Forgiveness, Foster Care, and Faith

Forgiveness is never simple—but it is always transformative. In this week’s episode of Girlfriends, I’m joined by Los Angeles-based screenwriter, filmmaker, and speaker Erin Dooley. Erin’s work focuses on what she calls “the good F words”: forgiveness, family, and faith.Erin shares the personal story behind her raw, heartfelt documentary A Way to Forgiveness, filmed during her pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago after a painful divorce. She opens up about what it was like to document her own healing journey, the surprising ways God used her story to help others, and why forgiveness is a gift you give yourself as much as to someone else.We also talk about her latest short film, Adopting Faith, which shines a light on the joys and challenges of foster care. Erin draws on her own experience as a former foster mom and current advocate to address common misconceptions, practical ways to support foster families, and how churches can step up to meet the needs of vulnerable children.What you’ll hear in this episode:* How Erin’s love for storytelling began and why she’s drawn to themes of reconciliation* The unexpected encounter on her pilgrimage that shaped her understanding of forgiveness* Why she decided to share her divorce journey on film—and the response she’s received* The realities of foster care and how anyone can help, even if they’re not fostering* How faith fuels Erin’s work in the entertainment industry and her commitment to telling hopeful, truth-filled storiesLinks and Resources:* Watch A Way to Forgiveness* Watch Adopting Faith on YouTube* Connect with Erin Dooley* Subscribe to the Girlfriends newsletter for weekly encouragementIf you enjoy Girlfriends, please share this episode with a friend and leave a review wherever you listen. Your support helps us reach more women with hope and encouragement. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit daniellebean.substack.com/subscribe