Pick Me Up with Sarah

In this episode, we explore what birds can teach us about showing up, starting before we feel ready, and letting go of the pressure to have it all planned out. Because the truth is, most meaningful things in life aren’t built all at once… they’re built one small step at a time. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start something, this episode is your gentle reminder: You don’t need the...

They were just three tulips. Nothing extravagant. Nothing planned. Just something small my kids picked for me. But somehow… it felt like everything. In a world where we often think love has to be big, grand, and over-the-top, this moment reminded me of something different. That love is usually found in the quiet, everyday gestures. In the things that don’t cost much… but mean everything. This epis...

Today’s episode is extra special because I have a very important guest joining me — my nine-year-old son. Together, we share the classic story of The Lion and the Mouse, a simple but powerful reminder that bravery doesn’t always look big or loud.

I am so excited to share this very special episode told by my seven-year-old daughter. The story of the "Lantern in the window" is such a beautiful reminder about how a simple act of love can change everything. It’s a story about love, hope, and that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference.

This episode is about what happens in the space between thinking about doing something kind… and actually doing it. It’s about slowing down, looking around, and choosing “somebody else”—even when it’s inconvenient. And it’s also something bigger. Because this isn’t just a lesson for me… it’s something I hope my kids see, feel, and carry with them. Over the next two episodes, you’ll hear from them—...

What if the very thing someone criticized you for… was actually your greatest strength? In this episode of the Pick-Me-Up Podcast, we explore the power of resiliency through the story of a woman who was told she was “too emotional” and “unfit for television.” Early in her career, she was fired from a reporting job and faced rejection that could have ended her dreams. But instead of quitting, she l...

In this second part of our series on devotion, I share a personal story of calling — a moment when my heroes, Dick Hoyt and Rick Hoyt, became part of my own life. In 2014, as I began my sixth year of teaching, God brought the Hoyt family into my life, and I knew I was being asked to answer His call. With courage and faith, I followed a quiet nudge and asked a question that would forever change my...

In today’s episode, we reflect on the remarkable story of Dick and Rick Hoyt — a father and son whose lives became a living example of devotion. Through countless races, quiet sacrifices, and unwavering love, Dick showed the world that devotion isn’t loud or celebrated — it’s steady, selfless, and enduring. This episode is a reminder that true love doesn’t let go, even when the road is long and he...

In today’s episode, we reflect on the life of Corrie Ten Boom — a woman whose courage and faith were tested in unimaginable ways. Through her story, we’re reminded that courage isn’t the absence of fear, and forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. This episode is an invitation to consider a kind of courage rooted in love — one that chooses forgiveness even when it feels impossible, and grace even whe...

Today’s episode features a woman whose quiet, unassuming faithfulness changed the world. The story of Saint Teresa of Calcutta is a powerful reminder that faithfulness in small, ordinary moments can change everything. If you have been wondering whether the little things you do truly matter- or feeling discouraged because your efforts feel unseen-this episode will encourage you to release the need...

In today's episode, I share the beloved story Footprints in the Sand- a reminder that even when life feels uncertain, you are not alone. If you have been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or tired, this episode will encourage you to take the next step, release what you can't control, and trust that you are being held-even here.

On the back of every NFL helmet is a simple but powerful reminder: Choose Love. In this bonus episode, we pause to reflect on what those words truly mean — especially in moments of fear, uncertainty, and pain. I share the story of Damar Hamlin, whose life nearly ended on the field, and how in that terrifying moment, something extraordinary happened. Players dropped to their knees. Fans united. The...

Have you ever felt like your flaws make you less valuable? Today's story "The Cracked Pot" is a powerful reminder that imperfections are not failures, and that even our weakest places can bring beauty and purpose. If you have been feeling unworthy, this episode is for you.

In this first episode, I share the powerful story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree — a reminder that growth is often happening beneath the surface long before we can see it. If you’re in a season of waiting, wondering, or starting over, this episode is for you.

Welcome to Pick-Me-Up with Sarah — a podcast for the days when you need a little encouragement. Through short stories, reflections, and gentle reminders, each episode offers a moment to pause, breathe, and remember that you are not alone. Whether you’re starting over, waiting for something to change, or simply needing a small lift, Pick-Me-Up is here to meet you right where you are.