The Love That Stayed: Scarlet Stearns on Abandonment, Forgiveness, and a Love That Never Left

In this episode of Love Letter Faith, Chapple sits down with Scarlet Stearns to talk about how our earliest experiences with love can shape the way we see ourselves, others, and even God. Scarlet shares what it was like growing up with a single mother battling addiction, and how that environment led her to believe love had to be earned. That belief followed her into her relationships and into her understanding of God—creating a cycle of striving, fear, and insecurity. After coming to faith in fifth grade, Scarlet moved to Big Oak Ranch, where she experienced both stability and repeated loss as house-parent families came and went. Those transitions left deep wounds, hardening her heart and leading her to wrestle with anger toward God. At 16, Scarlet faced one of the most pivotal moments of her life when her mother passed away suddenly. But just before her death, Scarlet was able to offer forgiveness through a letter—bringing a profound sense of closure, healing, and freedom. Through it all, Scarlet shares how God patiently and faithfully reshaped her identity—not through performance, but through grace. Today, that transformation fuels her ministry, Feel The Smile, where she pours into young women through Bible studies, retreats, and intentional community. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like they had to earn love—and is ready to receive the kind of love that never leaves. Follow Chapple and Love Letter Faith: Chapple's Instagram: @chapplechandler Love Letter Faith: @loveletterfaith Follow Scarlet and Feel the Smile: Scarlet's Instagram @scarletstearns Feel the Smile @feelthesmileorg