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Guest Bio: Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is the president of T3 Leadership Solutions, Inc, the author of A Sojourner’s Truth as well as other books, and the host of A Sojourner’s Truth: Conversations for a Changing Culture podcast. Natasha is also a doctorate student at North Park Theological Seminary, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Natasha has served her country as a Marine Corps officer and federal government employee at the Department of Homeland Security.   Show Summary: How would you define freedom? The Exodus journey in the Bible was a time where God physically freed people from slavery. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson wants to teach us how the Exodus journey shows that God wants us to live in freedom too. On this episode of God Hears Her, join Natasha and hosts Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan as they discuss the thoughts holding them captive and how we can live in true freedom.    This is the last episode of Season 7! Be sure to join us again on April 24th for the Season 8 Teaser. See ya then!   Notes and Quotes:  “He makes me enough, and He can handle me if I think I’m too much.” —Elisa Morgan “There is always a price to pay for freedom.” —Natasha Sistrunk Robinson “Freedom is a theological, spiritual possibility because of Jesus.” —Elisa Morgan “You can be living in bondage but thinking you are living in freedom.” —Eryn Eddy “Freedom means dreaming again as a child does.” —Natasha Sistrunk Robinson  “He [God] is already thinking about what His people need.” —Natasha Sistrunk Robinson   Verses:  Genesis 1:27 Colossians 2:9–10   Genesis 3  Matthew 7:11 Matthew 11:28  Galatians 5:1  Matthew 14:13–21 Matthew 4:4  2 Corinthians 10:5   Links:  Journey to Freedom: http://www.natashasrobinson.com/journey-to-freedom  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy   MB012OKBORP47NK

Guest Bio: Julie Thomas is a wife, mother of two, life coach and author. After the birth of her second son, Julie battled a severe case of postpartum depression. For years, emotions of anxiety, confusion, and shame consumed her life, leading to isolation and suicidal thoughts. In her darkest hour, she felt God’s undeniable call to share her story with others. With the release of her novel, HOPE Inside Out, and her willingness to be open and transparent, Julie was able to find healing for herself and help others do the same.   Show Summary: We’ve all been scared at one point or another. Fear can have a tight grip on us, especially in the midst of big life changes. Julie Thomas was diagnosed with postpartum depression as the cause for her deep-rooted fear and discouragement, but the path to healing was long. Join Julie on this episode of God Hears Her as she talks with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy about how her life drastically changed after the birth of her second son.   Notes and Quotes: “I would spring out of the bed and just run.” —Julie Thomas “Our God is so confident in who He is and how He loves and pursues us that even our anger does not deter Him from us. In fact it builds intimacy with us.” —Eryn Eddy “I would close every drape in the house and pin it down so no light could come in.” —Julie Thomas “I opened the Word and desperately looked for people who suffered like me.” —Julie Thomas “I regularly sought prayer.” —Julie Thomas “I think many of us feel so helpless when someone we love is suffering.” —Elisa Morgan   Links:  Julie Thomas website: https://julsthomas.com/ Hope Inside Out book: Amazon Suicide Hotline phone number: 9-8-8 Resources for Battling Depression: https://988lifeline.org/ https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression/resources.htm God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy   MB014CWKL6WRGNP

