Waiting seasons have a way of exposing parts of us we didn’t know were there. The questions, the ache, the desire to control — all of it comes to the surface when we’re hoping for something we don’t yet have. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to trust God, not just with my words, but with my weight — the weight of desire, uncertainty, and yearning.

In this episode, I’m sharing something that shifted my perspective on trust, and specifically, trusting God. I pray that it blesses you!

💭 What We’re Talking About in This Episode:

✨ How Dr. Henry Cloud defines trust + a breakdown of his five essentials of trust

✨ What it looks like for Jesus to understand our humanity

✨ A practical look at how to navigate waiting when it becomes painful

✨ How remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens your present trust

Date: November 20, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S4E8: Trusting God When Waiting Hurts

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology

Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

Forgiveness is one of the hardest commands God gives us—and yet it’s one of the most freeing. In this episode, I sit down with Bible teacher and author Yana Jenay Conner to talk about what it really means to forgive God’s way.

Together, we unpack why forgiveness isn’t the same as forgetting and how to process deep hurt without minimizing it.

This conversation is honest, compassionate, and rooted in Scripture. Whether you’re struggling to forgive someone who hurt you or desire to know what the Scripture really says about forgiveness, Yana’s wisdom will help you see forgiveness through God’s eyes and find the healing your heart needs.

💭 What We’re Talking About in This Episode:

✨ What forgiveness really means from a biblical perspective

✨ How to forgive when the person hasn’t apologized or changed

✨ The difference between reconciliation and forgiveness

✨ Practical steps to begin forgiving God’s way

🎧 Listen now and be equipped on how to forgive when someone inevitably hurts you.

👇🏽 Connect with Yana Jenay Conner

* Website: yanajenay.com

* Instagram: @yanajenay

* Grab her new book: Living Beyond Offense

Date: October 23, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S4E7: Learning to Forgive God’s Way with Yana Jenay Conner

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology

Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

What do you do when the life you dreamed of doesn’t happen? When your prayers seem to go unanswered and your faith starts to waver?

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, I’m joined by Jennifer Lucy Tyler — speaker, Bible teacher, and author of When Dreams Fall Apart: How Unanswered Prayers Can Deepen Your Intimacy with God. Jennifer opens up about her own journey through disappointment, loss, and rediscovering God’s faithfulness when the very things she hoped for seemed out of reach.

💭 What We’re Talking About in This Episode:

✨ How to process disappointment and grief without losing faith✨ What Jennifer learned about suffering and waiting well✨ How to find peace when your prayers go unanswered✨ Why “when dreams fall apart,” God may be doing something on the inside of you

If you’ve ever prayed for something that didn’t happen — or felt like your faith was shaken by life’s detours — this conversation will remind you that God’s “no” often leads us into a deeper relationship with Him.

🎧 Listen now and be encouraged to trust God even when your story doesn’t go as planned.

👇🏽 Connect with Jennifer Lucy Tyler

Instagram: @jenniferlucytylerGet her new book When Dreams Fall Apart: https://amzn.to/470jpIK

Date: October 9, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S4E6: How to Trust God When Prayers Go Unanswered with Jennifer Lucy Tyler

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology

Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m good by myself… I don’t need anybody,” but deep down, you’re tired of carrying life alone?

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the power of community — and more honestly, the fear that keeps many of us from experiencing it.

Over the past few months, I’ve been leaning into community in a deeper way than ever before. Not just showing up for others — but actually letting people show up for me. And let me tell you… It’s been uncomfortable, healing, stretching, and beautiful all at the same time.

💭 What We’re Talking About in This Episode:

* Why so many of us struggle with community even though we crave it.

* The hidden ways fear of rejection, shame, and hyper-independence show up in our lives.

* Practical tips for slowly rebuilding trust and finding safe people.

If this episode encourages you, send it to a friend who always says they’re “fine.” It might be the gentle nudge they need.

Date: October 2, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S4E5 | The Power of Community

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology

Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

My prayer recently has been, “Lord, increase my faith.” In this episode, I candidly discuss my current state of faith and how I’m learning to surrender to God’s will, despite the challenges.

Date: September 24, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S4E4 | Increase My Faith

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology

Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

I’ve been thinking a lot about the ways we unintentionally rob God of His glory, and in this episode, I’m breaking down three of them.

Maybe you’ve found yourself taking all the credit, keeping quiet about your testimony, or even giving up too soon. I’ve been there too. But here’s the good news—God can use every part of our story to point back to Him. Join me as I walk through scripture and share encouragement to help us live in a way that truly gives God the glory He deserves.

Date: September 11, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S4E3 | Are You Stealing God's Glory?

