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When life as we know it is flipped upside down, we struggle to make sense of it all. Why would a good God allow this to happen? Hi, I’m Sherrie Pilkington, your host of Finding God In Our Pain. In 2018, when I unexpectedly lost my husband of 32 years, questions erupted out of my deepest despair. Since then, I’ve continued to search the heart of God for what He has to say about pain and suffering. In this podcast we’ll discover how God enters into our pain, shepherds us through our darkest valleys, and leads us to green pastures once again. I’ll bring you firsthand stories from women who allow us into their authentic struggles, along with professional advice from experts, counselors, and others who can help us navigate pain. Join me, as we discover God’s answers to the deepest cries of our shattered hearts.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
Lady Kavan - The Murder of Her Husband
Kavan and I had an immediate connection because sadly, she and I know what it is like to lose a spouse. Painful as mine was and can still be, I had the luxury of knowing a massive heart attack was what took my husband from me. I say luxury because in comparison to the way Kavan had to say good-bye to her beloved, I definitely consider it a level of peace and comfort in his departure.
Her husband was murdered in the wee hours of the morning during a home invasion.
Kavan's scream woke her husband. A devoted family man of God and honorable husband ran toward his wife knowing something was terribly wrong. In the struggle a shot rang out and he fell to the floor. But the invasion did not stop there. Kavan was made to leave him laying in the floor as she was separated from him. Others began to wake in the house. Was her newborn still in his crib? What would happen if he wakes and she's not able to get to him?
Kavan felt as though her heart was devastated beyond repair. Healing would surely be on the level of a miracle. But miracles are God's business and He didn't seem to care on the night she lost her husband.
How could her heart heal if she was too busy running away from God? Would God just let her run and hope she'd come back? Did He even care that the grief was too much to process? What did He have to say for Himself by taking one of His most devoted earthly saints? Where was He anyway when evil broke into their house?
Even though Kavan's shattered heart kept her running from God, He kept pursuing her. He'd turn her escape plans into blessings. He sent provision from unlikely people. He expedited the process for her to leave her home town.
As we talked, the most precious thing to me was when she shared about posing a challenge to her followers. She asked them to find something to be thankful for on the worst day of their life. She took that challenge herself and she discovered proof that even though the intruder used his gift of choice to kill, steal and destroy, God was present.
As you listen to Kavan's journey into grief, the struggle through and then her restoration, you'll get to see that we are never alone. Despite what it may feel like or look like, the fact remains God is present at all times and in everything. God's presence isn't to condone the senseless act but to be with us in the reality of this life...He has promised never to leave us. No. Matter. What.
Live Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com
Here are some of the ways you can connect with Lady Kavan:
Check out her website: https://ladykavanwrites.com/
For booking email: ladykavanwrites@gmail.com
Follow Lady Kavan on Instagram @ladykavanwrites; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladykavanwrites/ or on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQIkfRdG6daH5R1oLxv1i-A
Bio: Kavanaugh Dickson-Williams is a Christian Best Selling Author, Speaker and Blogger for “Lady Kavan Writes.” Her writing navigates complex emotions to provide hope and encouragement based on experience and scripture.
Wednesday Mar 31, 2021
Wednesday Mar 31, 2021
Jenna Erlandson - Identity and Special Needs Son
My time with Jenna Erlandson, learning about her sweet family left me feeling immense appreciation for the intimacy with which God knows us. Jeanna is married and has 3 children one of which is special needs.
She and her husband got married knowing infertility was a reality that they would have to face. Then the impossible happened and she gave birth to a precious baby boy, Eli. A few months old and they began to notice some developmental concerns and through their inquiry found out he is special needs.
We talked about the power of surrender and she made a distinction between struggle vs letting go and she referred us to a book by Nancy Guthrie, God Does His Best Work with Empty.
She moved me when she said that the most painful thing for her right now is watching her son realize he's different. And she shared how God is glorified through Eli's life.
Jenna also tackled some tough topics like did she or her husband sin or do something to offend God that Eli would be born with special needs. We tenderly touched on the topic of grieving all that she had envisioned for her first born son.
As she and I talked about the various challenges that an active family faces, the questions she struggles with raising children, grieving what she originally envisioned for her family, I realized she was describing a strong understanding of who she is in Christ through the love that God has for Eli.
