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Explore every episode of the podcast God Hears Her Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for God Hears Her Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
194. A Spiritual Crisis: Part 2 (with Melissa Harrison)23 Jun 202500:28:15

Guest Bio: Storytelling is Melissa Harrison’s passion. She has been a TV news anchor and reporter for more than 20 years at television and radio stations around the country including at WNBC-TV in New York City, WFAA-TV, and CBS Radio in Dallas. While she is most passionate about telling other people’s stories, she never imagined that she would one day find herself on “the other side” of the headline until she received a phone call that changed her life forever. Melissa was 25 years old and hosting a dinner party when a detective called to tell her that her mom had been murdered. To make matters worse, she discovered that the crime was committed by someone she knew and loved dearly. In an instant, her world changed forever. After experiencing what it was like to have her personal life and deepest pain portrayed in the media, she is writing a book about her story in the hopes that it will encourage anyone who is experiencing pain and loss to know that they can make it through—and to serve as a reminder for journalists of the great privilege and responsibility they have when reporting on other people’s stories of tragedy and pain. She now uses her storytelling and leadership skills to connect people and resources to organizations that empower journalists and business leaders to make a positive impact on the world. One of her greatest passions is connecting and supporting women leaders by creating community and space for them to be fully seen and known. Through women’s events, executive cohorts, retreats, and conferences, she helps women leaders experience healing and renewed purpose through the transforming power of community. 

 

Show Summary: When was a time in your life where you felt distant from God? How did He bring you back to Him? Last week, we learned about a tragic event that happened in Melissa Harrison’s life. The tragedy caused her to doubt God’s presence as she felt like He wasn’t there for her and her mother. This week, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy Adkins are back to learn about how God pursued Melissa to bring her back into a relationship with Him. Learn about how Melissa overcame her spiritual crisis with God in this conclusion for season 14 of God Hears Her.  

 

Notes and Quotes:  

“The thread of His presence [is present] even when we feel like He’s not there.” —Melissa Harrison 

“The Lord sees me. He has been with me all the days of my life. He knows.” —Melissa Harrison 

“We’ve got to stop pretending like we have it all together in this Christian community. We’ve got to be honest when we’re struggling and be able to do so in a safe way, but also in a way that we can really receive the help we need.” —Melissa Harrison  

“Who are you, not compared to one another? What is weakening or polluting what God has designed you to be? What’s in your life that doesn’t belong: is it a habit, a mindset, a relationship?” —Melissa Harrison 

“The biggest thing is just to know that you’re not alone. God sees you. None of your tears are lost. He is holding you right now—even if this is a time of frustration or if you’re feeling forgotten or overlooked, or just questioning: where is God in this moment?” —Melissa Harrison 

“Know that this is not the end of your story. It feels like it sometimes, and it can be terrifying to think that it may not get better or that there’s not going to be a new beginning or a way out, but this is not the end of your story. God is going to be able to use all that you’re going through.” —Melissa Harrison 

“God’s going to be able to use your story to really help someone else. Not only is it going to be redeemed for you, but you’re going to be a light for other people. On the other side is going to be a faith that is very rich, that you’re not going to want to give up.” —Melissa Harrison 

 

Verses:  

Romans 8:28 

 

Related Episodes: 

  • Melissa Harrison 

 

Links:  

193. A Spiritual Crisis: Part 1 (with Melissa Harrison)16 Jun 202500:24:03

Guest Bio: Storytelling is Melissa Harrison’s passion. She has been a TV news anchor and reporter for over 20 years at television and radio stations around the country, including WNBC-TV in New York City, WFAA-TV, and CBS Radio in Dallas. While she is most passionate about telling other people’s stories, she never imagined that she would one day find herself on “the other side” of the headline until she received a shocking phone call. Melissa was 25 years old and hosting a dinner party when a detective called to tell her that her mom had been murdered. To make matters worse, she discovered that the crime had been committed by someone she knew and loved dearly. In an instant, her world changed forever. After experiencing what it was like to have her personal life and deepest hurt portrayed in the media, she is writing a book about her story in the hopes that it will encourage anyone who is experiencing pain and loss to know that they can make it through—and that it will serve as a reminder for journalists of the great privilege and responsibility they have reporting on other people’s stories of tragedy and pain. She now uses her storytelling and leadership skills to connect people and resources to organizations that empower journalists and business leaders to make a positive impact on the world. One of her greatest passions is connecting and supporting women leaders by creating community and space for them to be fully seen and known. Through women’s events, executive cohorts, retreats, and conferences, she helps women in leadership experience healing and renewed purpose through the transforming power of community. 

 

Show Summary: Have you ever received a phone call that forever altered the course of your life? Melissa Harrison was beginning her career as a journalist when she got a call that her mother had been murdered. In an instant, everything changed. Melissa withdrew from her faith and poured herself into her career. Join hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy Adkins as they visit this time in Melissa’s life and walk through the earth-shattering news. You don’t want to miss part one of this God Hears Her conversation. 

 

Notes and Quotes:  

“When there was suffering, horrific suffering in my story, that was when I really started to question God’s goodness. Is He really omnipresent, and if so, where was He? How do I trust Him?” —Melissa Harrison 

“There were a lot of questions that I was very scared to ask. I didn’t really know how to process an anger with God or to process my questions to God. Am I allowed to question God? Is it okay to do so?" —Melissa Harrison 

“You love somebody so much and you wish you could save them from themselves and the mistakes that they’ve made.” —Melissa Harrison 

 

Verses:  

Jeremiah 29:11 

Romans 8:28 

   

 

Links:  

184. Waiting for Easter (with Jessica Herberger)14 Apr 202500:31:01

Guest Bio: Jessica Herberger is a writer and Bible teacher who delights in connecting faith, history, and human flourishing. She is the author of Peace in the Dark, Life Surrendered, and Break Bread Together. Through her writing and speaking, Jessica encourages others to pursue a deeply formed spiritual life, grow in community, and love others well. Jessica and her husband, Josh, live in upstate New York with their three kids, where she can be found surrounded by books and music with her pup Winston always at her feet. 

 

Show Summary: When you read the gospels, how often do you stop to think about the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday? Holy Saturday, that often-overlooked day in between, was a day of silence as the disciples and followers of Jesus mourned His death. It was a day of deep grief and painful lament. Jessica Herberger has been in her own Holy Saturdays ever since the death of her mother. Her grief led her to honor Holy Saturday, and she is passionate about teaching people ways that they too can mark the day in between. Join hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy Adkins, as they learn about Holy Saturday and the ways we can honor it with guest, Jessica Herberger, during this God Hears Her conversation.  

 

Notes and Quotes:  

  • “Holy Saturday is that time chronologically between the end of Good Friday and the beginning of Easter Sunday.” —Jessica Herberger   

  • “I believe that there is not one single thing that happened between those days was accidental. I believe that every single thing that happened was God’s kindness and showing His church how to live, and that has to include this 24-hour period of where it feels like nothing is happening.” —Jessica Herberger   

  • “[Holy Saturday] makes [the hope of Easter] Sunday all the more richer when we realize that there was this dark, unknown period too. We’re called to hold both.” —Jessica Herberger   

  • “At its core, lament is relational. It is a means of demonstrating your personal relationship with a God who hears you, who wants to hear you cry about because you know where to go to cry out.” —Jessica Herberger   

  • “As we know who Jesus is, we can then remember His character. Knowing God’s character is really one of the most essential things someone can do to maintain a spiritually healthy life, because it is the filter that we must put everything.” —Jessica Herberger   

 

Verses:  

 

Links:  

EP. 95: God's Good Plans (with Teresa Swanstrom Anderson)08 Aug 202200:35:27

How do we follow God’s will for our lives? Some of us have dreams and goals that end up changing over time, or are completely changed by a God who then provides in unknown ways. Finding peace in these moments is hard! Teresa Swanstrom Anderson had a plan for her life when God stepped in and completely altered it! On this episode of God Hears Her, Teresa shares with hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eyn Eddy, how she embraced the unknown and the unexpected good plans of God.

 

About Our Guest:

An unlikely mom of six children (two biological and four from Ethiopia), Teresa is a community builder, party and beauty lover, author, speaker, and huge “Bible nerd.” Obsessed with helping overwhelmed women learn to slow down with Scripture, Teresa teaches how to say yes to God, lead wherever you are, and create a life you love. She currently has four books published, including three best-selling Bible studies (three more are set to release in the next several years).

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • Just because you’re passionate about something, doesn’t mean that’s your calling. –Teresa 
  • There has to be a time of preparation in our lives. How scary would it be to walk into our calling unprepared? –Teresa
  • Sometimes we have to do the hard work in order to accomplish what God is calling us to. –Teresa 
  • Sometimes what God has in mind for us doesn’t make sense [to us]. –Elisa 
  • The enemy wants us to think that we missed God and His plan. –Eryn 
  • If you make time with God, He will make time for you to do everything else. –Teresa

 

Links: 

 

EP. 94: Q&A with Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy01 Aug 202200:36:50

Listen as God Hears Her Podcast hosts Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan answer your questions! We’re beginning Season 6 with a special episode moderated by God Hears Her producer Jade Gustafson. From life lessons to friendship advice, join the well-rounded conversation with different perspectives from a range of ages. 

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • Talking with other women who are rooted in faith, and holding tight to a routine helps me get through the seasons of life. – Eryn 
  • Peace is a person, and His name is Jesus. – Elisa 
  • We have overexpectations for someone or a group of people to be our best friend who goes through life with us forever. – Elisa
  • A body is a container that carries God’s Holy Spirit, no matter what your body looks like. – Elisa
  • Grieve the expectations you had and didn’t receive, but then be grateful for the things you do have. – Eryn
  • God speaks to each one of His children in a different way. – Eryn
  • Our identity will always be in Christ, but how that works and looks changes as we get older and go through different seasons. – Elisa 

 

Verses: 

  • “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28
  • “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33

 

Links: 

EP. 93: Supporting Fathers (with Dr. Meg Meeker)13 Jun 202200:47:16

In today’s culture, fathers get a bad wrap. Either they don’t show up for their kids at all, or if they do, they are heavily criticized. On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy talk to Dr. Meg Meeker about the significant role a father plays in our lives. Discover the qualities of a godly father, how to encourage the men in your life to be a strong father, and how to heal from a broken relationship with your own father.

