Finding God in Our Pain

Hope in the Midst of Chronic Illness, with Sara Willoughby

SUMMARY:
*Sarah Willoughby shares her personal journey with chronic illness and how it has impacted her life and faith.
*Sarah emphasizes the importance of knowing one is not alone in their struggles, which can be a lifeline for many.
*She details her journey to getting a diagnosis, which took seeing 13 doctors and being misdiagnosed multiple times.
*Sarah highlights the impact of chronic illness on her family, community, and personal dreams.
*She discusses the spiritual journey and questions that arose during her illness, including struggles with understanding God's love and purpose.
*Sarah shares how her faith was strengthened by wrestling with difficult questions and seeking God's presence.
*She emphasizes the value of asking God questions and the importance of being honest in one's relationship with Him.
*Sarah has found new ways to serve and connect with others through writing, speaking, and organizing online conferences for those with chronic illnesses.
*The conversation concludes with resources for those struggling with chronic illness and the reassurance that they are not alone and have purpose.

PODCAST INTRO:
My guest, Sara Willoughby is a young woman who is courageously navigating life with chronic illness. Sara's journey is not just a testament to her resilience but also a beacon of hope for many who find themselves battling similar challenges. Her story underscores the power of faith, the importance of community, and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from suffering.

The Beginning of a Long Journey

Sara’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, multiple chemical sensitivity, and toxic mold poisoning. Her path to diagnosis was long and stressful because of several misdiagnoses and various consultations with 13 different doctors—Sara shared that misdiagnoses and countless doctors is a journey that is very familiar in the chronic illness community. This prolonged uncertainty and the eventual diagnosis upended her life. One facet of her diagnosis of being exposed to mold in her home lead to her and her family losing their home and cherished possessions.

Faith Amidst Adversity

Sara's faith has been a cornerstone in her journey. She speaks candidly about the struggles she faced in reconciling her belief in a loving God with the suffering she endured. She talks about what it means to live a purposeful and fulfilling life in the midst of ongoing uncertainty. Her relationship with God deepened as she allowed herself to ask difficult questions and seek God for His answers.

Finding Purpose in Pain

Despite her limitations, Sara discovered new avenues to serve God and others. Her writing became a powerful tool for ministry, allowing her to connect with a global audience. Through her blog, the book she wrote and the Diamonds conference for Christians with chronic illnesses, Sara has fostered a community where individuals can share their experiences, find resources, and support each other.

The Beauty of a Slower Pace

Sara highlights the unique contributions that those with chronic illnesses can make to the world and the church. The slower pace of life, often imposed by illness, offers opportunities for deeper reflection, creativity, and meaningful/purposeful connection (something that I personally feel is no longer prioritized in our society; people are just too busy). Whether through snail mail ministries, prayer, or online conferences, Sara emphasizes that those with chronic illnesses have valuable gifts to share.

Embracing God's Love

Throughout her journey, Sara has learned to trust in God's plan, even when it doesn’t look like what she personally envisioned for herself. She has seen God resurrect her aspirations in unexpected ways, from publishing a book to serving overseas and marrying a supportive partner. Her story is a powerful reminder that God's love and purpose for us are not diminished by our circumstances.

Conclusion

Sara Willoughby's journey with chronic illness challenges how we naturally want to define a "normal life" and I loved it because the beauty that radiates from her life, the intimacy she has with the Lord, the significance of a slower pace, the creativeness born out of hitting a wall per se, it’s one of the most beautiful reminders that God uses everything about our life to deliver us into a deeper richness of identity, meaning, and purpose and on countless levels.

Her willingness to share her story offers hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges. Leaning into her limitations by trusting in God's love, Sara has found a fulfilling and purposeful life, inspiring others to do the same. Her message is clear: you are not alone, and there is beauty and purpose to be found, even in the midst of suffering.

Live Loved and Thrive! @ alifeofthrive.com

Connect with Sara:
Diamonds Conference Website: https://diamondsconference.org/ 
He's Making Diamonds devotional freebie: https://sgwilloughby.com/devotional/ 
Website: https://sgwilloughby.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgwilloughby/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgwilloughbyauthor 

Bio:
Sara is the author of He's Making Diamonds and the founder of the Diamonds Conference, an online event for Christians with chronic illnesses. She lives in California with her husband and loves dark chocolate and adventures.

