Bold Mercies Podcast

A few weeks ago I posted an honest caption about my personal prayer journey through disillusionment.  I had a friend comment and then send me a thoughtful DM. After a short conversation, I invited her to come talk with me about prayer. What follows is our honest, vulnerable, and hopeful conversation about prayer and it’s place in our lives.

For many the Bible can feel daunting. It’s hard to know where to begin, and what in the world do we do with passages that are confusing, and perhaps even a bit shocking? Well my guest today is going to share a bit of her testimony about how she began studying God’s Word, what she would do if opening the Bible for the first time, and how she studies the Psalms. She has a wonderful Bible Study on the entire book of Psalms available on Amazon. You can find out more about it HERE. 

With Easter just behind us, I have been lost in the lingering echoes of Holy Week. While reading the Bible demands we place ourselves in the context of the narrative, the echoes of the text allow us to extrapolate the Biblical stories into our current life. Then these echoes act as a bridge, bringing the stories of the past to lessons for our present.

Join us to listen to my most recent blog post about Peter’s bold alignment with His Suffering Savior.

I’m so happy to welcome up-and-coming author, Emily Schuch, to the podcast today! Emily’s new book, Majoring in Motherhood, A Crash Course in Gospel Truth for the Hardest, Messiest, Most Glorious Job in the World, will be available around Mother’s Day. 

I have read the book, and it is such a delight. You will love her, love the encouragement she brings to Moms of young children, and feel right at home in her warmth. 

Since ya’ll know I love studying the Word of God, I especially loved how Emily talked about her thoughts around her quiet times with Jesus. It will offer Moms so much grace! So listen through to the end for that nugget of grace!

Eloisa Rice is my amazing guest on the podcast today! Eloisa is originally from the Philippines–born and raised. Now she’s a wife and a mom of 3 who has a penchant for theology.

She is part of a team that teaches a 9-month long Inductive Study of the New Testament books, while also been the chairperson of 2 women’s conferences geared towards fostering deep knowledge and love for God through the Bible. The Lord has called Eloisa to help disciple women towards true spirituality and perseverance in holiness in the midst of our darkened social and cultural landscape.

Other than that, she’s just “your regular spicy Filipina who loves karaoke and pingpong.”

We are glad you are here! Join us!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Mark Comer’s book, “Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.”

Jen Wilkin’s book, “Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both our Hearts and our Minds.”

Almost 2 years ago Barb Achoa was diagnosed with a kidney disease, which required dialysis 3 days a week. After that, her life drastically altered. But her trust in God remained the same. And God saw her through!

Do you remember the children’s song, Trust and Obey?

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way,
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

The trust of Barb is exemplary of what Jesus spoke of when He said, “Unless you turn and become like children you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

You can tell by the beautiful energy in my guest’s voice today that she loves God’s Word! She loves studying the Word, digging deep into the context and meaning, and teaching all that she has learned. My hope is that from this episode you will learn something new about Jesus, but more importantly that you will catch the passion for God’s Word that Kristina contagiously carries.

We are glad you are here with us today! Join us!

Resources:

Signup to receive God, Show me Your Glory Bible Study, a monthly Bible Study exploring the character of God so we can build courageous trust:
https://mailchi.mp/126d573dc121/god-show-us-your-glory

Learn more from Kristina Wise at www.kristinareneexo.com

If you have ever had questions about some of the sticky Biblical passages related to women and the church, such as the teachings on women and head coverings, or a women exercising authority, then today’s episode is for you! Dr. Cynthia Hester has a Doctor of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary and did her dissertation on women in the church – so today she is our resident pro!

Of course we can’t cover all the things in one episode, but I do love how Cynthia offers us a broad theology on women that will hopefully show you your vital place in the body of Christ. We also do a deeper dive into I Corinthians 7 and 1 Timothy 2.

We are glad you are here! Join us!

Find out more about Dr. Hester here:
https://cynthiahester.com/about-theology-of-women/

As a night time ER Social Worker, Amee is able to bright hope and comfort and peace to families when they hit rock bottom. Believe me, Satan is trying to wreak havoc, and then Amee appears and pierces the darkness with light. We chat about her work, both the good and the ugly, how she maintains soul care that sticks, some of her favorite Bible verses, and she wraps up with a great word for parents. We are so glad you are here. Join us!

