To Help You Heal

Episode 25: The Christmas Story- Surrounded But Unseen

In this episode of 'To Help You Heal,' we delve into the familiar Christmas story with a fresh perspective. Imagine being Mary and Joseph, surrounded by strangers, yet feeling invisible in their time of need. As they journeyed close to the birth of Jesus, why did those they met not offer more assistance? This Christmas, may this story be a catalyst for intentional interactions, inspiring us to see beyond our immediate circles so we can extend kindness to the unseen.

Episode 24: The Christmas Story- The Gift of Elizabeth’s Friendship

In this episode, we turn our focus to Elizabeth, a symbol of true friendship and support. Mary needed Elizabeth because here's the reality: who celebrated with her? Who listened to Mary's heart? Who shared in the moment?
Through their story, we discover the blessings of authentic friendship that spans the test of time, depth of emotion, and unfathomable challenges. We need friendships like the one shared between Mary and Elizabeth. We need to give an receive the kind of relationship that always makes space for us. This week, let's embrace Christmas through their story.

Episode 23: The Christmas Story - Her Yes Came With a Cost (Mary’s Perspective)

This week, we kick off our series on the Christmas story. We'll look at it from Mary's perspective. It's easy to hit the high points of what her story seems like from the outside--the angel's proclamation, becoming the mother of Jesus, and the visits from the shepherds/magi.  
But Mary's willingness to say yes came with a cost. Initially, Joseph wanted to send her away, and her neighbors probably talked about her. Then came the hardship of traveling to Bethlehem and giving birth in a stable. Often, our lives tell a similar story. God's call comes with (what feels like) a cost. And in those moments, it's easy to feel like there's something wrong with us. But there isn't. And if Mary could make it, so can we. Join me for the rest of the story.

Episode 22: Embracing Life and Love Even as We Grieve

This week, let's lay aside the weight of grief and see it through a different lens. The willingness to feel pain (our choice to grieve) is evidence of the tenderness within our hearts. And it's also the place that holds the ache. While we often try to avoid it, grief is beautiful, and healing comes as we embrace it. Join me as we explore a unique approach to grieving during the holiday season. Even as we acknowledge our pain, we can create meaningful holiday memories that honor the legacy of our loved ones, create opportunities to share our love with the world around us, and step into the place of loneliness and pain known by others. 

Episode 21: Healing Our Hearts: Navigating Grief with Grace

Most of us don't understand the grieving process until we find ourselves immersed in pain we do not want. This was my experience. I learned about grief the hard way, and my journey began just before Thanksgiving in 1997 when I lost my premature daughter. I was unprepared for the loss, the aftermath, and the time it would take to move through that season. But I've learned a lot since then. Join me for a heartfelt conversation on grief. You'll discover the strategies necessary to understand and overcome the grieving process wrapped in a warm embrace that reminds you that you're not alone in your healing journey.

Episode 20: From Grief to Grace: Honoring The Legacy Behind ’To Help You Heal’

My daughter, Elise Victoria, was born prematurely (26 weeks gestation) twenty-six years ago today. She died twenty minutes after her birth. In one distinct moment, I left the hope-filled dreams of my future as a mother and embraced the soul-crushing devastation that comes with the loss of a child. Elise's death opened the door to my healing journey. Today, I honor the legacy of her brief life with the launch of my new book, To Help You Heal. Spend ten minutes with me as I tell you more about Elise, the book, and why I chose to launch it today.

Episode 19: Escaping the Burnout Zone (Part 2)

When we've dealt with a prolonged, intense stress level or have experienced layers of intensity, we can find ourselves in the burnout zone. We feel trapped in a vicious cycle of stress. How do we get out of it? We start from a place of grace, "I did the best I could with what I had." We acknowledge that we've been running at an intense pace for too long. And then we make a shift. You can do something about it. Spend ten minutes with me. Learn how to escape the burnout zone.

Episode 18: Unraveling Our Stress (Part 1)

This week, we are beginning a two-part series on stress. While stress exists, we don't have to allow it to seep into all areas of our lives. We can change our perspective. We are in control of the way we respond to the circumstances in our lives. And it's that choice which either heightens or lessens our stress load. Spend a few minutes with me as we talk about stress, our triggers, and how we can overcome it.
 

Episode 17: The Path to Purpose: Consistency of Small Steps

It's tempting to think we accomplish our purpose through significant steps of big accomplishments. But when we do this, we set ourselves up for failure through unrealistic expectations. When we're working towards a goal, including places of purpose, we get there through the consistency of small steps over time. Small steps don't feel significant or glamorous but are monumental when stacked together. Spend ten minutes with me as we talk about cultivating consistency over time.

Episode 16: Navigating Purpose: Dealing with the Desire to Quit

Sometimes, we feel disconnected from our purpose. We want to give up. We are sure we won't accomplish it and are questioning why we thought it was a good idea. Everyone feels that way at some point. We face this feeling in our jobs, relationships, and ministries. But what matters most is whether or not we stick it out. Spend 10 minutes with me. We'll talk about how to process it and what to do next.