“Healing is a journey and you’re worth the trip,” Taleah Pletzer

Summary:
*Taleah Pletzer shares her personal journey through trauma and how it has influenced her work as a trauma-informed coach and healing prayer facilitator.
*She describes a turbulent childhood, including being abandoned by her biological mother and experiencing sexual abuse from her father.
*Taleah emphasizes the importance of healing and finding wholeness, explaining the concept of trauma A (single incident) and trauma B (ongoing trauma).
*She recounts a pivotal moment where she nearly attempted suicide but was stopped by a powerful voice she attributes to God.
*Taleah discusses her process of finding a personal relationship with God, which involved questioning and seeking answers about her worth and God's love.
*She highlights the role of the Emmanuel Approach in her healing journey, which combines brain science with biblical principles to foster healing through direct interaction with Jesus.
*Taleah expresses a passion for helping women, particularly young women, heal from their trauma and avoid carrying it into their adult lives.
*She shares her plans to start a nonprofit organization to offer healing services to women who may not be able to afford them and to create a supportive community.
*Taleah's biggest reward is witnessing others experience the presence of Jesus and gain freedom from their past traumas.
*She concludes with a message of hope, reminding listeners that healing is a journey worth taking and that God is always with the brokenhearted.

Podcast Intro:
I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Taleah Pletzer, a trauma-informed coach and healing prayer facilitator. She shared her personal journey through a turbulent childhood and the profound impact that trauma had on her life. Through her story, she illustrates the powerful message that healing is possible, no matter the depths of past traumas and I don’t know about you but that’s the kind of message I love to hear; hope in a better tomorrow.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

Talia's childhood was marked by chaos and abandonment, leading to countless challenges, including issues of attachment and self-worth. She candidly spoke about her experiences with sexual abuse, the rejection of her family, and the struggles she faced growing up in a household filled with addiction and darkness. Despite these challenges, Taleah found hope and healing through her relationship with God.

The Role of Faith in Healing

One of the key themes of our discussion was the role of faith in Taleah’s healing journey. She described moments of divine intervention that saved her life and provided comfort during her darkest times. While Taleah did not have a relationship with God during the abuse, she now emphasizes the importance of building an intimate relationship with God, because she believes it is crucial for true healing and transformation.

Trauma-Informed Coaching and the Emmanuel Approach

As a trauma-informed coach, Taleah uses the Emmanuel Approach, a method that combines brain science with biblical principles. This approach helps individuals connect with Jesus in a tangible way, allowing them to explore their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Taleah highlighted the significance of starting healing sessions with positive memories to activate relational circuits in the brain, facilitating a deeper connection with God and oneself…which played a significant role in her recovery. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and perseverance.

Conclusion

Taleah Pletzer's story is powerful…so much so I titled this podcast after her own words….healing is a journey and your worth the trip!. Her message to those who feel trapped by their past is clear: you are not alone, and there is hope for a brighter future. By embracing the healing power of faith and seeking support from compassionate guides like Taleah, anyone can find the strength to overcome their trauma and live the life God intended for you o experience…one of wholeness and freedom.

Whether you’re in trauma A, B or you simply feel stuck in your head or your heart, Taleah is waiting to help and the healing power of Jesus is waiting to transform.

WARNING
Before we get started Taleah does give a warning that her testimony may create a trigger for some people as it does include the topic of self harm. If that is something you are sensitive to you will want to listen out for the point in our conversation when you hear Taleah’s voice crack, she pauses and she says sorry, this is a little bit hard for me….this is where you will want to pause and either pray to prepare yourself to enter into the topic with Taleah or come back at a later time when you’ve had time to process your own feelings.

Let’s listen in!

Connect with Taleah:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563515485284
Email: Hearthealing123@gmail.com
Phone: 775-324-8064

Bio:
Taleah (pronounced Ta’Leah) is a dedicated trauma informed coach specializing in empowering women to navigate through life’s challenges with resilience and grace. As a survivor of both physical and sexual abuse throughout her childhood, Taleah knows first hand the long term effects of trauma can have on a person if the root issues are not addressed. 

As a Christian and a mother of 5 daughters, she brings a compassionate and understanding approach to her work. Living on a ranch, Taleah understands the importance of nurturing growth and healing, both in the fields and in the hearts of those she supports. With her expertise and empathy, Taleah guides women on their journey towards complete healing and freedom , therefore empowering them to live abundantly!

A Caregiving Season with No Regrets, Rayna Neises

Summary:
*Rayna’s book, "No Regrets, Hope for Your Caregiving Season," offers hope, direction, and practical advice for caregivers.
*Rayna emphasizes broadening the definition of "caregiver" to include anyone providing care, not just professionals.
*Caregiving is described as a season with different phases, including times of crisis and routine care.
*Rayna shares her personal caregiving experience with her parents who had Alzheimer's, highlighting the importance of balancing personal life with caregiving duties.
*She stresses the need for caregivers to regularly check in with themselves and others to make necessary adjustments.
*Finding time for self-care and spiritual reflection is crucial for caregivers to avoid burnout.
*Rayna advises caregivers to be intentional about maintaining relationships and delegating tasks to preserve their well-being.
*She encourages exploring options and being open to making changes when current solutions aren't working.
*Rayna highlights the importance of creating a support network of family, friends, and community resources.
*The conversation touches on navigating grief and the importance of living a life without regrets through intentional caregiving and personal reflection.