Resources:

Sign up to receive Heather’s free monthly Bible Study, God, Show Us Your Glory

Spotify link for the album, All My Questions, by Bethany Barnard

Follow therapist Chrissy Powers on Instagram

For those of us struggling with our body image, or aging, or a mother to girls, or if you are a teenager…hello, all women in American…I have a very special podcast episode just for you!

Amanda says something at the end of the podcast that really stood out to me! She said, “We don’t need a crutch, we need a cornerstone.” We don’t need a new diet, or botox, or a better filter, or lotion, or surgery. You are completely complete in who God created you to be.

So go on out and shine forth your light, and do it with in the frailty of your own body. After all, His power shines brightest in our weakness.

Click here to find out more from Amanda and her ministry to women: https://substack.com/@amandafromtx

If you are like me and walking through a hard season of life, I want to invite you to join me over the next 5 months as we explore 5 characteristics of God: Love, Faithful, Merciful, Holy, and Eternal. Once a month you will receive an email from me with a printable short Bible Study, memory cards, Bible verse meditations, and  a song list.

Please subscribe HERE! I look forward to you joining us!

Or visit Heather J Jonsson

At 21 weeks of pregnancy, Kathleen’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes and her water broke. After 5 weeks on bedrest in the Hospital she gave birth. As you can imagine, Kathleen’s baby girl spent months in the NICU as Kathleen and her husband fervently prayed over their baby and loved her as best as they could.

Kathleen’s story is not a simple story, and honestly, it is still developing. But it is a story of honest faith, raw vulnerability and deepening trust in God.

To read more on her substack, please visit: https://thereformedgadfly.substack.com/?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=33qzlt

If you are someone who is rebuilding your trust in God after everything fell apart, I would love for you to join me as we paddle back upstream and explore the vast ocean depths of the God we love and serve. For the next 5 months we will explore 5 characteristics of God. Once a month you will receive an email from me with a printable short Bible Study, memory cards, Bible verse meditations, and  a song list.

Please subscribe HERE! I look forward to you joining us!

Steph Korver continues her story today with a painful and traumatic journey through abuse, suicidal ideations addiction and depression. But God! I’m so glad you are here to hear her story. If God can do it for her, then He can do it for you!

If you have ever felt unloved, then this interview is for you! This is a fun conversation about the Holy Spirit and Bible passages we love, but most important it a conversation about how knowing the love of God changes everything. Steph is living testament that you can go from feeling unloved to being fully and completely known and loved by your heavenly Father!

One thing I have treasured most in my life is the dear women who have discipled and mentored me. At time they have literally changed the trajectory of my life! Titus 2 speaks of this kind of discipleship, and from experience I can tell you it’s impact is powerful! Today I have another mentorship moment. This is just a 30 minute mentorship moment, but I hope it is also an encouragement to seek out discipleship relationships, but from women older than you and given to those younger than you. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, this episode is for you! Kelli Forsyth is  a wok-life balance coach, specifically helping working moms control the chaos and fully enjoy motherhood! You will love this interview!

To find out more about Kellie’s coaching, head over to Kellie Forsyth Coaching. You can also find her on Instagram where she frequently gives some of her favorite tips to cultivate work-life balance and conquer burnout.  Follow Kellie Here

Today’s guest shares with us the power of inviting the crucified Jesus in all our pain. His presence is real and true and faithful. Today’s story is an expression of this bountiful mercy in our lives.

I’m excited to have Tracy on the podcast today! By the grace of God, and the help of a family and friends, Tracy broke free from her eating disorder and learned to root her authentic identity in Jesus. If you would like to receive a 5-day “You are Seen” Bible Study, please visit https://tracyharperwrites.com/freebies

Lisa Reyes is my guest today! Lisa lived through years of her spouse’s deception and his gambling addiction. How did she make it through? By clinging to the presence of God. Specifically, God gave her several visions that gave her strength and hope in the midst of horrible suffering. Thank you for being here! Join us!

If you enjoyed this episode you might also like to read more about walking with Jesus through suffering. Read more HERE.: https://heatherjjonsson.com/the-best-is-yet-to-come-or-is-it/

Also, if you want to begin your own personal Bible Study time but aren’t sure where to begin, I would love to send you a 5 day jump start your time with God devotional! Click HERE to receive it to your email. 

The Greek word, “shield” is from the root word meaning “door or gate.” This kind of shield was a large shield, usually oval in shape and covered the majority of the soldier’s body. And just like the Roman soldiers had this shield for protection, you and I have a shield also and that shield is our faith. Our faith is the doorway between getting burned by Satan’s attacks and being protected from Satan’s attacks.   

Ephesians 5 begins with the command to “Be imitators of God as beloved children.” Paul then goes on to detail three ways we can walk out the imitation of God: in love, light and wisdom. Join us today as we get a birds eye view of how Paul develops the themes of love, light and wisdom.

Three times in Ephesians 4 Paul uses the verb “build up” to detail the calling upon all followers of Jesus. What does this look like in 2023 when the American Christian Church is facing division and contradiction. How do we move forward as a body, a unit, a temple, while holding to the truth yet acting in humility, gentleness, patience and love?  This teaching from Ephesians 4 will explore these questions.

We are going to focus today’s teaching on the prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21, which serves as the grand finale to Ephesians 1-3. In summary, God, rich in glory, imprinted you with power to strengthen you for His calling. He is all more than you need for this roller coaster called life. 

Subscribe to the summer 2023 Bible Study HERE.

We were once a corpse floating in the winds and current of our sinful passions, but God, rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, plucked us out of the current and raised us to life. By grace we have been saved!

If you missed it, you can access Week One’s Bible Study HERE! 
To access the rest of the study please subscribe to https://heatherjjonsson.com/

Calling all Mommas! I have a summer bonus episode JUST FOR YOU! Ronna and I chat about all things kids, and talking with my girl Ronna is always like taking a deep restorative breath! I pray this conversation is grace in the midst of chaos!

I’m happy to bring you a special episode as we wrap up Season 4: Mentoring Moments with Ronna Bauman. Ronna has been my beloved mentor for over 20 years, and today I’m lending her to you! You submitted the questions, and she answered the call. Glad you are here! Join us!

Life arrives at our doorstep in unexpected waves of joys, disappointment, happiness and disaster. Such is the case in today’s story with Jennifer. One late night in May of 2022 Jennifer received a phone call that no mother wants to receive. Her son was in a hiking accident and the Doctors did not think he was going to live. Join us as we listen to God’s tender care through the roller coaster ride of caring for her son, Frankie. 

Kylie White had a degenerative eye disease that left her nearly blind. But God prompted her heart to pray for healing, and brought her a group of friends who gathered around her and brought her request to the Father. And He healed her sight! I am so honored to share this story! Join us!

I’m honored to share Cheryl Dudek’s story with you. Cheryl is the Director of Center Operations at her local Pregnancy Care Center, but has held many roles in this center where she has worked for nearly 30 years! Many decades ago, she felt trapped due to an expected pregnancy and made a decision to have an abortion. In this tender story she shares how God spiritually resurrected her soul and redeemed her trauma. Thank you for joining us! 

I’m so happy to share Monica Sullivan’s story with you today. Like me, Monica is a military spouse. She has been married for 19 years and has 4 beautiful children. Today Monica and I have a candid conversations about all the ups and down of military life. It is a fun conversation! Join us!

Tammy Doci is my guest today on the podcast. As a college student, Tammy was among one of the first groups of Christians entering Albania after Communism collapsed. She went with CRU on a summer project and saw many people come to know Jesus. Later, she returned as an international missionary with CRU, where she ministered to college students, took the Jesus Film into Albanian villages, and fell in love with her husband, Bani, who became a Christian through CRU.  Join us!

Fabiola Jara has worked with college students for over 20 years. Her heart full of love and faith shine so brightly in today’s episode. You will be emboldened and encouraged to join God in His mission to share the good news of Jesus’ salvation. Join us!

Carly has 3 children, all with different chronic illnesses. Parenting for her can be lonely and isolating, yet also overflowing with rewards. Today we chat about what she has learned about God, her favorite scriptures, and the tools she uses to maintain strength and perseverance. Join us!

God brings beauty from ashes and redeems the shattered parts of our lives. Rachel is living testament to this. She shares her story of betrayal and abandonment, and the pillars of healing God has used to redeem the brokenness. Join us!

When we feel the Holy Spirit’s nudge, we have a choice. We can either say no, perhaps out of fear, intimidation, or a risk of the unknown, or, we can choose to say yes. And what if our yes leads to a rich harvest of grace and goodness? 7 years ago the Lord nudged Melissa Mitchell to begin ministering to refugees. She said yes, and a beautiful harvest followed. What began as a nudge has opened doors to care for many men, women and children through Walk With Me ministries. We are glad you are here. Join us!

Rachel grew up in a Muslim family in Indonesia. But one evening after dinner a business partner told Rachel about Jesus’ love. Rachel heard Jesus’ promise to always take care of her, and she followed Him. You will love this power-packed testimony. Join us!

Behind every foster child is a hurting, and often traumatized family. Stacy Mcdowell has had 13 foster kids in 4 years, and with each one her heart is focused on caring for the family and the child. Her sacrificial love is an inspiration. I know you will find strength in the week’s story!

We are almost to the end of Season 3! Today we take a pause and look back on the faithfulness of God. We take the moment to look at a few of our favorite clips and words of hope. Then, if you have a few moments, look back on your own year and remember all of God’s faithful goodness in your own life. We are glad you are here! Join us!

When Melinda’s daughter came to her and told her she was having same sex attraction, Melinda said she wishes there was a manual. Well I think this conversation with Melinda is as close to manual as you will get. We talk about the importance of listening, how to deal with Mom guilt, and entrusting our children to God. You will love every word she says. Join us!

Today I have a Mom and daughter duo on the podcast! Beth, and her daughter Jessi, are with us to tell the story of loosing their son and brother to childhood cancer. This story is so full of honest conversation and unbridled hope! I know that you will be encouraged by listening. Join us!

I have the honor to share this tender story from Suzanne Arrison! Suzanne described her younger years as a “lifetime of wondering.” So, as a young woman, Suzanne set out on a journey to find her Birth Mom. She had no idea where this journey would take her, but she prayed often and swung the doors of her heart open to the possibilities of all that might be found in the unknown. 

I was so blessed by this conversation. I know you will be also. Join us!

It’s good to be back after a 3 week Spring Break. I hope this writing encourages you to live in your Belovedness. You are seen and known and oh, so loved!

In a time and slice of history dependent upon virtual connections more than real friendships, we need more stories like this! Faye is a faithful servant of Jesus who spends her time and energy investing in relationships. In particular, women whose suffering is longterm. They are not having a bad day, they are having a hard month, or, a few hard years. As you will hear today, Faye encourages these women in beautiful ways. We are glad you are here!

I want to take a moment to honor Carli Streifel who has spent the last 20 years teaching in public schools, and the last (almost) 3 years teaching through Covid. She is a servant-hearted hero! As Carli began to see the distress of teachers around her, she established a support group in her home. We chat about what led her to start this group, the importance of a Kingdom mindset, and even what to tell our grumpy kiddos when they say, “why do I need to know this? I’ll never use it!!” We are glad you are here! Join us!

In today’s episode Lauren Burleigh shared that “I am convinced of God’s faithfulness to us and His goodness.” How could this be since a few years ago everything fell apart? Join us today as we listen to a followup from Lauren’s first appearance here on Bold Mercies. We are glad that you are here! Join us!

I’m happy to welcome LaCinda Halls to the podcast today! LaCinda shares her story of a discovering God’s deep love after a difficult diagnosis. We chat about unconditional love, image-bearing, and meditating on God’s Word. We are glad you are here! Join us!

I’m excited to share Melinda Patrick’s story with you! After 20 years of marriage her husband left her and her two teenage children. She did all she could to restore her marriage, but eventually God simply asked her to surrender.  3 long years of divorce court brought sweet intimacy with Jesus, and taught Melinda just how deeply she could trust God. Her story has a twist at the end, which I’m not going to give away, but join us to hear how God blessed the end of this story.

I’m honored to share Eileen Lass’ story with you about her journey to freedom from food addiction. In this episode we chat about when she hit rock bottom, what brought her freedom, and God’s merciful goodness through it all! We are glad you are here! Join us!

Amy Loflin tragically lost her mother when she was 21. Thus began a journey to discover the goodness of God in the midst of loss, and the lens through which to view our hard circumstances. In this episode we chat about our views of God, Jesus’ profound love for us, and give help to interpret hard passages of scripture. We are glad you are here. Join us!

For most of her adult life, Kelly has lived with chronic pain from Fibromyalgia. In this episode we chat about how God has shown Himself perfectly faithful and how very real his presence has been through the worst of suffering. Kelly also shares some helpful tips on how to care for friends and family living with chronic illness. 

We are diving into the hard topic today of what to do with church hurt. Hypocrisy is found everywhere in the world, but it is especially discouraging when it is church leadership. Susanna brings so much grace to this conversation, where we talk about the power of prayer, forgiveness, and delight in Jesus. 

