Lifted to Hope

Have you ever treated prayer like a task to check off your list? Early in my faith, I saw prayer as a discipline for spiritual growth—covering praise, gratitude, confession, and intercession—without realizing God's deeper desire for personal connection. This week, I'm joined by Paula Walberer, a seasoned intercessor and prayer leader, as we explore the true heart of prayer. Paula shares what it me...

In this episode, we're exploring how shame can distort our relationship with God, especially when it comes to prayer. When answers seem delayed or unclear, it can lead to confusion and feelings of inadequacy. But that was never God's intention. Over years of seeking God through prayer for a very specific outcome, God didn't just work on my request; He worked on me. His silence wasn't rejection but...

The wounds of our past often come in layers, and the damage caused by sin can feel complex and overwhelming. Yet, in every place we need healing, the Holy Spirit is faithful to guide us. In this episode, my guest Patty Barry shares her powerful journey of grace and redemption. Years after the abortion she had in college, God began to gently reveal His forgiveness, healing her heart step by step. P...

Sometimes our secrets feel too big to share. We carry them for years—maybe even decades—believing no one could ever understand. But God knows. He sees the pain we hide and longs to guide us toward healing and freedom. In this week's episode, my dear friend Patty Barry courageously opens up about her abortion story. For years, she didn't know how to talk about it, carrying the weight of shame and s...

Secrets can feel like protection, but often, they're a heavy burden that fuels shame and robs us of joy. In today's episode, we're diving into the final topic of our series on how shame impacts everyday life: the power of secrets. I'll share a personal story from one of my early blog posts, where I confronted the lies I told myself and others to keep my secret hidden. Together, we'll explore the d...

What if your greatest weakness became the perfect avenue for God's strength? This week, we explore the beauty of II Corinthians 12:9, where the apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh" reminds us that God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our vulnerability. Joining me are Mark and Sherri Tanner, whose lives took an unexpected turn after Mark's massive stroke. In the face of overwh...

Have you ever wondered how you would respond if life changed in an instant? My friends Mark and Sherri Tanner faced that reality nine years ago when Mark suffered a massive stroke while on vacation. In an instant, their lives were turned upside down. In this week's episode, they share their powerful story of navigating loss, embracing challenges, and experiencing God's faithfulness every step of t...

In this episode, I dive into how shame can unexpectedly resurface when we encounter others' vulnerabilities. Whether it's physical differences, mental challenges, or life hardships like homelessness or addiction, these moments can remind us of our own struggles and weaknesses.  I'll share how I've learned to handle these triggers, turning to faith to regain perspective and find compassion. Join me...

This election day, as we reflect on our country and pray for its future, I'm excited to bring you the second part of my conversation with Doug Lake, pastoral counselor and leadership consultant. Doug shares his passion for helping pastors and leaders build emotional literacy, emphasizing the power of processing our own pain to empathize fully with others. His insights go beyond leadership; they re...

What does it mean to have emotional security? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Doug Lake—a pastor and leader—who shares how he discovered a lack of emotional security rooted in shame. Doug opens up about his journey to becoming confident in his emotions, both as a man and a spiritual guide. Together, we explore the significance of embracing emotions to foster deep connections and create...

In this week's episode, we dive deep into the personal journey of emotional healing and growth. I'll share my story of feeling overwhelmed by emotions that seemed stronger than I was—how they once felt out of control, leaving me reactive and stuck in fear and shame. Through the healing power of God, I learned how to regulate my emotions and connect with them beyond anger. We'll also explore the vi...

In this episode, we explore the powerful story of David Tso, a Navajo man who fled the reservation to escape the shame and pain of institutional racism. Carrying a deep sense of unworthiness, David's life took a turn when a pastor offered him friendship and respect. This connection helped David recognize his true value and embrace God's grace, ultimately transforming his life. David's journey is a...

