Finding God
in Our Pain

Summary: PODCAST INTRO:In the face of life’s most challenging storms, it’s often the faith journeys of resilience that inspire us to keep moving forward. Leslie

Guest, Karen Dittman if familiar with living life on a hamster wheel. Life seems to come at her from every angle all at one time and she’s discovered that God is capable of meeting her on that ever moving wheel. She’s cultivated 7 Minutes with God and the Grace Cycle that can keep you tethered to God’s heart when life becomes especially overwhelming.

Denise Clanin offers her personal story of losing her brother to a rare mutation known as NF2. She reflects on navigating her brother’s diagnosis and watching his decline over the years. She also talks about how the family shifted and changed with his ever increasing needs. Denise credits God’s ability to meet her in her pain, the importance of community and the enduring power of faith, hope and love.

In today’s world, the concept of “church hurt” has become a topic of considerable discussion and introspection. While churches are meant to be sanctuaries of spiritual growth and community support, they are also composed of fallible human beings, which can sometimes lead to experiences of hurt. As Michelle Nezat elaborates in her insightful conversation, church hurt arises from various sources, such as personal sensitivities, past traumas, sins committed against individuals, and failed leadership. It is crucial to acknowledge these experiences without generalizing that every church harms its congregation. Understanding church hurt requires a multifaceted approach, recognizing both personal and systemic factors within a church setting.

In a world where many individuals face unexpected challenges, stories like Katie Jones’ offer a beacon of hope and resilience. Her journey, marked by struggles with infertility, the joy of fostering, and the miraculous birth of her son, showcases the profound power of faith and human tenacity. It all began with Katie’s desire to become a mother, a dream that seemed elusive due to years of infertility. This period of uncertainty was a transformative time that tested her beliefs and ultimately deepened her spiritual journey. The faith Katie had established would serve her well because what should have been an easy birth turned into a life or death situation for them both.

Ana Megrelishvili’s narrative is a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion, the strength found in faith, and the profound changes that can occur when individuals are given the opportunity and support to thrive. That has been her personal story and now she’s creating the same type of victories via the extensive network she has created, Christians Professional Network Worldwide (CPNW). AT CPNW, they’re “eradicating poverty one mentorship at a time.”

Dr. Mel Tavares offers valuable insights into navigating life transitions, particularly for women experiencing the empty nest phase. Mel’s holistic approach, integrating mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health, underscores the importance of addressing all aspects of well-being. Her emphasis on community engagement and goal setting provides practical steps for individuals seeking purpose and connection.

Dr. Mel reminds us that no matter the season of life, there is always room for growth, healing, and pursuing one’s purpose with hope and expectation!

In this engaging podcast episode, Amanda Schaefer shares her insights and experiences on the transformative power of gratitude. Amanda emphasizes the importance of intentionally choosing gratitude to positively shape our thoughts and experiences. She explores the connection between gratitude, peace, and intimacy with God. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, Amanda illustrates how gratitude can renew our minds, transform our hearts, and enhance our relationships with God and others. Tune in to discover how embracing gratitude can lead to an abundant, adventurous life in Christ.