Upstream Pursuit

In Part 1, we explored the pain of church hurt—the deep wounds that can come from betrayal, gossip, manipulation, or leadership gone wrong. But not every uncomfortable experience in church is abuse. In this episode, we’ll dive into the difference between biblical accountability and spiritual abuse , because sometimes what people call church hurt is really just being held accountable for harmful ch...

Church hurt is real, and it runs deep. Maybe it came through betrayal, abuse of power, gossip, or spiritual manipulation. Maybe you gave your heart to fellow believer or community that didn’t protect it. In this part 1 of this episode, we discuss what church hurt is and the emotional and spiritual impact of being hurt in a place that was supposed to be safe.  If you’ve ever felt disillusioned, dis...

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend, Glenda Medina, as she shares her honest reaction after learning of the allegations against her former pastor, Robert Morris of Gateway Church. She opens up about the confusion, pain, and processing that followed—and why she ultimately chose to remain rooted in her church community. Her story is one of wrestling with disappointment, leaning into...

In this episode, we explore a truth that hits close to home for many of us: the danger of being so busy for God that we forget to be with Him. Drawing from Luke 10:38–42, we revisit the story of Martha and Mary—two sisters, two postures, one choice that Jesus calls “better.” Through practical reflection and a heartfelt invitation to slow down, this episode challenges the idea that spiritual busyne...

In this intimate episode, I introduce you to my husband—the man who captured my heart and has lived a powerful testimony of transformation. Long before we met, he faced and overcame the dark grip of addiction. In this conversation, he shares the journey of how surrendering his life to God, embracing healing, and stepping into a life of service led him to freedom and purpose. It's a story of l...

Welcome back, Pursuers! After a refreshing sabbatical, I’m diving into a conversation I couldn’t wait to have. In this episode, I unpack the latest season of Love Is Blind and why it stirred up so much buzz in the conservative and Christian spaces. From mismatched convictions at the altar to the deeper question of spiritual maturity, we’ll explore what Scripture says about relationships, alignment...

In this episode, we dive into the powerful moment of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and launched the Church into action. It’s not just a historical event—it’s a transformative moment that still impacts us today. If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Chris...

Easter isn’t the end of the story; it’s the beginning of our calling. In this devotional episode, we reflect on what it means to live in light of the empty tomb. Through Acts 1:6–11 and Colossians 3:1–4, we’re reminded that the resurrection isn’t just something to celebrate; it’s something to carry. Jesus calls us to be His witnesses. To shift our focus. To get moving. To live with purpose, power...

In Matthew 21, Jesus enters Jerusalem to cheers and palm branches—but what begins as celebration quickly turns toward the cross. This devotional episode invites you to reflect on why we follow Jesus. Is it for what He can do for us… or for who He is ? If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their...

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, this week’s reflection centers on Isaiah 53 and Mark 10:45—two powerful passages that reveal Jesus’ purpose and the kind of King He is.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church. Connect with Narcely: Web...

Jesus calls us to show our love for Him, but what does that look like in our daily lives?  In this episode, we reflect on the profound truth of John 14:15. We’ll briefly reflect on the verse, explore the role of the Holy Spirit, and discuss the primary way to live out our love for Christ.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry fi...

Picture this: You're walking a dark path, unsure of your next step. Suddenly, a lamp lights the way, guiding you forward. That's exactly what God's Word does for us. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." In this episode, we unpack the beauty of this verse and how Scripture can illuminate our lives and serve as our guide through life&a...

“I used to think rest was optional. Now I realize it’s obedience and essential.” For so long, I believed that working harder, pushing through exhaustion, and never stopping was a sign of strength. But God showed me that true strength is found in resting in Him. This week on Upstream Pursuit, I’m sharing why biblical rest is so important—and why you can’t afford to ignore it. If this episode encour...

“They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” – Acts 18:26 In a time when women’s voices were often silenced, Priscilla stood courageously for the gospel. Alongside her husband Aquila, she didn’t just support the mission—she actively taught and discipled others, including the gifted speaker Apollos. In this episode, I share her story as a powerful reminder that God cal...

In this episode, we're diving into a question from one of our Pursuers: How should we behave towards believers who view our biblical convictions as bigotry? Navigating differences in belief—especially within the body of Christ—can feel heavy, but it's also an opportunity to reflect God's love. Together, we'll break down what bigotry means, assess our own hearts with humility, a...

Over the last few years, I have witnessed the berating, shaming and bullying of Christians and conservatives for their biblical and/or political views. In this episode, I am joined by my sorority sister and sister-in-Christ, Daisy Schroeck, as we process together the criticism, feelings, cost, Godly rebukes, and lessons learned from sharing our faith publicly. We look to Scripture to see how we ou...

In this episode, we discuss recent legislative actions aimed at protecting girls and women in sports and we take a look at Scripture to see how those actions may affirm or deny biblical Truth.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church. Conne...

Whether you're a new believer or have been walking with Christ for years, understanding how to pray effectively can significantly deepen your relationship with God. In this week’s episode, my witty friend Sarah Whitt and I look to the Lord’s prayer as a framework to guide our own prayers and structuring our time with God in a meaningful way.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a m...

Prayer is a vital practice in our Christian faith, serving as a way to communicate with God, express our thoughts and desires, and align our hearts with His will. In this week’s episode, my witty friend Sarah Whitt, no pun-intended, joined me for a candid conversation on building intimacy with the Lord through prayer. This conversation builds on last week’s episode on ways Jesus modeled prayer for...

Hey Pursuers! In this week’s episode we are looking to Jesus to discover why and how he made prayer a priority amidst the demands of His earthly mission. Whether you are struggling with your prayer life or seeking to deepen your relationship with God, this episode provides timeless lessons from Jesus himself to enhance your spiritual journey.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a momen...

Hey Pursuers! We all want to be successful, right? In this week’s episode, we are going to contrast Kingdom priorities with worldly pursuits to gain insight on how to lead a more meaningful and purposeful existence. We’ll discuss practical steps to shift our perspectives from external validations to internal transformation, helping us cultivate a life of success that aligns with God’s will and ete...

Hey Pursuers, in this episode we explore the importance of pausing at the beginning of the year to acknowledge the unwavering kindness and grace of God, as highlighted in Lamentations 3:22-23. We will discuss how to spiritually reset and will dive into practical ways to live out God’s grace in our daily lives.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps mor...

In this episode, we share some breaking news regarding the future of the Upstream Pursuit Podcast, the heart behind the podcast and what the listener can expect moving forward.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more women in ministry find the show and be encouraged in their walk with Christ and leadership in the local church. Connect with Narcely:...

As the year comes to a close, we pause to reflect on endings and beginnings through the lens of scripture. What does the Bible say about seasons of transition, and what do they mean for our lives? In this heartfelt episode, we explore what’s coming to an end for us regarding our relationships and this podcast and ask you to reflect on your own seasons that have run their course. But with every end...

In this episode, we explore the intriguing biblical story of Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, the three wisemen whose actions in the Christmas narrative defied the cultural norms of their time. We unpack how these three men stood against established powers in pursuit of greater Truth and how God’s revelation often arises in unconventional ways.  If this episode encouraged you, would you take a mome...