Please welcome Carrie Vaugn to the podcast today! Hospitality is often talked about in Christian circles, but in this episode Carrie shows us how to rethink hospitality. She challenges us to prepare our hearts to receive others in simple and practical ways that does not involve cooking a feast. We are glad you are here! Join us. 

I’m so happy to have Carmen Post on the podcast today! Carmen grew up in a horrifically abusive home, but God has turned her hurts into healing waters for others! Carmen lives in Ethiopia with her husband and family. They founded and lead Make Your Mark, a ministry to street children in Addis Ababa. May her story lend you strength! We are glad you are here.

I am excited to welcome Nanette Smith on the podcast today! Nanette and I met about 25 years ago at a summer camp, and it is wonderful to reconnect. Nanette is currently on staff at Gwynette Church, but has also served on college campuses, camps, and locations around the world. This is the first time I have had the honor to share a story of the blessings and pain of singleness. Single women have a vital, unique and dignified role in the Kingdom of God. I honor and applaud these bold women! We are glad you are here. Join us!

Melissa Mulvaney is my guest on Bold Mercies today. Melissa’s voice and laughter rings with joy. It might surprise you to learn she lived through dark times of anxiety, depression and PTSD from a cancer diagnosis. 

But God is always at work even in our darkest days in order to produce in us fruitfulness. 

We are glad you are here. Join us.

I’m honored to share Christina Wilkins story with you! Our conversation centers around depression, and it’s impact on Christina. Jesus and Therapy has helped her navigate these difficult waters. This is a crucial conversation!

I think there are some stories that take a little more courage to share than others. And this is why I am so thankful for Bridget’s willing voice! In this episode I chat with Bridget about her steps to sobriety, the nuts and bolts of re-thinking, and the realization that she is completely accepted in Jesus. We are glad you are here!

I’m excited to have Charlotte Chaney on the podcast today! Charlotte radiates unshakeable faith and hope. But when I asked her what were the building blocks to her strong faith, she said suffering. Actually years of suffering in an emotionally abusive marriage and then a fight against Stage 3 Rectal Cancer.

We all long for a life of ease, so I am just going to say what we all know to be true…Suffering, as much as we dislike it, truly refines us.

I’m super excited to welcome Lexi Peck to the podcast today. We get to chat about her journey with gripping fear, bravery, and the building blocks that moved her from one to the other. She is about to release a Children’s book entitled, “What Do You Say To a Dragon?” 

I’m happy to have Linda Waugh on the podcast today. Linda’s eyes of faith, and dependence on the promises of God are going to encourage you in the midst of any storm you are facing. However, this episode was made with Mom’s of special need kiddos in mind. Linda has a 19 year old son who was diagnosed with autism when he was 2. Linda brings the wisdom of someone who has walked a long journey of faith.

I’m so happy to have Mekdes Haddis on the podcast today. Mekdes was born and raised in Ethiopia until she moved to America when she was 19. We chat about culture shock, deep feelings of loneliness and isolation, the growth of a community, and her vision for global missions. She is wise beyond her years. Thank you for joining us today!

I’m excited to have Chrissy Mayer on the podcast today! If you have ever had a season of waiting, or if God has answered “NO” to any of your prayers, or if you have dealt with infertility, then you are in the right place! As I like to say, stories lend strength. It is our prayer that you walk away stronger in your faith from hearing Chrissy’s story. Thanks for being here. Join us!

I am honored to have Allison Barton on the podcast today! Allison is one of America’s healthcare heroes. Last March, with eyes wide open to the risks and unknowns of Covid, she chose to serve and prayed that God’s strength in her would minister to her patients. We talk about her fears and anxieties, how she battled against these palpable fears, as well as her journey this past year balancing the demands of both working with Covid patients, and being a single mom. Allison’s words are honest, yet hopeful.  

I’m honored to have Keonnie Igwe on the podcast today! Keonnie has written Black History Month curriculum for a variety of groups, from families with small children to adult small groups. Today we are going to chat about the journey that brought her to this place, and the hopes she has for the future. She is also going to offer the American Church a word of hope and gentle rebuke.

You can find Keonnie’s Black History Month Curriculum on her website https://www.keonniejanae.com

I am honored to have Julie McFarlane on the Podcast today! After the loss of her husband and 2 young children in an airplane crash, Julie said, “I have never needed the cross to be painful before.” Can you relate? Her pain was so deep she needed to know Jesus desperately prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, was crucified and rose again. We are so glad you are here! Join us!

