Finding God
in Our Pain

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.

In a heartfelt conversation, Gina Economopoulos shares her journey from a traditional Catholic upbringing in a large family to finding a deeper faith and purpose in life. She talks about her experiences as the seventh child among eight siblings and how she transitioned from a social work degree to bartending, a job that suited her outgoing personality. Gina candidly discusses her struggles with alcoholism, which began in college, and how it was a means to numb her insecurities and pain.

Gina also discusses her spiritual journey, highlighting the loss of her mother and she explains how her mother’s death led her to question the meaning of life and propelled her commit herself to God and join a convent. Gina recounts her time as a nun, where she experienced both joy in serving people and deep suffering within the convent. Her eventual departure from the convent was a pivotal moment that led her to a closer relationship with God. She shares how her faith was strengthened through the 12-Step program called The Rooms, and how that journey helped her to truly understand the heart-to-heart connection with God.

Through multiple personal losses and hardships, including the death of loved ones, cancer, her son’s addiction, and a house fire, guest, Lea Turner emphasizes the importance of being honest with God about one’s pain and questions, even when they are not considered godly. Leah highlights that true intimacy with God develops through these trials, and she shares that documenting moments of joy and reaching out to friends have been essential practices for her during tough times. She also stresses that God provides comfort and signs of hope, like the butterflies she saw amidst the ashes of her destroyed home.

Summary: INTRO TO THE EPISODE:Life can throw some seriously tough curveballs. When it does, it’s our spiritual foundation that can make all the difference. My