Be Still Be Free

Well friends, after 227 episodes and a 2+ year break, we are thrilled to announce that Be Still Be Free is finally back!

In this week's episode, listen in as we catch up on what's been happening the past two years, and get a feel for what it's going to look like here as we move forward.

Thank you for being patient with us, for tuning in, and sharing us with your friends and family!

Make sure to visit our website, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

See you next week!

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

As a part of each mini-series in our Walking from Bondage to Breakthrough semester-long series, we've interviewed an "everyday woman" -- someone who is walking out their victory in that specific area, and willing to share how God is bringing them freedom. This month, as we wrap this series and season, we introduce you to Kim Wahl! Kim and her husband are healing from chronic illness while refusing to succumb to a complaining spirit, and choosing to find abundant joy! Kim has also provided a free downloadable for all our listeners -- be sure to visit our show notes to get your free PDF on how to change your thinking! Her passion and joy are infectious and you're going to love this final episode of 2020!

MEET KIM:
Kim Wahl is a Louisiana girl with a deep appreciation for fried okra and beignets. She is the wife of the sweetest man alive, mom to three great kids and Nina to three adorable little firecrackers. She is a teacher, speaker, ordained minister, and author who loves to communicate Biblical Truths that will enable you to get one step closer to the heart of Jesus. She and her husband Bill released their first book The Complaining Cure: How to Quit Grumbling, Stop Complaining, and Find Abundant Joy in November 2019. They co-lead The River Church on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron in Fort Gratiot, Michigan.

To find out more about Kim, or to purchase her book, The Complaining Cure, visit her website: www.onestepcloser.life.

Download Kim's free PDF on changing your thinking!

Find Kim on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onestepcloser.life

Follow Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onestepcloserlife/

Wonder if you complain too much? Find out at www.complainingquiz.com!

For more resources, make sure to visit our website.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Join our Be Together Community on Facebook where we gather regularly to encourage, uplift and pray for one another. Click here to join!

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

It's the last episode with Tracy in our Walking from Bondage to Breakthrough series, and she leaves us with her story of chronic illness. It's her testimony of how God has healed, and continues to heal, in a year-long battle with Vestibular Neuritis. You will love hearing her personal story as she describes what life is like for her right now, but moreso no matter how she feels, she determined long ago that wherever God leads her, she will preach Christ! 

What Tracy is learning through her illness:

1. Self-reliance is a myth.
   1. “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  Don’t worry about missing out.  You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:33-34, MSG)
   2. “Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle, but never get around to exercising it in real life.  Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them - living and breathing God!  Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life.”  (Romans 8:5-8, MSG)
2. How to Glance at her body, but GAZE at Jesus.
   1. "He was fully convinced that God was able to do whatever He promised.” (Romans 4:18-24)
3. How to wait expectantly for healing.
   1. I will daily ASK for healing.
   2. I will daily BELIEVE for healing.
   3. I will daily TRUST in God’s provisions of strength, grace and help in the midst of my chronic illness.  

Visit Tracy's website: www.tracyhurst.com

Click here for past episodes with Tracy Hurst!

For more resources, make sure to visit our website.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

Chronic illness is a reoccurring illness that persists over a period of a year and requires ongoing medical attention. More than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience chronic pain, and is significantly more prevalent in women than men. It may or not be obvious, and this statement may be true for you: "I may not look sick, but turn my body inside out and it would tell a different story." Tune in this week as Tracy Hurst, licensed professional counselor, shares how to embrace the uncertainty of chronic illness while holding tightly to the certainty of God!

BE IN THE WORD:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

“The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

“Heal me, Lord and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14)

"He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” (Matthew 8:2-3)

"One thing I am sure of -- my victory awaits me in heaven." (Revelation 21:4)

BE EDUCATED:

1. “Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.” (Dwight L. Moody)
2. Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Katherine & Jay Wolf.
3. Suffer Strong: How to Survive Anything by Redefining Everything by Katherine & Jay Wolf. 

BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS:

1. Where can you move in faith toward your healing? What is your "apple pie?"
2. Honestly assess how many "spoons" you have for the day, and use them intentionally. 
3. Remember God is not only able to heal, He is willing.

Visit Tracy's website: www.tracyhurst.com

Click here for past episodes with Tracy Hurst!

For more resources, make sure to visit our website.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

As a part of each mini-series in our Walking from Bondage to Breakthrough semester-long series, we're  interviewing an "everyday woman" -- someone who is walking out their victory in that specific area, and willing to share how God is bringing them freedom. This month, we introduce you to Ashley Edwards, a dear friend of Sara's who shares practical and spiritual ways she's overcoming comparison and walking in acceptance! You're going to love her humor, her transparency and especially her real-ness. Enjoy!

