She Speaks Stories

Life is full of decisions, and that is why this theme has brought us such a variety of guests and stories. On today’s episode we have Lauren Burns, who was kidnapped as a child by her father and taken to Jordan. Not only does her story have us on the edge of our seats because of the kidnapping, it also holds an even greater wow-factor when we look at the power of prayer. In this episode Lauren shares moments where God responds to prayer in life-changing ways. We may not have the same level of intensity happening in our lives, but the knowledge and perspective that God can handle it, and that his timing is a process where he’s working behind the scenes, gives power to prayer in such a dynamic way! We hope this episode will encourage you to just ask God, and watch how he can (in his timing) respond and in big and small ways, change your life too!https://www.laurenburns.net/

We’ve been talking with so many great guests on our theme of Making Decisions, and today we have the lovely Cally Logan. She’s an author, speaker and teacher with such a great perspective on what it looks like to walk with Jesus. Sometimes we want the big and loud “signs” from God but Cally reminds us of the importance of paying attention to the small nudges from God and encourages us to walk in obedience towards those even when we don’t understand or know where they are going. In her story, we see how all these steps lead to God’s plan for her, and how each step prepped her a little more for the work he has her in right now. God doesn’t shout, and he loves to speak to us in such an intentional way. She encourages us all to not underestimate how God meets us in the ordinary for extraordinary things! https://callylogan.com/

Hey Friends, as we continue our theme of Making Decision we are delighted with the guests that God is bringing to our podcast. Today we have Amanda Hope Haley, who is a blast to hang out with, but also brings a very unique perspective of someone who explores the intersections of archaeology and the Bible. We were immediately intrigued and then wow’d by the easy and gracious way Amanda explains and connects technical elements with our everyday lives. She encourages all of us to really “dig” into the Word (archeological pun intended!) Because “God isn’t afraid of our questions.” And if we open our physical bible, we can usually find some helpful notes that the publisher adds to help us see and understand the historical background more easily. Knowing this makes His story real. It is real. And we should feel empowered to use the tools to get to know Jesus more! We hope you are as encouraged as we were from all that Amanda brings to our conversation in this episode!https://redhairedarchaeologist.com/

We have another great episode in our current theme of Making Decisions! Today, Katherine Maribeth joins us to talk with us about her book, “Wayward Daughters” and all the decision making that was involved in her own life and in writing the book. Her book is a multigenerational memoir and the process of having, as she put it, “three voices and one author” continued some healing she had begun before God asked her to take on writing out this book. Katherine was raised in a dysfunctional home and had to wade through generational trauma to realize her solution for coping with it all, control, wasn’t working. So often we can scoot ourselves under the umbrella of religion and hold on tight, hoping everyone is buying it. But until we surrender control, and look to Jesus for everything, we just won’t find the healing we need. This story is a vulnerable one, and one so many of us can relate to. And even though life is hard, Katherine reminds us that no one is beyond God’s redemption and even though we hear the whispers of doubt, it is never too late to find and follow after Jesus!https://www.katherinemaribeth.com/Get her book here: https://a.co/d/aHJhz6z

Hey Friends, today we are sharing our chat with Kay Sumner, one of the producers behind the famous Dog Whisperer show and a newly released documentary Survivors. Kay walks us through her small decisions that lead to big opportunities and examples of how encouragement can do a world of wonders for people and help lead them to create and make good decisions. She reminds us that Jesus is with us, and even comes to challenging meetings! After hearing about her walk towards becoming a producer, we chat about her son Josh and the choices he made that lead to her making a documentary about overcoming addiction. Our lives are full of decisions and one of the most important is making Jesus the first option!https://www.kaysumner.com/ Watch Survivors Here

In this season of Decision Making we are absolutely enjoying the diversity of stories! Today we have Elaine join us to share her unique story of breaking free from a doomsday, fear-based cult that she was raised in. She shares what steps she had to take to get through the confusion of misunderstanding who God is and all the fear that was an entangling part of her former religion. Although the cost for walking away from this religion was losing her family, God pulled her close to him and handed her a mission. With this mission came a new family, all over the world, and the joy she traded in for her fear, was discovered as reading her Bible became everything to her. Wherever this episode finds you, we hope it encourages you to seek a deeper understanding of who God is and do so by spending time reading about him in the Bible. We mention The Bible Project as a helpful resource to get started: https://bibleproject.com/ www.youtube.com/@JWEscapewww.JWEscape.combook: https://a.co/d/gOCRSDc

We are continuing our season’s theme of Decision Making and delighting in all the guests that have been joining us! Today we have Rebecca George who loves connecting with women which led to her calling to be a communicator. Which is not just to share her thoughts and wisdom, but she writes, speaks and podcasts with the hope of helping others find their unique gifts. She shares her belief that these unique gifts, when we surrender them to God, enables us to do such good work with them in his timing. And HIS timing sometimes requires a bit of waiting, but waiting is not wasted time! Rebecca encourages us to “keep doing the thing in front of us.” as we wait! And in her books she comes alongside us (because we’ve all been in or currently are in) seasons of waiting and longing for something. While we wait, molding and shaping can happen and it gets us to a different place, an arguably better place, to receive the next thing. It’s so important to wait well, even though it’s hard. Kaite and Julia cannot wait to get and read her books and we hope you do too! https://www.radicalradiance.live/