 

Podcast Intro:

My guest today, Rayna Neises (Nigh-sis) has a passion for coming alongside those in a season of caregiving. Her experiences of walking both of her parents home, and into the arms of Jesus started her on a journey with a deep desire to help others who find themselves overwhelmed as a caregiver.

She’s now a certified coach who can help you navigate your caregiving season. She’s authored a book, No Regrets, Hope for your Caregiving Season and the focus is to do just that, help you meet the demands of caring for others and not loosing yourself in the process. I love how she puts it, helping people find a way to honor the person they’re caring for, walking them all the way home with no regrets and still have a life to walk back into.

You’ll need to listen to all the different options for balancing the ever changing demands on a caregiver's day. And while Rayna’s parent’s diagnosis of Alzheimers had an end to her caring season, all of her knowledge, insight and practical advice would be super beneficial for those who are caring for loved ones over an extended period of time. Instances where there is no closure; they’re living with uncertainty as to how long they will be caring for their loved ones. The longer the caregiver role the more important it will be to put Rayna’s suggested practices in place and use them on a regular basis. The natural relationship of caregiving can include parents caring for children, spouses caring for each other, friends who step in to care well.

Rayna is also the host to her podcast, A Season of Caring where her guests share their knowledge and experience, about the subject of caregiving and they too provide hope, encouragement and resources in addition to all that Rayna has available on her website: https://raynaneises.com/

Here are some of the topics we touched on:
Rayna challenges the traditional definition of a caregiver, advocating for a broader understanding that includes anyone who provides care and support to others, whether they are paid professionals or family members.

Rayna reminds us that Caregiving is not a static role but one that ebbs and flows with the ever changing caregiving demands. Rayna makes the point that it’s important to recognize when making adjustments are necessary. Whether it's reallocating time, seeking help, or making pivotal decisions about care etc.

We talked about how important it is to build a support network. It’s essential, whether it’s through family, friends or hired caregivers. Rayna points out ways to build a support system saying this approach not only eases the caregiver's burden but also enriches the caregiving experience for everyone involved.

I delved into what it means to finish the caregiving task well and with no regrets. To me, the thought of that being a possibility (and Rayna is proof that it is possible), is an incredibly comforting outcome to being a caregiver.

We talked about embracing flexibility and options. I love this because Rayna's journey teaches us that caregiving decisions are not set in stone. The ability to pivot and explore options, whether in living arrangements or daily routines, can lead to better outcomes for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

Ultimately, Rayna's message is one of living without regrets. By being intentional in your caregiving roles, making informed decisions, and allowing room for change, caregivers can look back on their experience with a sense of fulfillment and peace. Rayna’s story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and faith in transforming the caregiving journey into a season of growth, peace and no regrets.

If you are in the midst of a caregiving season or if you find yourself in a caregiving role, listen in and let Rayna speak some beautiful encouragement to you today!

Live Loved and Thrive!
Sherrie

Connect with Rayna:
Email: Rayna@ASeasonofCaring.com
Coaching Services/Support Groups/Education workshops etc: https://www.aseasonofcaring.com/
Caregiver Wellbeing Check-In: This free resource is a pop up (it will appear on the page as you visit her coaching website): https://www.aseasonofcaring.com/
Book - No Regrets, Hope for you Caregiving Season: https://www.aseasonofcaring.com/no-regrets-hope-for-your-caregiving-season/
Podcast: A Season of Caring: https://www.aseasonofcaring.com/podcast/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNeQw8WKnxWal4Qp3G5OBg
Content Magazine: https://www.aseasonofcaring.com/content-magazine/

Bio:
Rayna Neises is Certified coach and author of “No Regrets:  Hope for Your Caregiving Season”. With the rich tapestry of her life, from the fields of her family farm to the heart-wrenching experience of losing both parents to Alzheimer's disease, Rayna has crafted her calling into a mission that lights the way for others. As a devoted wife, a cherished Graham, and a loving stepparent, her life is a testament to the power of faith and family.

Rayna's professional journey as a Certified Coach, speaker, and Author offers a beacon of light to those navigating the complexities of life and caregiving. Her voice resonates not only through the pages of her book but also through the airwaves as the host of "A Season of Caring Podcast," where she delves into conversations that help caregivers live content, love well and care without regret in their caring season.

Rayna also extends her reach and compassion through "Grannies Talkin' Dementia Podcast," a platform where she shares insights, stories, and support for those affected by dementia, bringing understanding and hope to a community that cherishes every memory and moment.

