit that her own privilege protects her kids for now. Pull up a chair and listen in to Kathy Garrison’s beautiful story.
SHOW NOTES
It’s hard to see the purpose of your pain when you’re in the middle of it, but Kathy’s story demonstrates how God always shows up. Whether bullied as a child or suffering the loss of your own child, God shows up. He does not cause the pain, but He uses it, and He will weave together the good and the bad to draw us closer.
“You just have to keep your eyes on Him.”
Shop at Dignified Marketplace
Dignified Marketplace on Facebook
For more Kathy:
kathygarrison.com
Although Deb was called into ministry at age 16, she spent the first 25 years of her professional career serving in the church and working in the corporate world. As a single mother, those years as a business manager helped provide for two young daughters but also training and leadership skills for the time God opened the door to fulfill her calling. Pull up a chair, Story community, and listen in to Deb Hopper’s story.
SHOW NOTES
God wants to give us more than we can hope for or even imagine. Sometimes we trip over the timing. Deb shares the story of how God used every part of her life to prepare her for what she felt was her calling all along, and how her patience and obedience paved the way for not only her personal success, but her personal relationship with Jesus.
You just have to be willing to “Keep your eyes wide open so you don’t miss a thing, because He doesn’t waste a thing.”
For more Deb:
debhopper.me
Jane is a person you WANT to know. She lives life with rebellious hope and roaring joy, inviting her world and us into her story of despair and triumph. Hers is the story only God could craft. A musical artist with an otherworldly voice, she released "Girl in a Bubble," a single in 2019. Lean in and hear Jane walk us through the last few years of her life, what she has learned and is still learning. Welcome Nightbirde, Jane Marczewski.
SHOW NOTES
Being in favor with God does not mean you’re going to live a life of luxury. It does not mean you’ll live a life free from pain. But God does not waste your pain. You can hear this through the pure joy in Jane’s voice. Having your body healed from cancer is life-saving, but healing your spirit and renewing your faith is life-changing. Don’t be afraid to ask God what is going on.
That way, as Jane says, you can “Teach your heart to hope, and your body will follow.”
"Girl in a Bubble"
For more Jane:
nightbirde.co
Sam Collier is a pastor, speaker, writer, and host of the A Greater Story with Sam Collier TV show and radio podcast. He is a speaker and host at North Point Ministries founded by Andy Stanley, and also communicates nationally and internationally as a speaker and contributor to the ReThink Group, Orange Network, Orange Tour, Alpha International Leadership Conference, Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, Culture Conference and more. He has been interviewed on numerous TV shows, podcasts, and radio programs. Sam lives with his wife, Toni, and their daughter in Atlanta, Georgia.
SHOW NOTES
Sam’s story tells us that understanding the complexities of faith shows us that “God can move mountains, but if He doesn’t, He gives us the ability to climb them.” Are we willing to listen? God is already writing a story that we get to be a part of, so be obedient to that instead of expecting God to write what we think He should write.
Sam’s big takeaway: “When your story connects to God’s story, it leads to a greater story.”
A Greater Story
For more Sam
YouTube
agreaterstory.org
Bethany is all about translating ideas visually and capturing moments honestly. An art director, photographer and painter who wants to learn and love well, her story is one of finding her gifts, being nearly overrun by her talents and being built back up into a person who knows what she’s been created to do. Story community, you will love this energetic, creative and God-dependent new friend, Bethany Schrock.
SHOW NOTES
Success by society’s standards is often measured by how busy you keep yourself. Bethany reminds us that while achieving is good, we must find time to rest, even if our minds trick us into thinking we don’t need it. Her forced rest revealed to her the true definition of an unconditional love that does not need to be earned. She shares the beauty and benefit of living in community and not being afraid to do the “unfun” stuff to prepare for the future that God has planned.
“God just wants to be with you,” Bethany shares with us.
For more Bethany:
bethcath.com
She’s an Enneagram Type 1 worship leader living life with crystal-clear focus. This homeschool mama’s comfort in her own skin is going to rock your world. Married for 25 years with four adult daughters, Story community, say hello to the amazing Niki Willis!
SHOW NOTES
If you ever thought that the path you were walking was too far gone to be loved by God, Niki’s story will show you that just isn’t true. After living a young life of rebellion, she learned that “God is ok with who you are no matter how you are”—even when how you are is guilt-ridden and untrusting.