Guest Bio: Shalini Bennet has a BA from Duke University and a certificate from the Soul Care Institute. She was part of the original group led by Sharon Garlough Brown that led her to write “Sensible Shoes”, a book about the spiritual journey of four women. She edits for her sister, Vaneetha Risner, who has written “The Scars That Have Shaped Me” and “Walking Through Fire”. She and her husband have three young adult children ranging from 21 to 26.    Show Summary: Have you ever heard of “spiritual formation”? It may sound complicated or confusing, but what if we told you it was as simple as practicing closeness with God? On today’s episode of God Hears Her, Shalini Bennett shares some wisdom with hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy, on how to practice spiritual formation while sharing her own personal testimony.    Notes and Quotes:  “We need to be born again to be rightly attached to our Father.” —Shalini Bennett “The gospel is worth everything, but it is not dependent on my getting it right.” —Shalini Bennett “The love you receive from the Lord does not depend on your performance.” —Eryn Eddy “When I focus on my performance, I am focusing on myself, not on the Lord.” —Shalini Bennett “We have somehow believed the lie that He [God] does not want me as I am—nobody wants me as I am!” —Shalini Bennett “You don’t know as much about you as He [God] knows about you, and He chose you before the foundation of the world.” —Shalini Bennett “I find we live in a world where what we’re hearing is “run harder, run faster, run better, run, run, run, run, run”. . . even if life is a wreck, stick a happy face on it and Jesus will be happy with you.” —Shalini Bennett   Verses:  John 3:3  Psalm 81:10  Romans 12:2 Zephania 3:17   Links:  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy   MB01RQCG2R0QM01

Guest Bio: Sheila Wise Rowe is a graduate of Tufts University and Cambridge College with a master’s degree in counseling psychology. For over twenty-five years she has counseled abuse and trauma survivors in the United States. Sheila ministered to homeless and abused women and children in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she also taught counseling and trauma-related courses for a decade. She is the cofounder of The Cyrene Movement, an online community for people of color seeking healing for racial trauma. She is the author of Healing Racial Trauma, The Well of Life: Heal Your Pain, Satisfy Your Thirst, Live Your Purpose along with The Wonder Years. She lives in the Boston area, where she is a writer, counselor, speaker, and spiritual director.   Show Summary: At some point in our lives, we have all experienced trauma. Maybe from a traumatic moment or a series of events that altered our lives. Do you feel different after your trauma experience? Have you been working to overcome things from your past or present that hurt you? Tensions have been high, and have caused an increasing amount of anxiety and pain, but God doesn’t leave us alone to deal with the aftermath. On this episode of God Hears Her, counselor Sheila Wise Rowe talks with Elisa Morgan about how we can overcome different types of trauma and work to heal racial trauma as a community of believers.    Notes and Quotes:  “The reality is that most of us have experienced some sort of trauma.” —Sheila Wise Rowe “Multiple little T traumas can have a bigger impact than having one big T trauma.” —Sheila Wise Rowe “In order to be a counselor, you need to have been counseled.” —Elisa Morgan “Trauma is held in our bodies, and the only way to expel that is by moving (exercising, walking).” —Sheila Wise Rowe “I want brothers and sisters in Christ who are more than just allies, they are literally brothers and sisters and are participating in God’s shalom and justice.” —Sheila Wise Rowe   Links:  Healing Racial Trauma book by Sheila Wise Rowe: Amazon Sheila’s Website: https://sheilawiserowe.com/home God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy    MB01LXZPUQWRC9Q

Getting older can make us feel discouraged as we watch our bodies change and feel irrelevant compared to younger people. But what if God has a plan for aging? What if we looked at it as a blessing instead of a curse? On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan talk about how God has a purpose for us throughout our aging.    Notes and Quotes:  “The real legacy of life is not really in what we achieve. . . it is our inner character.” —Elisa Morgan “Our bodies are constantly cuing us because they are constantly changing.” —Elisa Morgan “You can accept it [aging] and have negative self talk about it, or accept it and still be a good steward to your body.” —Eryn Eddy  “Smile lines are a sign of how hard you pray.” —Eryn Eddy “I’m gonna put my foot in the door and keep it there to hold the door for the next woman to walk through it.” —Elisa Morgan “Every single human is the apple of God’s eye.” —Elisa Morgan “Your body is a container for what you have experienced.” —Eryn Eddy   Verses:  1 Corinthians 6:9–11    Links:  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy     MB01V5KMG95JU0N