In every word she writes and every conversation she leads, Rayna Neises embodies the essence of living a life with no regrets, embracing each season of life with grace, faith, and a heart full of gratitude.

Letting God Rewrite Trauma and Abuse, with LaShaundra Barnes

Summary:
*My guest, LaShaundra Barnes shares her story of finding God amidst her deep personal struggles of abuse and suffering.
*LaShaundra discusses her abusive relationship, which began after reconnecting with a high school acquaintance, highlighting the barriers that kept her in the relationship, including love, loyalty, and legal issues concerning her children.
*She speaks about the fear of the unknown and anxiety that hindered her ability to leave the abusive relationship sooner.
*LaShaundra emphasizes the importance of having a supportive community and the role of her church in helping her through the healing process.
*She shares her experiences with her children's mental and emotional health, revealing the impact of witnessing domestic abuse and the challenges of raising neurodivergent children.
*Our discussion touches on the need for individualized parenting, considering each child's unique needs and triggers.
*LaShaundra highlights the power of scriptures and worship music in providing comfort and encouragement during difficult times.
*She talks about the importance of forgiveness in the healing journey and how it has helped her find peace and co-parent with her children's father.
*LaShaundra encourages others to share their stories, emphasizing that our experiences can transform lives and bring people closer to God.
*She stresses that for those in abusive situations there is a need for therapy and counseling to thrive after abuse.
*LaShaundra provides hotline numbers that have 24/7 access:
In emergency and life of death situations: Call 911 or the emergency number in your area.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
The Center for Family Safety and Healing: Text the word start, S-T-A-R-T, to 88788.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, simply dial the number 988.

Podcast Intro:
When I met LaShaundra my first impression was her vibrancy. The joy in her eyes, (which as believers we know that is the presence of the Holy Spirit), the tone of her voice and her presence. These things combined, I heard and saw joy and it became more pronounced as she began to share what she has been through, is going through. Life has not been easy and yet she describes herself as blessed.

LaShaundra’s testimony is one of the reasons why I do this podcast. When everything familiar in our life gets turned upside down, people want to know where is God? Does God make a difference? Does He care and if so, what does His kindness look like? How does He make a difference?

LaShaundra is a single mom with 3 young children and she has endured countless levels of abuse some of which are mental, emotional, physical, financial, etc. And yet, she shares a message of God’s goodness despite the cruelty of this life and the proof (of God’s goodness) is displayed in her, through her, day to day.

I’m not saying her life is all sunshine, rainbows and smiles because she admits it’s difficult. Single moms know that singleness is a challenge all it’s own. Moms with special needs children know the complications on a daily basis. Abused women are familiar with the struggle to find healing and wholeness again. Women who know they need to leave abusive situations are faced with overwhelming fears of what if and that is enough to keep them in the abuse. 

When faced with the possibility of a new life, rebuilding ourselves and rebuilding our lives, how do we trust, who do we trust? I even think about, if we can’t even trust the people we can see, hear and touch, how do we learn to trust God? Will God still love us even if we find ourselves in situations that are of our own doing or does He just look at us and say, you made that bed now sleep in it.

If you’re living any of these situations or questioning God about His goodness you will find great encouragement in LaShaundra’s message of how God cares for us at every turn in our journey. She has learned that having spiritual disciplines that keep her grounded in Christ is the first line of defense against overwhelm, anxiety and fear. She reads the word of God and she relies on God to be who He says he is and do what He says He’ll do. He has never failed her and even her learning curves of discovering God’s heart have brought her new levels of intimacy and greater/deeper joy.

Be encouraged today as you listen to LaShaundra’s example of who the God of the Holy Bible is in the context of pain and suffering. God speaks the most beautiful things in the dark.

Live Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com

 

Other Related Podcast Episodes:
Breaking Cycles of Abuse and Trauma: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/07/31/breaking-cycles-of-abuse-and-trauma-with-lindsey-smith/
From Survive to Thrive, Overcoming Sexual Abuse: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/01/03/from-survive-to-thrive-overcoming-sexual-abuse-with-tina-ivey/
Heal From Childhood Abuse: https://alifeofthrive.com/2023/03/01/healing-from-childhood-abuse-with-virginia-jones/
Christian Marriage, Abuse and Boundaries: https://alifeofthrive.com/2023/04/12/christian-marriage-abuse-and-boundaries/

Connect with LaShaundra:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@herdesiredhaven

Bio:
LaShaundra Barnes is a Podcast Host and Producer who uses her passions, gifts and creativity to glorify God. She is an entrepreneur, a domestic violence survivor and is currently a single mother raising neurodiverse children. Her life experiences both good and bad have shaped and molded her into the woman she is today. She's determined to tell her story showing how good God is and the wonderful acts and miracles He's done in her life. By sharing her story she desires to help others believe, to find purpose in their pain and peace in the midst of life’s storms.