 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatric doctor and the founder of Parenting Great Kids. She is also the author of multiple books, including bestseller Strong Fathers Strong Daughters. She currently lives and works in Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, Walter.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “Assume your husband feels a little intimidated by your daughter.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “Fathers bring something to the home that mothers don’t.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “A mother’s love feels nonnegotiable, but a father’s love feels negotiable.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “Single mothers try to play the role of mom and dad, but they should focus on just being the best mom.” —Dr. Meg Meeker  
  • “God can fill any hole we have in our heart.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “Never talk poorly about your husband to your children.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “Dads, your child wants you. A dad doesn’t need a child, but a child needs a dad.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “The truth is we’re all grieving (men and women), because all of our fathers messed up in some way, and that’s why we need Jesus.” —Dr. Meg Meeker
  • “We all need perfect love, protection, and peace.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 

 

Verses: 

 

Links: 

EP. 92: Called to Care (with Jennie Clevenger)23 May 202200:38:33

When you were a kid, how did you feel about your hometown? Did you stay in the same area? Or move around to different places? Growing up involved a lot of transitions and questions of identity for missionary kid Jennie Clevenger. Join Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy in a conversation with Jennie Clevenger as she shares about her past and how it has shaped her life now on this episode of God Hears Her.

 

About Our Guest:

Jennie Clevenger grew up in Guyana, South America as a missionary kid and is still involved in ministry there to this day. She currently works as a RN at a COVID-19 testing and vaccination center. Jennie’s hope is that her efforts there with her wonderful coworkers will encourage and support the community in any way possible. She is passionate about listening to —and sometimes even butting into—any discussion involving women in the church! She feels a sense of urgency to learn more, read more, and discuss more about the importance of lifting women up in their homes, communities, and the life of the church. She has been married to her husband, Ryan, for thirteen years and they have four beautiful girls. The three oldest are adopted from Guyana.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • When our souls get seared that carries with us. —Elisa Morgan
  • Adoption is not about saving the world, it’s about being a parent to a child who doesn’t have a parent to love them. —Jennie Clevenger
  • I am called to care for people. —Jennie Clevenger
  • You are in this world, not of it. —Jennie Clevenger
  • God gives us the gift of community. —Jennie Clevenger
  • It is strength to acknowledge you are struggling. —Jennie Clevenger

 

Verses: 

Links: 

EP. 91: Understanding Your Brain and Pain (with Dr. Jerome D. Lubbe)16 May 202200:37:07

Imagine if you dealt with a debilitating migraine every day of your life and doctors didn’t have the right answers to help you heal. What would you do? How would you cope? Dr. Jerome Lubbe experienced this firsthand before becoming a functional neurologist and working to improve people’s well-being. The brain is a complex system, and sometimes the answers to our suffering aren’t easy to come by. On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy talk to Dr. Jerome Lubbe about the brain and the pain a lot of us face.

 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Jerome is a functional neurologist who knows that healing is possible, even when it feels impossible, because of the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and create new connections. He specializes in complex and unresolved neurological cases because he knows what it’s like to have an undiagnosed issue as he suffered from migraines without any answers for years! His practice also explores how functional neurology, neuroplasticity, and tools like the Enneagram can improve our well-being. Dr. Jerome created and released the first-ever neuroscience based model of the Enneagram in his book, The Brain-Based Enneagram.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • Is your pain more like Job’s, Paul’s, or Jesus’? —Dr. Jerome Lubbe
  • Sometimes you have to ask yourself if your pain is something you have to die to. —Dr. Jerome Lubbe
  • My body was made by a Creator who knows more than me. —Dr. Jerome Lubbe
  • Sometimes we think silence is God’s absence. —Dr. Jerome Lubbe
  • There is nothing more significant on earth than a deep breath. —Dr. Jerome Lubbe

 

Verses: 

 

Links: 

EP. 90: Losing a Pet09 May 202200:28:16

When you were growing up, did you have a childhood pet you adored? As an adult, have you faced the loss of pets throughout your life? No matter how old you get, losing a pet is always hard. Join Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy as they talk about their experiences with pets they have loved and have lost on this episode of God Hears Her. 

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • When your pet can’t do two of the three of their favorite things, you need to take notice of that. —Elisa
  • Do our pets connect us with our Creator? —Elisa
  • Pets witness our growth and change. —Eryn
  • When we prioritize avoiding pain, we pay a deep price. —Elisa’s friend Dorothy Littell Greco (taken from Dorothy’s blog)
  • It’s vulnerable to get attached to something you know will pass before you. —Eryn
  • God hears even your smallest prayers. —Eryn
  • Take the hole you feel in your heart as an opportunity to fast from it, and depend on God to fulfill it. —Elisa

 

Links: 

EP. 89: Parenting in a Toxic Culture (with Dr. Meg Meeker)02 May 202200:37:02

Parenting is hard, especially in our culture today where kids can learn everything from their smartphones and grow up to believe they don’t need their parents. As a parent, you love your kids deeply. But how do you keep showing your love through the ups and downs of parenting?

On this episode of God Hears Her, Dr. Meg Meeker joins hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy to share practical insights and tips about parenting while sharing her own experiences as a pediatrician and parent.

 

About Our Guest:

Meg Meeker, MD, is a pediatric physician and the founder of Parenting Great Kids, an online community filled with resources for parents and kids. She’s also the author of multiple books that have sold over 700,000 copies! She has spoken on television, podcasts, radio, and  many other speaking engagements. Her goal is to promote physical, emotional, and mental health to all kids. She currently lives and works in Traverse City, Michigan, with her husband, Walter.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “God equips you with everything you need when He puts you in a new, unknown situation.” —Dr. Meg Meeker
  • “Kids want to feel more than just loved, they want to know that you want their company.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “As women we so desperately want to do God’s will, but it’s a lot easier than we think.” —Dr. Meg Meeker
  • “Let your children know you are with them in the tough stuff.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “Kids are anxious and depressed because they are born into a world of screens and isolation.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “Single parents need to remember to take the high road.” —Dr. Meg Meeker
  • “A step parent’s job is not to discipline, it’s to win the child’s trust.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 
  • “Listen more and say less.” —Dr. Meg Meeker
  • “Anxiety and depression are treatable.” —Dr. Meg Meeker 

 

Verses: 

 

Links: 

 

Sensitivity Warning: Includes discussions about child anxiety, sexuality, and severe depression.

EP. 88: Living Devoted to God (with Dr. Alicia Britt Chole)25 Apr 202200:33:03

What comes to mind when you think about “Spiritual Disciplines”? Do you think about taking a Sabbath? Or participating in a fast? On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy talk with Dr. Alicia Britt Chole about how living devoted to God through practicing spiritual disciplines can change your life.

 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Alicia is a speaker, leadership mentor, and award-winning writer who uses realism and hope to focus on less-than-trendy topics like spiritual pain, decrease as a discipline, the leader’s soul, and the potential of anonymous years. She’s been married to her husband for 32 years, and together they have three amazing children all through the miracle of adoption!

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “Pain became a companion rather than a season.” —Dr. Alicia Britt Chole
  • “The gifts God gives us are from the beginning.” —Dr. Alicia Britt Chole 
  • “There is more going on than our eyes can see.” —Dr. Alicia Britt Chole
  • “Fasting is a relational commitment.” —Dr. Alicia Britt Chole 
  • “Fasting is a voluntary abstinence for the love of God.” —Dr. Alicia Britt Chole 
  • “The more we lean [on Jesus] the more we love, and the more we learn.” —Dr. Alicia Britt Chole 
  • “Change is found in the small.” —Dr. Alicia Britt Chole 

 

Verses: 

 

Links: 

 

EP. 87: Deepening Friendships Through Hard Conversations (with KB Newton)18 Apr 202200:42:57

How do you have hard conversations with the people you love? Do you ever feel lost in your friendships because you’re not communicating well or you can’t overcome an issue? On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy talk with Kristen “KB” Newton about how to have the hard conversations that truly deepen friendships.

 

About Our Guest:

Kristen ‘KB’ Newton is the creator and founder of HEART convos, an organization that helps people build authentic relationships through having hard conversations. In addition to authoring #Friendtips Volume 1, a book with insights on how to create valuable connections, KB is a disc jockey for the Indiana Pacers, the Indiana Fever, and the Big Ten Women’s Tournament. She is married to Mike Newton, and they have a four-year-old daughter.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “Heart conversations are necessary in all meaningful relationships. HEART stands for Honest, Elephant-sized, Authentic, Real, and Transparent conversations.” —KB
  • “Disruptions are opportunities.” —KB
  • “I was hiding in plain sight.” —KB
  • “You were made for deep meaningful connection.” —KB
  • “Connection is God’s design.” —KB 
  • “Every relationship is not created equal.” —KB
  • “Intimacy is when you allow someone to see into you.” —KB

 

Verses: 

 

Links: 

EP. 86: When We Pray Like Jesus11 Apr 202200:33:51

When Jesus was on Earth, He made the ultimate sacrifice for humankind. Before He made that sacrifice, He was constantly in prayer with God about what the Lord was willing for His life. How can we pray like Jesus did?

 

On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy share their Scripture-based knowledge and practical ideas about how we can pray like Jesus.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “Do we experience intimacy with God through prayer?” —Elisa
  • Why am I afraid to pray?
  • “Have you ever tried to pray like Jesus?” —Elisa
  • “Sometimes I’m scared to pray. Sometimes I don’t know if I want to know what God wants.” —Elisa
  • “Sometimes I’m scared to pray because I’m scared to find out if God is really who He says He is.” —Eryn
  • “Jesus prayed two prayers in the same sentence.” —Elisa
  • “The prayer of Gethsemane is recorded three times in the gospels.” —Elisa
  • “Sometimes we feel bratty about being honest with God about what we want.” —Elisa
  • “We need to pray like Jesus, with honesty and abandonment.” —Elisa

 

Verses: 

 

Links: 

183. The Unexpected Journey (with Nicole Unice)24 Feb 202500:30:53

Guest Bio: Nicole Unice is a pastor and leadership coach who facilitates safe environments of vulnerability so leaders and teams can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from their maximum potential. As a sought-after speaker, Nicole has a down-to-earth style that allows even the largest gathering to feel conversational. She is the author of several books focused on spiritual transformation and is a featured speaker through RightNow Media and Punchline. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Nicole and her husband, Dave, live in Richmond, Virginia, with their three children and two pups. 

 

Show Summary: When was the last time you read the story of Joseph in Genesis? Have you ever connected to the way things don’t work out for Joseph? Nicole Unice found comfort studying Joseph’s story while she was going through an unexpected season in her own life. Nicole shares with hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy Adkins, how we can observe and learn new things about God through Joseph’s life story. Join this God Hears Her conversation for a deep dive about how God works through our hardest seasons. To prepare for this episode, it may be helpful to read the story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50! 

 

Notes and Quotes:  

  • “Knowing God’s Word isn’t about knowledge, isn’t about facts, isn’t about being the person who always has the right answer—it’s a conduit to experience the love of Christ. It’s what God has given us to experience Him through.” —Nicole Unice 

  • “So much of the reward from our life with Christ is the faithful ‘hanging’ with Him.” —Nicole Unice 

  • “We know that people go through hard seasons. But yet our hard season is completely unexpected to us. We know it’s a part of life until it happens to us.” —Nicole Unice 

  • “In any room that you enter, do you make it better by your presence? Because if Christ is in you, then that love and presence is coming. And God calls that blessed. He says that’s what blessing is. It’s coming to you and through you, and it’s experienced by others. “—Nicole Unice 

  • “Testing is not so that God knows what’s in us. Testing is so we know what’s in us because God already knows.” —Nicole Unice 

 

Verses:  

  • Genesis 37-50 

EP. 85: Taking Care of Your Future Self (with Kathi Lipp)04 Apr 202200:32:18

Are you the type who procrastinates things that need to get done? Do you find yourself living in stress because of the clutter around you? On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy talk with author Kathi Lipp about her home on the mountains, how to clear up your clutter, and how to take care of your future self.

 

About Our Guest:

Kathi Lipp is the author of 20 books and coauthor of An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can’t Get Away. Kathi lives on her mini-homestead with her husband Roger, a dog, cat, and five chickens. She is the host of the Clutter Free Academy podcast, and a national speaker often featured on Woman’s World.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “Thank you, God, how can I help?” —Kathi
  • “Depending on God can lead to a clutter-free life.” —Eryn
  • “There is more safety in the middle of God’s plan than any other place in life.” —Kathi
  • “We don’t get to be a part of each other’s lives, we need to be a part of each other's lives.” —Kathi
  • “When we’re talking about anything that’s supplemental to where God should be, it all comes down to fear, guilt and shame.” —Kathi
  • “Find more delight in the ordinary.” —Kathi
  • “Faith without works is nothing.” —Kathi
  • “The thing you despise most about yourself, God will use for His glory and your good.” —Kathi

 

Verses: 

  • “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” —James 2:14 (NLT)

 

Links: 

EP. 84: How to Live a Tech-Wise Life (Best of 2021 with Amy Crouch)28 Mar 202200:34:39

Have you ever thought about how much time you spend on technology? How often do you pick up your phone throughout the day? Do you find yourself using it as a constant escape? On this “best of” God Hears Her episode, Elisa and Eryn revisit a conversation with Amy Crouch where they talk about being wise with how much time we spend on technology. Listen for some great practical advice from Amy.

 

About Our Guest:

Amy Crouch is the author of My Tech-Wise Life and attends Cornell University studying linguistics, English, and anything else she can fit into her schedule. Her book is a follow-up to her father’s book, The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch, and she describes what it’s like to grow up in a family that takes a disciplined approach to technology as well as offers helpful hints for others. Amy loves to cook, climb mountains, and chat about books.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “We took a sabbath once a week from work, but also screens.”
  • “My parents were always really intentional in saying to me, ‘This is why we have made these shared commitments.’”
  • “Real life has to be difficult. If it is not difficult, it’s not real life.”
  • “Another question to ask ourselves is ‘What am I escaping, and why?’”
  • “Ask yourself, is social media making it harder for you to be content?”
  • “Every time I survive distraction, I am reminded that it doesn’t have power over me.”
  • “Technology is really good at shaping our habits.”
  • Baby steps: Don’t beat yourself up, start and end your days without screens, leave your phone out of the bedroom, find something to take the place of technology.

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 83: Living with Depression (Best of 2021 with Sarah Robinson)21 Mar 202200:50:48

Disclaimer: This conversation is about intrusive thoughts, depression, and suicidal desires, and could be triggering for some listeners. No one in this conversation is a trained counselor, therapist, or medical professional. The show is not intended to offer medical advice. If you or someone you know struggles with anything discussed in this episode, please seek professional medical council and assistance.

 

In this Episode:

How many of us deal with depression, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts but don’t ever talk about it? In places where we should feel safe, we often fear judgment or feel anxiety while trying to diagnose where our thoughts may be coming from. Not to mention the stigma that comes when we begin discussing mental health with others. On this “best of” God Hears Her episode, Eryn and Elisa revisit a conversation with Sarah J. Robinson where they talk about mental health and Sarah’s journey of understanding her own depression.

 

About Our Guest:

Sarah J. Robinson once believed her lifelong battle with depression made her a bad Christian. And yet, through her years of shame, self-harm, and suicide attempts, Sarah learned that God is present in our deepest darkness. Sarah is now an author and speaker who helps others discover that mental illness doesn’t disqualify them from living rich, beautiful lives in Christ. Drawing from a decade of ministry experience and the mental health field, Sarah helps readers fight for wholeness and cultivate joy. She lives in Nashville with her husband.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “I didn’t know my thoughts were not what everyone else was thinking.”
  • “The common misconception is that depression is sadness.”
  • There is a difference between intrusive thoughts and suicidal thoughts/tendencies.
  • “We sort of overlooked passages in Scripture where God walked through suffering with people.”
  • “There is that honeymoon phase of faith where everything is new and awesome, but I quickly learned that I couldn’t just ‘choose joy.’”
  • “Nothing helped because I had an illness that needed to be treated, not a lack of prayer or a lack of faith.”
  • “I remember journaling and thinking, You deserve more than this, God. You are perfect and deserve more than this mess.”
  • “People mean well, but they are ill-informed or ill-equipped.” 
  • “People who really wanted to love me well are the people that said the most hurtful things.”
  • “God choosing to take the long road with me has revealed His kindness and His character in a way I would not trade for anything.”
  • Discovering joy versus choosing joy.
  • “You are worth everything it takes to get better.” 

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

Remember, if you or someone you love is hurting due to suicidal thoughts or tendencies, you can dial the suicide hotline at 800-273-8255 or chat with someone on suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You can also visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for more information.

EP. 82: Jesus, Justice and Women (Best of 2021 with Tiffany Bluhm)14 Mar 202200:40:41

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you felt convicted to stand up for someone being oppressed? Or maybe you’ve felt a strong desire to be an advocate for them but you couldn’t seem to find your voice? On this “best of” God Hears Her episode, we revisit a conversation we had with Tiffany Bluhm as she explores the path of finding our voice when we find ourselves in a place of injustice. She’ll also share her own journey of how she found her place in Jesus, justice, and women.

 

About Our Guest: 

Tiffany Bluhm is the author of She Dreams and Never Alone and their companion Bible studies, as well as her latest book, Prey Tell. She is cohost of the Why Tho podcast and leads an engaged audience of followers online. Tiffany is committed to encouraging people of faith to live with conviction, substance, and grace. As a minority, immigrant woman with an interracial family, Bluhm is passionate about inviting all to the table of faith, equality, justice, and dignity.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “I always felt welcome in the kingdom. I always felt like I had found my place.”
  • “As my faith grew and as my grip on justice tightened, there was this intersection and I found my place. It’s Jesus and it’s justice and it’s women.”
  • “In my work, I critique how we have messaged Jesus, how we have weaponized Scripture against women. Because the honest truth is the imbalance of power we see in our world is one of the leading factors to derail a woman’s faith, career, financial standing, and her reputation.” 
  • “It came to understanding that loyalty to conviction had to override my loyalty to an institution.”
  • “If you see something that is inherently wrong, and you stay silent, you become complicit in that action.”
  • “Think of the opportunity, especially among women, to lock arms and to serve and listen and to lament with one another. And to bring change.”
  • “Change in gender inequality has only come when women have locked arms together.”
  • “How did we, from the first century to this modern day, twist Jesus’ words and weaponize Scripture to make women feel small? And how can we right that cultural wrong through a biblical lens?”
  • “This idea of ‘don’t touch the Lord’s anointed’ has been taken out of context to mean that ‘those who are anointed or appointed are immune from dissent.’”
  • “If Jesus held up one woman’s testimony, so must we.”
  • “Fear is a flashing red light of a lack of love.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 81: The Importance of Your Origin Story (with Rasool Berry)07 Mar 202200:36:37

Where are you from? Have you ever thought about that question? Do you ever think about where you started and how it led to where you are now? On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy talk to Rasool Berry about where he is from and how that shapes where he is now.

 

About Our Guest:

Rasool Berry serves as teaching pastor at The Bridge Church in Brooklyn, New York. He also is the Director of Partnerships & Content Development with Our Daily Bread Ministries. He hosts the Where Ya From? podcast, which uses stories to connect us to people applying their faith for social change. He also was the host of In Pursuit of Jesus, a travel documentary series in which he journeys across five continents exploring what he can learn about Jesus through others. Rasool is passionate about traveling, music, cooking and eating, and inspiring people to live in light of eternity. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Tamica, and their daughter Ire’Ana.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “In the time that I need my sense of morality the most, that’s when I’m less likely to be moral because of my own sin nature.”
  • “The main barrier to me ever experiencing the grace and mercy of God was my own pride.”
  • “It’s only when I recognize that I don’t have all the answers is when I begin to ask the questions and listen to other people.”
  • “Always look out for those who are marginalized around you because those are the ones that you can learn the most from because they’re often not heard. And you maybe haven’t been exposed to really listening to their perspectives.”
  • “Throughout the Scriptures you see God intentionally investing Himself in the margins.”
  • “God’s the only one rightfully in the center. He invites people in the center with Him.”
  • “God will take and ordain and sanctify and bless whatever is in your hand in order for you to do the next thing to bring those in the margins into the center.”

 

Verses: 

  • Matthew 11:15: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
  • Genesis 16–21: The Story of Hagar
  • Exodus
  • Philippians 2
  • Matthew 22:34–40
  • Genesis 1:26–27
  • Romans 5

 

Links: 

EP. 80: When We Disagree28 Feb 202200:28:52

A part of being in relationships is coming into conflict with the people we love. What do we do when we have those disagreements? How do we handle conflict? Do we run away from it or fight through it? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy talk about how they handle disagreements with the people they love. They also share their thoughts on unhealthy conflict, and how we can resolve it. 

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “When you have a disagreement with somebody, it does feel like that can take up the whole relationship instead of looking at the other pieces of the relationship.”
  • “The way disagreement first hits us is that we feel rejected. We feel wrong. We feel less than, out of control, not safe. But you can learn to receive disagreement in such a way that you can grow from it, and you can feel loved by it.”
  • “Create a safe space for the disagreement where you can let your emotions ‘thaw.’”
  • “Have mutual respect for the other person [while being in a disagreement] and believe the best of them.”
  • “Reflect on your posture. Is it a defensive posture? Or is it an open-handed posture?”
  • “When we are stuck in defensiveness we are building barriers.”
  • Paul’s recommendations for disagreements from Philippians:
    • Stand firm in your belief.
    • Begin the conversation with love.
    • Stay on mission: What are you trying to accomplish here?
    • Get help from an outsider when you can’t agree.
    • Put your faith in practice.
  • “How does the Lord see my viewpoint? What is there for me to learn? What does He want to teach me?”

 

Verses: 

  • Paul’s letters to the church in the Bible
  • Peter’s letters to the church in the Bible
  • Philippians 3 and 4

 

Links: 

 

EP. 79: Orphan Identity (with Lorilee Craker)21 Feb 202200:33:25

The word “orphan” may feel like a title that doesn’t fit for most of us, but have you ever felt alone? Left out? Like you don’t belong? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy are joined by Lorilee Craker to talk about the orphan inside us all. Lorilee shares her own story of being adopted and how she learned that the orphan in us all truly belongs in the kingdom of God.

 

About Our Guest:

Lorilee Craker is the author of 15 books, including Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me. Lorilee was also an entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press for 17 years. She now writes for travel websites, blogs, and speaks at many events including writers conferences. She is the cofounder of the Breathe Christian Writers Conference and a writers day camp for children.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “I’m very pro-adoption, but I’m clear that adoption is not all rainbows and sunshine. There’s a lot of pain. There are a lot of things to be reckoned with.”
  • “My spirit really responded to Anne [of Green Gables] and how she was always looking for belonging. She was always looking for her people.”
  • “The truth is we can all feel orphaned.”
  • “One of the dictionary definitions that I found for orphans was ‘bereft, left behind, and left.’ . . . In Christ we are orphans no more. And we’ve all felt bereft, left behind, and left.”
  • “Once you’re adopted, that doesn’t mean the orphan feelings go away.”
  • “God is not an adoptive Father, He’s an adopting Father. It’s ongoing. It’s part of His character to adopt children.”
  • “Any rejection, any abandonment is an opportunity to grow closer to the heart of the Father.”
  • “God wants to be there with us. He doesn’t want us to dress up like we’re going to church before talking to Him. He wants us when we’re lying on the floor with our face in the carpet so sad, so bereft, so left behind. That’s when He wants to come to us. And dry our tears. And move through the pain with us.” 

 

Links: 

 

EP. 78: Loving Your Neighbor Through Conflict (with Alexandra Kuykendall)14 Feb 202200:36:39

In our culture today, it’s normal to disagree with people and “cancel” them by refusing to talk to them or even trying to understand their viewpoints on various issues. But did you know that “cancel culture” contradicts what the Bible says? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa and Eryn interview Alexandra Kuykendall about what it means to actually love your neighbor the way Jesus did, even when you disagree.

 

About Our Guest:

Alexandra Kuykendall encourages the church to engage God’s world in the tension and intersection of heartache and hope. Her most recent book, Seeking Out Goodness: Finding the True and Beautiful All around You offers a roadmap for how to look for and find echoes of God’s goodness. Alex is the cofounder of The Open Door Sisterhood, a community of women working to be world changers for good right where they are. She cohosts a podcast and retreat under the same name. A trusted voice for Christian women, Alex has been a guest on Good Morning America, Focus on the Family’s Daily Broadcast, and Moody Radio. She lives in downtown Denver, Colorado, with her husband Derek and their four daughters.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “The gospel is still true. And God is still good. And we are not the first people to say ‘Where are we?’ and ‘What is happening in the world?’ This has been true throughout history. Before Jesus came, people were wondering that. After Jesus came, people have been wondering about that.”
  • “We’re in a unique time, which allows us to have creativity in how we live out our faith but also in how we encourage each other.”
  • “Jesus didn’t say, ‘Love your neighbors that agree with you, love your neighbors that make you feel comfortable, love your neighbors who give you strokes for what you’re doing with your life or that are happy that you go to church.’ He just said, ‘Love your neighbors like you would like to be loved.’”
  • “Who are the people within our circles that we could love better?”
  • “If there is awkward silence, it sometimes just gives someone the permission to keep talking.”
  • “If I don’t bail, I am telling them, ‘You are more important to me than my own comfort.’ That to me, speaks of the gospel in a way that nothing else can. Because that’s essentially what Jesus said, ‘You are more important to me than my own comfort.’”
  • Alex’s definition of cancel culture: “We decide that somebody is not worthy of listening to or valuing at all because of one small part of who they are or what they believe.”
  • “We believe that being ‘in a conversation’ means we must endorse the conversation. And we don’t. That’s not a conversation, that’s a dictatorship.”
  • “That is part of seeking out His [God’s] goodness. To say, ‘I’m going to stand in awe and wonder that you are the God of all things. You are the God of everything and you know and I don’t know.’”

 

Verses: 

  • “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37–39 (NIV) 
  • “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

 

Links: 

 

EP. 77: Caregiving, Caretaking, and Careserving07 Feb 202200:35:09

In a season or a lifetime of caring for someone else, it can be hard to care for yourself or know exactly what you need to do to take care of others. In this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy share their own experiences with caregiving, and how they learned to care for themselves while also caring for others.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “So much of caregiving is about helping restore. And a lot of the way we keep giving it is through the reality that we hold hope.”
  • “Caregiving is about sustaining life as much as you can.”
  • “Let grief be your partner in it because there are real things to grieve.”
  • Self-care Ideas and Tips:
    • Building Community: Developing a team for caretaking
    • Treating Yourself: Doing things you love
    • Developing boundaries
    • Viewing tasks as accomplishments
    • Relationships: Communicating your own needs too
  • “When we find ourselves in the caregiving role, I think it’s also important to draw from the reality that we don’t do it alone and we don’t do it in and of ourselves.”
  • “We are really to be a kind of conduit in our caregiving between God and those we love. But the only way we can do it is when we ourselves receive His care. When we let God be our caregiver.”

 

Verses: 

  • “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)

 

Links: 

 

EP. 76: Abuse in the Church (with Amanda Benckhuysen)31 Jan 202200:29:24

Church is meant to be a safe place for all people to gather and heal within the community. However, the world is filled with sin that hurts us, even in places that are meant to be safe. Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen joins Elisa Morgan on this episode of God Hears Her to talk about abuse within the church and ways that people can be helped.

This episode may be triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know is being abused please visit https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1-800-799-7233.

 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen is the author of The Gospel According to Eve and Immigrants, the Bible, and You. She is also a scholar, speaker, teacher, wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. She currently serves as the director of Safe Church Ministry for the Christian Reformed Church in North America after having taught the Old Testament while mentoring seminary students for more than 15 years.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “There are things in the Christian tradition, practice, and cultures that have been such huge stumbling blocks to the gospel, and they shouldn’t be because they’re not actually of God. Abuse is one of them.”
  • “A lot of them were coming to seminary in some ways to find healing, but also to channel their brokenness in a way that would redeem it, to allow God to redeem their brokenness so that God could use it to bring healing to others.”
  • “Women who were clearly so gifted, so made in God’s image. People of dignity and value and worth.”
  • “When trust and loyalty run high, but accountability runs low, it’s like the perfect situation for abuse.”
  • “The Department of Justice says one in three women experience sexual abuse at some point in their life. And one in six men. This is a human issue. It affects both women and men.”
  • If a child is being abused, most states legally require it to be reported to Child Protective Services. In the case of ministry leaders, it depends on the denomination. Even with confidentiality, some ministry leaders are required to report after letting minors know up front.”
  • “If someone reports abuse and it’s responded to with the same sense of rejection or the same sense of being made to feel dismissed, small, or less than [the same response as the abuse], then it’s a trigger. And all the emotions associated with that initial abuse come to the surface again.”
  • “Part of what God longs for in Christian community is that it would be a safe place for people to find healing.”
  • “If you’ve slipped into abusing, there is hope for you too.”

 

Links: 

 

182. Raising Teens (with Amy Betters-Midtvedt)17 Feb 202500:31:23

Guest Bio: Amy Betters-Midtvedt, author of You’ll Make It (And They Will Too), is a Today Parenting contributing author with more than a million readers and twenty-five years of experience working with adolescents and families. In her job as a literacy coach and in her personal life—where she and husband, Todd, wrangle their five children—she is surrounded by kids and teens and is passionate about serving them. Amy has a master's degree in leadership, curriculum, and instruction. 

 

Show Summary: As a parent, you go through different stages with your kids. The newborn stage, toddler stage, kid stage, and eventually the dreaded pre-teen and teenage phases! Each phase comes with a lot of questions and concerns, but at the end of the day, you just want to feel connected to your kiddos. Amy Betters-Midtvedt has been in the thick of raising teens since her first child of five reached that life stage. With her witty sense of humor, laugh alongside Amy as she shares advice for raising and loving your teens . Join hosts, Eryn Eddy Adkins and Vivian Mabuni as they chat with Amy about raising teenagers during this God Hears Her conversation. 

 

Notes and Quotes:  

  • “I will tell you that raising teens has brought me to my knees. And really in those moments when I’m outside their ‘doors’ that [my teens] don’t want to let me in, knowing that Jesus is on the other side. . . somehow He with them and still with me on the other side of that door.” —Amy Betters-Midtvedt 

  • “What I’m holding onto [when raising my teens], and what’s working for us, is this: Is every move going to keep me in connection and in relationship with my teenager?” —Amy Betters-Midtvedt  

  • “If we are trying to teach [our teens] about being in relationships with others, there [are] consequences if you don’t live up to what you say you’re going to do. But it’s really involving them in the situation, because different situations call for different things.” —Amy Betters-Midtvedt  

Links:  

  • Elisa’s Instagram:

EP. 75: Space for Everyone (with Vivian Mabuni)24 Jan 202200:36:09

When we look at our friend groups, do we see people that look and act just like us or is there a diverse group of people around us? Are we challenged by the conversations we have with them? Or are we always within our own comfort zones? On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk to Vivian Mabuni, who encourages us to learn from other cultures and situations that we may not have experience with. Vivian believes in diverse communities where we can have open conversations with people who aren’t just like us, even if it’s uncomfortable.

 

About Our Guest:

Vivian Mabuni is a national speaker, author, Bible teacher, and the founder and host of Someday Is Here, a podcast for Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Her writing has appeared in Christianity Today, She Reads Truth, and Our Daily Bread. She is also the author of Open Hands, Willing Heart and Warrior in Pink. Vivian has been on staff with Cru for more than 30 years. She loves drinking coffee with her husband of 30 years, Darrin, and marveling at their three adult kids.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “In a corporate setting or a church leadership setting, it’s easy to overlook an Asian and think, ‘Oh they’re not assertive’ or ‘they don’t really have an opinion’ or ‘they’re not expressive or aggressive’ or the kinds of things that we think of as a leader. But in other cultures we’re absolutely acting with integrity to who we are and the greater body of Christ, or our company actually is enhanced with the contribution of people that come from different backgrounds.”
  • “We can all gift each other with so many different perspectives of how God has made and wired us.”
  • “The issues of the world hit differently because we have real relationships with real people.”
  • “The recognition of not feeling seen or heard or known is an indicator maybe to do something.”
  • “Unity is not uniformity. It really is being able to be different . . . but together.”

 

Links: 

 

Verses: 

  • Hannah and Elizabeth infertility stories in the Bible
EP. 74: Purpose in Waiting (with Heather Thompson Day)17 Jan 202200:30:42

What is something you’re waiting for? A career? A significant other? A good friend? In every season of life, we feel like we’re waiting for something. On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan talk to Dr. Heather Thompson Day about what we can do while we’re waiting. They also learn more about Heather and her experiences with waiting.

 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University, and an interdenominational speaker and contributor for Religion News Service, Newsweek, and the Barna Group. She runs an online community called I’m That Wife and is the author of seven books, including It’s Not Your Turn. She currently lives in Michigan with her husband and their three children.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “I think we’ve lost the beauty of resting in our purpose.”
  • “We are the answer to other people’s prayers.”
  • “I think we miss out because we’re waiting for some big sign and sometimes, I think almost all the time, it’s these little stirrings from the Holy Spirit saying, ‘Go talk to them. Go sit down. Go see how you can be helpful.’”
  • “I think I thought faith was something I built, but it’s really something God gives us, because our faith is actually us acknowledging the answers to the prayers and the experiences that He gives us. So I say all the time, ‘God, build my faith.’”
  • “When you feel like you have nothing, that’s actually the perfect place to start.”
  • “God says that the way to the kingdom of heaven is to realize that this relationship was never about what you will give Him. It has always been about what He will give you.”
  • “Any Christian worth his [or her] salt will read their Bible cover to cover every single year.” —J. I. Packer
  • “God answers a bitter woman’s prayer. You can show up however you feel.”

 

Links: 

 

Verses: 

  • Matthew 5–7: Sermon on the Mount by Jesus 
  • Matthew 28:18: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”
  • 1 Samuel 2: Hannah’s Prayer
  • Ruth 1:20: Naomi changing her name to Mara

 

EP. 73: Women Who Are Often Overlooked (with Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen)10 Jan 202200:30:28

Sometimes women are treated as second-class citizens within the church. If they aren’t encouraged to study Scripture, teach about it, or go to seminary, they often feel overlooked in comparison to the men. On this episode of God Hears Her, Dr. Amanda Benckhysen shares about her journey from feeling like an overlooked woman to becoming a woman who learned she was seen and valued by a God who loves us all.

 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen is the author of The Gospel According to Eve and Immigrants, the Bible, and You. She is also a scholar, speaker, teacher, wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. She currently serves as the director of Safe Church Ministry for the Christian Reformed Church in North America after having taught the Old Testament while mentoring seminary students for more than 15 years.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “All of who I was and what I had to bring to the table was pleasing and acceptable to God.”
  • “I thought going to seminary would help me represent the gospel well, it will help me represent Jesus well.”
  • “I wanted to share with those that didn’t know Jesus that Jesus loves them.”
  • “It expanded my understanding of texts to read what others thought.”
  • “It set her on a trajectory of recovering women’s voices in history in terms of how they interpreted Scripture.”
  • “Women did not have access to education. So by and large, we don’t tend to think of women when we think of interpretation of Scripture.”
  • Women interpreters mentioned: Anna Maria Venturemen and Christine de Pizan
  • “They [women] are reading the texts differently because they are reading it through their lived experiences.”
  • “There is a complete devaluation of their [women] personhood.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

EP. 72: Connecting Faith and Real Life (with Daniel Ryan Day)03 Jan 202200:37:13

Do you feel a disconnect between your faith and your everyday life? Does it sometimes feel like there is no purpose in the mundane things we do over and over again like folding clothes or washing dishes? On this episode of God Hears Her, Daniel Ryan Day shares how to connect our faith with our everyday real life, including the mundane activities we may sometimes feel are purposeless. 

 

About Our Guest:

Daniel Ryan Day is the author of What’s Next: Your Dream Job, God’s Call, and a Life That Sets You Free. He’s also a content producer and writer for Reclaim Today, a cohost for Our Daily Bread Ministries’ Discover the Word podcast, and a producer for the Where Ya From? and God Hears Her podcasts. Daniel holds a master’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is an ordained minister in the Anglican Church in North America. He is married to his high school sweetheart and has three kiddos.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “My story can be boiled down to growing up in a very tight Christian bubble but then having experiences that made me realize that a tight Christian bubble was not relating to the world in a way that made sense for the world that we live in.”
  • “This faith in Jesus, if it’s real, has gotta impact how we interact with orphans, it’s got to make a difference in these bigger issues.”
  • “How does this faith impact real life?”
  • “So many things I learned in that experience [of giving up things], so hence the ten days without speech to represent those who don’t have a voice, or who have a voice but that it’s not listened to. Ten days without legs for those affected by disabilities that live in our world and who are often overlooked. Ten days without furniture for those who live in homeless settings and don’t have a home or don’t have furniture.”
  • “I was still struggling with those questions of how does faith work in real life? Where do they meet? And specifically, as it relates to my calling and my job in the world.”
  • “The use of the word ‘calling’ in the Scriptures, most often refers to callings like seeking justice, love mercy, walking humbly with God. So humility or giving thanks in all circumstances.”
  • “The decade of the 20s and 30s are the real transformational decades for us really being shaped from how we grew up, what we thought we were going to be, who we thought we were going to be, into discovering the reality of us.”
  • [On the topic of a Rwandan Pastor who walked the hills of his village to meet with people] “He’s just visiting with people. So meeting needs, his sermons, all of that comes from real relationships with people.”
  • “It’s with people that real ministry happens.”
  • “In the biblical story we get a picture of being colaborers with God. We’re not His servants, we’re not His slaves, we’re in relationship with Him. Invited into everything that we do being a part of this relationship with Him. And so, I think first and foremost above anything else, that is our purpose, that’s our identity, that’s our calling.”
  • “God is at work. And God is going to accomplish His work, regardless of what role we play in it. So for us, where it actually begins is in quiet solitude time.”
  • “Even in those mundane moments we can realize that God has us where He wants us to be.”
  • Prayer for Today: “Creator God, who took what was formless and void and gave it shape and meaning, the One who filled emptiness with beauty and gave all creatures their purpose [including us]. Reclaim today in these small, seemingly insignificant moments. Help me discover meaning in the mundane. Ordain the very ordinariness of these tasks or my current lack of them for your glory, the good of the world, and my good. Amen.”

 

Links: 

 

Verses: 

  • The Lord’s callings to everyday people and people like Moses, Paul/Saul
  • Genesis 1
  • Acts 17:28: “For in Him we live and move and have our being.”
EP. 71: Christ as a Baby13 Dec 202100:33:55

At Christmastime, we bring out the nativity sets to decorate our homes and we talk about Jesus as a baby . . . but do we really grasp the idea of what that looked like in that time and culture? Not to mention the fact that God humbled Himself to become human. On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa and Eryn talk about the story of Jesus, focusing on the reality of His conception, birth, and being a baby. They also focus on what it meant for His mother Mary and how this birth changed everything then, just like it does today. Join us.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “The God of the universe scrunched Himself into the womb of a woman and began to grow.”
  • “He’s my protector. He’s my guide, my guardian . . . and so for me to imagine Him in a fragile state is just kind of a weird concept in my mind.”
  • The purpose of women during the New Testament period was to have babies.
  • “30–35% of newborns didn’t survive their first month [in New Testament times].” 
  • “Why are we so uncomfortable imagining God to be weak, or being fragile as a child?”
  • “We are so black and white that we only see God as a baby, or as the resurrected Christ.”
  • “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:17 NIV
  • “We have the tendency to be so self-aware, but not Christ-aware.”
  • “His expression of vulnerability begins in the womb and at birth and as baby Jesus. And then we watch His public ministry when truly He is God and He could speak a word and blow fire over all of the naysayers. But He instead humbles Himself to death on a cross.”

 

Scripture: 

John 1:14

Matthew 1:23

Luke 1:39-45

Philippians 2:5

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

EP. 70: Awkward Joy (with Mary Jo Clark)06 Dec 202100:37:39

We often talk about the topic of joy with an emphasis that we “choose joy” or “find joy.” But what does that actually mean? Are those phrases true? Or do phrases like “choose joy” put pressure on people to somehow become happy in the midst of rather unjoyful circumstances? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa and Eryn talk with Mary Jo Clark about what life looks like when “choosing joy” feels impossible.

 

About Our Guest:

After years of working in bakeries, coffee shops, and food trucks, Mary Jo Clark returned to her love of audio production and sharing stories. She is now a podcast producer and engineer for Our Daily Bread Ministries. Outside of her passion for creating podcasts to encourage women, she is a talented baker. Her cookies and cupcakes are described by many as “legendary.” She and her husband, Russ, are expecting their first child.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “As someone that struggles with depression and anxiety, I am not someone who is an innately happy person.”
  • “What if I struggle with depression . . . am I supposed to suppress those feelings down and pretend I am happy?”
  • “It wasn’t a pity party. You were grieving very real things.”
  • “I couldn’t find a way out of it until I was broken enough to find the point of being done. It’s time to be okay.”
  • “Our job or status are not our identity.”
  • “I can’t feel it [joy] because it’s down in my heart and I’ve buried it because I’m not content and I’m not focusing on the gifts I know God has given me, but I know it’s there.”
  • “I was discovering this feeling of joy while I was crying.”
  • “Through every single one of those trials, God grew me and He developed the joy that was growing already.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 69: Finding Inner Peace (with Kay Wills Wyma)29 Nov 202100:33:52

How often do you feel stressed? Frustrated? Overwhelmed? Do you feel those ways more often than you feel at peace? This world is filled with events and people that can make us feel far from peaceful. On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk to Kay Wills Wyma about feeling the real, full peace that God grants us when we lean into Him.

 

About Our Guest:

Kay Wills Wyma is a blogger, speaker, video podcaster, and mother of five. Kay writes on cultural and societal issues that impact family and friends. She is an author of four books, including The Peace Project: A 30-Day Experiment Practicing Thankfulness, Kindness, and Mercy where she leads readers through 30-days of finding and feeling peace. She’s also a former White House aide, International Capital Markets banker, and entrepreneur.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “To just slow down for a second and really enjoy the people that walk beside you is such a gift.”
  • “Friendships are giving relationships also.”
  • “I grew up in the South, so there became this strange relationship with Jesus because I had to ‘do and be’ to be okay.”
  • “It’s easier in the hard times than the good times. In the hard times you’ve got nothing.”
  • Soul30: Practice finding moments of peace every day for 30 days.
  • “Why does being thankful feel good? Because it is literally firing parts of your brain that deliver dopamine and endorphins.”
  • “You have neural pathways in your brain that are highly traveled pathways, and they tend to go along the lines of fear, anxiety, worry. What if you can change the routes?”
  • “You can actually change the pathways in your brain so that peace is where you are going instead of anxiety.”
  • “He says: ‘I keep in perfect peace those whose minds are fixed on me.’”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

EP. 68: Hope that Overcomes (with Joyce Dinkins)22 Nov 202100:38:03

How do you experience hope? Maybe you’re hopeful for something? Or you have a strong hope in who God says He is? Or maybe you feel hopeless and are starting to wonder what hope even is! On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk to Joyce Dinkins, a woman that comes from a generation of people hoping for better circumstances. Joyce exemplifies this godly attribute of hope and talks about it with a wisdom that comes from God’s Spirit.

 

About Our Guest:

Joyce Dinkins is the executive editor for the Our Daily Bread Voices Collection. She has an incredible passion for inclusion and equity. Her career emphasis is amplifying the voices of diverse authors, African American and others, in the literary world. She has invested several decades as an editor serving at several Christian publishers across the United States.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “My dad’s dad was born a slave, and that affected everything.”
  • “I had access to freedom in my home; but I never forgot, and I still don’t forget where my parents came from, where my grandparents came from.”
  • “People seeing me weren’t necessarily seeing what they were looking at.”
  • “Hope to me is the truth.”
  • “My parents taught me at an early age to not take abuse from anyone.”
  • “They were capable, after all they had been through, to love their enemies.”
  • “Love will allow us to overcome.”
  • “Literacy is the right to vote, fair housing, the right to pursue education, etcetera.”
  • “See us, hear us, express our stories.”
  • “Go open that book [the Bible].”
  • “Cry out to God.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

 

EP. 67: Pursuing a Courageous Faith (Best of 2021 with Dr. Debbye Turner Bell)15 Nov 202100:32:23

Have you ever had a moment in your life where you needed to give something fully to God? The word surrender may feel a little overwhelming, but Dr. Debbye Turner Bell is a great example of what can happen when we fully submit ourselves to God’s best and accomplish something we didn’t feel we were capable of doing. Join Eryn and Elisa on this episode of God Hears Her as they revisit their conversation with Debbye Turner Bell and her journey of pursuing a courageous faith.

 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Debbye Turner Bell is a veterinarian, broadcast journalist, motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, corporate trainer, and Miss America 1990. For more than two decades, she has addressed audiences in the corporate, academic, and community service arenas. In addition to her speaking and media work, she is also the Founder and CEO of Debbye Turner Bell Consulting, a faculty member of the Institute for Management Studies, and an Affiliate Trainer for the TransPorter Group Inc. Dr. Debbye Turner Bell lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, Gerald, and daughter Lynlee.

 

Notes and Quotes: All Quotes by Debbye

  • “That [prayer of surrender] is when my goals became subservient to God’s goals, will, and His purpose for my life.”
  • “It is a matter of deciding, ‘God, I believe you no matter what the circumstances look like.’”
  • “That is what I seek to get to: that if God Himself smite me, it won’t shake my faith in Him.”
  • “God proves Himself to us every day. And if we will just take the time to notice His faithfulness in our lives, then it creates in us a reservoir of His work in our life.”
  • “Every time that God performed a miracle in the Old Testament, an altar was built. The whole purpose of the altar was to remember what God had done.”
  • “What I know about God and what I feel in the moment can be such a disconnect with me.”
  • “When we don’t know what God’s Word says about who we are and our identity and our authority, then we live below our privileges.” 
  • “Faith is a decision, not a feeling.”
  • “Surrender is a choice, not a default.”
  • “Surrender takes strength.”
  • “Our identity is not what happened to us. Our identity is who we were created to be.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

EP. 66: Dreams and Fears (with Jade Gustafson)08 Nov 202100:34:12

When we look back on our lives, do we see the times that our dreams evolved into something we never thought they would be? What are the dreams that never worked out? What are the dreams that changed when we learned more about what we loved? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa and Eryn talk to a young woman named Jade Gustafson about the dreams and fears that she has in her own life. Jade talks about how her dreams are in the process of changing and how surrendering her fears to God has led to some unexpected life changes.

 

About Our Guest:

Jade Gustafson is currently a senior at Grand Valley State University studying English and writing. She is a blog post writer and small group leader for GVSU’s Delight Ministries. While she is figuring out her future she continues to work at Our Daily Bread Ministries in the podcast department.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “We can have so many standards and goals set, but it does not matter when it comes to the purpose that God has for your life.”
  • “If things don’t work out the way that I want them to, it’s not a reason to be anxious or upset because God has a better plan.” 
  • “I am not to find my self-worth and my identity in these narratives or dreams or stories that we tell ourselves, but in the truth of who God is and what He wants to do in me and through me.”
  • “All of a sudden I wasn’t unique. All of a sudden my dream wasn’t special.”
  • “Your life is your life, and the things that you do are what God wants you to do (most of the time).”
  • “Even doing something small is a reason to be celebrated.” 
  • “That’s when we know He sees us in those little godly moments, and He uses community to do that too. That’s when He uses people that push us to do things we wouldn’t normally do. He uses people to see us, to show us that He sees us.”
  • “We need to end something in order to begin something.” 

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

Verses Mentioned in Show: 

  • “Cast all of your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:7
181. Nothing is Wasted (with Jennifer DiVita)10 Feb 202500:30:22

Guest Bio: After a harrowing riches-to-rags detour in life, Jennifer DiVita clung to her faith and rebuilt herself as a solo mom and professional career woman. Because of God’s goodness, she found her way out of poverty and climbed the career ladder carrying her kids on her back to become Associate State Director of AARP. She’s also an on-air personality with WOOD TV and ABC 4 who provides positive advice on aging well, despite initially being kicked out of TV for being “too seasoned.” She published her novel, Not Your Shoe Size, a witty story about growing older and finding the silver lining after becoming silver. Jennifer offers hope that it’s possible to overcome roadblocks and pave a successful life after surrendering to God’s plan. 

 

Show Summary: When we set out into our lives, we often have a plan of what we would like to do or achieve. What happens when our plan falls apart? Jennifer DiVita was a married woman and stay-at-home mom before her husband’s addiction led to her life completely changing. Jennifer found herself having to rebuild what she thought was set in stone. Join hosts, Eryn Eddy Adkins and Vivian Mabuni, as they talk with Jennifer about navigating career change while becoming a solo mom. You don’t want to miss this inspiring God Hears Her conversation!  

 

Notes and Quotes:  

  • “God has used my story to help so many women, and I would not change one bit of it.” —Jennifer DiVita 

  • “I look at my story and know that Good is good because He did not leave me in that place. I look at the twists and turns of my life, and all that I’ve been through, but see where I’ve come.” —Jennifer DiVita 

  • “God has a redemption story for you. He already sees what’s going on. —Jennifer DiVita 

 

 

Links:  

  • Eryn’s Instagram:

EP. 65: Building a Co-Missional Relationship (with Beth and Todd Guckenberger)01 Nov 202100:36:45

Have you ever felt disconnected from your partner, spouse, or someone you love? Maybe your schedules are getting busier everyday? Or do your kids distract you from paying attention to the other person? On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk with Beth and Todd Guckenberger, a married couple who decided years ago to set aside two hours a night to work on growing their marriage.

 

About Our Guests:

Beth and Todd met at the age of seventeen in a Young Life Bible study.  They experienced several international short-term mission trips together, and in the mid-nineties they were deeply moved by orphaned children they met in Mexico. In 1997, with a dream, a savings account, and each other, they packed and drove to Monterrey, Mexico, where they lived for fifteen years. Beth and Todd are the parents of eleven children—a family they’ve formed through biological, foster, and adoptive children, and a family who reminds them everyday to stay in the fight until every child is known and loved.

They lead Back2Back Ministries, an international orphan care organization with nine locations around the world. The combined 350 staff work relentlessly to find new and creative solutions to the challenges facing vulnerable children and their families.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “Anyone can have a co-missional marriage.”
  • “Sometimes you can make your family life be your exclusive mission.”
  • “We are going to spend two hours a day only wearing that hat of spouse.”
  • “It [the two hours] became the deepest breath of our day.”
  • “The calling felt like a magnet, you could feel the resistance.”
  • “Expectations are like premeditated resentments.”
  • “Set aside time (any amount) where you are going to put away phones, don’t do the dishes, don’t help the kids, and spend time just the two of you.”
  • “When you go through hard things together, it creates an intimate connection.”
  • “Part of being co-missional is understanding that my agenda is not the most important.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show : 

 

EP. 64: What We Get Wrong About Modesty25 Oct 202100:30:56

Modesty is an important and tricky topic within our church today, and as women, we are told so many different things. Most importantly, we should all remember that we are made in the image of God and that He made us beautiful. In this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk through what we get wrong about modesty, while providing thoughtful insights on celebrating our femininity and positive ways to express ourselves. 

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • Self-expression vs. being-accepted-expression.
  • “I can’t look a certain way because I am responsible for how people respond to how I look.”
  • “When we are immodest, shame creeps up.”
  • “What is the motivation in your heart for why you wear what you wear?”
  • “I don't need to worry about everyone else’s response. How am I responding to those less presentable parts of myself?”
  • “How am I seeing myself in God’s image?”
  • “Our femininity is something to celebrate.”
  • “That is what modesty is: both appreciation and care.”
  • “The desire to be seen and accepted is very normal.”
  • “We were made to be seen.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 63: The Truth About Human Trafficking (with Heather McGannon)18 Oct 202100:31:40

(Warning: Sensitive and potentially triggering content) On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk about a topic that most people don’t want to believe exists, even if they know it does: human trafficking. While we don’t want to believe that it’s happening around us, we need to recognize that it is and do whatever we can to spread awareness and protect the most vulnerable. Heather McGannon, who is the West Michigan Program Coordinator at the Michigan Abolitionist Project, joins Eryn and Elisa to discuss the truth about human trafficking.

 

About Our Guest:

Heather McGannon is the West Michigan Program Coordinator at the Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP), an organization passionate about working to prevent and end human trafficking in Michigan and beyond through education and collaboration. Before her time at MAP, she mentored college students, helping them navigate big questions to prepare them for life. Heather’s never met a stranger, and her smile and laugh make anyone feel at home. She’s been married to Geoff for over a decade and has two boys.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “Human trafficking is essentially modern-day slavery: labor or sex trafficking.”
  • “1 in 4 women have been abused.” 
  • “Just believe them. Most abuse survivors are telling the truth.”
  • “It takes relationship for any of these stories. They are blinded. It is all they have ever known.”
  • “Trafficking happens through force, fraud, or coercion.”
  • “In the United States, we see it as women who are selling themselves. And many times they were being groomed and forced into it.”
  • “One of the biggest things we can do as human beings is to become aware.”
  • What to look for: an older boyfriend or father figure, brandings (tattoo of a barcode), evidence of someone being controlled, distancing/isolating themselves, notice a lot of absences/kids are gone for the weekends.
  • “Ask the question,  ‘Are you okay?’”
  • “It thrives in the darkness, so we need to bring it more into the light.”

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

EP. 62: Clinging to God (with Kim Cash Tate)11 Oct 202100:34:39

Have you ever read the phrase “cling to God” in the Bible? Did you ever pause on that verse and wonder what that would look like? In this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk to Kim Cash Tate, a woman who was deeply impacted by what the phrase “cling to God” means.

 

About Our Guest:

Kim Cash Tate is the founder of Cling Ministries and the author of Cling: Choosing a Lifestyle of Intimacy with God. Kim has a YouTube channel where she shares her Bible teachings and YouTube series Cling. She’s also a singer/songwriter, wife, and mother of two children.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “God got me to a state of discontentment so I would cry out to Him.”
  • “We’re never too old to come to know God.”
  • “It’s funny how you can hope that you don't want to do something, and then God gives you the grace to do it.”
  • “He transformed me to view my identity as a ‘person in Christ.’”
  • “My name is not my job title, not my skin color, not who my relationships are; my name is ‘I belong to Jesus.’”
  • “God stirred up their (Ezra) spirit.” 
  • “You begin to see God working more in your life because you’re looking and you’re watching for Him.”
  • “Sometimes God says ‘listen for me to move.’”
  • “The only way to become more like Him is to spend time in the Word.”
  • “There is strength in dependency on Christ.”

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 61: Loneliness04 Oct 202100:32:15

We’ve all felt lonely at one point or another in our lives. In many different situations or areas of our lives we may feel an overwhelming sense of loneliness. On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan talk about different types of loneliness and even share their own stories of feeling lonely. 

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “I think you can be surrounded by people and affirmation and celebration and all of that and still feel lonely.” 
  • “A recent survey found that almost half of Americans feel alone. Nearly 50% feel lonely, left-out, isolated, or lack companionship. The number of friends people report today is one or none, whereas 20 years ago people could name on average four close relationships.”
  • Six Types of Loneliness according to Elisa:
    • Emotional: feeling like nobody really loves you
    • Relational: feeling like nobody really knows the real you
    • Vocational: feeling like life has no meaning and no one really cares if you’re here or not
    • Spiritual: feeling literally alone and/or apart or cut off from God
    • Physical: no one to share the “alone” with; having to do things alone
    • Situational: experience of not being included
  • “God gives an affirmation towards each of those kinds of loneliness.”
  • Affirmations:
    • Emotional: God gives a promise that He loves us.
    • Relational: God gives His perception. He says, “I know you because I made you.”
    • Vocational: God gives a purpose. He says, “I know the plans I have for you.”
    • Spiritual: God gives His presence. He says, “I will be with you.”
    • Physical: God gives His provision. He says, “I will provide for you.”
    • Situational: God gives His perspective. He says, “I’ll use all things for your good and My purposes.”
  • “Lament your loneliness, feel it.”
  • “In feeling lonely, we have an opportunity to experience vulnerability in something we would not normally do.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

Verses Mentioned in Show: 

  • Genesis 1, 2, and 3--Story of Hannah, Moses, Jeremiah, Elijah, Jesus, David, and Esther
EP. 60: Becoming a Woman with Moxie (with Julie Richardson)27 Sep 202100:39:38

Who do you think of when you hear the word moxie? Who do you know that is courageous and determined? A close friend? Your mom? A mentor? On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk with Julie Richardson, a woman who learned courage and determination from her mom and from facing unforeseen personal struggles.

 

About Our Guest:

Julie Richardson has experienced God’s faithfulness through many life challenges including divorce, infertility, and the loss of loved ones. She has led women’s ministries in a variety of churches and parachurch ministries over the last 25 years, and one of her greatest joys is to mentor women, helping them discover the vibrant life that Christ offers. Julie has been a part of Our Daily Bread Ministries for the last 20 years working in a variety of capacities and most recently as a visual media producer who tells stories of how God works in the lives of His people. She is passionate about prayer and leads the growing prayer ministry at Our Daily Bread Ministries.

 

Notes and Quotes:

  • “I was seeking the world’s happiness, and as I was doing those things I started to not hear God’s voice as much; His voice got softer and softer.”
  • “I really got everything I was hoping for with the happiness factor. And I wasn’t happy. I didn’t feel fulfilled.”
  • “God placed a couple people in my path. And they were ‘Jesus’ to me.”
  • “You can look at your life as if it’s a home, and have you given God every room of your life?” (Anne Graham Lotz)
  • “You have 100% of the Holy Spirit in your life, but does the Holy Spirit have 100% of you?”
  • Moxie means determination and courage.
  • “Your grief and joy can coexist at the same time.”
  • “Following God, surrendering, doesn’t always mean we get what we want.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 59: How to Live a Tech-Wise Life (with Amy Crouch)20 Sep 202100:34:32

Have you ever thought about how much time you spend on technology? How often do you pick up your phone throughout the day? Do you find yourself using it as a constant escape? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elisa and Eryn talk to Amy Crouch about being wise with how much time we spend on technology. Listen for some great practical advice from Amy.

About Our Guest:

Amy Crouch is the author of My Tech-Wise Life and attends Cornell University studying linguistics, English, and anything else she can fit into her schedule. Her book is a follow-up to her father’s book, The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch, and she describes what it’s like to grow up in a family that takes a disciplined approach to technology as well as offers helpful hints for others. Amy loves to cook, climb mountains, and chat about books.

Notes and Quotes:

  • “We took a sabbath once a week from work, but also screens.”
  • “My parents were always really intentional in saying to me, ‘This is why we have made these shared commitments.’”
  • “Real life has to be difficult. If it is not difficult, it’s not real life.”
  • “Another question to ask ourselves is ‘What am I escaping, and why?’”
  • “Ask yourself, Is social media making it harder for you to be content?”
  • “Every time I survive distraction, I am reminded that it doesn’t have power over me.”
  • “Technology is really good at shaping our habits.”
  • Baby steps: Don’t beat yourself up, start and end your days without screens, leave your phone out of the bedroom, find something to take the place of technology.

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 58: Big, Bold and Beautiful (with Kierra Sheard)13 Sep 202100:29:23

How does our culture define the perfect woman? When you picture her, what does she look like? How does she act? And the question we all ask ourselves: how do we measure up? Today on God Hears Her, we’re talking with gospel singer, fashion designer, and author Kierra Sheard about what it means to embrace and love yourself as you are. Join Eryn and Elisa as they ask Kierra about the inspiration behind her book Big, Bold, and Beautiful: Owning the Woman God Created You to Be.

About Our Guest:

Kierra Sheard is an American gospel singer, songwriter, fashion designer, actress, entrepreneur, author, and creative director. Based in Detroit, Michigan, Kierra Sheard is no stranger to breaking new ground. This young dynamo grew up with two gospel music barrier-breakers as role models: mother Karen Clark Sheard,  a member of legendary group the Clark Sisters, and grandmother Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, a gospel music legend. Now the GRAMMY® and Stellar Award-winning artist is back with her first musical project in five years, Kierra.

Notes and Quotes:

  • “I accept heaven’s way of beauty, because the world’s view of beauty keeps changing.”
  • “I was still chasing what the other woman had. She has that. That ain’t for you to have!”
  • “Not every seat or every ride is for you.”
  • “I may not be their cup of tea, but I am a cup of tea.”
  • “Self-care is you being selective with your squad/village.”
  • “God didn’t design us on the earth to do it all alone.”
  • “God doesn’t always make the old go away. He transforms who we have been into who we already are in Him.”
  • “If you see the truth, acknowledge and accept the truth. Don’t try to make [something else] work.”
  • “What the world sees as a negative, God turns into a positive.”

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 57: Living with Depression (with Sarah J. Robinson)06 Sep 202100:50:10

How many of us deal with depression, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts, but don’t ever talk about it? In places where we should feel safe, we often fear judgment or diagnosing where our thoughts may be coming from. Not to mention the stigma that comes when we begin discussing mental health. On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa talk with Sarah J. Robinson about mental health and her journey of understanding her own depression.

About Our Guest:

Sarah J. Robinson once believed her lifelong battle with depression made her a bad Christian. And yet, through her years of shame, self-harm, and suicide attempts, Sarah learned that God is present in our deepest darkness. Sarah is now an author and speaker who helps others discover that mental illness doesn’t disqualify them from living rich, beautiful lives in Christ. Drawing from a decade of ministry experience and the mental health field, Sarah helps readers fight for wholeness and cultivate joy. She lives in Nashville with her husband.