How do you feel when you hear ‘special needs’? Does your mind fill with memories from someone you love with special needs? Do you get uncomfortable? Do you wish you knew more? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elrena Evans will talk with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy about what she faced when her son was diagnosed with special needs and how her world completely changed.   About Our Guest: Elrena Evans is an executive editor of Paper&String, a digital care package celebrating faith, creativity, and beauty in its many forms. She is the author of a short story collection This Crowded Night, and Special Grace.   Notes and Quotes:  “Special education is taking something and presenting it in a different way.” –Elrena Evans  “When I said, ‘I don’t have any more hope,’ she said, ‘then I will hold it for you.'” –Elrena Evans “My dream is that one day the church will be the place where we can call with news of a diagnosis and say, ‘I don’t know what to do.'” –Elrena Evans “Written prayers give me words for when I have none.” –Elrena Evans  “Anything we are unfamiliar with, we get scared to ask questions. But that can make someone feel lonely.” –Eryn Eddy   Links:  Special Grace Elrena Evan’s book: https://www.ivpress.com/elrena-evans  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy   MB01H24JFVPKKKM

Do you know who you are? Are there lies that you believe about yourself? God designed us with a unique identity that is fueled by His love and knowledge of who He made us to be. On today's episode of God Hears Her, Jamie Winship talks with hosts Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan about how we can clarify our true identity and overcome the lies cast on us.   About Our Guest: After a distinguished career in law enforcement in the metro Washington DC area, Jamie Winship earned an MA in English and developed a unique process called the Identity Method. This process of identity transformation is the key to resolving inner conflict and acquiring new levels of learning and creativity in any field. His unconventional efforts to bring about societal and racial reconciliation led him to Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Israel, and now Seattle. Jamie has worked with leaders in professional sports, business, education, law enforcement, government, non-profit, and other sectors. Jamie and his wife, Donna, are co-founders of Identity Exchange and its corporate arm, Identity Method, providing training and consulting in the transformative power of living fearlessly in your true identity.   Notes and Quotes:  “Ask God to remind us of the times He called to us and we didn’t know it was Him.” — Jamie Winship “True identity is the truest thing about you.” — Jamie Winship “Humans develop an inner voice based off the things they hear.” — Jamie Winship “The voice of God always takes faith to believe.” — Jamie Winship “The only way into the kingdom of God is through receiving.” — Jamie Winship   Verses:  Matthew 13:9–16 1 Samuel 3 Genesis 3 Genesis 16 Psalm 139:13–16 John 13:1–17 John 4 Matthew 5:3   Links:  Jamie Winship book and website: https://www.identityexchange.com/  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy     MB01VS4TCTW50DV

At times we can feel overwhelmed by the events of our daily lives, even if they are good things. A state of overwhelm can cause a racing heartbeat, clenched fists, a lack of peace, and overthinking. Gem Fadling wants to help people overcome the hurry in their lives that causes rapid thoughts and an overall state of unhealthiness. Join Gem on this episode of God Hears Her, as she talks with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy about her own practices that lead to a healthier thought life.   About Our Guest: Gem Fadling, CLC, is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc., a non-profit that trains people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. She is a certified life coach and a trained spiritual director who coaches women at the intersection of spiritual leadership and soul care. Gem is the host of the I Can Do That! Podcast as well as the co-author of What Does Your Soul Love? Eight Questions That Reveal God's Work in You, and author of Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads.   Notes and Quotes:  “Busy is one thing. . . but hurried is the soul. Is it possible to be busy but unhurried?” —Gem Fadling “There is peace in unhurried living.” —Elisa Morgan “I wondered if worry and hurry was my thorn in my flesh?” —Gem Fadling “I think a lot of times in life we think we have to produce the fruit. . . but He will make the fruit happen!” —Gem Fadling “Our brains are busy, our hearts are fluttering. . . but God’s grace will meet us where we’re at.” —Gem Fadling “You are not your thoughts, you are more than your thoughts.” —Gem Fadling “Notice, discern, and respond.” —Gem Fadling    Verses:  John 15:5 Romans 12:2 2 Peter 1:3 Philippians 1:6   Links:  Unhurried Living Inc website: https://www.unhurriedliving.com/  Unhurried Living blog: https://www.unhurriedliving.com/blog  ‘Hold That Thought’ book by Gem Fadling: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-That-Thought-Sorting-Through/dp/083083169X  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy     MB01GNPZWKDEPHY

Have you ever felt heartbroken by the terrible things that happen in the world? Do you ever feel hopeless, scared, or angry at injustice? On today’s episode of God Hears Her, guest Jenn Petersen explains what the International Justice Mission is and how God feels about injustice. Join hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy, as they talk with Jenn Petersen about how we can fight injustice wherever we are.   About Our Guest: Jenn Petersen serves as Director of Mobilization, NYC, for the International Justice Mission. She is also co-founder and co-lead pastor of Resurrection Life NYC, a multi-ethnic congregation on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Jenn is passionate about justice, worship, songwriting, discipleship, and equipping and unleashing people to live every day as followers of Jesus. Jenn holds a Master of Divinity from Wesley Seminary and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Northern Iowa. She resides in Harlem with her husband, two children, and their dog, Charlie Parker.   Notes and Quotes:  God will use what you already have in your hands. —Jenn Petersen Following Jesus is a wild adventure. You never know where He will lead you. But His will is always the best. —Jenn Petersen When He opens your eyes to Scripture, you can’t unsee it. —Jenn Petersen What does it look like to love the Lord with all your strength? —Jenn Petersen There is no right or wrong way to pray [about such big prayers about injustice]. —Jenn Petersen  God takes the messiest parts and He can make the most beautiful, unexpected, redeemed ministry of our lives. —Jenn Petersen    Verses:  Deuteronomy 32:4 Isaiah 58:10 Mark 12:30   Links:  International Justice Mission: https://www.ijm.org/  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

Sometimes in life we find ourselves down or hurt when our expectations aren’t met or things don’t go the way we thought they would. On the other hand, things can go well and we may still be faced with negative emotions. Navigating the blues looks different for everyone, but guest Katara Patton shares some practical advice and tips from her own experiences with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy to help us navigate our mental health on this episode of God Hears Her.   About Our Guest: Katara Washington Patton is a Senior Editor at Our Daily Bread Publishing, and the author of eight books, including 5-Minute Devotional Book for Women and Navigating the Blues: Where to Turn When Worry, Anxiety, or Depression Steal Your Hope. Patton is a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana. She and her husband, Derrick, reside on the South Side of Chicago. They have one daughter, Kayla. She is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. As much as possible, she tries to enjoy a Zumba class and a competitive game of Scrabble to keep her life balanced.   Notes and Quotes:  “I expected life to be high. . . I had a family who loved me. . . Life is not always high.” —Katara Patton “The only energy I had was to go to work and go to bed. One day I made a deal with myself that if I go to bed today, then I have to call a therapist tomorrow.” —Katara Patton “When you describe the numbness, a lot of people resonate with that.” —Katara Patton “We can find it hard to get out of bed even when life is good!” —Elisa Morgan “You have to take it one moment at a time. You don’t have to scale the whole mountain at once, just take it one step at a time.” —Katara Patton “Most of the time your friends and people do want to help, they just don’t know how.” —Katara Patton “Look at Elijah’s story! He showed a lot of signs of depression and God gave him very practical advice. Take a rest, have some food!” —Katara Patton “You need to allow yourself to feel your emotions and let others help you.” —Katara Patton   Verses:  1 Kings 19 Elijah’s story Luke 5:17–39  John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”   Links:    Navigating the Blues by Katara Patton: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Blues-Anxiety-Depression-Steals/dp/1640702075 https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ Call or text 988 for mental health aid in the case of an emergency God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy    

