Faith Over Fear

Most, if not all, of us recognize, at a soul-level, that we need deep and lasting companionship. When we're weathering difficult relationships, longing for a relationship we haven't yet experienced, or have experienced developmental trauma, our pain and insecurities can make us fear we'll end up alone and lonely. In this episode, singer/songwriter and actress Rebecca St. James and her film producer husband share their emotional struggle during singlehood, how trauma and pain has shaped them individually and affected their marriage, and how their faith in God's goodness carried them through their most difficult seasons. Book mentioned: Lasting Ever: Faith, Music, Family, and Being Found by True Love by Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? How content are you with your current relationships? How might your upbringing have impacted your view of relationships? How does or has your view of God impacted how you weather painful seasons? Have you considered how "unfinished business" related to wounds you've experienced impact your present relationships? And if so, what steps are you taking, or have you taken, to pursue increased health? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Find Rebecca St. James: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On Spotify Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a hope- giver, commissioned to tell God’s story? Do you ever feel weary, defeated or terrified? How do we arise in hope and awaken hope in others? (Scripture referenced: Judges 4:4-9, Judges 5: 6-7) Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonates with you most in this episode? How has a time when hope faded motivated you or someone you know into action? When have you experienced a time when community has reminded you that you are not responsible for God’s plan all by yourself? How has someone motivated you to act when your hope had become suffocated in the face of insurmountable odds? What does it mean to take hope into your hands? What does the term hope-giver mean to you? Find Angela Donadio: On her website On Facebook On Instagram On YouTube Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How has insecurity impacted your dreams and your calling? Do you ever feel like a fraud, you don't deserve your position or role, or compelled to prove your competency? These are signs of "imposter syndrome", a common struggle with the power to sabotage our lives and relationships. (Scripture referenced: Exodus 2-4, 32-33; Deuteronomy 34:10-12; 1 Samuel 9-10, 13, 18; Isaiah 41:10.) Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonates with you most in this episode? How has, or might, imposter syndrome caused you to compare yourself with others? How had, or might, imposter syndrome caused you to prove your competency by powering up or shield yourself by withdrawing? Why might God routinely call His children into arenas for which they feel ill-prepared? How has your relationship with Christ impacted your confidence? What is one action step He might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Find Kelly Hall: On her website Instagram Facebook Unshakable Hope Podcast Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The church is supposed to be a safe place where we can experience healing, grow, and encounter God. Sadly, for many people, this hasn't been the case. Unfortunately, they've experienced deep soul-wounds in a religious environment. Join host Jennifer Slattery as she talks with author, speaker and pastor Sam Ranier on the impact of church hurt, how to bring our hurts to God, and ways to tell if an environment is safe for us and, if we're parents, for our children as well. (Scripture discussed: Psalm 22-23, Matthew 21:12-13,Mark 11:15-18) Discussion/Reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? When have you encountered or been in a high hospitality, low security environment? What are some signs of such an environment? What was your experience? In what ways, if any, has your "trust meter" become crooked? How comfortable are you bringing your anger to God? What is one action step He might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Sermon referenced: When It's Appropriate to Turn Over Tables Book referenced: Make My Church Safe: A Guide to the Best Practices to Protect Children and Secure Your Congregation from Harm Connect with Sam Rainer: On his website On Facebook On Instagram Church Answers Connect with Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Almost exactly twenty years ago, today’s guest, popular international speaker Carol Kent was thrust into a situation that made her feel as if her world was unraveling. Her son was arrested for murder, revealing just how little control we parents often have over our children’s lives. Though her life felt out of control, she found peace and security through surrender. She discovered God is big enough and strong enough and loving enough to carry her through she did or might someday face. Group Discussion Questions:1. What resonated with you most in Carol’s story?2. When do you most feel out of control?3. How do you typically respond when life feels out of control?4. What lies does Satan tend to whisper to you when you feel out of control? 5. Read Romans 8:28-29. What does this passage tell you regarding our most fearful, “out of control” situations?6. How might your current circumstances point you to heaven? Resources:• When I lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent, released by NavPress: http://urlme.cc/6VQd• He Holds My Hand by Carol Kent, released by Tyndale Publishers: http://urlme.cc/rVRvFind Carol Kent: On her website Facebook the Speak Up for Hope site Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Often, the greatest hindrance to living out our calling comes from internal, rather than external, influences. When our insecurities dominate our lives, we become our biggest limiting factor. If you’re familiar with the Bible, you may recognize, intellectually, that you are a radiant, redeemed, chosen, called and empowered child of God. The question is, how do we let this truth define us and our actions? In this episode, author and speaker Amanda Pittman discusses her latest release Stand in Confidence: From Sinking insecurity to Rising to Your God-Given Identity and shares actionable steps toward growing in courage and confidence. Discussion/Reflective Questions:What resonated with you most in today’s episode?When do you most tend to struggle with feelings of insecurity?How has insecurity limited your calling? When has your insecurities caused you to strive and overwork in an area God’s already equipped you for and called you to?In what areas are you placing your identity in insufficient things (your role/position, relationships, skills …)?What truth most encourages you and helps build your confidence?When has a “I should of” or “I could have” mentality hindered your confidence?When has a human’s rejection negatively affected your view of yourself?What is one action step God is calling you to take in the next week? (Right this down somewhere prominent to help with follow-through.) Resources Mentioned: Stand in Confidence: From Sinking in Insecurity to Rising in Your God-Given Identity by Amanda Pittman and Emotional Healing in 3 Easy Steps (The Kingdom of God Made Simple) by Praying Medic Find Amanda at: On AmandaPittman.com Facebook Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you feel stuck in your pain or like you keep falling into the same relational or emotional pits? When your circumstances triggers certain intense emotions, do you find yourself behaving more like a child rather than the Spirit-led adult you know you are? Or do you simply long for increased joy, peace and freedom in your life and interactions? If so, you'll gain encouragement from Jennifer Slattery's conversation with guest Dr. Marcus Warner from Deeper Walk International. Discussion/Reflective Questions; What resonated with you most in this episode? How would you define emotional maturity? What are some ways you currently differentiate what thoughts come from you, which come from your spiritual enemy the devil, and which are from God? Consider Dr. Warner's discussion of A-trauma (trauma caused from things we didn't receive). How might A-traumas have negatively impacted your ability to endure stressful situations? Pause to reflect on Dr. Marcus Warner's discussion of joy versus fear bonds. Which type of bond tends to influence most of your decisions? How do you most tend to relate to God, through a joy bond or fear bond? What are some ways, based on what Dr. Marcus Warner shared, that you can increase your joy bond with God? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Resource mentioned: Breakthrough!: 5 Essential Strategies for Freedom, Healing, and Wholeness Find Dr. Marcus Warner's ministry at/on: the Deeper Walk International website Instagram Facebook YouTube Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you feel anxious when people suggest that we're living in the end times? Do you find verses related to this biblical period confusing? In this episode beloved pastor Max Lucado shares his views and insights regarding God's unfolding, eternal story and our ultimate destination. Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? How might knowing what Scripture teaches regarding the "end times" help alleviate anxiety related to that period? If you've trusted in Christ for salvation, how does it feel to know, when your present time on earth ends, you will immediately be in Christ's presence? If you've trusted in Christ for salvation, how does it feel to know that you will be judged according to what Christ did for you, not according to the sins you've committed? If you haven't yet trusted in Christ for salvation, what are some questions or concerns you want God to address before you are ready to do so? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Resource referenced: What Happens Next: A Traveler’s Guide Through the End of This Age Find Max Lucado: On his website On Instagram On Facebook On Amazon On YouTube Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One of my favorite names for Christ, especially during the often chaotic holiday season, is Prince of Peace. It reminds us that our peace is found not in our circumstances or the absence of conflict but instead through our relationship with Him. Advent provides a wonderful opportunity to evaluate our schedules, slow down, and connect in a special way with our Savior.  Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonates with you most in this episode? What are some of your most cherished Christmas memories from your childhood? Consider your current schedule. How has anxiety or fear contributed to your busyness? What are some ways you experience the sacredness of Christ's birth? What is something you can eliminate or simplify this holiday season to make it less hectic and more memorable? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Resource referenced: Glad & Golden Hours: A Companion for Advent and Christmastide:  Find Lanier Ivester: On her website On Instagram On Facebook   Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.)   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many of us tend to judge our most intense or unpleasant emotional responses which only increases their intensity by piling on shame. In this episode, Dr. Allison Cook talks with host Carol McCracken about her latest book, I'm Not Supposed to Feel This Way, how we can gain healthy emotional distance when we feel overwhelmed, and options for dealing with toxic people.  (Check out Faith Over Fear's GodTube Channel: https://www.godtube.com/faith-over-fear/) Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? Consider your inner critique. How might he/she be trying to help, although in an unhelpful way? How might recognizing the various moments that comprise your complex emotional system help you feel less consumed by them? Consider an area in which you typically feel guilt. Using Dr. Allison's discussion on conditioned guilt as a guide, what emotions might your guilt be masking? What is the difference between numbing and self-soothing? How might learning to name your emotions without judgement help you become more aware of what is occurring within you? What is one action step God might be asking you to take having listened to this episode? Resource mentioned: I Shouldn't Feel This Way: Name What’s Hard, Tame Your Guilt, and Transform Self-Sabotage into Brave Action by Dr. Allison Cook Find Dr. Allison Cook: On her website On Instagram On Facebook On Amazon Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (Inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.)     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.