ASHLEY'S BIO:
"When Monica and Sara asked me to write a bio, my first instinct was to read what other people wrote in theirs, so I would know what to include. So, as you can see, I don't struggle anymore with comparison AT ALL! I didn't look at other bio's in an effort to fight comparison, so that's a win! I am a follower of Jesus, a wife to Michael, and a mom to Zac (14) and Juliette (13). I was a teacher before my kids were born and am now a part-time substitute at their schools and a full-time mom. I love cheering on my husband, who is the Global Orphan Care Director at Lifeline Children's Services located in Birmingham, Alabama. He partners with believers around the world to support children who are vulnerable by teaching them life skills, job skills, and most importantly, the gospel. I love running, hiking, reading, singing, and spending time with my people (and also Dr. Pepper and Beth Moore)!"

For more resources, make sure to visit our website.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Join our Be Together Community on Facebook where we gather regularly to encourage, uplift and pray for one another. Click here to join!

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

“We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose.” These words by Bob Goff jump right to the heart of the matter, don't they? And yet, most women get stuck right there, in the midst of comparison and insecurity, which stunts us from living fully alive in purpose with God and for the kingdom. Tracy lights us up this week with incredible truth bombs on how to move from comparison to acceptance, starting with a life-changing phrase: THAT'S NONE OF MY BUSINESS! Honestly, this week will make you rejoice with freedom!

BE IN THE WORD:
“Let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.” (Rom 12:5, MSG)

“'What’s going to happen to him?' Jesus replied, 'If I decide to let him live until I return What concern is that of yours? You must still keep following me!'” (Jn 21:22)

“Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.” (Rom 12:15-16)

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” (Gal 6:4)

“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation!” (Ps 139:19)

BE EDUCATED:

1. Quieting the Shout of Should by Chrystal Stine
2. Chasing Perfect: Peace and Purpose in the Exhausting Pursuit of Something Better by Alisha Illian
3. You Be You: Why Satisfaction and Success are Closer Thank You Think by Jamie Ivey

BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS:

Follow Tracy's steps for moving from comparison to acceptance:

1. Declare, "THAT'S NONE OF MY BUSINESS!"
2. Welcome Humility
   1. Enter the room with the intent to be a blessing
   2. Celebrate and compliment the success of others
3. Accept you are wonderfully made in the image of God

Visit Tracy's website: www.tracyhurst.com. Click here for past episodes with Tracy Hurst!

For more resources, make sure to visit our website.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Join our Be Together Community on Facebook where we gather regularly to encourage, uplift and pray for one another. Click here to join!

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

It's part 2 of our amazing discussion with licensed professional counselor Julie Davies on moving in freedom from self-loathing to love! This week, Julie shares some very practical steps we can take toward loving ourselves in a wholly biblical way and dwell in the resting place of God's love. Again...NOTES, y'all!

ABOUT JULIE DAVIES:
Julie readily shares how God brought hope, healing, and freedom to her soul after years of struggling with depression and anxiety. She has worked as a discipleship counselor, youth pastor, and professional speaker with New Hope for Teens Ministry for the past 14 years. She founded the New Hope Counseling Center in 2019, focusing on discipleship counseling for teen girls and women that helps them exchange lies for Truth and experience God’s Grace based on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Find out more about Julie at www.juliedavies.com.

BE IN THE WORD:
Ephesians 1:4 (God chose you)
Romans 5:8 (God loves you)
Psalm 18:19 (God delights in you)
2 Cor. 5:17 (God makes you new in Jesus)
Ephesians 2:10 (God sees you as a masterpiece)
Romans 8:1-2 (God saved you)
Deuteronomy 31:8 (God will never abandon you)
Isaiah 61:1 & 3 (God turns your ashes into beauty)

BE EDUCATED:

1. Loving Yourself: Be Still Be Free podcast from the Be Loved + Live series
2. Slaying the Dragon of Self-Hatred
3. The Inner Voice of Love by Henry Nouwen
4. Abba's Child by Brennan Manning

BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS:

1. Ask God to bring you revelation and show you any lies you might be still believing about Him or yourself. Ask Him to show you any root causes of self-loathing issues. 
2. Replace lies with Truth exercise- Write down any lies you are believing about God or yourself and then replace each lie with a Truth from scripture.  Meditate on these scriptures daily so you retrain your brain to believe and think about the Truth instead of the lie.  
3. Do the Love Letter Journal Exercise. Write a love letter to yourself from God. Two suggestions for questions to ask Him are, “What do you think of me God?” and "How do you see me?"
4. Find a Professional Christian Counselor to help you discover any root causes or lies you might be believing and help you on your healing journey to breakthrough. (You can reach out to Julie at www.juliedavies.com!)

For more resources, make sure to visit our website.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Join our Be Together Community! It’s a private Facebook group where we gather regularly to encourage, uplift and pray for one another. Click here to join!

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

It's time for our newest series as we walk from bondage to breakthrough, and this week we're moving from self-loathing to love! Friends, this week we're led in discussion by Julie Davies, a licensed professional counselor who knows this topic intimately and deeply. Julie leads us this week, part 1 of 2, and outlines the wrong beliefs and lies we so easily accept as truth. You're going to want to get your journal and take notes for this one!

ABOUT JULIE DAVIES:
Julie is a wife and mom who loves Jesus. She readily shares how God brought hope, healing, and freedom to her soul after years of struggling with depression and anxiety. Julie has worked as a discipleship counselor, youth pastor, and professional speaker with New Hope for Teens Ministry for the past 14 years. She founded the New Hope Counseling Center in 2019 in Atlanta, focusing on discipleship counseling for teen girls and women that helps them exchange lies for Truth and experience God’s Grace based on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Find out more about Julie at www.juliedavies.com.

BE IN THE WORD:
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1)

"We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

"And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-21)

"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)

"So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind." (Philippians 4:8)

BE EDUCATED:

1. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
2. Letting Love in: How God Renews Relationships By Crushing Your Inner Critic by Lindsay Morgan Snyder
3. God is Whispering to You: How you can hear God's Quiet Voice above the Noise by Christy Pierce
4. Shut Up: Silence the Negative Thoughts in your Head by Christy Pierce (teens & young adults)

BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS:

1. What are some wrong beliefs and false views you have about yourself?
2. What is the truth of who God is and w

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

As a part of each mini-series in our Walking from Bondage to Breakthrough semester-long series, we're interviewing everyday women who are walking out victory, and willing to share how God is bringing them freedom. This week, we introduce you to Angie Hohulin! Angie works in Counseling and Crisis response ministry full time, but her own journey through grief is deeply personal and filled with Grace, Love and Truth. Listen in as she shares the practical and spiritual ways the Lord is bringing her glory through her grief. 

Angie Hohulin is originally from South Florida, but has called Atlanta home for the last 20 years. 

She loves spending her free time with family & friends or working on any creative project especially writing or painting.

She has served in full time ministry for the last eight years focusing on Mentoring, Counseling, and Crisis Response ministries. 

Her heart for those walking through grief grew from her own experiences with loss. 

To reach the Buckhead Church Care and Counseling ministry, click here.

To find out more about Buckhead Church, click here.

Visit Tracy's website: www.tracyhurst.com

Click here for past episodes with Tracy Hurst!

For more resources, make sure to visit our website.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Join our Be Together Community! It’s a private Facebook group where we gather regularly to encourage, uplift and pray for one another. Click here to join!

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.

Send us a text, and leave your number or email so we can get back to you :)

Most of what we've heard about regarding grief in modern culture is that there are 5 stages -- and that once we get to acceptance we've completed the grieving process. But what if there is more to grief than simply moving through a ladder of stages? What if there is glory in the grief? Tracy walks us through some incredibly powerful truths in this week's episode that you are NOT going to want to miss! Here's a teaser: "Glory is God's goodness in action in front of you. Glory is proclaiming the Name of Jesus even in the presence of your grief." Y'all! Make sure to listen and share with those who may need to hear this transformative word!

BE IN THE WORD:

“He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.” (Isaiah 53:3)

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:4, KJV)

“But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” (Psalm 3:3)

BE EDUCATED:

1. Grieving Like God (article from professor at Biola University)
2. Be Prayerful-Lament (past podcast episode)

BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS:

1. Do you see yourself in any of the 5 stages of grief?
2. Maybe you need a hack to open the floodgates of emotion; watch a movie or listen to music that stirs your emotions to get the feelings flowing.
3. Make an appointment with grief. Schedule time for it and then put it back in a box on the shelf like Tracy talked about.
4. Like Moses, ask God to see His glory while you're grieving.
5. Find a grief counselor to help you navigate your journey.

Visit Tracy's website: www.tracyhurst.com

Click here for past episodes with Tracy Hurst!

For more resources, make sure to visit our website.

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Join our Be Together Community! It’s a private Facebook group where we gather regularly to encourage, uplift and pray for one another. Click here to join!

Support the show

As always, thank you for listening! Make sure to rate and review us, as it helps more women find our podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram at Be Still Be Free.