Christmas is a beloved time of year. But it can be easy to get caught up in the season and forget about why we celebrate Christmas. On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy share the story of two real people in the Christmas story who were changed by Jesus being born. Join this conversation to learn more about how Christmas changes everything for us!   Notes and Quotes:  When Christmas becomes more than what’s handed down by traditions, it does change everything. —Elisa Morgan When I started understanding the crucifixion, then I started understanding the birth of Jesus. Before that, Christmas was these holiday fun things you would do and sadness processing a grief every year.  —Eryn Eddy The whole story of the Bible is about God’s love for humankind, our struggles to believe it, our choosing to do things on our own rather than believe it and God creating a deliverance for us in spite of ourselves. —Elisa Morgan Jesus reveals us. His presence in our lives reveals who we are, what we depend on, what we believe, our need for Him. He causes us to be revealed. —Elisa Morgan Whether you’re waiting for a relationship, or to become a parent, or a turn in your career—these things we are waiting for. To be like Simeon, changed by Christmas, in the way that we move from a trusting waiter to a fulfilled follower. —Elisa Morgan When I think of (Anna’s) loneliness, I’ve fought through feeling lonely and neglected with prayer and fasting and worship. It’s what got me through the other side of depression and anxiety. Worship and prayer. —Eryn Eddy   Verses:  Luke 2:22-35  Luke 2:36-38    Links:  God Hears Her Episode 100  God Hears Her tote: https://godhearsher.org/shop Elisa’s book Christmas Changes Everything God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy      MB01TWA7JW5JPVZ

The Christmas season can bring joy and excitement, but there are also high expectations and maybe some feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed. Do you tend to get caught up in the Christmas hype? Do you find yourself trying to make sure everything is perfect for your family and friends? On today’s episode of God Hears Her, guest Ruth Chou Simons shares how we can remember Jesus as the real reason for the season. Join hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy as they talk with Ruth about the true meaning of Christmas.   About Our Guest: Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books, including her newest book “When Strivings Cease”. She is an artist, entrepreneur, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.   Notes and Quotes:  “When we start surrendering . . . that’s when God says, ‘Okay, now you’re ready to see my plan.’” — Ruth Chou Simons “God creates art out of burnout and rebellion.” — Eryn Eddy  “We put so much emphasis on the atmosphere. . . we make an idol of the feeling of Christmas.” — Ruth Chou Simons “The redemptive story impacts our lives in the mundane.” — Ruth Chou Simons “What we rehearse at Christmas time will change our lives the rest of the year.” — Ruth Chou Simons “Jesus didn’t come in the perfect setting.” — Ruth Chou Simons    Verses:  Matthew 28:11 Matthew 5:3 Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5   Links:  Ruth’s website: https://ruthchousimons.com/  Ruth’s book, Emmanuel: https://ruthchousimons.com/Emmanuel/  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy  

Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent? Are you curious to know what it’s like to take in kids that need a place to live? Foster parenting is a unique calling, but the experience can lead us closer to understanding God’s love and grace. Join Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy in this episode of God Hears Her as they learn from longtime foster parent, Manda Carpenter, what it’s like to be the foster mom of 16 kids.   About Our Guest: Manda Carpenter is a writer, a speaker, and an advocate committed to helping women grow in their relationships with God, self, and others. She is a neighbor, question-asker, and cheerleader of the underdog. Manda and her husband, Eric, are foster parents and hosts of A Longer Table podcast. They live with their son, Shia, in Los Angeles, California.   Notes and Quotes:  “The catastrophe in our life ends up being our calling.” —Manda Carpenter “The goal of foster care is reunification.” —Manda Carpenter “To be a great foster parent, you don’t need to adopt all of your children.” —Manda Carpenter “My relationship with my foster kids doesn’t look much different than my relationship with my biological son.” —Manda Carpenter “With fostering, you have all the responsibility but no power.” —Manda Carpenter “Fostering is a position that forces me to rely on God.” —Manda Carpenter “Grace is loving them when they’re daring you not to.” —Manda Carpenter “Nothing matters more than the condition of your soul.” —Manda Carpenter   Links:  Manda’s personal website: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/  A Longer Table podcast: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/podcast  Soul Care to Save Your Life book: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/booksbymandacarpenter  Domestic violence phone number: 800-799-7233 God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive content that is not appropriate for young listeners, as hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy talk with guest Debra Fileta about sex in marriage. We often don’t learn enough about sex before we get married, or we think purity will equal perfection in our sex lives after we get married. On this episode of “God Hears Her,” Debra shares why purity is important before and after marriage, why our sex lives may not look the way we want them to, and how to improve our married sex lives.   About Our Guest: Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor, national speaker, relationship expert, and author of five books: “Choosing Marriage”, “True Love Dates”, “Love In Every Season”, “Are You Really OK?”, and “Married Sex.” She’s also the host of the hotline style “Love + Relationships” Podcast. Her popular relationship advice blog, TrueLoveDates.com, reaches millions of people with the message of healthy relationships.   Notes and Quotes:  “Sex is a symptom of our need for connection and intimacy.” — Debra Fileta “If we want healthy relationships, we need to start with being healthy standing alone.” — Debra Fileta “When sex doesn’t measure up to our expectations, we get confused.” — Debra Fileta “Sometimes you have to go backward before you can move forward because it helps with healing.” — Debra Fileta “What happens above the sheets, fuels underneath the sheets.” — Debra Fileta   Verses:  Ephesians 4:22–24 Hebrews 13:4   Links:  Debra’s blog: https://truelovedates.com/  Get your copy of Debra’s book “Married Sex” on Amazon   God Hears Her website God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on Apple Podcasts !  Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy     Listener Advisory: Conversation about sex in marriage

Have you ever experienced times where you just didn’t feel like praying? Maybe you go through phases where reading your Bible is boring or you just don’t have the energy to read another devotional. God Hears Her hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy have had those moments too. Join them in this conversation to talk about what spiritual apathy is and how we can overcome it on this episode of God Hears Her.   Notes and Quotes:  Sometimes I don’t feel like praying, and don’t feel a desire or experience a drivenness into His spirit. There are times when the spiritual “blahs” take over.—Elisa When do the spiritual blahs hit us? The more I become secure in my circumstances.—Eryn I’m doing what I do,  then if I do a—“oh, God’s here”—my spiritual eyes open to something and suddenly that very moment which was a little apathetic becomes a “Pow! Wow!”—Elisa “Can I just see You today? Give me the eyes and ears to see You today.” I want to do that more, where I’m just recognizing the little things I see. I want to call it out when I see it versus let it go by me.—Eryn Even if he doesn’t do the things I hope for, the journey and intimacy of me expressing and being vulnerable and trusting prepares me either way for the response of what I’m hoping for.—Eryn When we open Scripture, we can open our spiritual ears and remind ourselves God is talking to me. What can I get out of this today?—Elisa   Verses:  Romans 8:38  Revelation 3:16    Links:  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Reclaim Today Article: https://reclaimtoday.org/how-to-see-god/ God Hears Her 100th episode God Hears Her tote: https://www.godhearsher.org/shop Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