Sometimes “knowing what love DOESN’T look like helps you know what love DOES look like.”
For more Niki:
YouTube
She grew up one of two children in the same house in a small town in Texas. Her world was small and white. She loved to write and dreamed of being a mama someday. Today, 25 years after marrying her husband, she’s never been pregnant, and she and her husband are raising five black and biracial children beside a pasture graced with horses and wildflowers. Story tribe, say hello to Jeanine Joyner, blogger, mama and author of the new book, Paper Dolls: Trust Your Instincts.
SHOW NOTES
Jeanine tells two distinct stories. One is the understanding that her life and world became much bigger because of the influence of the people she invited in. She tempts us to open our own world, listen and perhaps learn something new. The other is understanding patience’s role in the process of God’s perfect timing.
“Don’t rush your story,” she shares with us. Walking in your calling should be energizing, not draining. Don’t make your gift a burden."
Jeanine’s book
For more Jeanine:
alifeofsimplejoys.com
Story School? What is Story School?!
Story School takes an understanding of God’s story plus an understanding of your own story to produce change for your life and the world.
Nothing brings us more joy than to cheer you on to what you’re made for! Get unstuck. Be propelled forward. To learn more about Story School and register for courses and coaching, check it out here.
We had such a great time at our At the Table Live Virtual Event that we are making the audio available to you, our listeners.
We held a conversation on the topic of race. We invited a previous guest, Sheila Arnold, professional storyteller who uses the power of story to talk about difficult topics. We also invited a previous guest, Irene Rollins. She and her husband pastor I5 City Church. They have been helping pastor our nation during the racial unrest we have been experiencing in our country. Listen in and allow your heart to grow in empathy and your thinking to be impacted forever.
She’s been a schoolteacher, a comedian and a radio talk show host. Today she’s John’s wife, Lilly and Amos’s mama and a lifestyle blogger who inspires women to walk with purpose and for a purpose. Pour yourself a diet coke (Molly’s fav) and get ready to meet today's fun-loving guest, Molly Stillman from StillBeingMolly.com
SHOW NOTES
“If God can change me, he can change anyone. And even when God changes you, you’re still you. Just the important stuff changes.” That’s how Molly is Still Being Molly.
With a strong trailblazing mother whose memoirs were the inspiration for the TV show "China Beach," Molly learned what it meant to love people. After watching her mom suffer and then losing her, she was mad at God. But she never stopped writing and what started out small grew into her sharing everything from stories about her kids and mascara to highlighting ethical businesses. She always had a goal to make people laugh, but in Christ, her purpose is to show people what joy looks like.
“Just because I’m a Christian doesn’t mean I’m boring!”
More about Molly's mom and China Beach
For more Molly:
stillbeingmolly.com
Business with Purpose Podcast
After eight years into the church plant she and her husband had started, Geri had had enough. Exhausted, she blurted out, “I quit.” If you can’t keep pretending everything is fine when you know it’s not, today’s story is for you. Meet Geri Scazzero: teacher, speaker, author and co-founder of the global ministry, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.
SHOW NOTES
Our whole lives, we are told not to be quitters. Geri changes that perspective. She shares with us a number of things we NEED to quit from her book, “The Emotionally Healthy Woman: Eight Things You Have to Quit to Change Your Life.” Quit the things that keep you from experiencing the fullness of what the Gospel brings. Instead, focus on knowing your truth and being authentic. Educate yourself about yourself.
The Emotionally Healthy Woman and other books by Geri are here
More Geri
emotionallyhealthy.org
“If you’re not in reality, then you’re not in spirituality.”
She’s a self-taught artist and illustrator from Minnesota who spends her days creating art filled with children, color and encouragement. Meet Jena Holliday and her beautiful business, Spoonful of Faith.
SHOW NOTES
Painting pictures, literally and figuratively. That is what Jena does. Using the gifts that God blessed her with, she is able to empower women and businesses to share their stories through her art. She believes that everyone has gifts that God wants to use for His kingdom, and once she made the decision to walk with Jesus, He revealed what hers was and how to use it.
Her advice? “Encourage yourself to not hide your story.” You never know – not only could your path be revealed, you could be the key to unlocking something for someone else."
Visit her store.
For more Jena:
hello@spoonfuloffaith.com
Alma Ruth is originally from Monterrey, Mexico, a lover of people from different cultures and languages and a recent legal immigrant to the United States. Today she resides with her two special needs boys in McAllen, TX, working and serving among asylum seekers and international communities at the Mexico-Texas border.
SHOW NOTES
The Lord began preparing Alma as a child. For the past ten years, her love of Jesus has guided her in her Love Mercy ministry by visiting refugee women in camps on the Texas/Mexico border, but not in an attempt to save them from their physical circumstances. Her focus is simple. It’s personal. She listens to their stories in order to know these women relationally, prays with and over them by name, and most importantly reminds them of their dignity as people and as children of God.
"Practicing compassion, empathy and mercy will change us all." For Alma, “That is the difference between charity and ministry.”
Email alma@love-mercy.org for ways to help this growing ministry.
For more Alma:
love-mercy.org
For over 20 years she and her husband Chris have been leading and loving Strong Tower Bible Church, a multicultural church in Nashville, Tennessee. She’s is a bridge builder, speaker and writer who knows the power and beauty of racial awareness.
Dorena Williamson takes every opportunity she can to talk about God’s diverse kingdom. Add a chair to the table, friends, and lean in to Dorena’s children’s book, ColorFull. It’s for adults, too!
SHOW NOTES
Awareness and agitation, empathy and lamenting, persevering and humility—all are needed for America to press forward into justice for all. To illustrate how God directed her on a path that got her third children’s book published when it was most needed, Dorena quotes Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD established their steps.”
And could God’s timing be any more perfect? "Be colorful, not colorblind." Dorena encourages, “We are all one, but we are not the same!”
Buy Colorfull
For more Dorena:
Website
She’s a playwright, youth advocate, ordained Baptist minister and Co-Director of Diversity at The Hill School in Pottstown, PA. Get ready, Story tribe, you’re going to adore today’s guest, Khristi Lauren Adams.
Brooklyn-born, Jersey-raised and the author of Parable of the Brown Girl, a book that demonstrates how God uses the narratives we most often ignore to teach us the important lessons in life, say hello to Khristi Adams!
SHOW NOTES
Khristi’s story is a picture of how one person can use all of what God has given to reach people on a personal level. From being born in a homogenous area of Brooklyn to being thrust into the unfamiliar suburbs and experiencing for the first time what it looks like to be treated as an outsider, Khristi's life was anything but stagnant. She took root in her church, grew to become a youth advocate and eventually wrote a book that captured the experiences of the young girls she mentored and counseled. This collection of stories will give you a picture of altered paths, all because someone took the time to ask the “why.”
As Khristi said, “We all have a part to play.”
For more of Khristi
khristilaurenadams.com
She grew up with dirt bikes, four wheelers and an innovative dad who loved adventure and a good side hustle. In her late teens, with her world shaken, she purposely reset the direction her life was moving.
Pull up a chair and listen in to Michelle Baxter’s story of chasing dreams and living out adventures.
She’s a Mount Vernon Research Fellow who lives in Hampton, VA. Meet Sheila Arnold, a professional storyteller, teaching artist and historical consultant who helps audiences, teachers, and museums find a story and share it.
Lean in today to hear history come alive!
She’s originally from across the pond, a writer, speaker and wife who ten years ago entered the fight against her husband’s compulsive porn use. Today she is equipping women with the facts and faith to take their marriages back from porn. Say hello today to our new friend, Rosie Makinney.
Fight for Love
For more Rosie:
fightforloveministries.org
Podcast
Dr. Derwin L. Gray is a husband, father, former professional football player in the NFL, a renowned author, speaker and leader in the multiethnic church movement. The founder and lead pastor of Transformation Church in Indian Land, SC, he also hosts the Marinate on That podcast.
Pull up a chair and learn into today’s special guest, Dr. Derwin L. Gray.
For more Derwin:
derwinlgray.com
thegoodlifebook.net
She’s an Air Force brat, wife and homeschool mama with a vocation in the health and wellness field. God has shown up in some very personal ways during this season in her life. You’re going to love her. Listen in to Amy Umphlett’s story.