I’m so thankful to have Carolyn Young on the podcast today! Carolyn went into delivery at 21 weeks of pregnancy, and her son survived his traumatic entrance into the world. At that point in her life she didn’t envision what a life of trust would mean, but she certainly has a clearer understanding after 19 years caring for her son. We are glad you’re here! Join us!

I’m so excited to have Rachel Greenfield on Bold Mercies today! During a particularly difficult season in her life, a season full of stress and exhaustion and overwhelming parenting, she realized she needed help and needed it soon! Maybe you can relate? Join us today as Rachel shares her journey towards health – mental, physical and spiritual. We are glad you are here!

My guest for this week is Ali Kojak. You will love her! 6 years ago, Ali and her husband Chris made a decision to internationally adopt a child with Down Syndrome. Admittedly, she did not understand the challenges that this journey would hold. But perhaps this was God’s grace so she would walk step-by-step into this adoption and bring Ellis home. And God’s grace has been sufficient! Ali and I chat about sacrificial love, taking care of her own heart and mind, and the beautiful story God wove for her family. Thanks for being here! Join us!

Our first episode of 2021 will be unique to the podcast. Instead of another women’s faith filled story, I am answering questions today from our listeners. I get to chat about my children, technology guidelines, books I love and our family motto. I look forward to sharing a bit more about our family’s story. See you next week for our first interview of 2021!

Beth Schmidt is my guest today on Bold Mercies. Beth and her husband, Jon, have made several profound decisions so that they can live simply and give generously. However, the fallout of these decisions has meant that Beth has had to fight the good fight against comparisons, whether shiny social media pictures or the other moms in the carpool line. But she has also found some surprise blessings along the way. Thanks for being here! 

Beth Runkle is my guest today on the podcast. Beth shares her journey of building Christ-centered expectancy, anticipation and joy into her home during the Advent season. As John Piper says, “If you are excited about Jesus at Christmas, your kids will be also!” And Beth models that so well! So, join us!

My guest on the podcast today is my dear friend, Joy. We trace Joy’s story from her birth in a remote Philippine village, to her present ministry. Throughout her story we undoubtably see what others meant for evil, God turned around for good. Joy loves Jesus, her family, her ministry, and has a clear vision of the tapestry God created which landed her in this place of service. So pull up a chair on her small balcony, and listen to this powerful modern day Joseph story. 

I’m excited to have Freda as my guest on Bold Mercies. We chat about God’s powerful redemption of childhood assaults, as well as how poetry has had a hand in her healing journey. She will read two of her poems on the podcast today, but you can find more of her poetry at Free Things. This young woman is a bright light. I know you will love her as much as I do. Join us!

Karen is going to share about a tragedy and a betrayal. Both happened within 2 months of each other, and both were crushing. Living with co-grief became the new normal. But God’s unrelenting purposes of restoration brought her down the path of healing and new life. Join us!

Patience Leino has suffered tremendous loss over her lifetime. As she says in the episode today, “everything that shouldn’t happen became my normal.” But her heart never wandered from her Savior. Because of Jesus (and years of therapy), Patience has known a depth of healing she did not believe possible this side of heaven.

Today I am joined by Lauren Burleigh. We jump in with both feet as we talk about divorce and grief. But thankfully pain is not the end of her story! We also chat all about what flourishing has looked liked for her over the past year. Join us!

It has been a minute! Bold Mercies is so happy to be back with you all for Season Two. We live in a season of lament, confusion, sorrow and sadness, but our ultimate reality is the glorious goodness of God. Join us this season as we proclaim the excellencies of God!

Karen Springs joins us today on Bold Mercies Podcast. Karen brings us an honest look at adoption, as she has been on a journey from adoption advocate, to sceptic, and back again. She tells the story of her move to Ukraine as a young woman and prayed a dangerous prayer. God turned that prayer into a beautiful outpouring of time and energy well spent. Karen worked with Orphan’s Promise while living in Ukraine, but has spent the last year completing a book, Adoption Through the Rearview Mirror, now available on Amazon. 

Born in 1929, Nina Martin joins us today to talk about her journey through leadership in the Civill Rights movement to watching the Black Lives Matter movement take form. Her words teach us how we can be an ally to our Black brothers and sisters. She also shares some of her sweetest memories and her joy in the faith. Join us for 30 minutes of wisdom. 

As a teenager, Gwen was sexually assaulted by several men. She never thought that girls who grew up in the church, a strong Christian home, and attended a Christian School had this happen to them. Gwen’s story throbs with heartache, yet God always wins. Today we talk about her healing journey both from assault and a battle against cancer.

Beti Asnake is a black female Physician. I make note of this because being black and female have both had a big impact on her educational experience and her work. Currently, Beti is completing a Fellowship in Global Health & Equity, where she helps resource and train anesthesiologist in low income countries. Today we talk about her journey into medicine, her greatest inspiration, and the challenges and joys of her work. 

Rachel Faulkner Brown lost her first husband to an aneurysm and her second husband to an Air Force plane accident, all by the age of 31. Rachel has walked the path of searing loss, but through Jesus has found hope for her today. Now Rachel leads Be Still Ministries, which serves widows in their journey to healing and hope.

Today we are going to talk about the intersection of faith and racism. I am going to share my own story of my first brushes with racism in America. We will also talk about the scriptures I lean into for hope for justice, as well as some helpful action steps. And above all, we will pray. Four women will pray for us as we seek to be women who love mercy, do justly, and walk humbly with our God.

Amanda Cornelius is a Mental Health Counselor. In this Episode, she talks about her path to becoming a Counselor, the overlap of the good news of the gospel and the good work of a Counselor, and the things she finds herself most often repeating to her clients. She even touches on social media, offering us a little known tip for interacting with Instagram. Join us!

Annie Marek-Barta was rescued from her abusive parents when she was 17 years old. She was immediately placed into Foster Care. This foster family became the first safe home she had ever known, but God’s story of rescue and healing was not finished yet. Looking back, Annie shares with faith-filled confidence how God worked in even the smallest details of His redemptive plan in her life. 

Gelila Shewaye is a bold young Ethiopian woman. She responded to God’s call to serve one of the poorest communities in the World by creating sustainable jobs for women living in Kore’, a trash dump community. You will be touched by her passion and her love for some of the poorest among us.

Find out more about her work at https://lilaproducts.com.

My Mom is on the podcast today! She gives you a sneak peak into my childhood, as well as some wisdom from her nearly 48 years of marriage to my Dad. She has also served faithfully alongside my Dad in the church for her entire marriage. My mom is a huge role model for me. I know you will love her!

Janna Montgomery is Mom to 8, all through adoption. As God grew this family, His goodness to them has been abounding and miraculous. Janna’s story shines the spotlight on God’s faithful mercies, which are new every morning.

On April 20, 2019, Jana Marshall’s husband passed from life-to-life, leaving behind Jana and her two children. She shares her story of loss, grief, and the beautiful and miraculous ways God has cared for her through this hard journey. You can read her journal entries preserved on their Caring Bridge site. 

Tiffany Yerxa was stunned at the delivery of a son with Down syndrome, and later finds surprising joy in the way her son, Winston, reflects God’s character.

Gay Brown walks us through the trials of a son who fell into addiction and how the recovery process unexpectedly transformed her whole family.

Jennifer Mock shares her vision and heart for discipling her young children. With the gift of time in the midst of Corona isolation, be encouraged to disciple the hearts of the children in your life.

What do we do when we step out in faith and it falls apart? How do we see God in the loss? Nina Elliot tells how God’s bold mercies help her, and us, keep trust and find new hope.

Liz Peck gives perspective from Tanzania on how to find peace during a pandemic. She  has lived and served as a medical professional and mother for 13 years in the midst of high rates of disease and mortality.

Yalonda Smith talks about surviving the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon to find Jesus and become his minister.

Join me for a powerful testimony from Kim Congdon on facing lung cancer with God’s Bold Mercies.

From West Side Chicago childhood to Principal, U. Penn PhD, and Executive Director, Michelle Edwards talks about giving back to her community and also helping the children of DC find belonging in their city.

Identify in Jesus during personal transitions; and Gabrielle’s work with refugees in the Middle East. 

Jackie Parks talks with us about her journey of bridge-building from Morocco to Trader Joe’s. This interview will move you!

Friends, join us in a conversation about ordinary heroes that foster. I’m joined by a sister, friend, and foster hero, Abby Fennig.

Hi Friends, this episode introduces the podcast Bold Mercies, encouragement and testimonies from ordinary women doing extraordinary things for God’s Kingdom.