In life we all get hit with unexpected news that brings change in one way or another. Sometimes the news is a diagnosis we weren’t expecting or an answer we’ve been waiting for. With life-changing news comes the surrendering of expectations and moments of grief. On this episode of God Hears Her, join Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan as they unpack what life looked like for Ronda Barney after she received an unexpected diagnosis.   About Our Guest: Ronda Barney had just given birth to her first child when she was diagnosed with a potentially fatal illness. After the recommended treatment, she was completely healed until her immune system faced unknown challenges and her health decreased.  Ronda wants to share with you the insights and truths that she has learned in the trenches. This desire has led her to start the online community A Dose of Hope, write her book, Dear Susan, create The Beautiful Life Blueprint, and start the podcast Awaken to Hope. Her heart’s desire is to walk with you through your suffering, offer a safe place to process the pain, and help you find nuggets of hope that will give you the courage and strength to live fully alive.   Notes and Quotes:  “God was so gracious, I felt like the right people showed up at the right time in the right spaces.” – Ronda Barney “I think we all have a storyline for how we want our life to play out. . . but I couldn’t make it better for myself.” – Ronda Barney “There are treasures that washed ashore that weren’t there before, and I had to find them.” – Ronda Barney “There are little joys to be found. . . It’s not all or nothing.” – Ronda Barney “My mission is to provide a space for women to connect in their pain.” – Ronda Barney “God sees our pain.” – Ronda Barney  “I was able to get from that moment to where I am now by letting go of the unknown future, and live for right now. Can you get through this moment? What is this moment about? God is holding every single moment.” – Ronda Barney   Links: God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy  Ronda Barney’s book: Dear Susan Ronda Barney’s Awaken to Hope podcast: https://rondabarney.com/podcast/ Ronda Barney’s website: https://rondabarney.com/    

Most of us spend a lot of time on social media. We mindlessly scroll through our feeds and spend time curating content for our friends and family. But how often do we share our faith on social media? What does it mean to be someone worth following? Dr. Jen Bennett is an expert on how to impact culture for Christ on social media. Join Dr. Bennett as she talks with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy about what it means to be worth following on this episode of God Hears Her.   About Our Guest: Dr. Jen Bennett is a strategic communication professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, Jen equips college students to discover their voice, develop their expertise, and lead with influence to impact culture for Christ. She has coached various entrepreneurs, small business owners, ministries, organizations, and college students in social media, personal branding, marketing, and public relations. Jen was named as one of 61 Women in Digital You Should Be Following. In 2019 she was chosen as one of 55 social media influencers (out of 700 applicants) to attend #NASASocial for the Falcon Heavy Rocket Launch. She is also the author of the book #BeWorthFollowing: How to be Different and Influence People in a Crowded Social World. In April of 2021, Jen launched the She Impacts Culture podcast, a podcast for trailblazing, faith-based women who want to lead with influence and impact culture for Christ.   Notes and Quotes:  What keeps us back from sharing things on social media is fear… that then keeps us from sharing the message that God wants us to share.—Dr. Jen Bennett God has given you a voice for a reason. God has given you your specific experiences and stories not to keep it to yourself but to encourage the lives of others. There is somebody out there who needs to hear what you have to say.—Dr. Jen Bennett Influence—the world is all about being a celebrity. But yet if you look through the pages of the Bible, God used the most unlikely people to influence this world. There is a big difference between worldly influence and kingdom influence. God is just looking for a willing heart. If your heart is open, He’s going to use you.—Dr. Jen Bennett Don’t measure your success by what you see. Many times in online communications and social media, you are impacting the lives of people that you don’t see. God works in the unseen moments.—Dr. Jen Bennett   Verses:  John 4 Book of Job   Links:  Here’s Dr. Jen’s book #Be Worth Following Dr. Jen’s Instagram: Dr. Jen Bennett Check out our 100th episode of God Hears her! Go here to get the God Hears Her tote: https://www.godhearsher.org/shop God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy  