As we continue our theme of Making Decisions we were SO pleased to have Katie M. Reid join us! Not only is Katie a fabulous person to chat with, but she also has written a bible study all about making decisions! She really has spent some time in her life accepting grace and the wisdom in how to unlock the doors of understanding in overcoming her "deficit in daughtership” in seeing Jesus as “family to enjoy not company to impress” and in knowing that “to do lists do not determine our value.” She explains the importance of giving ourselves grace as we begin to act from our grace! We won’t have it all figured out and that’s okay. It truly was a life-giving chat! Katie and Julia can’t wait to get her bible study for themselves to grow in the understanding too!Katie Reid reminds us that obedience really is a first step to all of this, and the ripple effect (large, medium and small) of obedience leaves a legacy of belief that has the potential to encourage others and brings Jesus so much glory! We hope you find her words as inspiring as we did!Link to the free Bible Study lesson to help others make wise decisions: https://katiemreid.myflodesk.com/biblestudyfreebie1 Link to Bill Murray photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/BupVBFUhRTE/Link to McDonald's song: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9pjCgoMPZNQHere is a link to her online store listing for God, What Do I Do (if people buy 5-9 copies they'll automatically get $2 off per copy at checkout, if they buy 10 or more, they'll get $5 off per copy at checkout). https://katiemreid.myshopify.com/products/preorder-god-what-do-i-doLink to my teaching videos on RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/932091Link to Leader's Guide: https://katiemreid.myshopify.com/products/leaders-guide-for-god-what-do-i-doLink to Made Like Martha book: https://katiemreid.myshopify.com/products/made-like-martha-autographed

As you know, our podcast is called SHE Speaks Stories but we love it when a HE can come on and share his story with us! Philip Nation joins our love for storytelling by sharing the steps he’s made in his life that brought him from a shy kid to an educated speaker. He brings to light the importance of coming alongside other believers and strengthening each other through the good chapters, the hard chapters and the ‘carousel chapters’ that inevitably come up in our lives. Philip shares snapshots of moments of decision making, and with a transparent genuine tone really encourages us with wisdom from his years of ending chapters and starting new ones. There are dozens of tidbits and perspectives that we know will bring hope, help and healing into our lives! Habits for our Holiness Book: https://a.co/d/iV2N1l4Transformational Discipleship Book: https://a.co/d/gu2nVlk

As you may know, this season is filled with such an eclectic mix of stories all centered around decision making! After the recordings, our co-hosts, Katie and Julia, talk about how the episode went and have been personally impacted and wow’d at what God is showing them through these women’s stories. And our guest this week, Julie Condliffe, once again brought an awesome story to the table! Born in Zimbabwe, educated in the UK, redirected in South Africa… Her story is one that is filled with persevering through hard and over and over again and finding God with his invitation to ARISE. Throughout all the challenges, her desire was to bring hope to the next person. She does so with the perspective of being willing to keep trusting in God even when you are at the figurative (or literal in her case!) end of the road. Julie reminds us that in the hard, ALL things work together for good. She’s seen it, felt it and wants everyone to trust Him too. (To hear more of her story, get her book, Unbreakable!) PSHere’s a little spoiler...but helpful for those who want to copy it down:AcceptanceRedirectionIntuitionSacred visionEnjoy the journey!Her website: https://juliecondliffe.co.uk/Her book: https://a.co/d/gHAkL39

It’s always fun to make new connections and hear new stories! (At least we think so, because that’s what this podcast is all about!) When today’s guest, Lori Melton, agreed to share her story we had no idea how many incredible connections we would be making. Lori is an author, podcaster and spiritual director and in this episode shares with us all the decisions that lead up to where she is today. She reminds us that “life with God is an adventure.” And that when we watch out for what God is inviting us to do today, we should DECIDE to say YES. When we do that we will see some amazing connections, live through incredible stories and be able to turn around and give Him the glory for the many days he has given us. Lori also shares some amazing connections with Sharon Sharon Garlough Brown and Mr. Rogers! We truly felt we were chatting with a kindred spirit! We hope you’ll tune in and join us in these connections (have we said that word “connections” enough?) But that’s what our time together is really all about, and being with those special individuals, like Lori, who encourage all of us to make time to listen and spend time with Jesus.PSIf you head over to her website, there is a “Sneak Peak” to her book available to read!https://www.lorigmelton.com/Episode with Sharon Glarlough Brown: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-141-sharon-garlough-brown/id1318514560?i=1000516375689

Hey Friends! This should come as no surprise, but we have another epic episode for you! Today we have the very lovely and knowledgeable Dr. Kimberly LeHew! This episode is all about health and the impact our decisions can make ON our health, and the importance of making decisions FOR our health. God walked Dr. Kimberly through so many different paths to give her the tools, perspective and understanding to not only bring her back to Him but combine all these elements together so she could help others! If we want real healing, we need to detox and reset our mind, body and soul, and only then can we truly build health into our lives. Her desire is for everyone to find sustainable health; not a quick fix, diet trick or effortless option. If we do the work we can find ourselves living the lives God wants for us. We are so thankful for Dr. Kimberly’s heart to take what she figured out and discover how she can help others take care of our bodies, minds and souls too! https://www.drkimberlylehew.com/

