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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and today I'm sharing something deeply personal — my own breast cancer diagnosis, the fear in the waiting that came with it, and how God met me in a season where nothing about my life felt familiar anymore. This isn't an easy story, but I believe it's an important one. If you've ever faced a diagnosis that turned your world upside down, or you're walking through that uncertain season of waiting and wondering what's next, I hope you'll feel less alone by the end of this episode. And if you've been putting off your own mammogram, I hope my story gives you the push to go ahead and schedule it. Sign up for The Keeping Room newsletter Watch on YouTube What I Wish Someone Had Told Me On My Cancer Journey

Jody Allen, author of Hidden Heartache, joins [Your Name] to talk about surviving a marriage broken by her husband's pornography addiction — and finding hope after divorce she never wanted. A raw, honest conversation about shame, healing, and ministering to women walking the same road. If you've ever carried shame that wasn't yours, this episode is for you. If you'd like to reach out to Jody you can email her at [email protected] Find out more about The Flourish Retreat Sign up for my weekly newsletter  Watch on YouTube She Didn't Want a Divorce. She Got One Anyway with Jody Allen

In this bonus Kitchen Table episode, host Carol Roper shares her personal story of how God called her into ministry at just 29 years old — and the 30+ years of twists, turns, and seasons of confusion that followed as she pursued that calling. Carol opens up about what it feels like to sense the tug of the Holy Spirit pulling you toward something deeper, even when the path forward isn't clear. If you've ever wondered whether you're truly hearing from God or questioned the direction of your own calling, this episode offers honesty, encouragement, and practical courage for the journey — along with a reminder that the most important calling of all is a deep relationship with God Himself. Carol also shares an invitation to the Flourish Retreat, an upcoming retreat for women seeking community, clarity, and closer relationship with God in this season of life.

In this first Kitchen Table episode of the fall season, we ask a question if we knew how hard it would be would we do it anyway? Through a personal story of chasing a dream career, hitting financial hardship building a small business, and crying out to God for a way out, this episode explores what happens when an answered prayer doesn't look like relief — and how perseverance, faith, and trust can turn a struggling season into the very thing that shapes your character and calling. If you're a woman pursuing a dream that keeps hitting obstacles, this conversation will help you see your struggle in a completely different light. We also talk about Flourish, an upcoming retreat for women navigating seasons of transition, obstacle, and purpose — because no one should have to carry a hard season alone. Find out more about the retreat here Watch on YouTube I Quit My Job for My Dream. I'd Do It Again — Even Knowing How Hard It Got

There's a moment in every woman's story where she wonders if she's lost her way — where the calling she once felt so clearly suddenly feels confusing, heavy, or out of reach. I know that moment well. In fact, when I first met today's guest, I was standing right in the middle of it. I was discouraged, frustrated, and honestly ready to give up on the dream God had put in my heart. But God met me through a woman who has walked her own winding path of obedience, surrender, and calling — Brittany Bruce. She's a business and ministry coach, the founder of Well Done Women, and the author of the brand‑new book You're Not Crazy, You're Called. In this conversation, Brittany shares how God asked her to leave her million‑dollar business, move her family away from everything familiar, and step into a calling that made absolutely no sense on paper. She talks about fear, confusion, wilderness seasons, and the difference between a "crazy idea" and a God‑given assignment. Brittany is one of our speakers at the Flourish Retreat, and what she shares today is exactly the kind of clarity, courage, and spiritual direction we'll be diving into together in Charleston. If you've been feeling stuck, unsure, or quietly wondering what God is asking of you next… this episode is your invitation to lean in. Preorder Brittany's book, You're Not Crazy You're Called Find out more about The Flourish Retreat I'd love for you to become part of the Building Strong Homes Community by signing up for my weekly newsletter You can also click to sign up to become part of my free Facebook community. Watch on YouTube How to Know If It's God or Just a "Crazy Idea" with Brittany Bruce

In this special live episode, retired NYC firefighter Niels Jorgensen shares his firsthand account of serving at Ground Zero on 9/11. Niels reflects on the courage of first responders, the loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives, and his own battle with a rare leukemia caused by toxin exposure during the recovery efforts. Recorded in front of a live audience, this conversation also honors our local Fountain Inn fire, police, and EMS departments, who attended in their Class A uniforms. You'll hear powerful stories of sacrifice, resilience, and faith — and why remembering 9/11 matters for the next generation. Watch the full interview on YouTube to see Niels and our local heroes. A link to Alan Jackson's Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning music video (referenced in the episode) is included in the show notes. Niels 20th anniversary of 9/11 20 for 20 Podcast Video Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning? Join us at The Flourish Retreat on Kiawah Island, October 15-18 I'd love for you to become part of the Building Strong Homes Community by signing up for my weekly newsletter You can also click to sign up to become part of my free Facebook community. Watch on YouTube Inside Ground Zero: A 9/11 Firefighter's Story of Courage, Loss and Faith with Niels Jorgensen