RESOURCES:
Here are some 24/7 Confidential Services:
In emergency and life of death situations: Call 911 or the emergency number in your area.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
The Center for Family Safety and Healing: Text the word start, S-T-A-R-T, to 88788.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, simply dial the number 988.

From Bartender to Nun, to Bartender to Transformed, God never gives up!

Summary:
*Gina Economopoulos shares her journey of faith, family, and personal struggles.
*She grew up in a large, loving Italian-Greek Catholic family.
*After college, Gina became a bartender, finding it a suitable job due to her social personality.
*She struggled with alcoholism, initially not recognizing it as a problem.
*Gina faced significant grief with the loss of her mother, which led her to question her faith.
*Her journey included becoming a Catholic nun, seeking deeper meaning and love.
*She experienced significant suffering and confusion during her time in the convent.
*Gina eventually left the convent and struggled with identity and faith.
*Her fiancé's death from alcoholism was a turning point in her life.
*Gina found healing and a renewed relationship with God through a 12-step program, leading to sobriety.

Intro to the Podcast:
My guest, Gina Economopoulos has quite the unexpected twists, turns and cliffhangers in the chapters of her life story. Even as unique as our individual stories are I feel sure you’ll find many ways that you can connect with Gina. Her message is most definitely is for us all, God never gives up! 

Raised in a large, traditional Italian-Greek family, Gina's early life was a rich tapestry of Catholic values and unconditional love. The seventh child of 8, Gina was doing all the expected things as well as all the typical things of her youthful days in college and young adulthood but as life does, her world is flipped upside down and for her it was the death of her mother.

Gina shares her story of navigating the fragility of life both in her (in her brokenness and searching for love and purpose) as well as the brokenness of the world around her. Throughout her mistakes, searching, challenges and heartbreak after heartbreak, Gina maintains her out-going, people loving personality. Her resilience continues to bring her faith to the forefront and even her sense of humor remained albeit, at times it was used to cover up the pain.

A quick line of events for Gina’s life gives you the overview of the various challenges and a glimpse of God’s faithfulness to be along for the whole journey. A child who had medical/health complications that lead to a feeling of lack and the need to excel and prove her worth.

In college she was a party girl and also graduated with a degree in social work. Out of college she began bartending as a career but as mentioned it was the death of her beloved mother that shook her to the core. She found herself turning back to her Catholic roots, searching for meaning and solace in her grief. This loss acted as a catalyst, propelling her into a period of searching for something more profound—something to fill the void that partying and alcohol could not.

Her spiritual journey took a sharp turn when she joined a convent, seeking a deeper relationship with God and a sense of belonging. Despite her efforts to discover the peace she thought the convent would give her, the challenges within herself as well as the added difficulties and conflicts with the other nuns/sisters, would lead to her being asked to leave the convent. This was a devastating blow that increased her feelings of lack, adding more confusion and uncertainty.

The next chapter of Gina's life brought her back into the world where she would need a job and a paycheck, problem is she hadn’t worked for 12 years. So she returns to what she knows best, bartending. Her knowledge of religion struggles against the intimate relationship with Christ that is developing but it’s never more challenged than when she finds love and is then forced to endure the heartbreak of losing her fiancé and his death is associated with alcoholism.

She walks away from God but little does she know, God never gives up and she hasn’t given up either, she just doesn’t know it yet. She goes to a global recovery program modeled after AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) called The Rooms. Heartbreak/pain and anguish were in full anger and hatred mode but just maybe a tinge of fear lead her to The Rooms. And this is the very place where she slowly allows God to reveal Himself in a deeper and more intimate way. Learning that God never gives up on us solidified her journey from religion to relationship and it’s been maturing ever since.

Gina's story highlights the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering belief that even in the darkest times, there is hope and healing available. Her message is clear: don't give up, because God never does. He loves you and He will transform you if you let Him. It's a testament to God’s heart to save, heal and redeem. No matter how winding the road may be God is there every step of the way. God never gives up on us!

Live Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com

Other Related Podcast/Blog Topics & Resources:
Resource:
In the Rooms - A Global Recovery Community: https://www.intherooms.com/home/
Podcasts:
Did God Fail Jane?: https://alifeofthrive.com/2023/05/10/did-god-fail-jane/
In the Presence of God: https://alifeofthrive.com/2022/03/02/presence/
Blog:
The Good God: https://alifeofthrive.com/2021/06/01/good-god/

Connect with Gina:
https://www.ginaecon.com/

Bio:
Gina Economopoulos was born in Syosset, NY, to a strong Italian and Greek loving family. She graduated from Eastern CT State University and bartended before embarking on a 12 year convent journey after her mother’s passing.

Settled on the Jersey Shore, Gina now works as an End of Life Doula, extending her compassionate heart to those in there final chapter. She found solace in sobriety as a proud Alcoholics Anonymous member, and her story of resilience through tragedy and faith inspires others to face life’s challenges.

Discovering God Through RevelationShip, with Cathy Garland

Summary -
*RevelationShip Concept: Cathy Garland discusses the concept of "revelationship," a term that emerged from a teaching session at her father's church. It emphasizes a dynamic relationship with God through ongoing revelations, exploring how God reveals Himself through various ways, including scripture, creation, and personal experiences.

*Suffering and Faith: Cathy shares her personal journey through significant life challenges such as divorce, child loss, and a severe car accident. Despite these hardships, her faith remained strong, and she questions why churches often fail to teach believers how to suffer well and glorify God through their suffering.

*Authentic Faith and Deconstruction: Cathy talks about the importance of authentic questioning in faith, drawing from her own deconstruction experience. She highlights the value of testing one's beliefs and the dangers of adopting a consumer-like approach to religion by picking elements from different faiths without deeper understanding.

*Attributes of God: The discussion touches on God's holiness as the foundation of His attributes, referencing a quote by Stephen Charnock. Cathy emphasizes that every action of God is inherently holy and serves a purpose, even if difficult to understand.

*Upcoming Works and Study Guides: Cathy mentions her upcoming book "The God Who," which will further explore how God reveals Himself. Both this and her previous work, "Revelationship," include study guides designed to help readers apply theological insights practically in their lives.

Podcast Intro:
My guest Cathy Garland introduces us to the word and concept of revelationship. She shares her journey of faith, which has been tested through numerous hardships, including divorce, child loss, and a car accident. These experiences have led her to develop a concept called "revelationship," which she explains as an evolving relationship with God through revelations. Cathy emphasizes the importance of seeing God in all aspects of life, including the painful parts, and how this understanding forms the basis of her book titled Revelationship - Transformative Intimacy with Christ.

Cathy discusses the shortcomings of the church in teaching believers how to suffer and mourn well. She critiques certain prosperity-driven teachings that suggest hardships are solely a result of personal failures. Instead, she argues that suffering is a part of life and can serve as a profound teacher that draws individuals closer to God. Cathy stresses the importance of authentic mourning and the discomfort it can cause others, highlighting the cultural reluctance to face and share pain openly.

The conversation also delves into the topic of deconstruction of faith, with Cathy sharing her own experience of questioning her beliefs and how her parents, her father was a pastor, supported her exploration. She emphasizes that true faith can withstand questioning and that deconstruction should not be feared. Cathy advocates for the importance of surrender and obedience to God, suggesting that these practices help train us to resist the our human tendency to choose lesser things over what God offers us and Cathy even points out how we would easily and consistently choose the very thing that will kill us if left to our own understanding and our own desires.

Finally, Cathy discusses various ways people can experience God, such as through worship, nature, and service, noting that these are legitimate pathways to deepen one's faith. She highlights the significance of repentance, not as a means to earn God's forgiveness but as a process of personal growth and sanctification. As we wrapped up you’ll hear Cathy’s passion for people to understand that God actively pursues a relationship with us, and that He’s eager to reveal Himself, driven by His unwavering and holy love for us.

Live Loved and Thrive! @lifeofthrive.com

 

Other Related Podcast topics and/or blogs:
The Trouble With Jesus, Navigating Faith with Constance Hastings: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/10/09/the-trouble-with-jesus-navigating-faith-with-constance-hastings/
Relationship is Simple (Blog - Sherrie): https://alifeofthrive.com/2019/03/11/relationship-is-simple-but-it-will-take-courage/
Micro Moments with God to Grow Relationship Intimacy: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/08/14/micro-moments-with-god-to-grow-relationship-intimacy/

Connect with Cathy - Revelationship:
Revelationship site: revelationship.net
Revelationship on IG: https://www.instagram.com/seekrevelationship/
Revelationship on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seekrevelationship
Revelationship on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seekrevelationship
Free Devotional & Study Guide: https://www.revelationship.net/devotional-and-study-guide-lp
Gracefull Garlands:
Gracefull Garlands on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gracefullgarlands
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gracefullgarlands
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracefullgarlands
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinegarland/
Blog: https://cathy544.wixsite.com/gracefullgarlands (also on Revelationship.net)

Bio:
Cathy Colver Garland, oldest daughter of Dr. Randy Colver, writes Gracefull Musings, a blog providing
women a moment of rest and challenge before those little fingers appear under the bathroom door. A
former Vice-President of a software company, she currently consults with institutions and companies on
marketing, sales, and strategy. She also mentors women in professional, spiritual, and personal
development. Saved and living an “absolutely surrendered” life, her passion is to teach people to hear
God's voice and obey, surrender their lives absolutely, and walk in freedom. She is married to
Mickey and has two children in elementary school.