For more Amy:
oneononewithgod.com
Sharing news of an unplanned pregnancy with her parents on a Monday, she was married in a chapel in Reno by Friday. She was 22, and that was just the beginning.
Meet Ashley Sears, a wife not afraid to fight for freedom for her husband and her own heart.
SHOW NOTES
Marriage is a challenge in and of itself, and even more so when an addiction plays a part. How do you navigate those challenges when that addiction is pornography? Ashley recounts the years of doubt and disappointment, fear and hopelessness—but also the story of redemption, rescue, faith, hope and compassion.
Today Stories Unveiled is able to help others by “finding purpose in our stories and living in freedom from our past. Because nobody is too messy for God.”
puredesire.org
For more on Stories Unveiled and the Virtual Conference
Meet Samantha Morgan, a “completely ordinary” Midwesterner (her words) who’s told us she’s often mistaken for someone else. Struggling over the years with the heartache of infertility and not being enough, today she shares the story that planted a seed in her heart to form a network of support for those experiencing infertility and adoption.
Settle in. You’re going to love this one-of-a-kind Missouri girl.
rushtohopeministries.com
Get ready! Chesed Dent is back with more great stories for this uncertain time we find we find ourselves in. Lean in and listen, friends.
For more Chesed:
When she was 18 years old, TaRanda packed her suitcase, waved goodbye to her loving parents and set off to begin her singing career. She loved jazz, classical, and gospel music, people and singing. By the time she turned 30 her husband had passed away, she had two daughters to raise and was in a deep depression.
Listen into this 2019 GMA Dove Award winner’s story and song, “When the Healing Comes.”
For more Taranda:
When the Healing Comes
Meet Anna Minoque. From Air Force brat to Navy wife, mom and chef extraordinaire, she’s spent her life experiencing cultures around the world.
Listen in today about her latest tale from a recent flight between Washington, D.C. in route to Paris.
Kristen Ivy is the Executive Director of Messaging at Orange and the Co-Founder and Director of the Phase Project. She and her husband Matt are currently parenting their three amazing children through the phases.
Say hello to Kristen Ivy, the co-host of the Parent Cue Live, a weekly podcast for parents.
For more of Kristen:
kristenivy.com
The Parent Cue Podcast
Resources
Meet Minnesotan Ruth Buezis--a wife, mom to four girls and electrical engineer who loves to build furniture. She’s also a Christian sex educator.
Pull up a chair, friends, and lean into this life-changing story of cultivating real intimacy.
Her book
For more Ruth:
awaken-love.net
Lisa Hounshell is a daughter, friend, mother and grandmother. She comes to us via our Facebook page. Her story is one of strength and reliance on Jesus for everything.
Portia's favorite way to introduce her is to say "...she’s my BIG SISTER. Lisa is one of the strongest women I know. No matter what life has thrown her way, she keeps going. Today we get to hear how she has been able to not quit no matter the circumstances surrounding her."
Lean in friends, it's a great episode!
She grew up in the Pittsburgh area and moved to Stafford, VA 13 years ago. This fantastic podcast listener contacted us through SheSpeaksStories.com because she has a story she wanted you to hear. Listen to Dana's story about yearning for a deeper faith.
Katie, Portia and Susan celebrate Valentine's Day and all things love. Come join them around the table!
Back by popular demand... Kim Hyland! Katie and Susan sat down at Katie's kitchen table and chatted with Kim about finding relief from perfectionism and comparison. Lean in friends, her story is life-giving.
She's an author of 14 books and studies, a podcaster, speaker, musician, blogger, teacher, wife and mom. Did we mention that she's also blind?
Friends, get ready for Jennifer Rothschild, a might and delightful mix of grace and grit! We know you're going to fall in love with her like we did. Jennifer will be LIVE with our friends at NorthStar Women's Network in Woodbridge, VA on March 14. Come join us!
jenniferrothschild.com
A wife, author and founder of Soul Circle Events, today she teaches women how to walk out their calling. Pull up a chair friends and listen to Jennifer Lucy Tyler's story.
jenniferlucytyler.com
In fifth grade, Sarah Berkey found a focus for her life that has never changed. It took her from state to state and soon to another continent. Listen in, friends, to this amazing woman's story of promise.
Meet Susan Fowler - an entrepreneur, podcaster and a mom to five kids. She met her husband Josh while in high school and married him before they graduated college. You're in for a treat! Lean in to this adventure advocate's wild ride!
Fowler Studios Instagram
We met Chrissy Duke at the Northstar Speakers Showcase in September and knew right then we wanted you to hear her story, too.
After having lived in North Africa for eight years with her family, she now lives in the U.S. in order to connect people with God’s movement overseas. Chrissy is a wife, mom and the U.S. Director of Beauty For Ashes.
beautyforashesafrica.org
When we had a “My Story Matters” push on social media and asked if anyone was ready to share their story, Christina’s hand went right up and contacted us through Facebook.
Susan, Katie and Gwen know Christina from our church in Northern VA. Her husband is in Homeland Security, so their family moves around a lot. When Christina arrived at our door, she jumped right into the life of our church and joined the worship team. You will love Christina, friends. Lean in to our last episode of 2019!
Born in Sweden from Ethiopian parents fleeing the Ethiopian civil war, Deborah and her family moved to Dallas when she was two. We met Deborah a few months ago via Facebook when she introduced us to her story through a fabulous video she created. Lean in and listen to her story of rescue from addiction.
Susan Blount introduced us to our wonderful guest today after they met on Twitter. Story tribe- meet our friend Joy Qualls.
Joy is Associate Professor and Department Chair of Communication Studies at Biola University in Orange County, California and a very sought after speaker and writer. Lean in friends! You will adore this time with Joy!
joyqualls.com
We're so excited to introduce you to our friend Karen Gonzalez, a much sough-after speaker and immigrant advocate.
Karen works as director of human resources for World Relief in Baltimore, Maryland, and today we're chatting with her about her book The God Who Sees, a powerful weaving of her immigration story with the stories in the Bible.
Her book is an invitation to her readers to discover the heart of God obsessed with the immigrant. Let's lean in, friends. You will adore Karen.
Her book
Portia, Katie and Susan have a few fun shopping ideas to share and Katie shares her most recent, God-story in her cancer journey.
Lean in friends, you don't want to miss it!
She grew up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the youngest of three kids. She's organized, detailed and dreamed of one day working in a cubicle as an accountant.
Today Becca is married to Rob Ketterling, has two grown sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law and co-pastors River Valley Church with the love of her life.
Friends, welcome Becca to She Speaks Stories!
Jess Connolly is a woman who wants to leave her generation more in awe of God than she found it.
She is the author of Dance, Stand, Run and You Are The Girl For the Job. The leader behind Go + Tell Gals and one of the founders of She Reads Truth, she and her husband lead Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children.
You are going to love Jess! Lean in, friends.
jessconnolly.com
goandtellgals.com
She was born a preacher's kid, the eldest of four children. She's now the mama to a three-year-old miracle baby and the Spiritual Growth Pastor at The Bridge Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Welcome Author and Pastor, Dafnette Jones!
Her book
Kori is a speaker, author, military wife, former marine, homeschool mom and the Director of Planting Roots, an organization with the humongous reach of encouraging 250,000 military women to thrive!
Lean in, friends, you will love Kori!
Danette High is a JOY! She has lived abroad for 26 years in Bolivia, India and the Philippines. She is a Consultant and Credentialed Coach. She has written a Bible Study called Refugees: Forced to Flee.
Danette is also a dear friend to one of our favorites, Chesed Dent! Lean in friends, you are going to adore Danette and her story as much as we do.
Bible study
Megan is the inspiration and director behind MaeMae, a creative agency bringing daydreams to life. Together with her team, Megan strengthens companies by helping develop and share their stories through unique and inspiring visuals and strategies.
Most days you can find her creating brand identities, designing websites, directing and styling photoshoots, creating marketing strategies, consulting and developing products. Susan and Katie ADORED their time with Megan. She is absolutely delightful!
maemaeco.com
Before Laura graduated from college, a passion for women to life free began growing inside her. Now the CEO of a community-based nonprofit in Minneapolis and the AGENT high heel shoe line, she still sits on dirty floors holding babies and fills fridges with formula and baby food. Get ready! You're going to love Laura Fuhrman!
Ashleigh Burnette spent a decade working in biology and sports medicine and adored it. She then became an English teacher. Adored it. Then a sixth grade teacher. Adored.
Today, she's the Principal of a secondary school in Northern Virginia.
In between she learned she couldn't be well with her soul until she wasn't well in her body. Lean in, Story tribe.
Her early years were lonely, devastating and hard. She’s a mom, ex-stripper, church planter and blogger.
Lean in, Story tribe, as Monica Gary joins us at the table.
This April Cari Britt began experiencing weakening in her arms and hands, the inability to walk, stuttering and fatigue. By June she was diagnosed with MS.
Listen in. There's so much more to her story!
Raped at gunpoint at 22, Amanda Johnson is with us today to tell us that the life Jesus came to give can be reclaimed.
Don't miss her candid and important story of living after surviving rape.
Meet Alison Prouty... a fabulous twenty-something from Colorado Springs, CO.
Her story will remind us about the beauty of placing our identity in the Always-God.
She's a 33 year-old mom to six Ethiopian teenagers. We can't wait for you to meet today's AMAZING guest.
Friends, say hello to American Ninja Warrior, Marissa Rupert!
Katie and Susan share stories of choosing joy over despair. If you are in a hard situation, one that seems unfair and impossible, lean in. This episode is for you.
Susan and Portia sat down with Meshali Mitchell and chatted about Meshali's Story of restoration. If you need to experience restoration in any part of your life or you need hope that He still provides restoration, this is your episode. Lean in friends, you will be glad you did.
Meet Chesed Dent, a thirty something storyteller with a unique world view. You're going to love this world traveler as much we do! Lean in and listen, friends!
The final few weeks of Summer are upon us! Katie and Susan talk about their Summers and what's remaining on their personal bucket lists.
It's been eight months since we sat down with our dear friend, Portia Allen. We were able to catch up with her in her car and get a life update on all God is doing in her life and story. Portia spurs us on!
We hope you are having a great Summer! Summertime means good Summer Reads. Today, Katie, Susan and Gwen are sharing their favorite reads of the Summer.
Our good friend and hero, Christa Hayden Sharpe from International Justice Mission is with us today. You will not want to miss this. Come ready to be inspired, challenged and in awe of what God can do through His people.
Susan, Katie and Gwen sat down with one of their favorite people, Kelsey Hawkins. Kelsey shares a powerful story of hope about her very tough journey with Postpartum Depression. Kelsey is a light. If you have every been in a pit of hopelessness and depression, this story will absolutely lend you hope and courage during your dark season.
Susan, Katie and Gwen sat down with Laurie and listened to her story of singleness, marriage and God's faithfulness throughout both seasons. Grab a cup of coffee and lean in.
In the 50th Episode of She Speaks Stories, Katie, Gwen and Susan chatted about relationships. Loving God, Loving Others. The most important things in this life.
Susan and Gwen sat around the kitchen table and leaned in to Pastor Pooshani's incredibly inspiring stories. We believe Stories Change Lives, and we are absolutely changed after hearing from Pastor Pooshani!
We know many of you will want to give to her good good work in Uganda: Donate
Leslie loves Jesus, coffee and little bling. “After all,” she’s been known to say, “the streets of heaven are going to be gold, we might as well get used to it now!” Listen in as Leslie shares how she met Jesus and learned to stand in the midst of chronic pain.
If you have experienced dark, hard, oppressive moments of anxiety and dread, we hope this episode will be a sisterhood of unity for your soul.
Katie, Gwen and Susan lean in to the hard moments of this new difficult journey that Katie is on and discuss how God is meeting her inside the dark moments.
Katie, Gwen and Susan sit around Katie's kitchen table and lean in to Katie's new journey. They also walk through the beauty of Eshet Chayil, Women of Valor. In this episode, listeners will discover ways to support Katie and how to purchase the special Eshet Chayil bracelets. Women of Valor praying for a Woman of Valor... there is nothing more lovely.
Oh my goodness, we are W I L D about this Texan beauty! Meet Erica Nordberg, middle child, mother to six, adoptive mom and storyteller at our May 14 She Speaks Stories Live at The Glasgow Farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. If God can rescue Erica, He can do the same for you.
While Susan and Katie are in Atlanta they sit down to share Katie's story about a recent medical diagnosis. Good friend, Becca Griffitts also joins them at the end of the episode to sing a powerful song by Passion Band.
While Alexa Jenkins may be widely known as the fiancee of University of Viginia's Men's Basketball Player, Kyle Guy, she, too, has an incredible story to share. Her love for Jesus is evident and authentic... and we absolutely love her to pieces. Believe us, you will want to lean in and listen to Alexa's story.
Katie, Susan and Gwen sit down with their friend, Carrie O'Neal as she shares the heartbreaking effects of PTSD on marriage, and the hope that Jesus brings.
Pull up a chair--there's room for one more! Susan and Katie gather around the table and share some of their favorite Easter stories.
Grab your cup of coffee, friends. You're going to love our guest! After having three babies in less than three years, Kara Kae James found herself battling postpartum anxiety and depression. Where was the abundant life that Jesus promised? She was barely surviving, and she knew she wasn't alone. There were many women just like her who were desperate to hear that God loved them and what they were doing every day really mattered. Prop up your feet, and lean into Kara Kae's story.
Susan and Katie cozy up around the table and chatted with Nathalie while she was enjoying the snow-covered mountain views of Colorado. Nathalie's story is beautiful and courageous, brave, and full of wisdom. You will absolutely fall in love with her love for Jesus and her family. Lean in to this adventure of less-is-more and the simplicity and richness of tiny house dwelling.
Susan and Katie sit down around Gwen's kitchen table to listen in to Carla's story. Carla has a fascinating story you, and you will absolutely want to listen. Lean in to her unique story and experiences.
Katie, Susan and Gwen had a great time sitting around Jenn's kitchen table. Jenn is full of wisdom, and we know many will relate to her story. Grab a cup of something warm and lean into her story. We adore Jenn, and we know you will, too!
Susan and Katie sit down and chat with a new friend, Donna Pisani. They immediately knew they would adore this incredible lady. Donna is a powerhouse of wisdom and faith. Her story is powerful, and you will want to lean into her wisdom. Stories change lives.
Susan and Katie sat down with their friend Laken and listened to her incredible story. From adoption to a journey to India to a far away village along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea, her story will change your life as it has ours.
Katie, Gwen and Susan host a live episode to celebrate She Speaks Stories Year One. Sharon Glasgow joins us and makes us believe all over again that God is faithful!
Katie and Susan sit down and talk about the exciting adventures Katie had on her recent trip to Israel. In normal Susan-and-Katie-style, a few other non-Israel stories were shared as well.
Susan and Katie emceed the Military Wives Connect Christmas Soiree at the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia. At this event, they had the honor of hearing Ginger Gilbert Ravella share her story to the military wives in attendance. In this episode you will be able to listen in as Ginger shares her heartbreaking and hopeful story live. Ginger is an incredibly gifted communicator. Katie and Susan immediately fell in love with her, and they know you will, too. Lean in to Ginger's experience and wisdom.
She Speaks Stories Live in Hampton Roads was an incredibly special evening where we heard powerful stories about struggle. Inside those stories, the constant reminder was that Struggle is part of Story. These stories gave us hope, courage and belief. Lean in to the first episode of 2019. Such a reminder that while struggle is part of the story, God's faithfulness is, too.
The She Speaks Stories Team ended the Storytelling Stopover Trip with one very special story from Susan's mentor and dear friend of 22 years, Susan Blount. This episode you will laugh (often), think (deeply), and be moved to action. You will soon discover why Susan Blount is one of Susan Wanderer's favorite people.
Podcast Notes: Susan Blount is the Managing Partner and Co- Founder of The Quadrivium Group and The Blount Collective. Partnering with people and organizations to successfully navigate the passionate pursuit of their calling, empowering them to live where faith and vision meet.
In Him, we live and move (kineo) and have our being. Acts 17:28
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” -Mary Oliver
For more of Susan: Instagram
livealegacy
adifferentkindoflife
Favorite Books: The Geometry of Wealth Run with the Horses Zero to One ReWork Just Courage Necessary Endings
Who she's reading: Tom Kelley Daniel Pink Simon Sinek Donald Miller Harvard Business Review
Podcasts she loves: The Making of an Exception Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast Building a Story Brand with Donald Miller Sounds Good with Branden Harvey HBR Women at Work Ted Talks Daily
We met Portia Allen on our Storytelling Stopover Trip. Portia is the real deal. After sensing a new direction from God, this powerhouse of a woman left a job that filled her tank for five years to step out into... well, nothing. Get ready. You're going to absolutely adore her!
