Advertise on podcast: By Words: Honest Faith Talks to Encourage Everyday Christian Women

This one is bittersweet. The past five years of honest conversations have meant so much to me. By Words and the community we’ve built together have grown me in beautiful ways I never expected… Which is why saying goodbye (for a little while) feels so hard. I’ve made the difficult decision to leave this podcast on the altar and create space in my life to rest, heal, and pursue some other things God has put on my heart during this season. I know good things are coming and I can’t wait to share them with you when the time comes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for listening. I’ll see you soon, and until then, remember: I’m cheering you on! My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Friendship is hard sometimes. Making friends can feel awkward, and keeping them can be a challenge in some seasons. That’s why I’ve invited my friend Bailey Hurley on the podcast today for an honest conversation about loneliness, friendship, and what it looks like to cultivate meaningful relationships as adults. We talk about why so many women feel disconnected despite being more connected than ever, the barriers that often keep us stuck in surface-level relationships, and how we can take intentional steps toward building friendships that are rooted, life-giving, and lasting. Bailey shares practical wisdom for women who want deeper friendships but don't know where to begin, as well as encouragement for those who feel weary from always being the one to reach out. We also discuss how friendship, like anything worth growing, requires patience, intentionality, and trust in the process. If you've been feeling lonely, unseen, or discouraged in your friendships, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not the only one. Friendship isn't something we master overnight. It's cultivated slowly, season by season, one intentional step at a time. Wherever you find yourself today, I pray this conversation encourages you to keep showing up. The relationships you're hoping for may be growing roots you can't see yet. To connect with Bailey, head over to https://baileythurley.com or @bailey.t.hurley on IG! Get The Friendship Devotional here: https://amzn.to/48g9boQ  My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Have you ever prayed and quietly wondered, “God, where are you?” In this episode, I’m sitting down with author Dominique Young for an honest conversation about faith in hard seasons and what it looks like to bring our real pain to God instead of hiding it. One of the things I loved most about Dominique’s book is the reminder that naming where we are isn’t something we do out of shame, it’s often the first step toward finding our way back. We talk about: what to do when God feels silenthow anxiety, grief, and disappointment can affect our faithwhy honest faith matters more than pretending we’re okayhow to recognize God’s presence in hidden seasonsand how Scripture gives us permission to wrestle honestly with God“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 Friend, if you’re carrying questions, pain, or exhaustion into this season, I hope this episode reminds you that God is not afraid of your honesty (and He is closer than you think). To connect with Dominique, head over to @dominiquenyoung on IG! Get Dominique’s book: https://amzn.to/46KjKA2  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

In this episode, I’m joined by Bridgett Blood for an honest conversation about sexuality, purity culture, shame, and sacred desire. For many women, conversations around purity were shaped more by fear, performance, and rigid rules than true wholeness and intimacy with God. In this episode, we explore what purity culture may have been trying to communicate, where the message became harmful, and how we can begin reclaiming a healthier, more honest understanding of sexuality and desire. We talk about: redefining purity beyond performancehow shame impacts our relationship with our bodies and desireswhat “sacred desire” really meansand how healing and wholeness are still possible, no matter your storyWhether you’re processing past church experiences, wrestling with shame, or simply longing for a more life-giving conversation around sexuality, this episode is an invitation into honesty, freedom, and hope. To connect with Bridgett, head over to https://bridgettblood.com or @bridgettblood @datinganddesire on IG! RECLAIM Cohort: https://bridgettblood.com/reclaim SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Mental health conversations are becoming more common in the Church, but topics like trauma, suicidal thoughts, and deep emotional pain can still feel difficult to talk about openly. In this episode, I’m sitting down with one of my own pastors, Tomy Cummins, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about what it looks like to care for people like Jesus does. We talk about why suicide still feels taboo in many faith spaces, how the Church can become safer for people who are struggling, and why presence matters more than having perfect answers. Tomy shares from both personal experience and pastoral ministry, offering practical encouragement for parents, pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday believers who want to support loved ones navigating anxiety, depression, trauma or despair, without rushing to fix or spiritualize their pain. This episode is a reminder that you do not have to be an expert to show up well for someone hurting. Faithful, patient presence matters deeply. In this episode: Why suicide still feels difficult to discuss in Christian spacesWhat it means to reflect Jesus as the Good ShepherdHow to sit with someone in crisis without trying to fix themThe difference between shepherding and rescuingEncouragement for Christians supporting loved ones through mental health strugglesWhy caring for your own soul matters too988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline -- Please reach out if you need help. You are not alone. To connect with Tomy, head over to https://www.shepherdsofthemind.com or @shepherdsofthemind on IG! Get Tomy’s book here: https://amzn.to/4unrwJf  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

I used to think holiness meant learning how to want less — less food, less attention, less desire. Less me. Today we’re sitting down with Anna Rollins, author of Famished: On Food, Sex, and Growing Up as a Good Girl, to talk about something many of us have felt but didn’t have language for — how purity culture and diet culture quietly taught us the same message: good girls make themselves smaller. We talk about the hidden scripts we absorbed in church and culture, the exhaustion of trying to control our bodies to feel safe, and the moment everything starts to unravel. What if your hunger isn’t something to fix, but something to listen to? This episode is an invitation to stop striving, to notice where fatigue is giving you feedback, and to begin reclaiming your God-given appetite — for rest, nourishment, connection, and joy. To connect with Anna, head over to https://www.annajrollins.com or @annajrollins on IG! Get Anna’s book, Famished here: https://amzn.to/45l5oFA  Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Money talk can feel heavy — especially when it’s tied to shame, fear, or the belief that you’re just “not good with it.” Today we’re sitting down with Bethany Frymire, author of Women of Worth, to have an honest, faith-filled conversation about finances, identity, and stewardship. We unpack the common lies Christian women believe about money and how those beliefs quietly shape the way we show up. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your finances (or avoided looking at your bank account altogether) this conversation will meet you with grace and give you a simple place to start. You’ll walk away with: A renewed understanding of your worth (apart from money)A biblical perspective on stewardshipEncouragement for seasons of financial stress or starting overPractical first steps to build confidence with your financesThis episode is a reminder that slow growth isn’t failure, and God cares deeply about how you steward what He’s given you. To connect with Bethany, head over to @bethanyfrymire on IG! Get Bethany’s book here: https://amzn.to/4bX2HMP  Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

I used to hear people say, “If you think being a Christian is boring, you’re doing it wrong!” But I never actually stopped to think about whether that’s true, or what it even means. Today we’re talking about the quiet tension so many Christian women carry — the belief that faith should always feel big, emotional, and full of visible breakthrough. But what if that expectation is actually what’s leaving you feeling disappointed? In this episode, we unpack the difference between hype-driven faith and deeply rooted, everyday obedience. Because the truth is: God isn’t just moving on the mountaintops, He’s forming you in the ordinary moments. Faith isn’t proven by how exciting your life feels. It’s revealed in who you’re becoming. If your season feels hidden, slow, or even a little dull, this episode will remind you that doesn’t mean it’s not working. Today is the day to redefine what growth actually looks like. “And to aspire to live quietly… so that you may walk properly before outsiders…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 (ESV) Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Have you ever felt the pressure to “bounce back”? The pressure to recover quickly, to be okay, to return to who I used to be. But what if that’s not what God is asking of us? In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Charaia Rush, author of The Myth of Bouncing Back, and we’re having a real conversation about failure, disappointment, and what it actually looks like to rebuild. Because I know so many of us aren’t “bouncing back.” We’re in the middle. (And sometimes… we’re barely holding on.) We talk about: Where the pressure to “bounce back” really comes fromWhy failure isn’t the end—but part of how God forms usHow we sometimes confuse hope with outcomesWhat it looks like to hold onto biblical hope when life doesn’t go as planned“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23 (ESV) If you’re in a rebuilding season, I want you to hear this: you’re not behind, and you’re not broken. Today might not be about going back, it might be about becoming. To connect with Charaia, head over to @charaiarush on IG! Get Charaia’s book here: https://amzn.to/3NY3vJh  Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Do your mornings feel sacred or stressful? Today I’m joined by Jennifer Dukes Lee to talk about how to love your morning — not through hustle culture or productivity hacks — but through grace. Because if we’re honest, many of us carry quiet guilt before 7am. Maybe you used to wake up early, journal prayers, and linger in Scripture. Now it’s rushed, chaotic, or you just don’t feel the motivation you once had. And the shame creeps in. But Scripture reminds us: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” Lamentations 3:22–23 Not new pressure, but new mercy. We talk about: Untangling quiet time from performanceExperiencing God in rushed and chaotic morningsWhat to do when motivation is goneThe smallest faithful step you can take tomorrowThis conversation is for the woman who feels behind (spiritually or otherwise). God is not grading your mornings. He’s meeting you in them. To connect with Jennifer, head over to https://jenniferdukeslee.com or @jenniferdukeslee on IG! Jennifer’s book, How to Love Your Morning: https://amzn.to/40iTUPI  Jennifer’s FREEBIES: https://jenniferdukeslee.com/freebies  Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Shame wants to keep you stuck in cycles of shame. Jesus is inviting you into the fullness of freedom. In today’s conversation, I’m sitting down with Heather O’Brien to talk about something so many Christian women carry quietly: shame that was never meant to be ours to hold. We’re getting honest about how shame gets passed down in subtle ways, how it keeps us silent, and why it can make hearing God feel confusing or distant. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1  Heather shares what it looks like to invite Jesus into those deeper emotional wounds — not with pressure, but with gentleness — and how true healing leads to clarity, confidence, and a restored voice. If you’ve been feeling stuck, small, or unsure if God is really speaking to you, this episode is for you. To connect with Heather, head over to @healwithgodpodcast on IG! Heal with God podcast: https://heatherobrien.net/podcast  My interview on Heal with God podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/217-in-a-hidden-season-this-christmas-hearing-god/id1151250243?i=1000741814807 Join Heather’s FREE live prophetic healing workshop every 3rd Monday of the month: https://heatherobrien.net/workshop  Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

I used to be obsessed with personal development and self-help books and resources. I thought reading and learning more would make my faith stronger, but instead of feeling closer to Jesus, I just felt exhausted. In today’s episode, we’re chatting with author Kelsey McGinnis about the subtle weight of Christian self-help culture and how something meant to help us grow can quietly turn into pressure to perform. If you’ve ever felt spiritually exhausted while doing all the “right things,” you’re not alone. I’ve been there too — trying to manage my faith instead of actually abiding in Jesus. Galatians 3:3 (ESV) says, “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” That one hits. This conversation is an invitation to lay down the spiritual to-do list and return to something deeper, rooted, and relational. Today is the day we come back to Jesus, not as a project to perfect, but a Savior to rest in. To connect with Kelsey, head over to @kelseykmcginnis on IG or https://kkramermcginnis.substack.com! Self-Help Me, God article on Kelsey’s substack: https://substack.com/@kelseykramermcginnis/p-183162193  Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

The word theology can feel intimidating. Like something reserved for pastors, scholars, or seminary classrooms. But here’s the truth: if you love God and want to understand His Word, you’re already stepping into theology. In today’s episode, we’re talking about what theology actually is and why it matters for everyday Christian women. You don’t need a degree to grow deep roots in your faith. You simply need curiosity, humility, and a willingness to open your Bible and ask honest questions. Scripture reminds us: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) Theology isn’t about becoming the smartest person in the room. It’s about knowing God more deeply and learning to handle His Word with care in your daily life. In this episode we talk about: • What theology really means• Why every believer already has theology (whether we realize it or not)• Why understanding God’s character shapes how we walk through hard seasons• 3 simple ways to start learning theology right where you are Friend, you don’t need a seminary classroom to study God. Sometimes theology looks like opening your Bible at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a hungry heart. Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Have you ever wondered, “How do I really know the Bible is true?”In today’s episode, we’re stepping into that honest, sacred space together. I’m joined by biblical archaeologist and author Amanda Hope Haley, whose newest book, Stones Still Speak, reveals how ancient discoveries actually deepen our confidence in Scripture. These aren’t dusty relics, they’re reminders that God’s Word is rooted in real history, real places, real promises. We talk about: Why archaeology doesn’t challenge our faith, but strengthens itSurprising discoveries that illuminate familiar Bible storiesHow historical context can anchor us in seasons of doubt or waitingPractical ways to read Scripture with curiosity and confidenceIf you’ve ever felt the tension between faith and questions, this conversation is for you. Grab your coffee and settle in. Today is the day to get real and get rooted a little more deeply in God’s truth. To connect with Amanda, head over to @amandahopehaley on IG! Get Amanda’s book: https://amzn.to/47A87fG Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Can women be pastors? That’s the question we’re talking about today,  not as a hot take, not as a debate, but as an honest, Scripture-rooted conversation. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Preston Sprinkle to talk about his new book From Genesis to Junia and what the Bible really says about women in leadership. We talk about where he started personally, what surprised him in his research, and why this conversation feels so personal for so many women. We also gently step into topics like submission, headship, and how to hold biblical authority alongside compassion and context. If you’ve ever wondered about God’s heart for women and their role in the Church, I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation. To connect with Preston, head over to https://www.prestonsprinkle.com or @preston.sprinkle on IG! Get Preston’s new book here: https://amzn.to/4r8U4nL  Preston’s podcast, Theology in the Raw: https://theologyintheraw.com/podcasts  Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9  SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773  CONNECT: [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes