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What happens when the wounds, detours, and difficult seasons of your life become part of God’s calling? In this episode of Fierce Calling, Doris sits down with Deborah Rutherford, poet, podcast host, speaker, Emmy award winning makeup artist, and author of Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones, to talk about a journey from childhood trauma and spiritual confusion to healing, surrender, and grace. Deborah shares how poetry became a lifeline during painful years, how she eventually rediscovered Jesus while working in Budapest, and how God prepared her through decades as an Emmy Award-winning makeup artist before leading her into writing. She also opens up about walking through career uncertainty, marriage and financial struggles, and paying off $150,000 in credit card debt in 22 months! Together, Doris and Deborah Rutherford reflect on God’s providence, the difference Jesus makes in hard seasons, and as Doris loves to share: Our past stories don’t discredit our grace stories, they become part of it. What Deborah shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in! Quotes from the show: Hollywood’s Anti-Christian Double Standard: “You’re not supposed to talk about somebody’s religion at work, but that seemed to be sort of the okay thing to make fun of.” – Deborah Rutherford “When We Mistake Our Fathers for God: we can mistake God for the attributes of our own fathers or the, or the men in our lives who were supposed to protect us and didn’t.” – Deborah Rutherford Grateful for Salvation—and a Story to Share: “I wake up, you know, every day being grateful for my salvation, but also grateful and grateful, not also, but grateful that he gave me a book to write to tell people about what he’s done in my life.” – Deborah Rutherford 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 03:18 Introducing Deborah and her book 08:52 Finding Faith and Healing 10:51 Moving from LA to Georgia 14:25 Starting Christian writing journey 18:08 Forming a Writing Group 21:59 Family secrets and denial discussed 24:36 Embracing Faith Amid Workplace Challenges 30:25 Choosing between makeup school and self-study 32:24 Adapting to the new dress code 37:38 Reflecting on career and faith journey 38:32 Balancing marketing and writing 44:10 Deborah’s testimony and book discussion 45:37 Reflecting on faith and gratitude 48:56 Sharing faith and personal testimony 🤝 Connect with Deborah! You can connect with Deborah at deborahrutherford.com and find her book, more about her, encouraging blog, podcast, resources, and more! You can also find her here: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeborahRutherford-Behold-Her DeborahRutherford.substack.com Instagram @deborahrutherfordwrites Deborah Rutherford is a poet, author, speaker, and Emmy recipient for her makeup artistry in film and television. Her poem “Dear Lord Only You” was recognized in the Storytellers Poetry Contest. Her debut collection, Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones, reflects her journey of restoration, grace, and hope in Christ. Deborah hosts the Behold-Her Beauty Podcast and has been published in The Way Back to Ourselves, Vessels of Light, Calla Press, and Prosetrics. She lives in Georgia with her husband, Don, and enjoys singing old hymns, drinking bold coffee, and walking under the pines. 🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters! As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in December 2026, and actively booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Show Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of this podcast, its hosts, or its sponsors. The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00 – 00:01:35] What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Doris Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. Doris Swift [00:01:36 – 00:02:38] What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and His plan is to surrender it, surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal. It might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Darris Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You. And it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever-present Jesus joy within that fills, empowers, and ripens the fruit that God produces in our lives. Using personal and biblical stories, I share how you can identify your joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within, and share the joy with others. Doris Swift [00:02:39 – 00:03:18] You can do it on your own or with a group. If you’re looking for a Bible study, check it out, friends. Surrender the Joy Stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It’s time to take your joy back. Hi friends, welcome back to the Fierce Calling Podcast. And I am excited today to welcome my friend Deborah Rutherford. She has been so encouraging to me over time with her ministry, Behold Her Beauty that she has been doing, and we’ve connected on different other levels with her ministry work, and she was very gracious in helping launch my book. Doris Swift [00:03:18 – 00:04:17] And so I’ve been wanting to have her on for a while, and then I discovered she had a book that came out, and so I got— I just kind of jumped on that, and I have that. So we’re going to talk about that today, but I also want to give you a little background about Deborah, and then I’ll let her kind of share more about that. So she is a Christian wife, award-winning poet, she’s a speaker, and an Emmy Award-winning makeup artist. So this is so fascinating. And so she has been on this pilgrimage, as she puts it, from a stolen childhood to a life of grace. In the heart of her debut poetry collection, Prodigal Daughter, Poems of Light for the Lost Ones, and I have it right here with me, Prodigal Daughter. It’s beautiful and filled with scripture and lovely poetry. And Deborah lives in Georgia with her husband Don, so she’s not too far from me. Doris Swift [00:04:17 – 00:04:24] I’m in Florida. And so we are excited to get into this conversation. Welcome to the show, Deborah. It’s great to have you on. Deborah Rutherford [00:04:

What happens when you go to bed living one life, and when you wake up, that life has totally changed? In this episode of Fierce Calling, Doris welcomes Lisa Appelo, author, speaker, and Bible teacher, who is passionate about helping women find hope in grief, talk about loss, seek comfort in God, and find hope when life takes an unexpected turn. Lisa suddenly became a widow in her forties and began walking through grief with her seven children. She shares how that experience led to her first book, Life Can Be Good Again, and her newest devotional journal, God of Comfort, which explores 50 aspects of God’s character for grieving hearts. This conversation offers honest encouragement for anyone facing any type of loss in their lives, as well as practical guidance for those who want to support someone in grief. Lisa explains: *Why grief isn’t a tidy set of stage *Why presence often matters more than perfect words *How simple questions like “How can I pray for you today?” can make space for authentic and meaningful connection. Together, Doris and Lisa point listeners back to the God who sees, sustains, understands, and remains with us. As Lisa says, “The way through grief is not a method. It’s not a prescription. It is a person”, and that person is the God of Comfort. What Lisa shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in! 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 04:37 Finding encouragement during grief 06:56 Meeting and Marrying High School Sweetheart 11:20 The importance of community support 15:28 Navigating the complexity of grief 16:47 Discussing the Comfort of God’s Character 20:18 Collaborating with the editor 26:20 Discussing expressions of grief and support 29:11 Discovering personal faith insights 30:48 Writing Christian books with purpose 35:46 Dealing with unexpected life changes 39:27 Wrapping up the podcast chat 🤝 Connect with Lisa! You can connect with Lisa at lisaappelo.com and find all her books, social media links, blog, and free resources to encourage your heart. Lisa invites you to check out her newest book, God of Comfort: A Devotional Journal for the Grieving Heart and I definitely recommend grabbing extra copies to give as gifts! Lisa Appelo is a speaker, author, and ministry leader passionate about helping women find hope in grief. She suddenly became a widow and solo mom of seven, navigating her grief and shepherding her children through theirs. She helps women navigate grief through her speaking ministry as well as in-person and online grief groups. 🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters! As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in December 2026, and actively booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Show Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of this podcast, its hosts, or its sponsors. The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00 – 00:01:35] What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Dara Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. Doris Swift [00:01:36 – 00:02:27] What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and His plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal. It might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Darris Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You. And it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever-present Jesus joy within that fills, empowers, and ripens the fruit that God produces in our lives. Doris Swift [00:02:27 – 00:03:01] Using personal and biblical stories, I share how you can identify your joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within, And share the joy with others. You can do it on your own or with a group. If you’re looking for a Bible study, check it out, friends. Surrender the Joy Stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It’s time to take your joy back. Welcome back to the show. I am so happy to invite back my good friend Lisa Apolo. Doris Swift [00:03:01 – 00:03:40] She and I have known each other for quite some time, and It’s just encouraging to see her journey and how she’s ministered to so many hearts over these past several years. And I’m going to just tell you a little bit about her. She was on the show before, but it’s been a while, so I’m going to do a little refresh here. She’s a speaker, a writer, and a Bible teacher who is passionate about helping women find hope in grief. She helps women navigate losses through her speaking ministry, as well as in-person and online grief groups. She does a lot of events. Like that. And she also lives in Florida. Doris Swift [00:03:40 – 00:03:49] She’s very close to me, just a couple of hours away. So we’ll have to get together soon, as we always say. So welcome back to the show, Lisa. So great to have you back on. Lisa Appelo [00:03:50 – 00:03:51] Oh, thank you for having me, Doris. Doris Swift [00:03:52 – 00:04:34] This is very encouraging, and I can’t wait to talk about, first of all, your— the book that you had come out in ’22, which is right behind you, Life Can Be Good Again. And I also have that book, and I have a little story about that book, and I think I shared it with you, but also I posted it. In ’22, our house flooded when Hurricane Ian came through, and it was pretty devastating. It was really bad. And I just remember sorting through and picking up all the wet stuff all over the floor, all the clothes. Everything was just a mess and horrible. And, you know, I had sewage and all of that. Anyway, TMI. Doris Swift [00:04:37 – 00:05:20] But the encouraging thing was, as I was going through different things, God would like— there would just be these encouraging things that I would find. Like one time I found this scripture verse that I had written on like an index card and had put it in a Bible or something. And anyway, it had floated somewhere where I was cleaning that day. And so I found that. But then I came across your book, Life Can Be Good Again. And we talk about the grief journey, and most often it’s when we lose someone we love very dearly. But grief c