She grew up in a home marked by addiction, instability, and zero faith influence. When a friend invited her to church at fifteen, everything changed — except her parents' response. They kicked her out, leaving her alone on the streets with nowhere to go. But God wasn't done writing her story. With the help of a local church who gave her a place to live, she finished high school, went to college, and built a life rooted in faith, stability, and purpose. Today, she's a homeschooling mom of four, married for fifteen years, and walking in a freedom her childhood never offered. She refused to become a victim of her circumstances. She chose forgiveness over bitterness. And she reconciled with both of her parents — even experiencing healing with her mom before her dad passed away. This conversation is for every woman who has ever wondered if her past disqualifies her from a hopeful future. Her story proves: God can redeem what felt impossible, restore what was broken, and rewrite what was painful. Join us at The Flourish Retreat on Kiawah Island, October 15-18 You're invited to my first live interview on September 3, Faith Through the Fire: A 9/11 Firefighter's Story of Survival with Niels Jorgensen I'd love for you to become part of the Building Strong Homes Community by signing up for my weekly newsletter You can also click to sign up to become part of my free Facebook community. Watch on YouTube Her Childhood was Broken. Her Legacy Isn't with Sam Navarro

In this powerful episode, Phyllis Robertson Thomas — daughter of Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty — shares the incredible story of discovering her biological father through a DNA test, a revelation that led her into a family she never knew she had and a redemption story only God could write. Phyllis opens up about navigating identity, healing from long‑buried wounds, and experiencing God's grace in the most unexpected places. Her testimony is honest, hope‑filled, and deeply encouraging for anyone walking through seasons of uncertainty, transition, or restoration and proves God can turn our painful past into a beautiful blessing. You'll be amazed how God brought both of these stories full-circle. Preorder Phyllis' book I Never Knew  Find a trusted counselor at Psychology Today Find out more about The Flourish Retreat in Kiawah Island, October 15-18 Watch on YouTube Duck Dynasty's Untold Redemption Story: Phil Robertson's Past and Phyllis' Miracle Discovery Ep. 176 Listen to Megan Phillips interview Discovering the Dad Who Raised Her Wasn't Her Biological Father

Liz Cobo says that nothing has deepened her faith and changed her walk with Jesus like studying the Bible. Studying God's Word literally changed her life. Things that were once important priorities aren't anymore. Things that were once afterthoughts are now at the top of her list.  Scripture is God's self-revelation and is available to anyone willing to take the time and make the effort to read and study. Liz understands that now. God promises in his Word that he will give us greater understanding of His Word when we read it.  Liz always believed in God, but didn't always know Jesus and lived a lot of her life not knowing what the Bible says and doesn't say. Maybe you've experienced (or are experiencing) the same thing? We know what it means to be an unbeliever or to be unchurched. But what about believers who don't know God's word? She describes them as soldiers who take no weapons or no armor into war.  Liz wants women to become educated believers and shares practical ways to learn. Her passion is to help them understand, study and apply the word of God in their daily lives. And to share God's truth with grace to unbelievers and the unBibled. We talk about all of this and more in this episode. Find Liz at LizCobo.com and take her Bible Study Quiz, find her podcast UnBibled, and check out her new Bible Basics Course Sign up for The Flourished Retreat on Kiawah Island, October 15-18 Sign up for my weekly newsletter and receive a helpful tip for building a strong family along with podcast updates and upcoming events Watch on YouTube How to Defend Your Faith without Losing Your Cool with Liz Cobo

In this episode of Carol sits down with Christy Braddock to share a powerful redemption story that proves no mistake is too big for God's grace. At just 15 years old, Christy discovered she was pregnant and spent years carrying the weight of shame, believing she had permanently disqualified herself from a blessed life and a strong family. But God had a completely different plan for her future. If you've ever struggled with shame from your past, wondered whether God can redeem your story, or are parenting a child who feels broken by their choices, Christy's testimony will speak directly to your heart. Her journey from fear and regret to freedom and restoration is a reminder that God is a master at rebuilding what feels ruined. You'll hear: Christy's story of teen pregnancy Her decision to have 3 subsequent abortions and why How God began rewriting her story after the shame that followed The turning point that changed everything Encouragement for parents walking with hurting teens Hope for anyone who feels "too far gone" This is a real, raw God story — the kind that reminds us that redemption is always possible. Find Christy on Instagram at The Shine Collective with Christy B and find her podcast at The Shine Podcast with Christy B. Watch Christy's story on YouTube Breaking Free from Shame: Pregnant at 15, Redeemed by Faith with Christy Braddock 🌿 If you're craving clarity, healing, or a fresh sense of purpose, join us at the Flourish Retreat on Kiawah Island, October 15–18. You'll experience powerful teaching, intentional community, and space to rediscover the story God is writing in your life. Learn more: www.carolroper.org/flourish