When someone makes us feel unacceptable—whether directly or indirectly—it's hard to feel safe or be ourselves around them. Often, we avoid those people. But what if you couldn't? What if that person was your teacher or dorm parent, and you were just a child living under their authority? You might begin to shrink inside yourself, feeling ashamed and invisible. In this week's episode, I'm joined by...

  Being prejudged is a deeply frustrating and painful experience. It leaves us feeling misunderstood, disrespected, and unseen—especially when someone assumes things about us before ever knowing who we truly are. Many of us have faced this at some point, and for some, it's a far too frequent occurrence. In this week's solo episode, I explore the many faces of prejudice and its profound impact on t...

  Being let go from a job is never easy—it's often accompanied by feelings of shame, fear, and uncertainty. But what happens when you're asked to leave without any explanation? The confusion can lead to self-doubt and lingering questions. This week, I'm joined again by Larry, who faced this very challenge when he was forced into retirement. The public story made it seem like it was his decision, b...

  This week on the podcast, we're diving into the complex world of work and the emotions that come with it. While I've been fortunate to enjoy most of my jobs, I know that's not always the case for everyone. Jobs can lift us up—or drain us of energy and joy. And sometimes, the workplace can be a source of unexpected shame. I'm joined by Larry, a successful businessman with years of experience. In...

In this week's episode, we're diving into a topic that often flies under the radar but can deeply affect how we experience our jobs—shame in the workplace. We all spend a significant part of our lives working, and ideally, work should give us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But what happens when shame creeps in, turning what could be an enjoyable environment into a place we dread? Shame in the...

In this episode, we explore the often unexpected amount of effort that meaningful relationships require and why they are worth every bit of it. Relationships, especially in marriage, are God's gifts to us, and He calls us to make them a priority. While we can't control the choices of our spouses, we can commit to pursuing them with genuine intention, empowered by God's guidance. I'm joined once ag...

  In this episode, we unpack the subtle yet profound ways the Holy Spirit uses our closest relationships—especially in marriage—to shape and refine us. Growth often emerges from the tensions and trials we'd prefer to avoid, yet it's within these moments that transformation truly takes root. Joining me are Tom and Marcia Kuyper, Family and Marriage Pastors at Open Door Fellowship Church. This is a...

Marriage can be both beautiful and challenging, especially when old wounds and harmful patterns resurface. Fear and shame often creep in, blocking the joy and connection that marriage is meant to bring. This week, we're diving into how these struggles impact relationships—and how grace can break the cycle. In this solo episode, I explore how shame distorts the beauty of marriage as God designed it...

In this episode, we dive into the struggles we face when life seems overwhelming and hope feels distant. How do we navigate the storms when trusting God feels impossible? Join me as I sit down againwith Jim Rosania, a successful athlete and physical trainer, who takes us deeper into his story and his journey with Parkinson's Disease. Despite the challenges, Jim shares how his growing understanding...

Do you ever feel unsure of your ability to discern God's path or purpose for you? Haven't we all? And yet the shame we carry in this experience can be hard to escape.  This week, I'm joined by Jim Rosania (JR), an elite physical trainer whose illustrious career faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Despite this, Jim's story is one of resilience, faith, and u...

In this episode, Kelly Hall is back to help us explore the transformative power of faith through life's trials. Reflecting on a journey of cultivated faith and the steadfast faithfulness of God, we discuss the importance of daily surrender and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Kelly shares more of her story of raising three profoundly deaf daughters. She opens up about navigating overwhelmi...

In this heartwarming episode, we reflect on the powerful truth from Jeremiah 32:17, "Nothing is too hard for God." This verse has been a source of strength and encouragement, teaching us that no situation is impossible for God. His presence transforms our challenges, offering us perseverance and comfort. This week, we are joined by Kelly Hall, an inspiring author, Bible teacher, and podcaster. Kel...

Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of shame and hardship, wondering where God is in your struggles? In this week's episode, I open up about my own journey through seasons of intense pain and shame. I share how I often blamed myself and others for the trials I faced, believing I was unworthy of happiness. Shame skewed my interpretation of my experiences, making me feel alone and forgotten by God...