Are you fearful of AI? How are you currently using it? In this episode of Fierce Calling, Doris welcomes back Misty Phillip for a candid conversation about all things AI, surrendering a meaningful season, recognizing when good work has run its course, and trusting that nothing in your story is wasted. Misty shares how she transitioned from building Spark Media to working alongside her husband in cybersecurity and AI, and why it’s so important for Christians to have a seat at the AI table. We’re also talking about her new book The Trojan Horse of the Digital Age: Why Christians Must Discern AI From deepfakes and phishing attacks to children outsourcing their thinking, the discussion offers a clear call to discernment, grounded in Scripture, prayer, community, and the Holy Spirit. Listen in and learn how Christians can navigate AI with discernment and without fear. Doris and Misty also explore the hopeful side of technology, including AI-assisted Bible translation and Misty’s 90-day devotional app, Trojan Horse Companion. This episode is a timely conversation about preparing without panicking, using technology wisely, and staying rooted in God as the digital age accelerates all around us. What Misty shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in! 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 06:30 Reflecting on life’s changing seasons 09:14 Letting go of past seasons 13:42 Christian perspective on AI ethics 15:56 Sharing personal info with AI 20:17 Phishing and account security risks 24:03 Collaborating with Peter on projects 26:27 The rise of AI and its impact 28:08 AI’s potential in various fields 32:54 Future of autonomous vehicles 36:32 Discussing Purpose and AI Caution 40:41 Discussing AI and digital tools 41:28 Developing an AI-based Bible app 46:03 Closing and audience thanks 🤝 Connect with Misty! You can connect with Misty at mistyphillip.com where you’ll find all her social media links, books, and how to sign up for her email newsletter! Misty Phillip is a best-selling author, cybersecurity and AI executive, podcast host, and faith leader who helps people and organizations navigate the intersection of technology, faith, and leadership with wisdom and discernment. Misty bridges worlds most people see as separate. As COO of Trilogyworks, a boutique advisory firm specializing in cybersecurity and AI, she advises enterprise clients on responsible AI implementation and cybersecurity. Together with her husband Peter, they have served more than 200 clients across Finance, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Healthcare, and Retail sectors. Before entering technology leadership, Misty left a promising Enron consulting career to homeschool her three sons for more than twenty years, building a life centered on faith, family, and intentional purpose. She later founded Spark Media, a platform that empowered thousands of Christian podcasters through conferences, publications, and community. She is the author of the Golden Scroll Award-winning Bible study The Struggle is Real, But So is God, and Spark Your Influence, Inspiring Women to Lead with Boldness, Purpose, and Passion a leadership guide for Christian women. Her co-authored title Upskill or Die: Thriving in the AI Revolution reached the top Amazon charts alongside her newest and most timely work, The Trojan Horse of the Digital Age: Why Christians Must Discern AI, released March 17, 2026. Misty has hosted several podcasts, speaks at conferences nationwide, and has been recognized as a top voice at the intersection of faith, media, and emerging technology. She is available for keynote engagements, conference panels, podcast interviews, and media appearances. 🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters! As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Show Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of this podcast, its hosts, or its sponsors. The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00]: What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Dara Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. Doris Swift [00:01:36]: What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and His plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal. It might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Darris Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study, Surrender Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You. And it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever-present Jesus joy within that fills, empowers, and ripens the fruit that God produces in our lives. Doris Swift [00:02:27]: Using personal and biblical stories, I share how you can identify your joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within, and share the joy with others. You can do it on your own or with a group. If you’re looking for a Bible study, check it out, friends. Surrender the Joy Stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It’s time to take your joy back. Welcome back to the show. Today I am very happy to invite back my friend Misty Philip. Doris Swift [00:03:00]: You will have seen her maybe on our previous episode. I’m going to read a little bit about her to introduce her to you. Misty Philip is the award-winning author of The Struggle Is Real, But So Is God. It’s an amazing Bible study. Spark Your Influence: Inspiring Women to Lead with Boldness, Purpose, and Passion. And she co-authored Upskill or Die: Thriving in the AI Revolution. And that was with her husband, Peter. We’re going to hear more about that. Doris Swift [00:03:30]: And she is the COO of Trilogy Works, an advisory services firm specializing in cybersecurity and AI. She’s a speaker, a podcast host, and advocate for faith-driven leadership. She equips believers to navigate the digital age with wisdom and conviction. Welcome back to the show, Misty. It’s so great to have you back on. Misty Philip [00:03:51]: Thank you so much, Doris. Excited to be here. Doris Swift [00:03:54]: Yeah, it’s been fantastic. You’ve been on quite a journey lately. And so we are going to talk about you

How can parents help their children build a strong foundation in Christ before the noise of culture shapes their worldview? In this episode of Fierce Calling, I welcome back Lee Ann Mancini to discuss biblical parenting, critical thinking, family discipleship, and the importance of relationship from the earliest years. In a previous episode which you can find here, we talked all about her book Raising Kids to Follow Christ, and in this episode we go even deeper, including the Raising Disciples Conference coming up in October 2026. Lee Ann shares practical ways to help children ask thoughtful questions, examine ideas through Scripture, and understand the difference between rights and privileges. She also explains how family mission statements, positive communication, prayer, and consistent boundaries can shape a child’s faith. Her central encouragement is simple: parenting is hard, but parents can take a deep breath, trust the Lord, and pray for wisdom. The conversation also highlights Lee Ann’s work equipping parents and grandparents through her books, resources, and the upcoming Raising Disciples Conference in South Florida. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 05:56 Reflecting on parenting and mentoring 08:18 Researching and Writing the Book 12:54 Writing a book on family virtues 13:54 Teaching Kids Critical Thinking 17:38 Listening to Kids’ Thoughts 23:18 Creating family mission and contracts 27:19 Explaining rules to kids 30:12 Teaching kids critical thinking 33:17 Establishing Early Spiritual Foundations 35:36 Parenting and Faith Conference Overview 39:20 Christian parenting guidance and resources 42:29 Trusting God in Difficult Times 44:39 Discussing spiritual gifts and teamwork Becoming a Grandparent and Praying for Children Before Birth The first grandchild, a nine-week-old grandson named Nino, becomes a personal example of intergenerational faith. Prayer began during pregnancy, with emphasis on: Asking God to teach wisdom in the womb. Praying for a heart that wants to know and love God. Asking that God’s Word be written on the child’s heart and mind. Praying for compassion, love, and the fruit of the Spirit. The discussion encourages parents, grandparents, relatives, and mentors to pray for children before birth and throughout their lives. Grandparenting is described as an opportunity to apply lessons learned and steward spiritual influence. The Origin of the Children’s Books and Animated Series The original children’s stories were created because existing books did not adequately show children how to apply biblical principles to real-life situations. Stories were first written and read to the author’s own children. The books later became the 7 See Kids series. The ministry’s mission continued through the animated series after the books were no longer being sold. The Shift Toward Equipping Parents The ministry’s focus moved from producing children’s materials to educating and equipping parents. Concern grew over statistics indicating that: 45% of middle-school children were walking away from their faith. 75% of high-school children were walking away from their faith. More than 250 parenting books, expert resources, and training courses were researched. Additional training included Biblical Parenting University, Kidman, and an EPIC trauma course for children. The research was condensed into Raising Kids to Follow Christ. Proceeds from the book support a nonprofit that provides free: Parenting books. Bibles. Devotionals. Children’s books. Other family resources. The Raising Disciples Conference The first parenting conference in South Florida is scheduled for October 10. The conference is designed to make parents feel supported, loved, and spiritually encouraged. The event includes: Parenting instruction. Emotional and spiritual support. Practical tools. Raffle prizes. Resource-filled goodie bags. The conference website is raisingdisciplesconference.com. The event takes place in Pompano Beach, Florida. The day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is described as $65 for the full day. Lunch options include bringing food or purchasing Chick-fil-A for $10. Concerning Statistics About Christian Families and Biblical Belief Recent statistics discussed include: 70% of 13- to 14-year-olds from Christian families reportedly do not believe Satan is real. 84% reportedly do not believe people are born into sin and need a Savior. 90% reportedly do not believe in absolute moral truth. 56% of Christian pastors reportedly believe reincarnation is real. The statistics are connected to findings from the Barna Group and Christian Arizona University. The book is presented as both an explanation of the problem and a source of practical application. A major emphasis is answering not only what parents should do, but how they can do it. Cultural Noise, Confusion, and Heart Transformation Modern families receive information from television, radio, podcasts, magazines, newspapers, and other media. Excessive information can confuse children and adults and pollute their thinking. The central concern is not only what enters the mind, but what takes root in the heart. Biblical parenting should focus on: Teaching truth. Identifying what is valuable. Developing virtues. Encouraging heart transformation. A forthcoming book project is mentioned on teaching families to become virtuous. 10. The Parent’s Primary Spiritual Responsibility Academic achievement, sports, and other activities are acknowledged as worthwhile but secondary to spiritual formation. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to raise children who: Stand firmly in their faith. Think critically. Become other-centered. Grow into strong disciples. The first 13 years are described as a critical window for establishing a child’s worldview. A strong early foundation allows later spiritual growth to build on something stable. Building Relationships Through Play Relationship-building should begin during infancy and early childhood. Parents are encouraged not to rely primarily on phones or television to occupy children. Playtime should be intentional and relational. The home environment can be evaluated by asking whether it reflects “Disneyland” or “Destinyland.” Biblically themed toys, Legos, puppets, and costumes can support spiritual conversations. Examples of faith-centered play include: Acting out Bible stories. Using puppets and costumes. Reimagining a tea party as communion. Play is presented as a way to cultivate trust and make children comfortable engaging with parents. Teaching Faith Throughout Everyday Life Deuteronomy 6 is used to emphasize teaching children about God: When rising. While walking along the path. At bedtime. Throughout ordinary daily routines. Faith formation is presented as an all-day process rather than a once-a-week activity. A strong relationship makes it easier for teenagers to bring parents their questions, confusion, and concerns. Parents are encouraged to begin teaching critical thinking before adolescence. Encouraging Questions and Critical Thinking Children should be praised for asking questions. Parents can respond to a child’s question by first asking, “What do you think?” This approach helps parents understand the child’s current beliefs and reasoning. When a child gives a biblically sound answer, parents can affirm the child’s thinking. When a child is mistaken, parent and child can search Scripture together. The approach is intended to: Encourage curiosity. Build confidence. Keep communication open. Teach children to investigate claims rather than accept them automatically. Asking questions back should be used thoughtfully rather than mechanically, so children do not feel frustrated. Positive Communication With Children Parents are encouraged to replace negative phrasing with positive, purposeful language. Examples include: Saying, “Hurry up and put your pajamas on so we can have a bedtime story,” rather than threatening to remove the story. Telling a teenager to drive carefully and watch the speed because safety matters and driving privileges should continue. Positive language can communicate both expectations and reasons. Frequent negative words and commands may negatively affect young children’s language development and learning. Parents are encouraged to think before speaking, especially when angry. The distinction between reacting and acting is emphasized. The “Yes-No Sandwich” for Toddlers A “yes-no sandwich” gives children a positive response while setting a necessary boundary. Instead of simply saying no to a request, parents can: Affirm that the desired activity will happen. Explain the condition or timing. Offer a choice within the boundary. The example involves postponing a trip to the park until a younger sibling wakes from a nap. Giving children choices, such as selecting between swings and a teeter-totter, helps them hear the positive elements of the response. The method avoids blaming a younger sibling for a postponed activity. Reverse Negotiation and Privileges “Reverse negotiation” is presented as a discipline technique for repeated arguments over privileges. If a teenager continues challenging a limit, each additional argument results in a further loss of privilege. Possible privileges include: Computer time. Cell-phone access. Car keys. Time with friends. The approach teaches that continued arguing worsens the outcome. Children are distinguished from having unlimited rights to privileges: Basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are rights. Cars, phones, computers, and social activities are privileges. Privileges can be earned through obedience and responsible behavior. Family Mission Statements and Disciplinary Contracts Families are encouraged to create a written mission statement. A family mission statement can define: Family values. Worship prac

Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast, where we explore how God uses our stories—especially our hardest seasons and deepest passions—to call us into His purpose. I’m your host, Doris Swift, and today I’m joined by Julie Lefebure: author, speaker, mentor, and host of the Encouragement for Real Life podcast. Julie Lefebure shares her journey of encouraging women to refuse to settle for less than God’s best, and how her most recent book, Made for More: 365 Devotions for the Woman Who Refuses to Settle, grew out of her desire to help women live abundantly and embrace their unique callings. We’ll dig into the power of beginnings, the significance of the everyday, and how to discern and step into your calling, even when it feels insignificant or unclear. Julie Lefebure offers encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, questioning their purpose, or believing the lie that they have nothing to offer. Get ready for an uplifting conversation filled with faith, practical encouragement, and a reminder that God truly cares about every detail of your life. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Julie Lefebure’s Story and Her Fierce Calling Journey from secular work to full-time ministry (04:00-05:22) Passion for helping and encouraging women The calling to help women see they are made for more (05:11) The Concept of “Refusing to Settle” Meaning of refusing to settle and its biblical significance (06:12-08:12) Personal story: questioning if “this is all there is” Reference to John 10:10 and abundant life Distinction between abundance in God vs. material abundance Structure and Focus of the Devotional Book Format of the devotional: short daily readings with scripture and reflection prompts (08:33-09:15) Example topic from the book: “Find Beauty in the Beginning” Importance of valuing the process and early steps (09:18-10:26) The Value of Beginnings and Taking Time with God Parallels to scriptural truths about new beginnings (11:10-12:12) Benefits of daily rhythms and meditating on the Word Expansion of Julie Lefebure’s Ministry Launch and impact of her podcast (13:01-14:46) Development of a mentoring program, “Abundant Life Mentoring” Difference between mentoring and coaching Emphasis on personal connection and discipleship (15:56-16:57) Encouragement about Stepping Out in Faith Stories of how each began podcasting (17:07-18:41) Overcoming fear of imperfection and possible failure The Significance of Mentoring and Discipleship Clarification of what mentoring looks like (20:31-21:01) Focus on walking alongside women personally Comparison with coaching and counseling The Genesis of the Devotional Book Inspiration: summer podcast series “Summer of Abundance” (21:38-23:01) Incorporation of podcast material into the book Writing process and the importance of serving women’s needs Importance of Biblical Foundation in Resources for Women The necessity of basing books and mentoring on scriptural truth (24:30-25:06) Avoiding self-help trends disconnected from the Bible Recognizing What God Has Already Given Us Encouragement to notice gifts, experiences, and opportunities already in hand (25:35-26:10) God’s unique plan and personal purpose for each woman Addressing Feelings of Insignificance and Calling Reframing the idea of calling and everyday faithfulness (30:53-32:31) God’s direction in daily life Joy as an indicator of calling and gifting Embracing Unique Paths and Overcoming Comparison Importance of not comparing oneself to others (34:03-36:08) Examples of unique contributions in writing and podcasting Assurance that God uses everyone’s perspective Commitment to Biblical Truth and Discernment Reiterating the Bible as the ultimate source (37:05-37:54) Necessity of testing all teaching and books against scripture Final Encouragement and Practical Next Steps Assurance of God’s care for every detail (37:56-39:21) Visualizing “handing over” burdens to God Steps to walking in abundant life and trusting God How to Connect with Julie Lefebure and Access Resources Website, social media, and book availability (39:22-39:54) Summary of ways to follow and engage Closing Thoughts from Doris Importance of knowing God’s character through scripture (40:25-41:44) Encouragement to seek God personally, especially when struggling with past hurt or doubt Invitation to future episodes and closing the show 🤝 Connect with Julie! You can connect with Julie at julielefebure.com Plus, you’ll find real-life encouragement in a variety of ways on Julie’s website: Her weekly podcast, Encouragement for Real Life, that drops new episodes each Tuesday morning. blog posts speaking  free resources You can also find her on Instagram julielefebure, X @JulieLefebure, Facebook Julie Lefebure, and on Pinterest @julielefebure Julie is a big fan of sunrises and sunsets, appreciates unrushed mornings, and loves eating outdoors. I love all of that, too! How about you? She’s wife to Bill, and on any given day you might find them on their tandem bicycle enjoying adventures together. They have a goal to bike in each of the 50 states! They’ve participated in RAGBRAI six times, and they are empty-nesters looking forward to growing old together. Julie Lefebure is a writer, speaker, and Abundant Life Mentor who encourages women to live with intention and experience the abundant life Jesus promises. She is the author of Made for More, Right Now Matters, and the Right Now Matters Bible Study, and the host of the Encouragement for Real Life Podcast. Through her words and work, Julie helps women slow down, stay present in the moment, and live from truth instead of pressure, comparison, or fear. Find Julie at julielefebure.com. 🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters! As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00 – 00:01:29] What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Dara Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories. Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do, and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. Doris Swift [00:01:29 – 00:02:16] So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and His plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal. It might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Darris Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, Doris sits down with Sarah Jean Snyder, author of He Said Saga: The Daughter’s Story. The conversation focused on Sarah’s deeply personal journey—her father’s battle with MS, her own diagnosis, and how these experiences intersected with her spiritual growth. A key theme that emerged was how the purpose behind Sarah’s writing evolved over a decade, transforming from sharing her father’s story to encouraging others through her faith. The discussion explored the challenges of living with chronic illness, the significance of supportive communities both in-person and online, and the unexpected ways God leads us through difficult seasons. Several points were raised in this encouraging conversation, including the importance of sharing our stories honestly, embracing change, and finding hope and healing in unexpected places. Join us as Sarah reveals how her family’s legacy and her faith continue to light the path forward—not just for herself, but for anyone navigating hardship.  Sarah shares how, through her father’s circumstances, she learned what it looks like to function through sadness, how to trust even with unanswered prayers, and that life isn’t always fair. However, she also learned to focus on the good and be grateful for it. In the end, sickness isn’t the story. Disclaimer statement: The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Writing Journey and Spiritual Growth The process of writing her book over a decade Initial intent to share her father’s story about MS and how her own diagnosis influenced the narrative Transformation of the book’s purpose and the element of faith guiding the journey The importance of taking the first step even without full understanding of the “why” Impact of Baptism and Faith Milestones Reaffirmation of baptism as an adult and its spiritual significance Reflection on being a preacher’s kid and hesitance to focus on religious elements How moments that seem accidental are viewed as divine interventions The Book’s Structure and Themes Inclusion of personal photos and stories in the book Use of a Facebook group for chronicling and processing her journey The shift from being a book about MS to a story of spiritual transformation and faith Living with MS and Sharing Hope The process of documenting both her father’s and her own experience with MS Contrast in perspectives: witnessing her father’s illness and experiencing her own Sharing hope and healing found in Jesus for those facing medical challenges The Ending That’s Not the End Discussion of how the story continues beyond the book’s final pages Inclusion of group support through online communities Encouragement that everyone’s story is ongoing and evolving Community, Support, and Group Dynamics The role of group studies and support groups for people facing similar challenges How the book’s message transcends MS to address broader emotional and physical struggles Sharing her father’s struggle and spiritual healing from alcoholism Concepts of Healing and Acceptance Comparison between physical and spiritual healing Sarah’s father’s experience: sobriety as a form of healing even without physical recovery from MS Advancements in MS therapies and the shift towards holistic health approaches Health Wisdom and Lifestyle Changes Pursuing knowledge and wisdom through faith and research The importance of gut health and dietary changes, including gluten elimination Learning from dealing with both her own diagnosis and her son’s epilepsy Recognition of the evolving nature of bodies and personal health needs Autoimmune Conditions and MS Education Explanation of MS as an autoimmune condition affecting the nervous system Comparison of MS to electrical cords with compromised protective layers Acknowledgment of the complexities and unknowns in autoimmunity Transparency and Vulnerability in Storytelling Importance of sharing both victories and struggles (divorce, miscarriage, challenges) Using personal story to comfort and encourage others in similar situations Response from the MS community and broader audience through social media Encouragement for Others to Share Their Stories The impact and value of women sharing their stories Overcoming hesitancy, comparison, or feelings of inadequacy when sharing The ripple effect of encouragement and connection within faith communities God’s Providence and Community Connections Unexpected connections and meetings within faith and author circles The role of community events in building support and encouragement Recognition that God orchestrates encounters and opportunities for sharing The Purpose of the Book: Sharing Jesus Emphasis that the ultimate purpose is to share God’s love and the message of Jesus The invitation at the book’s conclusion for readers to receive Jesus’s message Ongoing calling to use her platform for faith-sharing Resources and Accessibility of Her Story Information on where to find her book (website, local stores, Amazon) Announcement of the upcoming audiobook featuring family members as narrators Prayer and Final Encouragement Praying for listeners and readers to feel loved and receive the message Affirmation of God’s unconditional love and grace Encouragement that even in hard and ongoing journeys, hope and purpose persist Personal and Family Reflections Significance of her middle name “Jean” and its family legacy Importance of family involvement in both her story and her audiobook project 🤝 Connect with Sarah! You can connect with Sarah at https://www.hesaidsaga.com/ Sarah Jean Snyder lives with multiple sclerosis. She is a preacher’s kid, an optician and a mother. She loves the Lord. 🙏 Your Story Matters As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00 – 00:01:29] What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Dara Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories. Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do, and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. Doris Swift [00:01:29 – 00:02:23] So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. Welcome back to the show. Today I am so excited to welcome my friend, Sarah Snyder. We’ve done some book signings together at a local Christian bookstore. There was an author event at one of the churches we both served there together and did the author event. That was fun. And Sarah has quite a story of her spiritual journey, physical journey, you know, a

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, I welcome my new friend Jac Marino Chen. Jac shares her remarkable testimony of being saved by Jesus Christ out of the darkness of abuse, addiction, New Age practices, and the occult. We’re also talking about her new book, Ensnared: Escaping New Age and Occult Practices Through Biblical Truth and Gospel Hope, which is now available for pre-order. From a self-described sorceress practicing ritual magick to discovering true freedom through faith in Jesus Christ, Jac warns of the deceptions of the enemy that can so easily ensnare those seeking to gain secret knowledge and control their own destinies. Our conversation explores the lure of secret knowledge, the deception of New Age philosophies, and the incremental steps that drew her deeper into occultism—including her involvement with divination, alien worship, and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. According to Jac’s media info about her book, “A growing number of Americans believe in or practice the occult. This includes tarot card readings, Ouija boards, astrology, and visiting psychics. Even some professing Christians believe there is no harm in dabbling in such practices.” It’s also concerning how New Age and New Thought practices are seeping into churches–sometimes much like a slow burn. A key theme that emerged was the prevalence of occult practices in modern culture and even the subtle infiltration of New Age beliefs into everyday life and the church. Several points were raised, including the deceptive allure of practices like divination, manifestation, and the use of crystals, as well as the importance of discerning truth through God’s Word. This episode not only shares her compelling testimony but also provides wisdom, encouragement, and biblical insight for anyone seeking hope or answers amidst spiritual confusion. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Testimony of Transformation: One concept discussed was the slow and incremental way spiritual deception can take hold, leading Jack from childhood trauma and confusion, through self-described sorcery and ceremonial magick, to seeking real truth at her lowest point. She vividly described how searching for “secret knowledge” and a sense of control lured her deeper into darkness—until reading the Bible for herself changed everything 05:22. The Allure of Forbidden Practices: The discussion explored how practices like the Law of Attraction, crystals, divination, and certain spiritual rituals mirror biblical language but twist its meaning. Several points were raised, including the cultural glamorization of magick and how even mainstream environments now promote such practices as harmless or empowering 10:00. Truth Wrapped in Lies: A key theme that emerged was how spiritual counterfeits often mix just enough truth to appear harmless, making discernment essential. The conversation emphasized reading Scripture in context and not building beliefs or practices on isolated verses taken out of context 39:28. Hope for the Hurting & Advice for Families: For those concerned about loved ones drawn into New Age or occult practices, the message was clear: do not underestimate the power of prayer and faithfully sharing the gospel, even if a person seems resistant at first. Jack’s own turning point came through persistent, loving truth from her grandfather and others 43:55. New Book Release: Jack’s book, Ensnared: Overcoming the Darkness of the New Age and Occult with the Light of God’s Truth, is now available for pre-order. Link to her recent post on Harvest House: 5 Biblical Truths for Reaching Loved Ones Involved in the Occult 🤝 Connect with Jac! You can connect with Jac at https://www.jacmarino.com and find her book here: https://ensnaredbook.com/ https://ensnaredbook.com/ Jac Marino Chen was saved by Jesus out of a past of abuse, addiction, New Age practices, the occult, hermeticism, ritual magick, and deep depravity. She is passionate about exposing the darkness she formerly pursued while pointing to freedom through faith in Jesus Christ. When not serving at church or doing occult outreach on her YouTube channel, you can find Jac writing worship music with her husband under the name Jac and Josh Music. 🙏 Your Story Matters As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris

Hi Friend, Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, Doris sits down with Shalene Roberts, a part-time homeschooling mom of five, writer, small business owner, and author of the heartwarming children’s book Bruce the Brave. Shalene Roberts is passionate about helping women cultivate grace-filled homes and anchor their families in Christ. Together, they delve into her new book, When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees: Where Gritty Meets Glorious in God’s Eternal Plan for Moms, which originated from a viral blog post inspired by her personal journey navigating the unseen challenges of motherhood. In this candid and faith-filled conversation, Shalene Roberts opens up about leaving a career as a magazine editor to focus on her family, her struggles with identity and feeling unseen, and the profound lessons God taught her through seasons of difficulty. The episode explores the crucial roles of abiding, prayer, and rest in a mother’s spiritual journey, the power of intercessory prayer, and the reality of spiritual warfare facing families today. Doris Swift and Shalene Roberts also discuss how the Great Commission starts right at home, encouraging moms to see their influence as lasting Kingdom work with multigenerational impact. Whether you are a mom in the trenches, a grandmother, or a woman mentoring the next generation, this episode offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a powerful reminder that God sees you—and the work you’re doing truly matters. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Pray Abide Rest Motherhood IS Kingdom Work: The Great Commission isn’t just for the mission field—it’s right in front of us, in our homes, as we disciple our children. Our legacy of faith can ripple through generations. Spiritual Disciplines for Busy Lives: Shalene Roberts shares practical ways to abide, pray, and rest—even with a full house. Small, intentional moments with the Lord make a big difference. The Power of Prayer and Perseverance: Prayer moves mountains in the spiritual realm. Whether your kids are under your roof or wayward, your intercession is powerful—even when you haven’t yet seen the fruit. If you’re seeking encouragement in your calling as a mom or mentor, I highly recommend connecting with Shalene Roberts and checking out her beautiful, gospel-centered book! JOIN THE MILLION PRAYING MOMS SUMMER BOOK CLUB! Featuring Shalene’s book! 🤝 Connect with Shalene! You can find Shalene and all the things talked about in the show at shaleneroberts.com, including her book and you can also find the audiobook version here: https://www.amazon.com/When-Mothering-Hard-One-Sees/dp/B0FV9Z6PMW/ SHALENE ROBERTS is a part-time homeschooling mother of five, writer, recreational photographer, and small business owner. Driven by a deep desire to draw women into a life-changing relationship with the Lord, she seeks to inspire women to anchor in Christ, nurture grace-filled families, and foster life-giving homes. Her work has appeared in an array of outlets, including Her View From Home, Motherly, the Thrive Moms Exhale Bible study, and a variety of other publications. Shalene is also the author of the heartwarming children’s book Bruce the Brave and the founder of Lily & Loom Vintage Rugs. 🙏 Your Story Matters As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris

Hi Friend, Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s heartfelt episode, Doris sits down with her dear friend and sister in Christ, Cheri Fletcher, to discuss how to navigate grief conversations, honor precious memories, and find purpose through life’s deepest losses. After the loss of her daughter Annie in 2023, Cheri created Beyond “I Don’t Know What to Say” Grief Cards, a resource designed to spark meaningful conversations and keep memories of loved ones alive. Together, they talk about the importance of open communication in grief, and how your God-given purpose endures even as your roles in life change. Whether you’re walking through grief or supporting someone who is, this episode offers encouragement, practical tools, and a powerful reminder: our purpose in Christ is eternal. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Grief shouldn’t be silent: Open dialogue, even with simple questions, can bring incredible comfort to those mourning. Sometimes, just asking “What has this week been like for you?” means more than “How are you?”. Everyone’s grieving journey is unique: Cheri’s experience highlighted that roles in life may change, but our purpose—to glorify and magnify God—remains eternal. Support can be simple and brave: Reaching out, mentioning a loved one’s name, or just showing up with a kind gesture makes all the difference. “Communication doesn’t have to be complicated, even if grief is.” Our roles may change, but our God-given purpose stays the same If you or someone you know is walking through loss, check out these conversation cards shared at cherifletcher.com, and let’s be intentional about supporting each other. 🌻 #GriefSupport #Purpose #FierceCalling #Connection #Legacy #Faith 🤝 Connect with Cheri cherifletcher.com and find her Beyond I Don’t Know What to Say grief cards. Don’t forget to enter the discount code “Welcome 10” for 10% off! And that’s evergreen! A quiet place in grief community Raise the Sail: Annie’s Hallmark Dream Realized Cheri Fletcher is the creator of Beyond “I Don’t Know What to Say” Grief Communication Cards—a gentle tool designed to open the door to meaningful conversations that bring comfort, connection, and the sharing of stories that keep precious memories alive. Her prayer is that these cards help others move past silence and into presence. She holds a simple but profound belief: grief is complicated, but communication doesn’t have to be. Cheri and her husband, Todd, moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, in 2020 after nearly 30 years in Washington. They are grateful parents of two married sons and their wives, and they carry the memory of their cherished daughter, Annie, who passed away in 2023. After Annie’s passing, Cheri’s work deepened as she began giving language to the lived experience of grief. Drawing from her own journey through loss, change, and faith, she now walks alongside others who find themselves asking, “Now what?”—gently helping them move toward “What’s next?” with hope, honesty, and a spiritual game plan for the unexpected. Through her writing, speaking, and community, Cheri reminds others that while our roles may change, our purpose is eternal—and that even in life’s hardest moments, we are not holding on alone… we are held. She holds a simple but profound belief: Grief is complicated. Communication doesn’t have to be. 🙏 Your Story Matters As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris Swift [00:01:55]: What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan and his plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to him. It might be a prodigal, it might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Doris Swift, author of the award winning six week Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. And it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever present Jesus joy within. Doris Swift [00:02:40]: Using personal and biblical stories I share, how you can identify your joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within and share the joy with others. You can do it on your own or with a group. If you’re looking for a Bible study for this summer, check it out, friends. Surrender the joy stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It’s available on all the online retailers. It’s time to take your joy back. Welcome back to the show. Doris Swift [00:03:13]: Today I’m excited to welcome my good friend and sister in Christ, Cheri Fletcher. We are going to be talking all about something that you are going to want to listen in and you’re going to love what she’s created. They’re called Beyond. I don’t know what to say. Grief communication cards. And she designed them to spark meaningful conversations that keep precious memories alive. And that is amazing. After the loss of her daughter in 2023, Sheri now helps others navigate life’s transitions with faith, reminding them that while their roles might change, our purpose is eternal. Doris Swift [00:03:51]: And that is a very, very important truth for us to remember. She is wife to and they have two married sons and love the wives too, that, that they chose that God sent to them. And I just, I love these cards. We’re going to talk more about it and hear more about Cheri’s story. I love how, how the cards say grief communication cards were inspired by my journey to foster meaningful conversations and heartfelt connections between grieving families and their supporters. So that is beautiful. Cheri, welcome to the show. It’s so great to have you. Cheri Fletcher [00:04:28]: You forgot to mention that we were roommates. Doris Swift [00:04:31]: Oh, that’s right. We roomied together. Is that a word? Roomy? Cheri Fletcher [00:04:35]: It’s fun. Doris Swift [00:04:36]: We room together. Cheri Fletcher [00:04:38]: Roomy together at a conference. Yes. Doris Swift [00:04:40]: That was really great time to spend together and we got, we talked into the night and so it was really, really great. And so I’m just so thankful for you and I got to see again last year. That didn’t work out well for me because I had, you know, very major tooth issue and could not attend most of the retreat that we were at. But, but I still got a hug. Cheri Fletcher [00:05:01]: Oh, it was so sad. Yes. It was great to see you. And it’s. Thanks for having me today. What a treat. Doris Swift [00:05:07]: Yes. So I would love if you would share with our listeners today a little bit about your story and, you know, the cards that you created, which kind of falls into the question of where you’re taking action, where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Cheri Fletcher [00:05:25]: Yes. Well, thank you very much. You know, my tagline, our roles in life will change, but our purpose is eternal. That’s been my tagline even before my daughter passed away. So now a lot of times our calling becomes, you know, our. We live out our calling. Right. And I’m, I’m learning that very actively. Cheri Fletcher [00:05:46]: But our daughter Annie, she was my firstborn and only daughter, and she had her master’s in social work, and she was also a singer songwriter in Nashville. And she told us at age 12 that she was going to live in Nashville. We lived in Seattle, Washington, for 30 years. And she, yeah, she was singing. She started writing her songs when she was about 2 years old. I would put her in timeout and she would go and start singing out loud about why she was upset in her timeout. And so she would sing why it was unfair and why she shouldn’t be in time out,

Hi Friend, Welcome to this new episode on the Fierce Calling podcast! We’re so glad you’re with us—whether you’re a regular listener or a new friend stopping by. 🎙️ This Week’s Episode: An Honest Caregiver – Ann Coker’s Reflections of Love, Loss, and Legacy On episode 223, Ann Coker returns to share from her new book, An Honest Caregiver: Facing the Reality of My Husband’s Dementia. Ann Coker cared for her husband, Bill, for 14 years after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She opens up about the raw, real, and holy work of caregiving—the struggles, the moments of failure and frustration, and how God met her in the valleys. You’ll hear how journaling became her lifeline, what it was like to face grief, and how she was encouraged to dig deep and be fully honest by her daughter (a nurse and key partner in Bill’s care). Ann Coker also shares precious memories of Bill’s faith, stories of family teamwork, and the profound hope and comfort she found knowing Bill is with the Lord. 💡 Episode Highlights The power of journaling through hard seasons Honesty in caregiving and why it matters Navigating hospice and end-of-life moments How faith, family, and community can help Leaving a legacy through shared words 📚 Ann’s Book & Podcast An Honest Caregiver is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly from Ann Coker (signed copies available). Bill’s sermons live on through the “Words of Endearment with Bill Coker” podcast—find it on any major platform! 👂 Listen In & Be Encouraged If you or someone you know is a caregiver—or may be one in the future—please share this episode! You’ll find hope, practical wisdom, and the reminder that you are not alone. Listen to Episode 223 now [on our website]! 🤝 Connect with Ann Email: [email protected] Podcast: “Words of Endearment with Bill Coker” (new episodes post on Wednesdays) ANN L. COKER is the widow of Bill, a former pastor and professor. Ann received a BA in English from Asbury College, Wilmore, KY, 20 years after graduating from high school in Mobile, AL. She is the author of Journey with Bunyan’s Pilgrim and a contributor to The Woman’s Study Bible. She has served in three pro-life agencies. She continues to compile her husband’s messages for publication. Currently, Ann lives in Indianapolis, IN, with her married daughter and husband. The Cokers have four children, ten grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. Ann’s hobbies are making greeting cards, reading, sewing, and working on crossword puzzles. 🙏 Your Story Matters As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Now Booking for 2026! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:10]: Hey friends, welcome back to the Fierce Calling podcast where I am talking with guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion and conviction intersect which is their Fierce Calling. And you are listening to episode 223 and if you’re new around here, I want to warmly welcome you. I am excited about today’s episode. I invite back my guest Ann Crocker. She was a previous guest on the show and she had a book come out since she was last on called An Honest Caregiver Facing the Reality of My Husband’s Dementia. She was caregiver to her sweet husband Bill for 14 years and she shares all about her journey and just as the title says, an honest journey, an honest telling of her experience. And you know, some of us have been caregivers and some will find ourselves in that role again sometime in the future possibly or we know someone that is currently a caregiver. Please share this with them. Doris Swift [00:01:14]: I think it will really encourage them. And so friends, we’ll get into the show in just a minute. But first I also want to remind you that I would love to have a chat with you if you are looking for a speaker for your next women’s event conference retreat, whatever you have going on. And so I am booking. I still have some availability in the latter part of 2026 and also into 2027, so reach out to me at daraswift.org or on my speaker page at womenspeakers.com and let’s have a chat about that. So I know if you stick around you will be encouraged, inspired and challenged by the message that Ann shares. So so thank you so much and stay tuned. What threatens to steal your joy today? When the struggles of this world drain us dry and wring us out, our desert mentality becomes fertile ground for the enemy’s lies to grow. Doris Swift [00:02:09]: We place our trust in what we see and feel instead of in the God we know and love. Surrender the Joy Stealers is a strategic six week Bible study rooted in John 15 that helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever present Jesus joy within that fills them, empowers them, and ripens the fruit God produces in their lives. Using personal and biblical application, women will learn how to identify their Joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within them, and share that joy with others. Pick up your copy today. It’s perfect for individual or group study. You can find it on all the online retailers. Surrender the Joy Stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. Doris Swift [00:02:57]: It’s time to take your joy Back. Welcome back to the show. And today I am welcoming back a return guest that I really enjoyed having on the show quite a while ago, my friend Ann Crocker. And we are talking all about caregiving and we are also talking about her book that came out since she was on the show last, which is an honest caregiver facing the reality of my husband’s dementia. This is a very beautifully written book. It is filled with stories and her real life journey. It’s raw and real and she shares a lot of hope and encouragement, but also doesn’t hold back and sharing the struggles. And so it’s to, it’s to help others in this journey that they might find themselves in. Doris Swift [00:03:51]: Ann, welcome back to the show. It’s so great to have you on. Ann Coker [00:03:55]: Good to be back. I appreciate the opportunity. Doris. Doris Swift [00:03:59]: Yes, thank you. It is a beautiful book. You had asked if I would endorse it and I put my endorsement here in the book. And I think that it’s just something that is a wonderful not only story, memoir, but a tool and a resource for those who, you know, need, need that or know someone who does. Because nowadays it’s just such a reality in our lives, you know. So, you know, and I always say how you’re taking action, where your passion, compassion, conviction intersect, which is what God’s been doing in your life. So if you could share, you know, a little bit about the story and then some about the book and what you hope that your readers will take away from it. Ann Coker [00:04:47]: I guess my passion for years has been journaling and that’s what has kept me grounded in faith, to show on paper what my journey is. And it also then helped in composing and collecting the stories, the journey with the caregiving. So for 14 years, Bill had dementia, diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease. And so I knew that throughout all of that that I needed compassion, which was sometimes hard to, to give. But the Lord helped me. And then I was always confident about his conviction of faith. He would even have these little talks every now and then where he would include do what’s right and do what’s good. And it was like he was preaching again because he was a professor and a Bible languages and also a pastor in his last church for 19 years before he retired. Ann Coker [00:06:10]: So journaling was probably my biggest passion and led me to compose the book. Doris Swift [00:06:20]: Yeah, that’s really important. And I know we’ve talked about journaling before on the show and how healing it can be and also helpful because when we write things down now, now not everybody might feel like they want to do journaling or they feel like they’re not a writer or anything. But when we record thing

