Finding God
in Our Pain

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!

Guest, Sara Willoughby is a young woman who is living with chronic illness. Despite the struggles and limitations imposed by her conditions, Sara’s story is one of hope, resilience, and unwavering faith. This episode delves into the challenges faced by those with chronic illness, the role of faith in navigating suffering, and the importance of community and support. Sara also shares the unexpected blessings and opportunities that have arisen from her experiences, including her work as a blogger and author among many other ways she serves the chronic illness community. This episode offers a lifeline to those feeling isolated in their struggles, reminding listeners that they are not alone and that there is purpose and beauty to be found even in the darkest of times. Join host, Sherrie and Sara as they explore the profound questions of faith, purpose, and the transformative power of God’s love in the context of chronic illness.

In the podcast episode Author Rayna Neises, shares insights from her book “No Regrets, Hope for Your Caregiving Season,” focusing on the complexities and challenges of caregiving. Rayna discusses the importance of exploring options and being open to change in caregiving plans, highlighting the need for flexibility and adaptability. She encourages caregivers to maintain relationships, seek support, and utilize their unique strengths in caregiving partnerships. Rayna’s personal experiences with her parents, particularly her father’s Alzheimer’s, illustrate the ebb and flow of caregiving seasons and the emotional and logistical demands involved.

Life can be difficult, painful and cruel but my guest LaShaundra Barnes is experiencing great joy in the midst of her real life challenges. A single mom of special needs children, recovering from several forms of abuse, God’s presence has LaShaundra describing herself as blessed. Listen in to find out how that it is possible to find the joy that surpasses our human understanding in the very midst of suffering.