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology

Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

This week on the Black Girl Theology Podcast, I sit down with the legendary Michelle McKinney Hammond to talk about her newest book, The Power of Being a Woman: Embracing Your God-Given Gift of Influence. 💫

In this powerful conversation, we explore what it means for women to walk confidently in their God-given influence and embrace the true power of femininity. We dive into biblical wisdom and how women today can embody wisdom as part of their unique design and calling. If you’ve ever wondered how to embrace your God-given femininity, live with purpose, and understand the strength of your biblical womanhood, this episode will inspire and equip you.

Don’t miss this encouraging conversation about faith, influence, and the beauty of being a woman created in God’s image.

Date: September 4, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S4E2 | The Power of Being a Woman with Michelle McKinney Hammond

ABOUT MICHELLE MCKINNEY HAMMOND:

Known as the queen of reinvention and empowerment, MICHELLE MCKINNEY HAMMOND has authored over forty books, selling over two million copies worldwide. She had a successful, award-winning career in advertising before penning her first bestseller, What to Do Until Love Finds You: Getting Ready for Mr. Right. Since then, Michelle has launched a multifaceted career as a speaker, singer, producer, actress, relationship expert, and life coach, reaching men and women from all walks of life.

PURCHASE THE POWER OF BEING A WOMAN

KEEP UP WITH MICHELLE:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckinneyhammond/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.m.hammond/

Website: https://www.michellehammond.com/

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology

Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

Welcome to season four! We’re kicking off this new season with none other than Sophia Ruffin-Wilson. Her brand new book, It Will Be God, launches this week! Back in 2022, Sophia released a live album with a song declaring: It will be God or it will be God. That declaration carried me then, and I’m still holding on to it now.

In her new book, and in this week’s podcast episode, Sophia shares the powerful origin of that prophetic declaration.

Date: August 28, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S4E1 | It Will Be God with Sophia Ruffin-Wilson

ABOUT SOPHIA RUFFIN-WILSON:

Sophia Ruffin-Wilson is an influencer, author, creator, and prophetic voice whose message of deliverance and transformation has resonated powerfully around the world. Under the leadership of John Eckhardt, she is the founder of the CBK (Comeback Kid) Squad, CCL (Company of Copacetic Leaders), Speaker Speak, and Ready Writer Connection. A popular keynote speaker and media guest, she speaks extensively around the world and has appeared on The 700 Club, The Word Network, TCT network, and more. She lives in Chicago, Illinois. Learn more at SophiaRuffin.com.

KEEP UP WITH SOPHIA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yagirl_soph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophiaRuffinGlobal/

Website: https://sophiaruffin.com/

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

In this season finale, I’m joined by Destiny Thomas as she shares her powerful story of what it really looks like to surrender to God, through both the highs and the lows. She reminds us that prayer is the foundation of a surrendered life and offers a practical method for prayer, plus how we can actually tune in to hear God’s voice.

Date: May 22, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology Episode

Title: S3E8 | Becoming Through Surrender with Destiny "The Prayerpist" Thomas

ABOUT DESTINY THOMAS:

Destiny Thomas, also known as the Prayerpist, is an author, conference host of the Prophetic Reloaded Conference, podcast host of the Realizing Destiny podcast, prayer and discernment coach, and motivational speaker. She assists high-achieving women with confidently discerning the voice of God to heal internally and realize their destiny using a proven six-step process known as Prayerpy. Destiny conducts the process of Prayerpy through one-on-one sessions and through her program, the Purpose-Filled Prayer Accelerator. By the end of her program, you will feel confident in your ability to hear God's voice for yourself, with clarity about the vision He has for your life and who He has called you to be. You'll walk away equipped with the tools to step into your promised land, leaving behind the wilderness of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, rejected, or overlooked—and with a stronger, more effective prayer life.

KEEP UP WITH DESTINY:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprayerpist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealizingDestiny/

Website: https://www.realizingdestiny.com/contact-destiny-the-prayerpist-thomas

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

The Bestie level has a 7-day free trial, so be sure to check that out. https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology Email: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com

Date: May 8, 2025

Podcast: Black Girl Theology

Episode Title: S3E7 | Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

INTRODUCTION:Good things are not always God things. What I mean is that just because something seems like a good opportunity doesn’t mean it’s what God wants us to do. We can sacrifice time, energy, and resources doing things God never told us to do. That’s why obedience is better than sacrifice.

In today’s episode, I talk about the story of a man who practiced partial obedience—sacrificing what he thought God wanted—and I share my own imperfect journey of striving for total obedience to God.

PATREON

We now have a Black Girl Theology community on Patreon! Depending on what level you join, you will receive early access to new podcast episodes, be able to submit topic requests for the podcast, and get access to two private, bonus episodes each season.

So there are three different levels - the friend level, the bestie level, and the sista level.

Click the link in the description box to view the different tiers and join the community.

The Bestie level has a 7 day free trial so be sure to check that out.

https://www.patreon.com/blackgirltheologypodcast

Let’s Stay Connected!

Follow Black Girl Theology on Instagram: https://instagram.com/blkgrltheology

Email: [email protected]

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ashtynwashington.substack.com