Notes and Quotes:

  • “I didn’t know my thoughts were not what everyone else was thinking.”
  • “The common misconception is that depression is sadness.”
  • There is a difference between intrusive thoughts and suicidal thoughts/tendencies.
  • “We sort of overlooked passages in Scripture where God walked through suffering with people.”
  • “There is that honeymoon phase of faith where everything is new and awesome, but I quickly learned that I couldn’t just ‘choose joy.’”
  • “Nothing helped because I had an illness that needed to be treated, not a lack of prayer or a lack of faith.”
  • “I remember journaling and thinking, You deserve more than this, God. You are perfect and deserve more than this mess.”
  • “People mean well, but they are ill-informed or ill-equipped.” 
  • “People who really wanted to love me well are the people that said the most hurtful things.”
  • “God choosing to take the long road with me has revealed His kindness and His character in a way I would not trade for anything.”
  • Discovering joy vs. choosing joy.
  • “You are worth everything it takes to get better.” 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 56: The Adventure of Faith (with Leslie Leyland Fields)30 Aug 202100:34:03

How adventurous is your spirit? Do you desire to move to a faraway land? Maybe you’d love to sail the seas and raise your family on an island? Or live off-the-grid like a pioneer in a remote part of a mountainous wilderness? Or maybe you prefer to live vicariously through other people’s adventures? This episode of God Hears Her is a blessing to all adventurous souls. Leslie Leyland Fields joins Elisa and Eryn to talk all about faith, the wonder years, and adventure.

About Our Guest:

In addition to being a fisherwoman in Alaska, Leslie Leyland Fields is also a teacher, speaker, and author. One of her passions is to teach the craft and art of spiritual memoir, and many of her students have gone on to publish their own manuscripts. She leads The Harvester Island Writers’ Workshop and Food and Faith workshops on her family’s island in Alaska. Leslie has also helped create The Wonder Years, gatherings that bring women together to equip them to make the second half of life the best half.

Notes and Quotes:

  • “I can turn back and bless some of those moments, because I can look back and see how God used it for good.”
  • “Our value is not based on our physical capabilities or our mental capabilities. Our value is simply based on who we are: loved by God.”
  • “God has just made it so clear that He is always with us.”
  • “In these moments when we come face to face with death, Jesus is there.”
  • “I think God calls us to something bigger and so much more than that [the constant need to be safe].”
  • “Do hard things with your kids. Live a wild adventure with your kids and Jesus.”
  • “I think God has an incredible chapter for women who are at this point in their lives [40+].”
  • “God wants you to use this life experience. He doesn’t want you to retire it.”
  • “Letting go is letting go of what we think we should do next and living in that wonder.”
  • “It is the Word of God that has kept me alive.”

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

180. Authentic Leading (with Brittany Jones)03 Feb 202500:32:30

Guest Bio: Brittany Jones is a wife and mom of two beautiful girls and a sweet Goldendoodle. She is a national speaker, writer, and ministry leader at her local church. Brittany is passionate about seeing people live in freedom and wholeness as they heal from trauma and mental health struggles. In light of Brittany’s personal story of childhood abuse and mental illness, she has a greater desire to encourage people on their journey. Brittany and her family currently reside in Richmond, Virginia, where they planted and pastor Motivation Church.

 

Show Summary: What has God called you to? Do you ever feel like you’re not equipped for the plans and dreams that are in your heart and mind? Brittany Jones was diagnosed with bipolar disorder before planting a church with her husband. As a leader and pastor, she wanted to authentically lead by being honest about her personal testimony. She has worked hard to overcome the lies that her mental illness prevents her from sharing the strength and provision that God has brought into her life. For this God Hears Her conversation, join host Elisa Morgan in this special one-on-one conversation about leading honestly and authentically.

 

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “Even in the midst of all the trauma, of what my family was walking through, there was just kind of a bright spot that I had no idea was waiting for me.” —Brittany Jones

  • “I didn’t know all of the layers to God’s love yet, but I did know that it meant rescue. Because I had experienced it.” —Brittany Jones

  • “God loves you deeply. And you are worthy of love. You are worthy of care.” —Brittany Jones

  • “I believe healing is possible because I know who God is and the track record He’s had in my life. His track record is marked by faithfulness.” —Brittany Jones

  • “I’m going to still believe, yet still walk out what God has placed in front of me. And sometimes that looks like a therapist, psychiatrist, medication, etc.” —Brittany Jones 

  • “I don’t know what a little while looks like. But I know that God is faithful. I know that God is true and that His Word is true.” —Brittany Jones 

 

Verses: 

 

Links: 

 

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EP. 55: Truth and Grit (Best of 2021 with Ellie Holcomb)23 Aug 202100:41:35

How many times do we feel ragged and burned out? Broken and basically just a hot mess? Yet we believe we need to suck it up and show up in front of God with a smile plastered on our faces like everything is hunky-dory? In this “best of” episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa revisit their conversation with Ellie Holcomb. Ellie walks us through her take on grit, grounding ourselves in God’s truth, and showing up as we are.

About our guest: 

Ellie Holcomb, a Nashville native, began her musical career by touring the country with her husband. After eight years, and with the birth of their daughter, Ellie opted to step out of the role of heavy touring. From that space came her debut solo album, As Sure As The Sun, which charted at no. 1 on the iTunes Christian chart and helped deem Holcomb the “Best New Artist” at the 2014 Dove Awards. She has released multiple albums since then and also a best-selling book. Ellie, her husband, and their three children live and make music in Nashville.

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “Even growing up in this amazing, vibrant community, I gathered that the gospel was all about me being good enough and loving God and loving people enough. And that is all good and well, but that’s not really the gospel.”
  • “The gospel is not about making bad people good people. It’s about making dead people alive people.”
  • “I didn’t know it was okay to not be okay.”
  • “The church isn’t meant to be a trophy room. It’s supposed to be a hospital and a table that everyone is welcome to.”
  • “I know that God is a healer . . . but I was too scared to give Him my broken heart.”
  • “God’s Word gave us solid ground to stand on when the shame storm starts to roll in.”
  • “He started changing us, and it didn’t change our circumstances, but it started changing us from the inside out.”
  • “I know God is real from the sorrow in my life.”
  • “God is with you. He can handle your anger, and He can handle your hurt. He can hold it all.”
  • “He walked out of a grave. And the suffering you are experiencing does not have the final word.”

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

EP. 54: When We Feel We Aren't Enough (Best of 2020 with Laura Smith)16 Aug 202100:28:32

We all experience life-defining moments. Some of those moments can be good and life-changing while other moments are not so good. What happens when we allow those not-so-good moments to negatively define our identities? In this “best of” episode of God Hears Her, Elisa and Eryn revisit their conversation with speaker and best-selling author Laura Smith as she shares ways in which we can learn to overcome the lies that we’ve believed and focus on God’s life-changing and freeing truth.

About our guest: 

Laura Smith is an avid storyteller through her books, blog posts, and public speaking. Her recent book How Sweet the Sound focuses on the beauty and truth that come from Scripture-inspired hymns. Along with being a wife and mom, Laura’s hope is to use her writing and public speaking to help others discover the identity that God has instilled in each of us.

Notes and Quotes: 

  • “I think it’s so interesting how, you know, you can grow up thinking one way about your family life, and then you step into this awareness of what it really is.”
  • “He loves us for exactly who we are, because He created us in His image—because He created us!”          
  • “In college, I had my Bible. I would read it every day, then I would put it under my pillow and go do whatever the heck I wanted. I believed in God, and I loved him, but I didn’t live like it.”
  • “It was some sort of lie that I started to believe when I was younger, that if I do these things, then ‘this’ will make ‘this’ true.”
  • “I am trying to honor the fact that forgiveness and trust are not the same thing.”
  • “I can forgive [my dad] and be kind to him, but I don’t have to trust him and let him into my safe spaces.”
  • “We tend to think that when we come to know Jesus that everything is just ‘BING’ and resolved and wrapped up in this box with a pretty bow on it. And real life is often: God promises and does meet the desires of our hearts. Sometimes it’s now, sometimes it’s  later, sometimes it’s not really in this lifetime.”
  • Three resounding themes: God is almighty. He loves us unconditionally. He will never leave us.
  • “So many of us want to throw out the pain in our lives; the hardness of our lives; the embarrassing, depleting, revealing in our lives; and think, ‘Okay, now God can come in, and now He can do something with me.’”
  • “God planted good in the soil of your pain.”
  • “We have to really focus on who we are listening to for our identity.”
  • Three ways to stay in the truth that God created me as a masterpiece: Read the Bible every day; pray every day “Who do you see me as?”; hang out with core people you can trust and confide in.

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

Verses Mentioned in Show: 

EP. 53: Pursuing a Courageous Faith (with Debbye Turner Bell)09 Aug 202100:32:03

Have you ever had a moment in your life where you needed to give something fully to God? The word surrender may feel a little overwhelming, but Dr. Debbye Turner Bell is a great example of what can happen when we fully submit ourselves to God’s best and accomplish something we didn’t feel we were capable of doing. Join Eryn and Elisa on this episode of God Hears Her as they speak with Debbye Turner Bell about her journey of pursuing a courageous faith.

 

About our Guest:

Dr. Debbye Turner Bell is a veterinarian, broadcast journalist, motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, corporate trainer, and Miss America 1990. For more than two decades, she has addressed audiences in the corporate, academic, and community service arenas. In addition to her speaking and media work, she is also the Founder and CEO of Debbye Turner Bell Consulting, a faculty member of the Institute for Management Studies, and an Affiliate Trainer for the TransPorter Group Inc. Dr. Turner Bell lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, Gerald, and daughter Lynlee.

 

Notes and Quotes: All Quotes by Debbye

  • “That [prayer of surrender] is when my goals became subservient to God’s goals, will, and His purpose for my life.”
  • “It is a matter of deciding, ‘God, I believe you no matter what the circumstances look like.’”
  • “That is what I seek to get to: that if God Himself smite me, it won’t shake my faith in Him.”
  • “God proves Himself to us every day. And if we will just take the time to notice His faithfulness in our lives, then it creates in us a reservoir of His work in our life.”
  • “Every time that God performed a miracle in the Old Testament, an altar was built. The whole purpose of the altar was to remember what God had done.”
  • “What I know about God and what I feel in the moment can be such a disconnect with me.”
  • “When we don’t know what God’s Word says about who we are and our identity and our authority, then we live below our privileges.” 
  • “Faith is a decision, not a feeling.”
  • “Surrender is a choice, not a default.”
  • “Surrender takes strength.”
  • “Our identity is not what happened to us. Our identity is who we were created to be.”

 

Links/Books/Resources Mentioned in Show: 

 

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