Episode 99 - Shine, Don’t Whine: Trading Complaining for a Christ-Centered Attitude with Cherrilynn Brisbano

Date: February 17, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Cherrilynn Brisbano   Story Highlights: In this Scripture rich and deeply honest episode of The Women Behind the Words, Debbie Dufek welcomes award winning author, spiritual coach, chaplain, and military veteran Cherrilynn Brisbano for a powerful conversation on spiritual growth, identity in Christ, and the transforming power of God’s Word. Cherrilynn brings decades of experience in ministry, writing, and leadership, but what stands out most is her approachable, prayerful heart. She is known for meeting women right where they are, often stopping to pray with them in the middle of everyday life. In this episode, she opens up about one of the most pivotal spiritual lessons of her life: when the Lord gently but firmly confronted her complaining spirit. During a season marked by physical pain, financial strain, parenting challenges, and emotional exhaustion, Cherrilynn cried out to God for an attitude adjustment. The Holy Spirit answered through Philippians 2. As she meditated on the passage, God used His Word like a surgeon’s instrument, performing what she now calls spiritual heart surgery. That moment became the foundation for what she later named the STAR Principle. STAR stands for: See yourself as God sees you Transform your mind with the Word of God Always pray Refine to shine Cherrilynn also shares how childhood abuse distorted her sense of identity and how memorizing and meditating on passages such as Ephesians 1 and Psalm 139 reshaped her understanding of who she is in Christ. Through Scripture, she began to see herself as chosen, loved, holy, and blameless. Not because of performance, but because of Christ. Throughout this faith filled conversation, she emphasizes the partnership between the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Scripture memorization is not about striving. It is about transformation. God uses His Word to renew our minds, anchor our identity, and equip us with spiritual strength for everyday battles. The episode also explores practicing the presence of God, inspired by Brother Lawrence. Cherrilynn shares how continual conversation with the Lord, whether walking, praying for strangers, navigating conflict, or stepping back from social media, has become a lifeline during seasons of grief and weariness. As the conversation closes, she prays a moving prayer woven entirely from Scripture and leaves listeners with a steady reminder: Jesus loves you. Nothing can separate you from His love. God is faithful to complete the work He has begun. If you are longing for deeper intimacy with God, renewed thinking, or freedom from patterns that have held you back, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical steps rooted in truth.   Key Takeaways: God uses His Word to lovingly transform our attitudes and heal our identity Complaining loses its grip when we learn to see ourselves as God sees us Memorizing Scripture renews the mind and equips us for spiritual battles Practicing God’s presence can happen in ordinary daily moments Jesus’ love is constant, personal, and unchanging   About Our Guest: Cherrilynn Brisbano is an award winning fiction and nonfiction author, speaker, certified spiritual coach, chaplain, and United States military veteran. She has spent decades teaching the Bible, discipling women, and encouraging others to grow in Christ through the power of Scripture and prayer. Known for her authenticity and warmth, Cherrilynn has a passion for helping women break free from negative thought patterns and embrace their true identity in Christ. Her ministry centers on practical biblical application, Scripture memorization, and Spirit led transformation. Whether speaking, writing, or praying with someone one on one, she consistently points women back to the life changing truth of God’s Word.   Book Spotlight: Cherrilynn Brisbano is the author of several fiction and nonfiction works that weave together biblical truth, spiritual growth, and engaging storytelling. Her nonfiction writing focuses on helping believers renew their minds, overcome negative thinking, and cultivate a deeper prayer life grounded in Scripture. Her fiction reflects her heart for faith based storytelling that highlights redemption, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness in real world struggles. Through her books, readers will find: Practical tools for Scripture memorization and spiritual discipline Encouragement for overcoming past wounds and distorted identity Biblically grounded guidance for strengthening prayer life Stories that reflect hope, faith, and Christ centered living You can learn more about her books and ministry at https://cbisbano.com   Connect with Cherrilynn: Website: https://cbisbano.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherrilynnbisbano Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherrilynn-bisbano-569b8838/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cherrilynnbisbano   Closing Thought: God’s Word is not distant or outdated. It is living and active, able to perform heart surgery when we least expect it. When we choose to see ourselves as God sees us and allow His Spirit to transform our thinking, even our hardest seasons can become places where we shine for His glory.