Mary Marantz knows how fear can hold us back. Even though she was able to leave the musty single-wide trailer of her childhood in West Virginia and make her way to Yale Law School, she always carried the fear that she would be found out. Even though she had worked hard and earned every grade and scholarship she received she thought others saw her as an imposter. So, she strove to be the best at everything she did, and she was. But the life of perfection has a way of draining the joy out of you. Mary finally realized that fear was holding her hostage to a life that didn't provide freedom and that he is a boring liar. In this episode she shares part of her fascinating story of growing up in rural West Virginia, which is the topic of her first book, Dirt, with a dad who was a proud eighth generation logger, a mom who cleaned houses and her amazing grandma Goldie. In her newest book, Underestimated, she shares how she overcame perfectionism, procrastination, people-pleasing and more. She understands the drive to prove others wrong and show everyone just how far you've come, while also doubting yourself at every turn. Mary has learned that we all must own the muddy parts of our stories so we can move forward in the purpose God has for us. Because, as Mary says, God does His best work in the muddy, messy, and broken if we'll only learn to dig in. Watch on YouTube The Power of an Underdog Story: Mary Marantz on Faith, Grit, and Becoming Who You're Called to Be with Mary Marantz  Find our more about The Flourish Retreat or Contact Carol with any questions

If you've ever wondered whether your story really matters — or questioned how your past, your personality, and your experiences fit into God's calling for your life — this episode is for you. I'm sharing the behind‑the‑scenes story of how I stepped into women's ministry, the unexpected ways God used my past to shape my purpose, and why I believe so deeply in helping women discover their own calling. Many Christian women love God, love their families, and genuinely want to be obedient… but still feel unsure, unqualified, or unclear about what God is asking them to do next. If that's you, you're not alone — and your story is far more important than you think. In this episode, I'm also inviting you to the Flourish Retreat, a four‑day, set‑apart space designed to help you uncover your gifts, understand your wiring, connect your past to your purpose, and step confidently into the calling God has for you. If you've been craving clarity, direction, or community, Flourish may be the turning point you've been praying for. Your story matters. Your calling matters. And God is already weaving it together. Let's talk about how. Find our more about The Flourish Retreat Contact Carol with any questions Listen to my episode with Julie Bagwell Unsure What's Next? Start Here: Bonus Episode with Julie Bagwell Watch on YouTube Why Your Story Matters — And Why the Flourish Retreat Could Be Your Turning Point with Carol Roper Bonus Episode

If you've been feeling stuck, restless, or unsure what God is asking of you in this season, the Flourish Retreat might be the turning point you've been praying for. This 3‑day Christian women's retreat on Kiawah Island is designed to help you find clarity, purpose, and direction through powerful teaching, personalized coaching, and deeply meaningful community. In this episode, Julie Bagwell shares what she'll be teaching at the retreat — including discovering your God‑given wiring, understanding your strengths through a full DISC assessment, and learning how to step confidently into your next chapter. She also reveals the exclusive early‑bird bonuses available only through August 10, including additional coaching support, bonus sessions, and special pricing. If you're craving spiritual clarity, longing for direction, or ready to reconnect with the woman God created you to be, this conversation will make you curious about everything Flourish offers — and why so many women are already saying "yes" to this life‑changing weekend. Watch on YouTube Unsure What's Next? Start Here: Bonus Episode with Julie Bagwell What if one weekend could breathe life back into the parts of you that feel worn thin? This October, I'm hosting The Flourish Retreat in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina — and I want you to come with me. If you're a wife or mom who's been pouring out for everyone else, this is your invitation to step away, exhale, and let God pour back into you. Find out more at the link. The next two women to sign up for the retreat can use the code FIRST100 to receive an additional $100 off of registration, on top of the $200 early bird savings available through July 10. If you have any questions about the retreat reach out to me here Take the quiz, "What Type of Home Are You Building?", because so many women feel the tension in their home but can't quite name what's causing it. This quiz does that for you. It pinpoints the patterns shaping your home and gives you a clear next step toward the kind of home you want to build. If you've been feeling stuck, this will help you get unstuck.

Please be aware that this content is not suitable for young children. George Carneal grew up in the '70s, raised by a Southern Baptist minister in the ultra-conservative Bible Belt where his world revolved around the church, country fried chicken and trying to fit in with other boys. As disco music pulsated through the speakers in his bedroom, he plotted his escape from the misery and boredom of Southern suburbia before landing in Los Angeles; a city of glitz and hedonism. Much like Alice as she traveled through the looking glass, this is George's journey through a queer culture fantasyland filled with drag queens, drugs and dangerous situations before discovering healing, joy and peace in Christ. In this episode, George, author of the book From Queer to Christ, shares his painful journey through a secular world at odds with homosexuality, in addition to a religious world that is hostile to homosexuals. He is hopeful that sharing his story through the eyes and mind of a confused child dealing with a same-sex attraction will give some insight into the pain and difficulty of navigating those two worlds. After 25 years of living as a gay man God brought him out of that lifestyle and into His glorious truth. His story will help parents of children of all ages understand how best to influence them for God, as well as teens and adults who are struggling with the LGBTQ agenda in their own lives. George says that he wrote the book for three reasons: To give Christians insight into what it's like for someone dealing with same-sex attraction and their struggle with faith To give hope to parents who have children in the LGBTQ lifestyle To give LGBTQ individuals who are struggling with this lifestyle to understand that there's a different narrative and that they are being lied to and expose those lies and find peace and give them hope George has been out of that lifestyle for almost 17 years now and has a passion to help others learn the truth. Through his testimony he wants others to know that deliverance from bondage is possible and there is hope in Christ. Resources Scripture references: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. – John 10:27 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7 George's book, From Queer to Christ and website GeorgeCarneal.com Have questions? Email George at [email protected] Watch on YouTube From Queer to Christ with George Carneal Sign up for The Flourish Retreat. The next three ladies to sign up get an additional $100 savings with the code FIRST100 on top of the $200 early bird discount through July 10.

Some stories don't just inspire you — they reroute your whole calling. This summer, I'm bringing back one of the episodes that changed everything for me. If you listened to Fear Is a Liar back in June, you remember the couple whose testimony stopped me from shutting this podcast down altogether. When I was ready to pack up the mic and call it quits, their story reminded me why Building Strong Homes exists in the first place — so real people can share real God stories that strengthen all of us. Today we're revisiting Glen and Kelly Daigle's journey — a story that proves God can take the darkest diagnoses, the deepest depressions, and the most tangled pasts and build something stronger, steadier, and more joy‑filled than we ever imagined. You wouldn't think a breast cancer diagnosis would lead a couple into a marriage that was more joyful than they could have ever imagined, but that's what happened with Glen and Kelly Daigle. They had both been married before they met and were ready for a fresh start, having each gone through difficulties with drugs and alcohol. Glen had recently finished a self-admitted time in rehab for alcohol addiction and Kelly was looking for a man who'd been married, didn't have children and loved the Lord. Since Glen met all three requirements they dated and eventually married. But everything wasn't all rainbows and hearts. Glen spiraled into such a deep depression Kelly says many days she prayed she wouldn't come home to find that her husband had committed suicide. After Glen found help from counseling their lives were okay, but still not great. Neither of them had a strong relationship with God, they just did the bare minimum. Until Kelly's breast cancer diagnosis. Something changed in both of them as they realized the only thing they had to hold on to was Jesus, and they weren't letting Him go. There are so many ways that God showed up in each of their journeys that there's no denying the Hound of Heaven was pursuing them from the very beginning. If you feel like you've messed up so badly that there's no promise of hope in your life anymore, this episode is for you. Song that made such an impact on Glen: At This Point in My Life by Tracy Chapman Episode mention in this podcast Fear is a Liar Watch on YouTube No One is Too Far Gone for God to Use with Glen and Kelly Daigle Take the quiz, "What Type of Home Are You Building?", because so many women feel the tension in their home but can't quite name what's causing it. This quiz does that for you. It pinpoints the patterns shaping your home and gives you a clear next step toward the kind of home you want to build. If you've been feeling stuck, this will help you get unstuck. What if one weekend could breathe life back into the parts of you that feel worn thin? This October, I'm hosting The Flourish Retreat in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina — and I want you to come with me. If you're a wife or mom who's been pouring out for everyone else, this is your invitation to step away, exhale, and let God pour back into you. Find out more at the link.