This season when we sit down with guests to discuss the topic of making decisions we have been blown away by the unique and powerful perspective they’ve brought, and not only does today’s episode fit that perfectly, but it also steps deeper into some practical application! Myshel Wilkens is well-spoken and full of truth. With her authenticity she cuts away excuses and she does it with a soft, stable and welcoming attitude. From this beautiful place she asks, “Who is God to you?” because that will determine your decisions. She invites us to let God be as big as he is and shares how she had to sit herself down and have an honest conversation with God. She said she needed to know him for herself. And encourages us all to really take the time to know Him, so we can trust him so we can live our lives fully. There’s a reason why we are here and when we are closer to God we can see all those amazing reasons. In her devotional book she transparently shows us how we can do just as the title states: Arise, Shine and Conquer. You guys aren’t going to want to miss this episode!!https://www.myshelwilkins.com/

Friends, we are here for a BONUS episode to join with our dear friend Bjou Mushengezi and talk about her Moseka Action Project Gala on October 25, 2025! We want as many people to attend and become educated about the tragedies happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but also be encouraged, even if we can’t attend the gala, to support the incredible work Bjou and her team are doing for the lives of so many women and children. In this episode Bjou says that we are here to do God’s work, which is advancing the kingdom by taking care of those who are suffering. This is such a powerful message and reflects Jesus’ ministry. When Bjou talks about the importance of standing together, it reminds us that God has us here for a purpose, beyond comfort. We all can impact the world and help others who can’t stand themselves. This definitely looks differently for each of us, but we hope this episode will open your heart to ask God what exactly that looks like, and we invited you to join us in praying for the Democratic Republic of the Congo!Moseka Action Project: https://www.mosekaactionproject.org/Her boys’ first time ministering in Leesburg:https://x.com/cabot_phillips/status/1970158530612150381to support her son’s bible ministry: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fuel-their-mission-sharing-gods-wordThe Power of Women, by Dr. Mukwege:  https://a.co/d/9JRV5ne Past Episodes with Bjou: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-episode-205-international-womens-day-with-bijou/id1318514560?i=1000648484369

Friends, join us as we chat it up with Laine Lawson Craft! Laine walks us through two pivotal decision making times in her life that, as she looks back, literally brought life into her dead marriage and a chance at life for her three prodigal children. Decisions are a huge part of our lives, but are so tricky. In this episode, Laine shares with us how she asked God to close doors, asked God to guide them as they “tapped the water”  and saw again and again how making decisions out of obedience reaped days of blessings. In her wisdom she reminds us that it’s not our timeline, but His, but eventually we can see the good in making the right choice, and how God fueled the ability to survive it! We are reminded to ask God for help just as we are, and see all the good He can bring because He loves us!Get connected with her or find her books here:https://lainelawsoncraft.com/

A couple years after the start of our podcast, after Katie and Susan got it going and saw all of these stories changing lives, Gwen joined the team of storytellers. In God’s perfect providence Gwen added an element of creativity that the podcast needed as the story curator. Fast forward to Katie receiving her cancer diagnosis. Gwen was a rock of stability the podcast needed and an element to the foundation of the stories we continue to share today! So it is absolutely fitting that we side-step our theme for a moment to share some news from Gwen, during a time where she can use the support she so generously and faithfully provided Katie, during her cancer diagnosis. This episode is an update, but also one where we remember what God is capable of and a story of hope even when we are walking through the valleys. PsIf you’d like to send a note to cheer Gwen on, please send it to: [email protected] and we’ll be sure to pass it on to her!Link to Praying like Monks, Living like Fools https://a.co/d/7QGVzBk

As we dive into our NEW season with the theme all about decisions we really could not have started with a better guest if we tried! Rosann Coulon joins us in this episode where we talk about how decisions that she made opened up doors for change, hope and the ability to encourage others! She was a “PK” raised in an idyllic home, but like in so many of our lives at times, hardship hit. Rosann had to decide how to process her pain, how to regain her trust and be honest with herself and God. In these steps she was able to “leave a well” for others to find when they were feeling the same dryness in their faith. She responded with “God I’ll keep coming.” How she does this, and what comes next is all shared in this episode! Lean in, friends, this story will change lives!psPsalms 84:6As they go through the Valley of Baca (weeping)     they make it a place of springs (wells);    the early rain also covers it with pools.Links: Leaving A Well Website, with Blog, Ministry and Book info: https://www.leavingawell.com/

Katie and Julia are so excited to share with you our new theme for not just the fall season of 2025, but also the spring of 2026! Yes, this theme has piqued the interest of so many that our guest list overflowed past the fall dates all the way through our spring calendar and we are not disappointed at all. In this episode, Katie Hawkins shares kind of where this Making Decisions theme came from and she and Julia chat about how predetermined decisions really can impact our lives and ultimately our stories!Links:Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Statonhttps://a.co/d/efdZYsQThink Ahead by Craig Groeshelhttps://a.co/d/3vpwYux The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kellyhttps://a.co/d/5f4MdoH

Hey Friends! Katie Hawkins and Julia Sifers start off our new season with some stories of how they've continued to learn from and share stories in OTHER ways besides our podcast. From the zoom book club, to other podcasts and even the Netflix series The Crown, our gal pals talk about all the ways we can see Stories Changing Lives! Then to wrap things up, they introduce us to the new theme this year all about making decisions, but more on that in our next episode! Links: Episode with Sharon Garlough Brownhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-141-sharon-garlough-brown/id1318514560?i=1000516375689God Has A Name, by John Mark Comer https://a.co/d/2uzTVrtJohn Mark Comer Teachings Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-mark-comer-teachings/id1592847144The Crownhttps://www.netflix.com/title/80025678

This season has been full of guests with stories of loneliness. Even though it’s not fun to feel lonely, we have had a blast talking with each guest because they all shared what happens during a time of loneliness or one the other side of it. And although all of these stories are unique they all have something in common: they wouldn’t trade their hard time for anything because of what they learned, how they grew and who they’ve become.Powerful stuff! Today’s guest is no different! Heather Myers wraps up our season of loneliness like a bow on a present. Her perspective and truth have what it takes to carry anyone feeling lonely to a place of hope. She has written a bible study for mom’s who need to connect more with God but just can’t figure out how to add time with God in the middle of all the other things that spring up in the day. (And we all want to read it!) Until we can get our hands on a copy, we hope you enjoy this episode, and the perspective it brings!

Have you ever wondered why you had to go through a hard time in your life? Today’s guest, Lisa Steven, wondered that as a child when a tragic situation hit her family. And again, when she was a teen and found out she was pregnant. But God put incredible people in her life who did not judge her, like they could have, but came alongside her and pointed her towards good. Lisa learned about community, and the importance of loving people when they're in a season of hard. And when she joined MOPS (Now MomCo) she was welcomed in and found her calling. She realized the hard time in her life hard a purpose, and she was going to use all she learned to love on teen moms. And do what her in-laws did: welcome them in and point them to Jesus. Lisa encourages us to lean into our callings, because “Jesus will surround you with people to make His calling a reality.” Just like He did for her and her nonprofit organization Hope House Colorado. Listen in for encouragement and hope even in hard times!Lisa’s Book: A Place to Belong, https://a.co/d/5WgIohY To learn more about Hope House: https://hopehousecolorado.org/For info on MOMCo (MOPS): https://www.themom.co/home

Becky Harling joins us in our series of Stories of Loneliness with great perspective and practical advice on how to walk out of a season of being lonely. She’s full of wisdom on the topic because after “clarifying” season of cancer, God walked her through moving beyond elements causing her loneliness by dealing with the past. In this time of emotional and narrative healing she began to see that being busy doesn’t mean she isn’t lonely. That having a full schedule doesn’t mean you’re more important. She had to ask “what does God want from me?” And His answer involved loving like Jesus loved, which starts off with being present. She saw that we need to “cultivate listening in order to kill loneliness.” In a cultural time of being addicted to our phones we need to choose to connect with people! Even if those people don’t think like us, or think like we think or do how we do… we need to choose to not be offended. Sometimes it’s hard to push past this, but when we take some initiative and walk through some of the steps Becky shares with us from her book, we can make a difference in other people’s lives and watch the loneliness in our own lives melt away!

As we continue to share Stories of Loneliness, we are delighted to have Jen Brooks as our guest. Jen has coped with loneliness starting from childhood, that grew to insecurity and her attempt to numb and deal with it on her own. That is, until she met Jesus and literally “shut the door” on her old self and walked onto a new path of healing. Through the healing she was shown 4 transformational steps that unpacked her questions of “What is a new creation?” Because although trauma can be heavy, sticky and echo in our lives, it does not define us! In this episode, Jen shares so much wisdom and truth and even access to a (free!) course she has in helping us walk out of the lies of whatever is plaguing our hearts and keeping hold of us. We can’t wait to have her back on to unpack more! Find out more about Jen on her website here:https://anchoredandassured.com/

Today we had the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer Wing, who has been through some back to back seasons of loneliness mostly due to chronic fatigue and other unknown illnesses. Everyone has different reactions to hard times, and one of Jennifer’s was being angry at God. But instead of pretending to be fine, or not upset at God, Jennifer learned to be angry WITH God, not in His general direction, but in His presence. And here she found a closeness. Jennifer shared that she wrestled with concepts of performance based community and what she called “devine unavailability.” And throughout her struggles, God showed her over and over He is gracious, kind and generously gives specifically just what she needed. This conversation was so encouraging to all of us who have been in seasons of loneliness or have friends and family who are currently in those seasons. Jennifer encourages us to remember “God sees your unseen work.” That “growth doesn’t feel like growth” but it really is when you look back. And challenges us to remember that “God’s mercy is so much bigger than we think.” We hope you walk away from listening with the same encouragement and hope we felt from chatting with Jennifer!Listen to Jennifer's sermon here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4nwbgLFhwpGP0oeyvDa3kZ?si=fMMLf-c7RGaVsamIZMu7wQOr Watch her whole service here: https://www.mygateway.life/sermons/speakers/jennifer-wing/faith-healing-the-whole-truth-embracing-jesus-in-our-suffering

We’re so excited to share this Bonus Episode about the upcoming NorthStar Women’s Conference and give you a chance to hear a little from our featured speaker, Kelly Minter, herself! Kelly is deeply passionate about teaching the Bible and believes it permeates all of life. AND she's coming to Northern Virginia to share about Cultivating Our Stories - the blessed life we have through our encounters with Jesus! Joining Kelly will be Kimberly Williams, our amazing worship leader, and Susan Wanderer, our incredible emcee. PLUS, there will be many exhibitors and vendors, including Katie Hawkins with a She Speaks Stories table!We hope you enjoy this special episode with Kelly and will get your ticket soon, so we can plan to SEE YOU at the conference! For more fun, invite your friends, neighbors, and sisters and make it a girls' day out! Conference Details:Area-Wide Women's ConferenceSaturday, May 3, 20259:00 AM - 3:00 PMColumbia Church in Falls ChurchTickets: bit.ly/NWN2025More Info: https://www.nswomensnet.org/2025

Life is full of seasons, and in today’s episode we hear from Jess Ronne, who uses the four seasons to walk us through caregiving. Winter hits with the hard truth of a diagnosis, Spring shows up when we find our new normal, Summer blasts with a wave of intensity and change, but then Fall walks over with acceptance and sweet surrender. And in this surrender we can find the peace that God has called us to a work. And this work is a type of worship! Jesus came to earth to give care. When we love whoever God places in our lives we are learning to be more like Him!Nonprofit & Podcast:The Lucas ProjectBook:Care Giving with Grit and GraceDocumentary:Unseen

Here we are with another great episode in our series: Stories of Loneliness, with a fantastic guest: Brenda Yoder. Brenda is part of the 3rd largest Amish community in Shipshewana, Indiana, which has also been voted the number one midwest tourist destination in 2025. Why do so many people flock to this little pocket in northern indiana? Brenda shares in her book, Uncomplicated, what the draw really is. And spoiler, it really doesn’t have much to do with the location, it has a lot more to do with the lifestyle. She’s excited to share that it’s something anyone can cultivate in their lives no matter where they live. When the world isn’t sure what to do, “God’s ways still work.” If we focus on that and stop listening to the lie that we don’t have what it takes or we’re just waiting for the next thing, or caught in the when/then trap we can find joy and live in the present and really uncomplicate our lives! Her Books:UncomplicatedFledgeBalance, Busyiness and Not Doing it AllWho Do You Say I Am?Her Website: Life Beyond the Picket Fence

This episode’s guest is our friend from this past summer’s bookclub! Last June we were chatting with Amy about the Mr. Roger’s book that we’d read and we just knew we had to get Amy on the podcast. Amy is full of fun energy and authentic truth. She spent years wrestling removing a deeply impacted UNtruth from her life; so truth really matters to her. The idea of emptying ourselves, embracing silence and sitting in seasons of purposely aloneness can feel so foreign or anti-cultural but wow can it bring some amazing growth and understanding. She brings it all to the table in this episode, where we hear about what loneliness has looked like to her and how she saw spotlights of hope (aka the Bible) pour truth, encouragement and support in ways only our Jesus can.

In this new episode Katie and Julia continue to chat with guests, aka their new best friends, about times of loneliness. Kristina Kotlus joins them today to talk about her story when she discovered she had brain cancer and her journey of finding an, as she calls it “ an ‘Even If’ faith”. During this time filled with challenges (and so many blessings) she learned that “God is in the business of redemption.” and how okay it is to hold that feeling of loneliness and thankfulness at the same time. When life really gives you lemons, Kristina saw how important it was to be intentional with our perspective, because “Joy is an intentional choice regardless of circumstances.” This and so many other great quotes of perspective and encouragement are peppered throughout our chat in today’s episode and are equally enjoyable in her book (I Quit: Facing Cancer with Faith, Family and Friends.) It’s such a delight to chat with someone who is willing to be honest about the hard, maintaining her sense of humor and shining the light of hope being present even when you least expect it!I Quit: Facing Cancer with Faith, Family and Friendshttps://kristinakotlus.com/

Katie and Julia are excited to begin a theme of loneliness in this new season. Well, excited to be together chatting with new friends, not really excited that so many of us have had such hard and lonely times in our lives. It’s no coincidence that Katie and Julia are continuing to learn so much from one of their favorite podcasters/authors/teachers, John Mark Comer. And Katie opens up this episode with some amazing quotes she’s heard from his podcast. It just sets the stage for this season in a way only God can orchestrate! So today, we kick off this season, that we’re calling Stories of Loneliness, with an amazing gal: Lauren Fernandez! We had the best time chatting with her as she authentically shares her story. Lauren isn’t new to sharing her story, she has a blog (momfaithfumbles.com) where she encourages her readers over and over again just by sharing what God is showing her. In this episode we hope to encourage those who are lonely with some practical steps towards seeing a shimmer in the hard. Lauren shares how she learned to “lament to the One who can carry it.” because He truly cares and can use even seasons of loneliness for good in our lives!John Mark Comer Man's Search for MeaningLauren Fernandez's Blog

Katie sits down with a new GUEST host and previous guest, the lovely Jennifer Stovall to chat with their friend, Jessica. Jessica felt lost until she encountered Dana at a Rappahannock Regional Jail event where Dana shared her testimony. For the first time, Jessica heard that freedom was not just a possibility, but a reality she could embrace. Witnessing Dana's journey sparked a newfound hope in Jessica—a hope that this could be her story too. Jessica’s story is a testament to the power of faith and community in the journey to freedom. As she says, "It’s scary making changes when you don’t know the outcome. Be willing to change and have faith." Let Jessica’s story inspire you: In Jesus, new beginnings are always possible. https://www.zoefreedomcenter.org/ https://www.beautyforashesva.org/ https://journeyhouserecovery.org/

Poetry Book Review with Lynn Wyvill In this episode we hear from Lynn as she walks us through her experience of finding God. She says, “God was present even when I wasn’t aware of it.” And when she looks back and all the steps, she can clearly see him guiding her closer and closer to him.  She reminds us that in this speedy world of so much, it’s so important to wait on God; “to take the time to be quiet everyday and listen for the Lord.” And after joining us as we chat about her books and newsletter, you’re probably going to want to get in on this goodness! So head over to her website: lynnhwyvill.com  We also chatted about the book series: Sensible Shoes. If you’re interested in reading these books you can find them here!

Well here we are in 2025! And we are so excited to share with you a little bit of where we’ve been and where we are heading as a podcast! We’re wrapping up two themes from 2024: a season focusing on breaking free from addiction, and a mini Christmas season focusing on epic books to read and share.  But what do we have in store for our listeners for 2025… well listen in to this new episode where Katie and Julia talk us through their plans for this new year, new season and new theme coming to our She Speaks Stories podcast! It’s one that’s so important and something we’ve all had a season of, or know someone struggling with it now.  We can’t wait to start and are so happy you are here for it! Because we truly believe what we often say: STORIES CHANGE LIVES!

You've waited long enough! Join us in the PART 2 of one of the most fun episodes Katie and Julia have recorded this year! If you missed Part 1, go enjoy that first, and then come back for this episode, where Katie and Julia continue chatting with Katie's two nieces and her nephew about their poetry book and other fantastic books they or their family members have written. There is a lot of joy in this episode, as well as a lot of genuine stories and depth. We unpack a little about what poetry is and the impact stories can have! Links:⁠ In Sunshine or in Shadow: Poems for Every Season⁠⁠ SFC Poets Instagram⁠ Bethany's Books: ⁠The Land Beyond the Waste⁠ and ⁠The Ellyrian Code⁠⁠ Bethany's Website⁠ Anne's Book: ⁠From the Garden to the Grave: Walking in Eden⁠ Pat Daily (Matthew's Father-In-Law)'s Books: ⁠Spark⁠, ⁠Fire⁠, and ⁠Orcland⁠⁠ Pat Daily's Website⁠ Tom Flaherty's Book: ⁠One Thing: Daily Devotions to Inspire Intimacy

We see a lot of “joy” written and sung about during the holidays, and if there’s an episode filled with joy, it’s this one! What a JOYous time Katie and Julia had chatting it up with the Flaherty fam! (So much laughing!)  Normally we have one guest, and occasionally we’ve had two guests, but never ever have we had three guest… until today! And what a fun gathering of guests! Katie’s nieces and nephew (Children of her brother Tom Flaherty who has been on several of our episodes) joined us from their trip in Mexico!  Siblings: Anne, Bethany, Matthew and their sister Christina wrote a poetry book together, In Sunshine or in Shadow. And in this episode share a little bit about why and how this incredible book was written. There are poems from all seasons and for all seasons. They are so beautifully, and talentedly written; just dripping with relatable moments and well-thought out rhyming schemes. This family is jam-packed with talent. (Spoiler, they read some of their poetry in the episode!) Their hope is to encourage laughter through the tears, because we can be grateful for the love that carried us through the harder times in our lives. Poetry can be a tremendous vehicle for helping your heart heal. And it gets better. Not only is their poetry book incredible, they (and some of their other family members) have written books for a variety of readers!  This episode is SO much fun, but since there were FIVE of us chatting, we decided to cut it in half. So please enjoy PART 1 today, and look for PART 2 in a couple weeks! Links: ⁠In Sunshine or in Shadow: Poems for Every Season⁠⁠ SFC Poets Instagram⁠ Bethany's Books: ⁠The Land Beyond the Waste⁠ and ⁠The Ellyrian Code⁠⁠ Bethany's Website⁠ Anne's Book: ⁠From the Garden to the Grave: Walking in Eden ⁠Pat Daily (Matthew's Father-In-Law)'s Books: ⁠Spark⁠, ⁠Fire⁠, and ⁠Orcland ⁠⁠Pat Daily's Website ⁠Tom Flaherty's Book: ⁠One Thing: Daily Devotions to Inspire Intimacy

Today’s episode is so fun! Join in on Katie and Julia, sipping their morning coffees and chatting about what some of their favorite books are, not only ones they’ve enjoyed but books they truly think would make fantastic Christmas presents for you and your loved ones! We also give you all a little sneak peak at what our next two Christmas Episodes will be… and they are full of another one of our favorite things: Family!  There are so so many books listed in this episode (and stories too, of course!) So check out the links below if you’re looking for an easy find of one of the books that we mention in this episode:  Devotional My Utmost for His Highest One Thing Historical Fictions Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance! Demon Copperhead The Chronicles of the Kings Collection Thief of Corinth  The Zion Chronicles Mark of the Lion The Nightingale  Biographies Greenlights Finding Me She Speaks Stories King Stories I Only Tell My Friends Children’s Books Love You Forever Three Trees Oh the Places You’ll Go The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine The Mysterious Benedict Society

There’s nothing wrong with adoring your family and wanting everyone to stay close and be happy. In fact, most mothers would agree that’s our hearts greatest desire. Jennifer shares with us what happens when you hold on that a little too tightly and how God brought her back to Him through lots of layers of hard, in a season of empty-nesting (Or “Extreme Empty-Nesting” as she calls it) during COVID. She walks in the mess of shame and blame during her crisis and discovers beautiful lessons because “God is not afraid of our big feelings.” She learned how to forgive, how to look to God for her source of identity and the importance of feeling heard. Because “When we feel heard we start to heel.”  This episode is full of wisdom and perspective regardless of where you are at in your hard (We all have hard!) And how great of a feeling it is to release that control and free-fall into our Father’s arms, because He is with us, even when we don’t think so.  Jennifer is an amazing gal to speak with! If you’re interested in connecting with her more check out these links to her current passions: IG coaching page: https://www.instagram.com/mustard_seed_living/profilecard/?igsh=MWplN3c0MW05N2Y0cQ== Email: [email protected]  Zoe Freedom Center Website: www.ZoeFreedomCenter.org Contact info: [email protected]

Four years ago, in 2020, Dana chatted with us on our podcast and we were thrilled to have her back on to share more about her story and the incredible things God has done in her life. Dana is full of wisdom and reminds us that “shame and guilt have no control anymore because God created us and HE gets to say what happens in our lives.” Nothing we do is a surprise. He uses the mess we make to use for others to hear about how amazing He is. It’s hard sometimes to push past the lies and the “deceptive evil” but God is so good and he replaced Dana’s desire for drugs with the desire to tell people about Him.  Even if you don’t struggle with Dana’s struggles, she paints a picture of what it looks like to stop holding onto our sin and mistakes as our identity and instead hold onto who Jesus says we are! It takes a lifetime to get to redemption, so don’t give up, no matter where you are in your story. He’s got great things coming for you!  Here are some links from Dana:  Zoe Freedom Center: https://www.zoefreedomcenter.org/about Dana’s Book: Desperate for a Fix https://a.co/d/1W9UYLS  Susan’s Book: A Wanderer’s Journey: Part 1 https://a.co/d/7RJF5GJ

We love a good redemption story, and Melissa Huray’s story is a great one! As we wade through this season’s theme of addiction it’s important to us that we are chatting with authentic storytellers who want to share the truth of the hard and when and how they overcome it! Melissa shares her story, step by step, as she grew up and began to recognize the addiction in her life and what it took for her to say to Jesus, “I want to be done.”  Oh and hey, if you enjoyed our chat with her today, we encourage you to check out her books (⁠Blackout to Blessings⁠ & ⁠Radical Freedom⁠) show (⁠The Hope Report⁠)  or ⁠website⁠ to hear more!

Join us this week as Katie and Julia chat about their summers! This summer She Speaks Stories had a NEW theme, where we dropped the "S" and had a summer filled with HEs! The He Speaks Stories Summer not only extended into our episodes but also our summer book club. The books we read over the summer were fantastic, so Julia and Katie share favorite parts and encourage all our listeners to get a copy: 1. The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers by Amy Hollingsworth (https://a.co/d/cRFSM5j) 2. Me, Myself & Bob by Phil Vischer (https://a.co/d/1lttBLJ) 3. A Burning in My Bones by Winn Collier (https://a.co/d/babNHTA) After chatting about the FUN of their summer our lovely co-hosts shifted gears to what to expect from the She Speaks Stories podcast!

Today we have the pleasure of hearing from Lou Minichini! He was chatting with the lovely Katie Hawkins at their Sunday School get-together and shared his conversion story. Katie's response was “you HAVE to be on our podcast!” and we are SO thankful Lou agreed!  His story walks us through how a New Jersey Italian Catholic found Jesus. How his upbringing grew from a traditional awareness of God to a life changing relationship with his Savoir.  And after he found Christ, he talked about the importance of sharing the good news! The discussion that follows that: unpacking preferences vs principles in our faith, was so interesting and fun!

Our host Julia Sifers is head over heels in love with today’s guest, and that’s a good thing because he’s her husband!  Yup, Nik Sifers’, Julia’s other-half, joins us today to share some perspective of the trust that develops for those of us “stuck on hard-mode.” Nik in his own sarcastic and thoughtful way walks us through a few examples of God’s specific care and direction in ways he was not expecting. This episode helps us see that God will always provide, and it’s always good, but it’s rarely what we were expecting!

Are you tired? Just worn out? In this episode Tom breaks down the simple beauty of intimacy with God. It seems like a big feat, but it starts with desire and grows into something wonderful.  Tom, Katie’s brother, has been on our podcast a few times before because he’s a great teacher, one of Katie’s best favorite brothers and he genuinely enjoys our podcast! So that works out nicely! In this episode shares dreams he’s had and the transformation that came when the meaning of the dreams were revealed.  It’s such a good perspective on the power of valuing the presence of God.  Let’s get the ark back, let’s eat the spinach, let’s rest in the awesome power of his presence!

SUSAN IS BACK for today’s episode!! And it’s so good! God has blown Susan away with all that he has shown her over this year! He has rekindled her love for the local church when it’s partnered with the gospel and shown her the power of community. In her new role in her church, God has showered her with goodness and perspective and this space has fueled the finishing touches on her new book (get excited! We are!)  If you’ve missed Susan, as we have, join us for quality connection as we hear all that God is doing in her life!

Those of you who have been long-time listeners know Portia and the goodness she brings, and though God called her to step down as host of She Speaks Stories, he called her towards some other great changes. And in this episode, Portia shares with us what she’s been up to this past year.  Jesus has held her, through changes, in her identity and quieted her fast pace with deep renewal. Her organization Imago Dei is growing as they learn exactly what it looks like to come alongside the church and help organize conversations about diversity. Their goal is to help leaders see what Jesus taught. That it’s not about the outcome, but about opportunities and looking around to see what is needed in the church’s community. Imago Dei is a much needed perspective. Not just sweeping these hard questions under the rug but really coming alongside the confusion to bridge the gaps and guide them through so Jesus can be seen in all cultures and corners! As they say, “Diversity is a garden to grow, not a problem to solve.”  To learn more about Imago Dei: Website:www.weareimagodei.co Instagram: @weareiagodei.co Our Heart We'd love to be a part of your (all who hear this podcast) church staff development through our recorded 5 session course to help rediscover diversity through a biblical perspective. The Foundations Course is available through the website. Not sure where to begin? We'd love to hop on a free call with you. Click here.

Kim joins us today to share the steps she took to find Jesus. Even though she was raised to know there was a God, she didn’t see beyond him as a structured God of Wrath. Through some hard times and with many seeds planted over time, she found what she’d been missing! Life is hard, and it can be confusing! Questions and uncertainties come and it really is hard to see any hope in the middle of some of the hard. Kim’s story is a clear message of salvation. In her story we can see grace exemplified. When we have a life with holes, God comes in and fills in the gaps! Check out the episode we did with Kim's daughter, Episode #181 Finding Healing in Marriage with Dane and Brooke Lopez.

Sarah was a military spouse who was slammed with hard times, affairs, financial difficulties and so much unknown. But God knew her and did not leave her. Every step of the way he provided for her in the most personal ways with scraggly old strangers, kind judges, supportive churches and friendly empowering bosses.  This is a story of redemption. Her life exemplifies how God is always there, no matter where you are!

Doris is the kind of gal you want at your table. In this episode we’re getting a good introduction of the quippy Doris Lama! She’s so fun and filled with a confetti of eclectic and mosaic stories all centered around God’s answering her question: “What would you have me do?” With the Holy Spirit’s help she “moves from less than to more than” and encourages anyone who has the pleasure of her company! This is really a part one, because we’re going to have her back after hearing (too many!) teasers of some of the stories from her past, including how she met her husband. So get cozy and join us in chatting with Doris!

Normally we have a lot of SHE’s on She Speaks Stories (it’s in the name!) but we love it when we can have a HE come join in on the fun. Today’s episode we have a HE and a SHE! Chris and Julie Bennett join us to share their story when they said yes to God before they knew what they were getting into, saw Him use bad for good and were enveloped in a community that allowed them to find permission for authenticity while Julie battled cancer. They have the specific struggles in their story, but even if you can't relate to all the variants, their story is one worth listening to because it's jam-packed with such applicable truths that will leave you not only encouraged but motivated. And just in case that description wasn’t enough, here’s a few teaser-quotes from our time with this incredible couple– If you’ve ever gone through something hard: “God doesn’t waste our hard.” If you’ve ever had to step out on faith: “Faith doesn’t feel heroic in the moment.” There were many many more. We hope you’ll take the time to listen and that you are encouraged!

Life in the Congo was wonderful for our guest, Bijou Mushengezi, for the first 16 years of her life. But in 1996 everything changed when civil war shattered her beautiful country with evil.  This is our Bonus Episode, specifically released on International Women’s Day with the intent to inform more people about the horrific tragedies that are destroying a country full of beautiful resources and innocent lives. Caitlin Sturgis and Bijou Mushengezi have a nonprofit that aids in mending the brokenness in the DRC, called: Moseka Action Project. We want this story to break your heart, as it did ours, in order for us to stop and really ask God how we can help. At the very least we need to pray for these people and for those who are doing something to offer a choice to rebuild lives that have been ripped apart.  This is big. This is heavy. But our God is bigger and stronger. There is hardship but also joy! Listen in as we hear about the GOOD work he is doing! Learn more about the Moseka Action Project: https://www.mosekaactionproject.org/