There are so few things more beautiful than that! Enjoy this conversation with a precious, humble heart that chooses to be vulnerable to the good God she professes.
Live Loved and Thrive @ alifeofthrive.com
Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/7ad4dd49fc8a4fa19a5be9851f6c9eef/edit_v2
Instagram: @botfpodcast
Facebook either Jenna Erlandson or Botfpodcast
Website: www.botfpodcast.com
Email: jenna@botfpodcast.com
BIO: Jenna Erlandson is the host for the Bridge of the Faithful Podcast. Her passions include diving deeper into understanding what faithfulness looks like in everyday lives as well as finding a rooted security of our identity in Christ. You can usually find her on adventures with her family, experimenting in the kitchen, or nose deep in a book—or three. Hop on to www.botfpodcast.com to hear some of her encouraging episodes. She would also love to hear from you, you can reach her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/botfpodcast or Instagram @botfpodcast.
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Crystal Daye - Finding Wholeness and True Identity
Crystal Daye grew up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Kingston Jamaica. The environment in which we find ourselves can present us with many challenges and Crystal was no exception experiencing many things meant to leave the mark of guilt and shame on her life. Molestation, pregnancy at 16, an abortion, rejection, the death of a beloved friend and an identity crisis. But God came to give us new life, new identity, new love. When she found Christ she found wholeness and restoration but did it prepare her for the devastating loss of her baby sister?
Listen in to see what beautiful revelation God has given her in the midst of deep suffering and real pain. What does it look like for God to prepare a table for Crystal in the presence of her enemy, Satan?
Crystal shares her traumatic story from a place of security, her identity in the One who gave purpose to her pain, healing for her heart and a future she never imagined.
Side note: You will hear Crystal refer to the CSE test. It stands for Caribbean Secondary Education and is a test used in Jamaica to determine further schooling or job prospects.
Live Loved and Thrive @ alifeofthrive.com
Transcript of today's episode: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/99df046e524f44f7be038c87df649756/edit_v2
You can connect with Crystal in any one of these places:
Her Podcast: Diary of a Jesus Girl (her intro music will make you dance) - Here's Soundcloud but you can listen on your favorite podcast format: https://soundcloud.com/crystal-s-daye/intro-the-diary-of-a-jesus
Website: CrystalDaye.com
You can find her books on her website (which may benefit her directly) but for convenience here is a link to Amazon (I receive no monetary gain if you purchase through this link): https://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Daye/e/B077PHFSL2?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000
Bio: Crystal Shachene Daye is a Minister, International Certified Christian Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Award-Winning 2 times Best- Selling Author, Dynamic Entrepreneur, Mother and an all-around Jesus girl. After experiencing the redeeming power of Christ in her life, there was no way she could shut up about that- it’s the core of who she is. It is this power and passion that drives her life and has caused her to have a strong desire to see other women live life on purpose and experience all God has for them.
Wednesday Mar 03, 2021
Wednesday Mar 03, 2021
Alan Crookham - Laying Life and Comforts on the Line for Christ.
In today's conversation with Missionary Alan Crookham we discussed the various aspects of a missionaries life and why they continually choose to put themselves and those whom they love deeply into extreme conditions for the Gospel. The brief time that I had with Alan gave me a new appreciation of what it means to share in the sufferings of Christ.
We had a great conversation on things like what it's like to stare death in the face, that even witch doctors seek the healing power of the Christian God, kidnapping of children to fund militia and terrorist activity, miracles and countless super natural events. I also asked him his thoughts on why no man will have an excuse on the day we all stand before Christ and what he thought God's heart for a missionary might be.
I feel sure you will be as captivated by our conversation as I was. So much so here is a few of the ways you can contact Alan and stay up to date with all he's up to.
Live Loved and Thrive @ alifeofthrive.com
Micro Bio: Alan Crookham is the Executive Director of Found Ministries, missionary, revivalist, conference speaker, husband, father, and above all, friend of Jesus.