Since Cathy mentioned her father (Dr. Randy Clover) as being the co-author of the book, here is his Bio:
Ordained in 1982, Dr. Randy Colver is a seasoned Bible teacher who has written numerous Bible
workbooks for class instruction and online studies. Dr. Colver received his ThD from Logos University
and is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Dr. Colver serves as an elder and teacher at the
Coweta Community Church. Dr. Colver and his wife, Kim, have been married for over forty years. They
have six children and fifteen grandchildren, including co-author Cathy Colver Garland. Dr. Colver
believes, “My greatest blessing is to know that all my children are serving God.“

The Trouble with Jesus, Navigating Faith with Constance Hastings

Summary:
*Constance discusses her book, "The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away," which explores controversial topics related to faith and encourages readers to reflect on their beliefs and understanding of Jesus.
*The conversation delves into themes such as understanding God's role in suffering, the transformative power of faith, and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God despite doubts and challenges.
*Constance shares personal anecdotes to illustrate her journey of faith, including experiences that reinforced her belief in God's presence and guidance through difficult times.
*The discussion touches on contemporary issues like the deconstruction of faith and contrasts the world's view of love and tolerance with the unconditional love of God.
*The importance of engaging in respectful conversations about faith with skeptics or doubters is emphasized, with Constance suggesting that her book can serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and spiritual exploration.

Podcast Intro:
My guest, is author, Constance Hastings, who has recently written a book titled "The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away." I think you can tell by the title that we poked around in some pretty weighty specifics on faith, skepticism, and how we make sense of the world. The reason I wanted to have this conversation because suffering will have you contemplating the plan to leave your faith. If you find yourself if a place of skepticism because the pain is too great and you it simply does not match your definition of what a good God would do, take some time to listen to all that Constance has to share.

Constance talks about her personal growth with the Christian faith and she also shared examples of her journey and the moments in her life where she felt God's presence most profoundly.

One story she shared was about a time when she felt abandoned—not just by people, but by God. She described a church retreat where, somehow, she was left behind as everyone else packed up and left the area the group had been visiting. Alone and angry, she journeyed down the rock road and finds herself standing in front of an unusually large stop sign…with the wind whipping through the night air she continues demanding answers from God. And then something remarkable happened: a sense of peace washed over her, and the Holy Spirit reminds her spirit that she is not alone…for me, it’s always that marker of peace in the midst of struggle that reminds us of God’s presence. When she was finally reunited with the group, she knew the experience had changed her. The first-hand experience of not only God attending to her on a dark road, all alone. But feeling His presence evaporated those moments of vulnerability and hard questions and drew her into a deeper intimacy with Christ.

Listening to Constance's stories made me reflect on my own life and those moments when I've felt life's troubles weighing heavily on me. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that we need to have all the answers or we need to be in control of the outcome. But as Constance pointed out, the real beauty is revealed when we let go of the need to control everything and allow ourselves to be open to the possibility of transformation. Her words reminded me that faith isn't about having everything figured out; it's about trusting that in the midst of our struggles, we're never truly alone. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, have the courage to discover who God really is vs who you think He should be—pause, engage the heart of God, and remember that the love and answers that you're seeking is already available, He’s just waiting for you to notice and lean in to His great love for you.

Live loved and thrive! @alifeofthrive.com

Related Podcast Topics on having hope and growing faith when you want to give up:
Here’s How Psalm 23 Showed Me God’s Faithfulness w/Sherrie Pilkington: https://alifeofthrive.com/2022/08/17/heres-how-psalm-23-showed-me-gods-faithfulness/

Finding Hope in the Ashes w/Lea Turner: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/09/25/finding-hope-in-the-ashes-with-lea-turner/

Blog Post - Life Verse: https://alifeofthrive.com/2021/09/07/life-verse/

 

Connect with Constance:
Link to purchase the book: The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away
https://amazon.com/author/constancehastings
Substack: https://jesustrouble.substack.com
Blog: https://constancehastings.com The Trouble with Jesus blog
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/constance-hastings-0969a7136
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/@cm_hastings
Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheTroublewithJesus

Bio:
I did not intend to write a book about Jesus. I did not believe I would ever join any church. I never thought I would be involved in formal church ministry as ordained clergy. My life should have been my own, teaching the literature I loved and having a life to enjoy my simple hobbies and family. But the Trouble with Jesus is God does not let us walk away, but instead pursues us until we find ourselves found. I was very good arguing with God, wanting my own direction and expecting it to be blessed. Didn't happen. With gentle nudges and a Holy Spirit grab around the throat, God has taken me through a life-journey to places and people I would have never known except by God's plan. Not the path I ever wanted, but the one I was given. Thank God.