Welcome back to the Fierce Calling podcast! In this powerful episode, host Doris Swift is joined by her longtime friend and award-winning author Maria Morgan, whose latest and soon-to-be-released book, Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression, offers a faith-centered, holistic approach to healing. Maria Morgan opens up about her own journey through seasons of anxiety, depression, and psychosis—sharing how past trauma collided with present challenges and led her to some of her darkest moments. Through raw honesty and deep vulnerability, Maria details how faith, community, and surrender to God became the keys to her freedom. Their candid conversation touches on the importance of breaking stigma, finding safe spaces to share our stories, and the transformative power of accountability and God's love. Whether you or someone you know has walked through similar struggles, this episode brings hope, encouragement, and a reminder that you are never alone. Get ready to hear a testimony of restoration that will challenge, inspire, and equip you to take your own next steps toward healing and rediscovering joy. Plus! You can grab the intro and first two chapters of her new Hope Ignited book here: https://mailchi.mp/mariaimorgan.com/equip-your-church-to-address-mental-health-with-hope Highlights From This Inspiring Conversation: Real & Raw Story: Maria shares her journey through devastating seasons of anxiety and depression. She courageously discusses how these battles resurfaced during 2020 as she cared for her mother-in-law with dementia. Day of Truth: The turning point came when Maria opened up to her husband and church family, experiencing unconditional love and hope. She says, “That unconditional love… was something that opened my mind to just a bit of light, which was hope.” Healing & Surrender: Through accountability, prayer, and supportive friends, Maria found freedom. She urges us to recognize the power of surrender — letting go and trusting God. Practical Steps: Maria emphasizes the holistic nature of healing — tending to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. She encourages accountability and reaching out to friends, reminding us we are not alone. Hope Ignited Events: Inspired by her journey, Maria and her husband now host events to help churches support members struggling with anxiety and depression. Connect with Maria! Maria I. Morgan is the award-winning author of the Louie the Lawnmower children’s series andOutrageously Fruitful, a women’s Bible study. Passionate about helping women find freedomfrom anxiety and depression, her book Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety andDepression (available early 2026), offers a faith-centered, holistic approach tohealing—addressing body, soul, and spirit. Maria lives in Georgia with her husband, Steve, andtheir playful pets, who bring laughter and creativity to her journey. Website: https://www.mariaimorgan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.morgan.10 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaimorgan/ Email: [email protected] What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Now Booking for 2026! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris Swift [00:01:55]:What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and his plan is to surrender it, surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal, it might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I'm Dara Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in and it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever-present Jesus joy within. Using personal and biblical stories, I share how you can identify your joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within, and share the joy with others. You can do it on your own or with a group. Check it out, friends. Doris Swift [00:02:58]:Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You. It's available on all the online retailers. It's time to take your joy back. Welcome back to the show. Today, I'm excited to welcome my good friend, Maria Morgan. She is the award-winning author of the Louie the Lawnmower children's series and Outrageously Fruitful, a women's Bible study. Passionate about helping women find freedom from anxiety and depression, her book that we're gonna be talking a lot about today, Hope Ignited, Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression, which is going to be coming out soon, offers a faith-centered holistic approach to healing, addressing body, soul, and spirit. Maria lives in Georgia with her husband Steve and their playful pets who bring laughter and creativity to her journey. Doris Swift [00:03:49]:And I'll have to say, I have known Maria for many years, and I just— I have her Bible study here, Outrageously Fruitful. I always love this cover. It just is like so refreshing. I always thought it looked so refreshing, so I love that. And I also have Louie the Lawnmower and some of the books somewhere. I think I might have given some out. And also, when our house flooded, I lost some books, so I'm not really sure. But I think— I'm pretty sure I gave your Louie books to some friends with kids. Doris Swift [00:04:21]:So I just enjoyed those so much, and I'm so happy to have you on the show. I was blessed to endorse your latest book, and we're going to talk about that. Maria, welcome. Maria Morgan [00:04:33]:Thank you so much, Doris. What a blessing you are. Doris Swift [00:04:36]:Thank you. Maria Morgan [00:04:37]:Great to be here. Doris Swift [00:04:37]:We have been— yeah, we've been trying to plan this for a while. And so I, I loved reading your manuscript of your book, and there's been a season between your other books and this book, and a lot has happened in that season, or many seasons, or some seasons, and which is really what prompted your writing this new book. So I would love if you would share, you know, some of your story and then where the Lord is presently calling you in your fierce calling and where you're taking action, where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. Maria Morgan [00:05:20]:Absolutely, Doris. Yes. And I believe we met back so many years ago in a writing course. And back at that time, I was working on both the Louie the Lawnmower series and Outrageously Fruitful. And prior to writing that Bible study, um, I had experienced one season of anxiety and depression. This was back in 2006. And it was something that took me by surprise. I had no idea what was really going on, but I recovered from that in about 9 months. Maria Morgan [00:05:56]:So I, I didn't really get to the root issue of what was going on, but because I came through it, I just kind of thought, okay, that's over and continued on with my life. At the time I thought, you know, maybe I should write something about anxiety, but I felt like there was a flood of information about anxiety and depression on the market. So who needs to hear more, right? Well, we can go ahead and advance to 2020. Everybody knows 2020 was an extremely difficult year, not only with, you know, everything going on with COVID and all of those things. For us personally, my husband and I were caregivers for my mother-in-law who had dementia. And as you know, or can maybe can imagine, when you're dealing with somebody with dementia, there can be some conflict. And, you know, for reasons that I didn't really understand at the time, the conflict was overwhelming to me. And I started feeling a little bit anxious and even a little bit down. Maria Morgan [00:07:10]:So I thought, okay, we, we had my mother-in-law for 3 months and we dropped her off with my sister-in-law. And I thought, oh, this, this feeling will leave. And, uh, I was surprised when it did not. I thought, okay, I'll just jump into all the things that I was doing previously. Uh, started teaching a Bible study again, co-leading a prayer team, doing di

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, Doris sits down with her friend and powerhouse leader Bunni Pounds—founder and president of Christians Engaged, senior vice president at Family Policy Alliance, and author of Jesus in Politics: One Woman's Walk with God in a Mudslinging Profession. Together, they dive into Bunni Pounds’s incredible journey of faith, leadership, and calling, including her bold vision for “America Reads the Bible”—an unprecedented, nation-wide Bible reading event set for 2026 at the Museum of the Bible. Bunni Pounds opens up about what it takes to step out in obedience, the importance of unity in the body of Christ, and how each of us can take up our unique, “fierce” calling. Whether you’re interested in mobilizing your community, deepening your understanding of Scripture, or simply seeking to walk more intimately with Jesus, this episode is packed with encouragement and inspiration. Plus, get a sneak peek into Bunni Pounds's upcoming book, Stepping Up to Lead: Rebuilding a Nation in the Footsteps of Nehemiah. Get ready to be challenged, uplifted, and reminded that God uses those who are willing to say “yes”—no matter how big the task. Let’s jump in! Here’s what you’ll find in this inspiring conversation: ✨ America Reads the Bible: Vision and Execution Unifying multiple denominations and organizations Origin and inspiration of the event Connection to the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah The spiritual and cultural importance of public scripture reading Objectives of the event National Bible reading from Genesis to Revelation Involvement of diverse national leaders and influencers 🌱 Organizing a Large-Scale National Bible Reading Inclusion of art installations and interactive experiences at the Museum of the Bible Logistical challenges and planning Scheduling, time management, and using AI for organizing the reading Securing participation across ministries, worship leaders, and universities Outreach: hundreds of Zoom meetings, onboarding over 100 ministries Enhancing the experience Use of worship leaders and filling event gaps with prayer and worship 🤝The Event’s Broader Impact & Community Involvement Reinvigorating biblical literacy and unity within the Christian community Invitation for public participation Encouraging families, churches, and individuals to attend or follow the live stream Creative ideas for involvement: hosting the stream in churches, businesses, and homes Vision for generational and spiritual impact The lasting significance of the event for America’s 250th anniversary ✍️Spiritual Lessons from Ezra, Nehemiah, and Personal Calling Overcoming complacency and taking radical, faithful action Learning from biblical leaders Leadership principles from Nehemiah The need for a modern-day "Ezra moment" in America Encouragement to listeners Recognizing and stepping into one’s calling 🎨 Overcoming Obstacles and Obedience in Leadership Practical advice on saying "yes" to God and carrying vision forward The process and perseverance required in large vision projects Stories of resistance, skepticism, and eventual breakthroughs 🎧 Plus a whole lot more encouragement! Let us know what touched your heart most—we'd love to hear from you! We're talking about this amazing event, book, and More! Connect with Bunni! You can connect with Bunni at [email protected]: christiansengaged.org and check out americareadsthebible.com for more info on this epic event! Bunni Pounds is the Founder and President of Christians Engaged as well as a Senior Vice President for Family PolicyAlliance and Family Policy Alliance Foundation – founded by Dr. James Dobson. She is the author of Jesus and Politics:One Woman’s Walk with God in a Mudslinging Profession and the upcoming book releasing in 2026 – Stepping Up toLead: Rebuilding a Nation in the Footsteps of Nehemiah. As a political consultant by profession – Bunni spent over sixteen years running the campaigns of Members ofCongress. She started her career as the campaign manager for U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling then launched herown firm, Bunni Pounds & Associates building a top Texas consulting firm with nine associates and thirty-one clients –including Sean Duffy, Lee Zeldin, and Michael Cloud. She then ran for Congress herself in 2018 becoming the only woman to make the Republican Runoff Ballot in Texasout of 6 open seats. It was after this race that God called her to start mobilizing the Church.Bunni’s experience doesn’t just stop at politics. She has been bi-vocational and active in Christian ministry since shewas 16. Bunni is a Bible teacher and motivational speaker who church-planted with her husband Tim for over 10 years.Speaking to the church and the culture, she is a regular contributor to The Christian Post, Washington Times, CharismaNews and has also been published in the Wall Street Journal among others. She has a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree in Political Science from Dallas Baptist University and an associatedegree in theology from Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas.Married Tim Pounds since 1996, they have 2 young adult sons, Israel and Ben, two daughters-in-law, and threeprecious grandchildren. Bunni loves to motivate people to pray, vote, and engage their hearts to impact America and the world. She believesthat people are called to walk in intimacy with Jesus and be salt and light to a dying world. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Now Booking for 2026! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris [00:03:00]:Welcome back to the show. Today I am really excited to introduce to you my friend Bunny Pounds. I our mutual friend Misty Phillip introduced us and so this is just a blessing. Bunny is the founder and president of Christians Engaged so we're going to hear more about Christians Engaged and she's also the senior vice president for Family Policy alliance and Family Policy alliance foundation which was founded by Dr. James Dobson and she's the author of Jesus in Politics. One Woman's Walk with God in a Mud Slinging Profession. Amen. And the upcoming book releasing in 20 which is very exciting. Doris [00:03:41]:Stepping up to Lead Rebuilding a nation in the footsteps of Nehemiah. She has a Bachelor's of Arts and sciences degree in Political science from Dallas Baptist University and an associate degree in theology from Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas. She's married to Tim Pound since 1996. They have two young adult sons, Israel and Ben, two daughters in law and three precious grandchildren. And Bunny loves to motivate people to pray vot and engage their hearts to impact America and the world which is very powerful. Such a fierce calling. She believes that people are called to walk in intimacy with Jesus and to be salt and light to a dying world. Welcome to the show Bunni. Doris [00:04:25]:It's so great to have you. Bunni Pounds [00:04:26]:So great to be with you Doris. And I'm so excited to get into the fiery callings that we all have. Doris [00:04:34]:Yes ma', am, we do. And so I just am excited about all the things that you are doing and have done and are going to also one of the things is America Reads the Bible, which is very fascinating, intriguing, and something that all of us should be, you know, engaged in, in some way, shape, or form. So I would love if you would share with the listeners how you're taking action, where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect your fierce calling. Bunni Pounds [00:05:06]:Well, I ran for Congress in 2018, and I like to say in my book and in speeches that I got addicted to going on an adventure with God, living way outside of my own talents and gifts, and really asking God to extend the kingdom through me. And that means you're dependent. You're dependent on God for things that you can't produce. Right. And I'm actually living in a similar season right now as I was living in that season in 2018, which is I'm leading what coul

We have a powerful new episode to share with you! This week, Doris Swift welcomes the incredible Mary DeMuth—author of over 50 books, literary agent, artist, podcaster, and global speaker—who shares her story and wisdom on finding freedom, healing, and joy through surrender. Here’s what you’ll find in this inspiring conversation: ✨ The Freedom of Surrender Mary opens up about her latest devotional, The Freedom of Surrender: 40 Devotions for a Joyful Life in Christ. She shares how her journey with art, Lent, and letting go of daily struggles became a lifeline and ministry for others. Her artwork (featured throughout the book!) makes this devotional extra special. 🌱 Healing from Church Hurt and Trauma Mary connects deeply with listeners struggling with church hurt, grief, or past trauma. With practical encouragement, she reminds us that “an untold story never heals,” and offers her gentle approach to lament, processing pain with God, and finding safe spaces for healing. 🤝 Community & Connection Both Doris Swift and Mary DeMuth highlight how genuine community can be the remedy for pain received in broken relationships. For those feeling lonely or unseen, Mary shares hope and a prayer that God will bring needed friendships into your life. ✍️ For Writers and Creatives Are you a writer or aspiring author? Mary gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be represented by a literary agent and her journey writing across genres. If you’re interested in publishing, she offers a three-legged-stool framework: platform, writing ability, and unique ideas. 🎨 Bonus! Free Art for Your Soul Mary is generously offering free downloadable lock-screens featuring her original art from The Freedom of Surrender. Sign up for her email list at marydemuth.com/surrender to receive yours and find encouragement in your inbox. 🎧 Don’t Miss Out Whether you’re seeking healing, longing for joy, looking for creative inspiration, or simply needing to feel less alone, this episode will encourage your heart. And if you haven’t yet, check out Mary’s “Pray Every Day” podcast for daily scripture and prayer! ▶️ [Listen to the episode now] (insert your episode link here) 🖼️ Grab your free art lock screens here Let us know what touched your heart most—we love to hear from you! Stay tuned for more faith-filled encouragement, and remember: your story matters and you are never alone. We're talking about this amazing book and more! Connect with Mary! Mary loves Jesus. And really that’s the most important thing about her. It’s not writing or speaking or praying or mommying or any other -ing you can find. She flat out loves Him. Why? Because he has utterly, truly, completely re-storied her.  She has three adult children, and she’s been married to Patrick for 33 years now. Mary counts those relationships as the most important people in her life. In the mid 2000s, their family helped plant a church in Southern France–a difficult, but amazing experience.  In her spare (ha!) time, she loves to cook, run, garden, decorate, paint, and do interior design. You can find all her artwork here. She’s been writing for 30+ years–half of them in obscurity. She mentored many writers during that time, and continues to do so through the Rockwall Christian Writers Group and some of her  instructional books. Since then she has written over 52 books, translated into five languages. You can see a listing of all her books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, Lifeway and Parable. Mary pioneered a literary agency in 2022, Mary DeMuth Literary, where she shepherds writers toward traditional publishing. She currently lives in North Texas, serves in her local church alongside her husband, and she’s had the privilege of speaking around the world in places like Johannesburg, Monaco, Geneva, Munich, Port-au-Prince, Nice, and Florence. Although her past story is difficult, her current story leaks adventure. Not only has Mary been restored and restoried, but she longs to see the same for you. You no longer have to live haunted. I believe your new story starts today. Carl Bard wrote, “Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.” Paul reminds us of this important truth: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT).  Living in retrospect is a bad idea. It’s time to heal, be set free, and find the new story God has for you. Mary has experienced God turning her storm into a story, moving her from a bitter story into a bigger one. Won’t you join her on the adventure? What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Now Booking for 2026! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris [00:01:51]:What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan. And his plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to him. It might be a prodigal, it might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I'm Doris Swift, author of the award winning six week Bible study, Surrender the Joy. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. Doris Swift [00:02:31]:And it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever present Jesus joy within. Using personal and biblical stories I share, how you can identify your joy stealers, Surrender them to God, Reawaken the joy within and share the joy with others. You can do it on your own or with a group. Check it out, friends. Surrender the joy stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It's available on all the online retailers. It's time to take your joy back. Doris Swift [00:03:05]:Welcome back to the show. Today I am very excited to welcome my friend, Mary DeMuth. She is an amazing woman of God and she has written over 50 books and she's been a writer for over 30 years and those books have been translated into like seven different languages, so that's pretty powerful. And through her podcast Pray Every Day, and her speaking events around the globe, she seeks to help people hear, heal from past trauma, and live restoried lives as followers of Jesus. She's also a mentor for writers and she developed Mary demeth literary in 2022. And she's also an artist, a magnificent artist that God has really gifted her. I have purchased many of her different, you know, her calendars and cards and things like that. Very beautiful. Doris Swift [00:03:55]:And her inspiration comes from seasons of Lent spent prayerfully and she creates these small scale art pieces based on scripture. So you'll see scripture throughout the art and it's kind of really like all part of the art, which is really cool. It's not just like a scripture at the bottom or at the top. It's like in the art itself. So that is really, really wonderful. And she currently lives in Texas with her family and she is here to talk about her newest book, which I'm excited to hear more about, which is the freedom of surrender. 40 devotions for a Joyful life in Christ. Welcome to the show, Mary. Doris Swift [00:04:34]:It's great to have you. Mary DeMuth [00:04:35]:Well, that was just the nicest introduction ever and it is so good to be here today. Doris Swift [00:04:39]:Oh, well, thank you so much. And that introduction in no way Covers all the things that. All the things. Mary demuth, you know, lots of layers there over the years. You've been in ministry for so long, and before we started recording, I was just talking about how I think I started kind of following your ministry way back, maybe before 2010. And so, because I think the first book I purchased of yours was then Places, which was your memoir. And that was really powerful book and testimony, and you continue to help others. And through, you know, since then, you've also experienced so many different things that you have had to come to surrender. Doris Swift [00:05:22