Alan hosts his own podcast, Revival Carriers https://blubrry.com/krookham/72307254/37-charles-kruger-loveborn/
Website: https://www.foundministries.org/contact
About: https://www.foundministries.org/our-story
Transcript for today's episode: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/58c58ea3dbae48edb8b3d18ba00b107f/edit_v2
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Wednesday Feb 17, 2021
Suzanne Burns - Crisis Pregnancy
Suzanne Burns is my guest today and she is the Founder and Executive Director of Foundation House Ministries. In our conversation she shares her heart for young women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy with little to no options.
As believers in Christ we know that life begins at conception and that life in the womb is sacred. But let's get real, when your circumstance is less than desirable, if your options are non-existent or you have little to no support, not every pregnancy is perceived as a blessing.
So what does it truly look like to come along side a young woman to offer real time resources and real life answers to real life pain and suffering?
Suzanne's passion comes from the personal experience of her own crisis pregnancy. Knowing the hurdles, challenges and all around red tape, she founded a ministry that meets young women where they are, providing resources, information, assistance etc.
As you listen in I think you'll notice what stands out about Suzanne. It's her heart posture of being humble, nonjudgemental, loving and yet firm. If you're like me you can tell you're not going to get anything over on her and yet she's going to love you with the truth no matter how hard that might be to hear.
Suzanne truly gets the heart of God because she is steadfast in her encouragement and knows the deep value of being trustworthy. She genuinely wants to give each woman a glimpse of the Father's heart and let them know there is never anything we can do that would cause God to give up on us. We can never go too far. He will always pursue us with the hope that we will let Him love us. No. Matter. What.
Listen and discover that Suzanne's heart, hands and feet look very similar to those of the Christ.
Live Loved and Thrive @ alifeofthrive.com
Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/4fb8635c5ed543028ae41b7d546b9f08/edit_v2
Where to connect with Suzanne:
Suzanne@traumainformedchurch.com
On FB and IG: @yourtraumainformedchurch
Suzanne is the host of the Trauma Informed Church Podcast - her topics are on trauma, ministry start-up etc. You can find and listen to this on your preferred app but here is one for a quick connect: https://anchor.fm/trauminformedchurch/episodes/Mini-Series-1--Developing-Your-Ministry-em41fd
BIO: Suzanne Burns is Founder and Executive Director of Foundation House Ministries, a faith-based maternity home and training program for pregnant and parenting women in critical situations. They operate a job-training program, which provides hands-on job experience through the production and sale of natural skin care products. Suzanne has a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Studies from Lee University, Cleveland, TN and is a Certified Family Trauma Professional and serves as a member of the Leadership Council of the National Maternity Housing Coalition. Suzanne regularly speaks regionally and nationally on the multi-faceted topics of chronic trauma, chronic poverty, addiction and the women that Foundation House serves. She provides executive coaching and training on these and other topics through her speaker’s website, at becharitywise.com
Suzanne and her husband, Tim, reside in Cleveland, TN, with their younger son, Ethan. Their older son, Suzanne’s own crisis pregnancy, is a US Marine, serving stateside with his wife.
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
Wednesday Feb 03, 2021
Meredith Sage Kendall - Healing From Her Affair
Is there any hope for us when we find ourselves in the aftermath of a devastating decision? What if you've had an affair ... committed adultery? Very few will have mercy. Whether you hear it verbally or not, your own internal talk will twist and turn your heart, reverberating, "you've made your bed now lie in it."
If you're living with guilt and shame from a decision that you regret, my guest Meredith Sage Kendall will encourage your heart with her story of God's tenderness as she and her husband struggled to recovery from her affair.
Despite less than helpful advice and non-existent recovery assistance they stumbled blindly through the next several years of marriage hurt and not talking about it. But God.
He was always there, present and calling her to Himself. He never stopped pursuing her heart despite her survival skills and a weak identity. He wanted to rewrite all of the hurt for both she and her husband. God wanted Meredith to know Him through relationship skills and a strong identity.
Listen in as Meredith shares how God had a plan of redemption for her. She eventually learned how to let Him heal her and use her pain for more than a painful life lesson. In the midst of living life God revealed His heart for her and continually repurposes her pain as she continues to share all that she's learned about who the God of the Holy Bible is when it comes to guilt and shame.
Live Loved and Thrive @ alifeofthrive.com
Transcript for today's episode: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/9cfd01a2442c495b9d77318c166deca8/edit_v2
Want to connect with Meredith?
Email: meredithsagkendall@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meredithsagekendall
Instagram: @meredithsagekendall https://www.instagram.com/meredithsagekendall/
Podcast - Finding Your Purpose
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-your-purpose/id1433938037?ign-mpt=uo%3D4&mt=2
Bio: Meredith Kendall had the dream life, but God had other plans. He called her away from a successful career to be the Co-Founder of Advancing the Gospel. Up until its closing in 2019, AtG served those who are often forgotten; those Jesus would call “the least of these”. As a nationally recognized sales leader, Meredith learned how to build bridges and make connections with the heart of what people need. She uses that same ability to cut through the tough layer we use to protect ourselves and help people understand the root causes of their struggles and find freedom through Christ.
In January of 2011, Meredith was attacked by a gang member. She would quickly learn that it was a warning to stop offering freedom to those held in bondage of abuse, addiction and negative cycles. That attack made Meredith even more aware of the awesome calling on her life and how serious it is to be on the front lines for Jesus. After a few months of recovery Meredith was back in the jails knowing that her attacker, who was never caught, may one day walk into her class.
Over the last decade Meredith has co-authored with her husband a set of life-recovery curriculum called the 180 Program. Her first work of fiction, My GiGi’s House: Finding Hope, was released October 1st 2019. And currently she is working on Part II.
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Wednesday Jan 20, 2021
Dominique Bennett - Divorce, Single Mom
God's heart for marriage is that it would model the love and devotion that He has you and I as His Bride. Even though divorce is prevalent today, the God of the Holy Bible is still the God who takes a vow very seriously. After all, He has given His daughters a vow to never leave nor forsake us. No. Matter. What.
When faced with a divorce the uncertainty can spin questions through your mind and heart. Will God be mad if I abandon my vow? Will He turn His back on me? Will He love me? Will I be worthy of anything good in my future?
From no fault of her own my guest Dominique Bennett had to face the reality of divorce. She questioned how God would take care her and her five sons. Fear and anxiety threatened to overtake her.
Can we trust God when uncertainty and failure want to submerge your mind and heart? Listen to what Dominique discovered about God's heart for a divorced woman.
Live Loved and Thrive @ alifeofthrive.com
Transcript for today's episode: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/afa02c520ae745309a7d14d72889ddec/edit_v2
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Wednesday Jan 06, 2021
Amy Heilman - Identity
Identity is everything! How you see yourself will determine what you accomplish and obtain in life. Be it a job/raise/promotion, relationship/love/friendship, health/wealth/freedom, body image etc. you will pre-qualify yourself for what you think you are worthy of.
When my guest Amy Heilman experienced overwhelm, anxiety and chaos in her mind and heart she made the decision to explore the various triggers that threw her into crisis.
What she discovered is freedom to be who God created her to be. She shares her experience in a free book that you can find on her website: https://www.breathedeepministries.org/soul-stripper-book. She has been known to do a bible study on identity so stay connected with her and her ministry.
Start Chapter 2021 with a strong identity. It will serve you well for many years to come!
Live Loved and Thrive @ alifeofthrive.com
Transcript: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/80cc2ad9d9364aa3a9c4eda5e26b03d2/edit_v2
Bio: Amy Heilman’s specialty is soul care. Her approach is genuine and authentic. Amy is passionate about helping others grow in a vibrant and intimate relationship with our Triune God. She has 30 years experience in different capacities of church ministry. Amy graduated from Bible College at Hope International University (formerly known as Pacific Christian College) in Fullerton, California. She is also a trained Spiritual Director through SDI (Spiritual Direction Institute) and a Chaplain through UCI (United Chaplains International). She moved to Virginia in 1997 and has worked alongside her husband on two successful church planting teams. In 2009, Amy founded Breathe Deep Ministries. Through this ministry she leads contemplative women’s retreats and serves as guest speaker for events. Amy also works with Journey Mates Ministry guiding women in spiritual formations. Amy uses the difficult life experiences she has endured as well as her unique spiritual gifts. She ministers with a compassionate heart full of discernment, grace and mercy. Amy has a deep and abiding love for the Word of God and a steadfast desire to see others live in the fullness of who God created them to be as sons and daughters of the King.