We all have our own scars. Maybe they are in obvious places where people ask the story behind them. Or maybe they’re internal without anyone knowing about them. No matter what they look like or mean to you…you are more than your scars. On this episode of God Hears Her, plane crash survivor and America’s Got Talent finalist, Kechi Okwuchi, shares the story behind her scars with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy.   About Our Guest: Kechi Okwuchi is a Nigerian American recording artist and motivational speaker. One of two survivors in a plane crash in 2005, Kechi is now a burn survivor advocate and a national patient ambassador for Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas. In 2017, she became a finalist on America’s Got Talent and has continued to put out her own original music since the show. She hopes to use her story and musical talents to ignite hope.   Notes and Quotes:  Pain is a strong indicator of life. —Kechi Okwuchi The more I watched my mom’s relationship with God, I noticed her unshakable confident faith, and I was curious.—Kechi Okwuchi I was one of two survivors out of 109 passengers on the plane.—Kechi Okwuchi I couldn’t understand how God could be good but also let all those children die.—Kechi Okwuchi I used to believe if you believed in God, you were protected from bad things. But my mom helped me realize being a Christian does not stop bad things from happening to you, but it gives you a place to go when bad things happen to you.—Kechi Okwuchi South Africa saved my life, but America gave my life back.—Kechi Okwuchi I had a platform to tell people there is life after trauma.—Kechi Okwuchi   Links:  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy Check out Kechi’s book More than My Scars

Dating is hard! But what if instead of coming to a date with high expectations, we just used it as an opportunity to get to know someone new? Join hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy as Eryn shares her dating life secrets and the way she shifted her mindset on dating. This episode of God Hears Her features dating do’s and don’ts as well as some fun stories from both hosts.    Notes and Quotes:  When I was newly divorced, I threw myself into the dating pool because I desired to be loved. It was all about me.—Eryn Eddy I objectified others, and I objectified myself. —Eryn Eddy Can Jesus really complete me? Dating Jesus was really becoming content with who I was by myself, that I don’t need another person to complete me. Learning how He saw me rather than how another person saw me. Learning to go to Him as the source rather than another person. —Eryn Eddy I was scared to face why I was pursuing relationships. I needed to become really honest with my intentions with why I wanted to go on dates. —Eryn Eddy What an honor it is to sit on the other side of the table and get to know another person that finds something interesting in me. Just getting to know somebody with no expectations.—Eryn Eddy When we act out of urgency and desperation, we get desperate results. —Eryn Eddy If I’m only dreaming of being in a relationship, I’m not dreaming big enough for what God has for me.—Eryn Eddy   Links:  Check out our 100th episode of God Hears Her! Go here to get the God Hears Her tote: https://www.godhearsher.org/shop God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

Most of us want leaders who are dependable, trustworthy, and honest. What do you value in a leader? How do you view leadership? In this episode of God Hears Her, guest Natasha Sistrunk Robinson confronts the topic of leadership and how one’s journey can be influenced by good or bad leadership. Join Natasha as she talks through leadership and the value of truth with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy.   About Our Guest: Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is the president of T3 Leadership Solutions, Inc, the author of A Sojourner’s Truth as well as other books, and the  host of A Sojourner’s Truth: Conversations for a Changing Culture podcast. Natasha is also a doctorate student at North Park Theological Seminary, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Natasha has served her country as a Marine Corps officer and federal government employee at the Department of Homeland Security.   Notes and Quotes:  Truth telling requires discipline.—Natasha Sistrunk Robinson I am so thankful that when people told me lies about myself, I didn’t believe them.—Natasha Sistrunk Robinson In our world, lives are at stake. . . so I show up with an urgency because we have a mission!—Natasha Sistrunk Robinson I think we use people for their skills and we don’t have a care for their humanity, their family or their health.—Natasha Sistrunk Robinson We need to be humble to the global church. —Natasha Sistrunk Robinson I’m trying to be attentive to where people are at, because while I can’t change lives, God can!—Natasha Sistrunk Robinson   Verses:  Matthew 6:33 Matthew 28:19–20  Jeremiah 6:14 Psalm 7:11   Links:  God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy  Natasha’s website: http://www.natashasrobinson.com/  A Sojourner’s Truth: https://www.ivpress.com/a-sojourner-s-truth T3 Leadership Solutions: https://www.t3leadershipsolutions.com/