Constance Hastings brings an outsider’s perspective to what insiders know about the story of Jesus. Raised by non-religious parents, educated in a Christian school; lover of great literature, teacher of the disadvantaged; ordained in a mainline denomination, mental health counselor outside the church; she aims to make connections speaking in new places the old voices of meaning. With an edgy voice recognized by those caught in an existential dilemma, for those who have never or not been in church for a long time, for those who used to think they knew him, Constance Hastings confronts your concept of one of the most controversial figures whoever existed and the trouble Jesus means.

Finding Hope in the Ashes with Lea Turner

Summary:

• Personal Experience and Faith: Leah shares her personal journey through multiple hardships, including the loss of her house, her son's addiction, and her mother's cancer. She emphasizes how these experiences have deepened her intimacy with God and strengthened her faith.
• Permission to Feel and Wrestle with God: The discussion touches on the importance of embracing emotions and being transparent with God. Leah explains that acknowledging and wrestling with feelings of grief and suffering can lead to experiencing God's peace and presence more profoundly.
• Community and Support: Leah highlights the significance of community support during times of grief. She shares examples from her own life where friends and community members provided crucial support, reinforcing the idea that healing often involves others helping to "unravel our grave clothes."
• Message of Hope and Redemption**: Throughout the conversation, Leah and Speaker 1 underscore the message of hope in Christ. They stress that while grief and suffering are inevitable, turning towards God and trusting in His plan of redemption can lead to healing and transformation.

Podcast Intro:
My guest is Lea Turner, a wife, a mom to 5 children, she’s an author and a grief coach. When you hear just a little bit of her story today, you’ll see how much experience she’s had in the area of grief and it will explain why she’s the perfect one to come alongside grieving hearts and help them navigate the seasons of life when we live with loss and uncertainty.

A quick overview of her grief journeys (with an S - plural)…within a very short time period of 3 years it included death, cancer, a house fire where she and her family lost absolutely everything include the family dog), her son battling addiction, shattered dreams, heart surgery…and just recently her mom’s cancer journey has shifted and is adding yet more uncertainty for the days ahead.

Our conversation focuses on Lea's book, The Freedom to Feel: Finding God in Grief and Trauma, Her book goes into greater depth with regard to what we discussed plus additional topics that we didn’t have time to discuss.

I really picked around in Lea’s pain and she was gracious enough to answer every question. She explains how her relationship with God has evolved through each season of loss, emphasizing the importance of building a foundation with God to weather difficult times. She shares a story about a pastor's advice that spending time with God is preparation for future hardships.

Lea highlights the importance of embracing feelings of grief and suffering rather than running from them and she explains that acknowledging and feeling pain allows the Holy Spirit to provide comfort, contrasting this with numbing behaviors like alcohol or excessive activities. She also discusses the importance of not becoming a victim of grief, suggesting that continually dwelling on hard stories can trap a person in their suffering. Instead, she recommends balancing necessary daily responsibilities with the need to process emotions and seek God's guidance.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did as we discussed the hope and transformation that comes from a relationship with God. All that she shared is very encouraging but I especially loved the reminder when she said that as believers we lament, meaning we grieve with hope.

I’d say that Leah's over all message and I whole heartedly agree with it….is the importance of continually turning towards God. Even in the midst of grief and heartache we can count on God's character and presence to remain constant through every crashing wave of any storm we endure.

Let’s listen in for encouragement and a reminder that God has a plan of redemption for every form of suffering they endure.

Live Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com

Podcasts Related to this Topic:
Widows, Grief and Finding Hope with Anne-Marie Lockmyer: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/02/14/widows-grief-and-finding-hope-with-anne-marie-lockmyer/

Life and Hope After an Accidental Death, with Jennifer Eikenhorst: https://alifeofthrive.com/2023/07/18/life-and-hope-after-an-accidental-death-with-jennifer-eikenhorst/

Hope Deferred with Lainie Stubblefield - Marriage and Children - https://alifeofthrive.com/2022/10/26/hope-deferred/

 

Connect with Lea:
Website: leaturner.com
IG: @leagjturner
FB: facebook.com/aheartatrest
Newest book: The Freedom to Feel: Finding God in Grief and Trauma
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Feel-Finding-Midst-Trauma/dp/B0D2PGK11T/ref=monarch_sidesheet

 

Bio: 
Lea Turner is a heartfelt, empathetic writer and speaker who longs to meet and encourage us in our pain. Joyfully broken through three years of her family struggling with trauma and loss, including death, cancer, losing everything to a house fire, drug addiction, loss of a dream, and heart surgery has made her a reluctant expert on grief. Lea is a soulful listener and wisdom seeker, passionate about walking with grieving people through trauma, pain, and loss. She lives in Mississippi with her husband and five kids making her a northern girl stuck in a southern world.