Susan and Katie lean into Candace's Story during the Storytelling Stopovers Trip while in Minnesota and fall in love with her. She is discipling her kiddos in some incredible world changers! Parents, there are tangible and fantastic opportunities for your family, too, in this episode!
Our family of origin and childhood make up a part of who we are and who we become. Lean in today as Katie and Susan chat with Katie's beautiful, gigantic, Irish- Catholic family.
Katie, Gwen and Susan sit down with military wife and cancer survivor, Julie Davis in Athens, Ohio to talk to her about living with a new name. Let her story lend grace to yours.
We heard Zennah's story several months ago at a conference... and we knew right away that we wanted her story on our podcast. She is amazing, and we are absolutely positive you will adore her as much as we do.
Katie and Susan sit down and talk with Rachel about her incredibly heartbreaking, yet hope-filled story. We adore her, and we know Rachel's story will speak to different areas of each life who hears her powerful words.
Katie and Susan had so much to talk about that they decided an extra episode was necessary!
Katie and Susan listen in to the heartbreaking and powerful story Tara Storch shares about the loss of her daughter and the hope God brought in such sadness. Tara is truly an amazing woman. Lean into her story, we know God will use it powerfully in many many lives.
Anna LeBaron joins Susan and Katie and shares her incredible story. Anna was one of more than fifty children of the infamous polygamist cult leader, Ervil LeBaron. Anna endured abandonment, horrific living conditions, child labor and sexual grooming. At age thirteen, she escaped the violent cult, gave her life to Christ, and sought healing.
Susan and Katie sit and listen to Katie Davis Majors share stories of her beautiful family, Amazima Ministries and her hosting the IF Gathering in Jinja. Her faith will absolutely encourage you. Katie Davis Majors is a deep well of wisdom and authentic faithfulness.
Susan and Katie sit down with their new friend, Irene Rollins. Her powerful story will lend courage to your story. She walks us through her journey of alcoholism, rehab and healing. Irene is truly an amazing woman who serves a faithful God. If you (or someone you know) deals with any type of addiction, this episode is for you. We absolutely adore Irene, and we know you will, too!
Susan and Katie sit down with Jessica, CEO and Founder of The Noonday Collection, and chat about Imperfect Courage.
Susan and Katie sit and chat with Sharie King about her story of childhood abuse and how God brought help, healing and hope.
Susan and Katie sit down with Margi and listen to her heartbreaking story of personal trauma and abuse. If you, or anyone you know, has experienced trauma, Margi's story is a must listen. The healing and restoration she experienced will bring hope to each listener.
Susan and Katie sit down with Kelly and enjoy a delightful talk about Jesus, parenting, calling, ministry and more. Kelly is the real deal, and we so enjoyed our time with her!
Susan and Katie hear three amazing stories from military wives at the She Speaks Stories Live Event at The Glasgow Barn in Fredericksburg, VA.
Katie and Susan sit down at Katie's kitchen table and chat with Kim Hyland about finding relief from perfectionism and comparison.
Susan and Katie sit down with Kim Dailey to hear her incredible story of rescue from depression. Kim is a deep well of faith, wisdom and Jesus. She will encourage your soul.
Katie and Susan sit down at Katie's kitchen table and share stories sent in from our very on Story Tribe.
Susan and Katie sat down at Katie's kitchen table and heard Michelle McKinney's inspiring story about leaving her corporate job at Starbucks to help women utilize their God-given gifting to unleash powerful dreams.
Susan and Katie talk with Rebekah Lyons about her book, You Are Free. You will want a pen and journal to take notes on the wisdom Rebekah brings to this rich talk.
Susan and Katie were thrilled to sit down with their dear friend and Proverbs 31 Speaker, Sharon Glasgow and listen to how God moved wildly and miraculously on her behalf. It's a modern-day miracle story of God's great faithfulness.
Susan and Katie sit down at Katie's kitchen table to have a beautiful conversation with Donna Tyson about her incredible journey. If you have a challenge in front of you right now, this episode is for you.
Welcome to the very first episode of She Speaks Stories. Katie and Susan are thrilled to be sharing Christmas stories.