We’re excited to bring you a fascinating episode this week! Doris welcomed Dr. Mikel Del Rosario, professor, author, and host of the Apologetics Guy podcast, to talk about his brand new book: Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? Making Sense of Historical Claims. Many have wrestled with doubt or faced tough questions from loved ones about who Jesus is, did Jesus claim to be God, and the reliability of the Bible. This episode is packed with encouragement, practical insight, and real stories that will help you defend your faith with clarity, courage, and compassion. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: - What history says about Jesus’ divine claims Dr. Mikel Del Rosario gives an accessible look into how historians—including skeptics—evaluate Jesus’ words and actions, and why his claims to be God are both profound and credible. - Why it’s OK to doubt—and how God meets us when we do Doris and Dr. Mikel Del Rosario discuss how doubt isn’t the opposite of faith, and how asking good questions can actually strengthen it. - How to love and listen well in spiritual conversations You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to share your faith—just a good listener, willing to walk alongside others and meet them where they are. - Practical answers to tough questions—from skeptics and other faiths From thoughtful responses to Jehovah’s Witnesses or Muslim friends, to talking with those who see Jesus as “just a good teacher,” you’ll come away empowered to share clear, respectful answers. Resource Highlight: New Book! Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? is available now from InterVarsity Press (IVP Academic) and online retailers. This is not only for church leaders or professors—you’ll find it accessible, practical, and perfect for reading on your own or with a Bible study group. We're talking about this amazing book and more! Episode Highlights and Takeaways ... 000:00 Faith Conversations and Apologetics Insights 05:14 "Explaining Faith with Courage" 08:49 "Debating Jesus' Divinity Claims" 15:25 "Faith, History, and Jesus" 16:49 "Jesus' Divine Authority Examined" 21:32 Engaging Skeptics and Other Faiths 27:32 Eyewitnesses and Jesus’ Identity 32:13 Unexpected Messiah Revealed 32:47 Messianic Signs and Jesus' Miracles 37:33 Listening First, Sharing Later 40:59 Faith-Building Resource for Groups Connect with Dr. Del Rosario! You can connect with Dr Mikel Del Rosario at www.apologeticsguy.com where you'll find his book, blog, YouTube channel info, The Accessible Apologetics Workbook, and a plethora of helpful resources and recommended reading! Dr. Mikel Del Rosario helps Christians find clear answers to tough questions about Christianity and explain the faith with courage and compassion. He is a Professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Bible Institute and the author of Did Jesus Really Say He Was God? Making Sense of His Historical Claims (IVP Academic). Previously, he taught Christian Apologetics and World Religion at William Jessup University and Digital Media for Ministry at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has published over 30 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement in Bibliotheca Sacra with his mentor, Dr. Darrell Bock. He holds an M.A. in Christian Apologetics with highest honors from Biola University, along with a Master of Theology (Th.M) and a Ph.D in Biblical Studies (Emphasis in New Testament Studies) from Dallas Theological Seminary, where he served as Project Manager for Cultural Engagement at the Hendricks Center, producing and hosting The Table podcast. He has also served in the Philippines as a missionary professor with Converge Worldwide and a youth pastor to refugees and multicultural students in California. Follow him online at ApologeticsGuy.com, the Apologetics Guy YouTube channel, and his podcast on the Christianity Today Network: The Apologetics Guy Show. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Now Booking for 2026! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris [00:01:54]:What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan. And his plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to him. It might be a prodigal, it might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I'm Doris Swift, author of the award winning six week Bible study, Surrender the Joy. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. Doris [00:02:34]:And it helps women rediscover the overflowing ever present Jesus joy within. Using personal and biblical stories I share, how you can identify your joy stealers. Surrender them to God, Reawaken the joy within and share the joy with others. You can do it on your own or with a group. Check it out, friends. Surrender the joy stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It's available on all the online retailers. Doris [00:03:04]:It's time to take your joy back. Welcome back to the show. I am really excited to welcome this guest today. I've been looking forward to this interview for some time. I am welcoming Dr. Mikel Del Rosario and he is a professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and he's a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. He is also a podcast host of the popular podcast the Apologetic Guy. And you gotta love that name so much. Doris [00:03:37]:I love it. Um, it's fantastic. And you listen to podcasts, so go and listen to that and subscribe. And today we're talking about his new book, Did Jesus really say He Was God? Making Sense of His Historical Claims. And it's published by InterVarsity Press, which is IVP academic and it's an apologetics book that uses history to defend the deity of Christ and helps Christians engage unbelievers in thoughtful conversations about the Lord. Welcome to the show, Dr. Del Rosario. It's so great to have you. Dr. Mikel Del Rosario [00:04:10]:Thanks so much, Doris, for the invitation. I'm glad we finally made this happen. I know we've been talking about this for a little while. Doris [00:04:15]:Yeah, we sure have. And I just, I. I have a love for apologetics and just fascinates me the investigative part of it, you know, and that there's so many, even atheists, who have gone to the word of God to try to disprove it and instead wound up becoming a Christian who then teaches apologetics or, you know, also has a heart for helping others to share their faith. So I love the message that you want to help others to not only walk in their faith and know what they believe and why they believe it, but also to help others when they have faith conversations. Because, you know, I. I personally used to get defensive when I was talking about faith, but understanding that it's not being defensive, it's being. It's defending the faith, but having a faith conversation. So I would love if you would share, as I asked my guests, how you're taking action, where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect now. Dr. Mikel Del Rosario [00:05:14]:What a great question. So my passion is helping people find clear answers to tough questions about God, Jesus and the Bible, and then helping Christians to better explain their faith, too, with both courage and compassion. And so with my new book, did Jesus really say he was God? This is where these things come together for me, because specifically, I want to talk about helping people talk about Jesus with their unbelieving friends, having more confidence just for themselves, that the Bible is giving us real history. And so it's a matter of engaging with courage because you have to stand up for what is true in the midst of a culture that's pushing back on the Gospel message, pushing back on the deity of Jesus, but also compassion, because a lot of times the people we talk to don't see the Bible as any kind of authority at all and don't even see the general reliability of the Bible. And so as a way to find common ground and meet them where they're at, we need to be able to engage, even on a historica

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, host Doris Swift sits down with award-winning author Kristen Hogrefe Parnell for an inspiring conversation about faith, fiction, and trusting God’s unique timeline. Kristen shares her journey from writing young adult suspense to crafting women’s fiction rooted in faith, revealing how her own experiences—like waiting for her husband and navigating motherhood—have shaped her stories and perspective. We dig into the power of Christian fiction to reflect real-life struggles and joys, Kristen’s advice for aspiring writers on developing characters and honing their craft, and the messy, beautiful reality of unfinished stories—both on the page and in our lives. Plus, Kristen gives us a peek into her Crossroads Suspense series and her upcoming children’s book, “Not Much Lunch,” reminding listeners that “little is much when God is in it.” Whether you're an avid reader, a writer-in-progress, or simply someone seeking encouragement in a season of waiting, this episode is full of practical wisdom, hope, and a reminder that God’s plans are always better than our own. Stay tuned to hear how passion, compassion, and conviction intersect in Kristen’s work—and get ready to be uplifted and inspired on your own fierce calling! We're Talking About Kristen's Amazing Books & More! Episode Highlights and Takeaways ... 00:00 Author Spotlight: Crossroads Suspense 06:02 "Compassion Through Fiction's Truth" 09:25 Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors 14:08 Faith, Fiction, and Inspiration 18:17 "Daily Faithful Waiting on God" 18:52 "Waiting on God's Timing" 25:12 "Success Takes Time and Faith" 29:08 "Writing Books That Fill Needs" 30:33 Spiritual Maturity and God's Timing 35:58 "Abiding in the Vine" 37:39 Finding Faith in Busy Seasons 41:53 Writing Process and Plot Gaps 43:34 "Living in Your Season" 46:59 Marriage Is Like a Dance 49:51 "Jesus: The Only Way" 53:34 Encouragement and Connection Await Connect with Kristen! You can connect with Valerie and find her books and resources mentioned in the show, here: kristenhogrefeparnell.com Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon  | BookBub More About Kristen! Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. Her own suspense story involved waiting on God into her thirties to meet her husband, and she desires to keep embracing God’s plan for her life when it’s not what she expects. A former English teacher and youth leader, she now designs curriculum for a Christian academy and spends most of her time at her favorite assignment to date: being a mom to her toddler. Whenever possible, she welcomes speaking opportunities and enjoys being a podcast guest. She is represented by The Blythe Daniel Agency. Her faith perspective is a shaping influence in all her books. These include an inspirational women’s romantic suspense series called Crossroads Suspense with Mountain Brook Ink. The first book, Take My Hand, released in 2022. The second, Hold Your Breath, released November 2023, and the third, Watch Your Back, released in 2025. Her young adult fiction includes a dystopian trilogy, The Rogues, published under her maiden name. The first book, The Revisionary, and the final book in the trilogy, The Reactionary, both received the Selah Award for Speculative Fiction. Blogging is something she also enjoys. Kristen shares nonfiction inspirational pieces through guest blogging opportunities and has contributed to The Write Conversation and the KHCB Network. She also blogs on her website where she often features other authors and their stories. Her monthly newsletter includes a personal word from Kristen as well as the latest giveaway opportunities for her readers (and a free short story just for signing up). Putting her pen aside, she and her husband James enjoy traveling and outdoor adventures. Of all their adventures, though, their favorite is raising their young son. They live in the Tampa, Florida area and love sharing their lake home with family and friends. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Now Booking for 2026! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you're looking for a speaker for your next women's conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let's have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you'll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect ... Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I'll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris