This conversation with my friend—and the founder and visionary of Sonshine Interpreting—Araya Williams, came at just the right time for me personally. 

We talk about calling, identity, and taking brave steps even when you don't know how it's going to work out. Araya shares how her work with the Deaf community and the creation of Sunshine Interpreting grew out of paying attention to what moved her heart and what she couldn’t shake. Again and again, we come back to the courage it takes to listen—to God, to ourselves, and to the quieter invitations in our lives.

We also name the hard reality of what's required to walk in your calling, including self-doubt, shame, and the internal voices that tell us we’re behind or not enough. This conversation felt like a gentle reminder that our worth isn’t something we earn through productivity or success, and that clarity often comes slowly.

If you’re holding questions about purpose, feeling tender around your identity, or needing permission to be honest about your struggle, I hope this episode feels like an exhale—and an invitation to listen to the One who wants to tell you who you really are.

A few things we talk about:

• Why self-compassion matters more than we think
• How paying attention to what moves us can point us toward purpose
• The courage it takes to follow a calling without guarantees
• Naming the voices of shame and self-doubt (and not letting them lead)
• What it looks like to listen for God’s voice in real life
• Why our worth was never meant to be measured by productivity
• Letting ourselves be seen—and why that can be healing
• Living with more freedom by accepting who we are

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Living Fearless by Jamie Winship - https://a.co/d/ekDyKzx
• Sonshine Interpreting - https://sonshineinterpreting.com/ or connect on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sonshineterps
• Christian Interpreters Conference - https://www.christianinterpretersconference.org/
• Learn about coaching - https://jilliandebritz.com/coaching/

* * *

STAY CONNECTED

• Connect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/
• Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/
• Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribe
• Subscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritz
• Be sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!