By Words: Honest Faith Talks to Encourage Everyday Christian Women

Shame wants to keep you stuck in cycles of shame. Jesus is inviting you into the fullness of freedom.

In today’s conversation, I’m sitting down with Heather O’Brien to talk about something so many Christian women carry quietly: shame that was never meant to be ours to hold.

We’re getting honest about how shame gets passed down in subtle ways, how it keeps us silent, and why it can make hearing God feel confusing or distant.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 

Heather shares what it looks like to invite Jesus into those deeper emotional wounds — not with pressure, but with gentleness — and how true healing leads to clarity, confidence, and a restored voice.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, small, or unsure if God is really speaking to you, this episode is for you.

To connect with Heather, head over to @healwithgodpodcast on IG!

Heal with God podcast: https://heatherobrien.net/podcast 

My interview on Heal with God podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/217-in-a-hidden-season-this-christmas-hearing-god/id1151250243?i=1000741814807

Join Heather’s FREE live prophetic healing workshop every 3rd Monday of the month: https://heatherobrien.net/workshop 

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

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https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes 

I used to be obsessed with personal development and self-help books and resources. I thought reading and learning more would make my faith stronger, but instead of feeling closer to Jesus, I just felt exhausted.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting with author Kelsey McGinnis about the subtle weight of Christian self-help culture and how something meant to help us grow can quietly turn into pressure to perform.

If you’ve ever felt spiritually exhausted while doing all the “right things,” you’re not alone. I’ve been there too — trying to manage my faith instead of actually abiding in Jesus.

Galatians 3:3 (ESV) says, “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” That one hits.

This conversation is an invitation to lay down the spiritual to-do list and return to something deeper, rooted, and relational.

Today is the day we come back to Jesus, not as a project to perfect, but a Savior to rest in.

To connect with Kelsey, head over to @kelseykmcginnis on IG or https://kkramermcginnis.substack.com!

Self-Help Me, God article on Kelsey’s substack: https://substack.com/@kelseykramermcginnis/p-183162193 

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

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https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes 

The word theology can feel intimidating. Like something reserved for pastors, scholars, or seminary classrooms.

But here’s the truth: if you love God and want to understand His Word, you’re already stepping into theology.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about what theology actually is and why it matters for everyday Christian women. You don’t need a degree to grow deep roots in your faith. You simply need curiosity, humility, and a willingness to open your Bible and ask honest questions.

Scripture reminds us: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

Theology isn’t about becoming the smartest person in the room. It’s about knowing God more deeply and learning to handle His Word with care in your daily life.

In this episode we talk about:

• What theology really means
• Why every believer already has theology (whether we realize it or not)
• Why understanding God’s character shapes how we walk through hard seasons
• 3 simple ways to start learning theology right where you are

Friend, you don’t need a seminary classroom to study God. Sometimes theology looks like opening your Bible at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a hungry heart.

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

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https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes 

Have you ever wondered, “How do I really know the Bible is true?”
In today’s episode, we’re stepping into that honest, sacred space together.

I’m joined by biblical archaeologist and author Amanda Hope Haley, whose newest book, Stones Still Speak, reveals how ancient discoveries actually deepen our confidence in Scripture. These aren’t dusty relics, they’re reminders that God’s Word is rooted in real history, real places, real promises.

We talk about:

• Why archaeology doesn’t challenge our faith, but strengthens it
• Surprising discoveries that illuminate familiar Bible stories
• How historical context can anchor us in seasons of doubt or waiting
• Practical ways to read Scripture with curiosity and confidence

If you’ve ever felt the tension between faith and questions, this conversation is for you. Grab your coffee and settle in. Today is the day to get real and get rooted a little more deeply in God’s truth.

To connect with Amanda, head over to @amandahopehaley on IG!

Get Amanda’s book: https://amzn.to/47A87fG

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

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https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes 

Can women be pastors? That’s the question we’re talking about today,  not as a hot take, not as a debate, but as an honest, Scripture-rooted conversation.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Preston Sprinkle to talk about his new book From Genesis to Junia and what the Bible really says about women in leadership. We talk about where he started personally, what surprised him in his research, and why this conversation feels so personal for so many women.

We also gently step into topics like submission, headship, and how to hold biblical authority alongside compassion and context.

If you’ve ever wondered about God’s heart for women and their role in the Church, I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation.

To connect with Preston, head over to https://www.prestonsprinkle.com or @preston.sprinkle on IG!

Get Preston’s new book here: https://amzn.to/4r8U4nL 

Preston’s podcast, Theology in the Raw: https://theologyintheraw.com/podcasts 

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes 

Healing isn’t instant. And often faith looks less like “having it all together” and more like showing up honest.

Today I’m sharing a personal mental health update and what God has been gently teaching me in this season. I open up about what I’ve been processing lately — the fatigue, the stretching, the quiet inner work — and the three things that are actively helping me heal: therapy, mentorship, and ruthlessly protecting my peace.

We talk about how faith and mental health actually support each other, why saying no isn’t failure, and what it looks like to build a life rooted in truth instead of striving.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” That kind of peace? It’s cultivated.

If you’re in a hidden healing season, this one is for you. Slow growth isn’t failure. God works in the soil first. Today is the day to choose faith over striving.

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

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https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Lust isn’t just a “guy problem.” But for so many Christian women, it feels like one of the most isolating struggles — full of shame, silence, and secret questions about desire and faith.

In this honest conversation, we’re sitting down with Michelle Rojas to talk about the unspoken battle many women face: navigating lust, temptation, and longing as followers of Jesus. We unpack how shame loses its grip when we bring our struggles into the light, and how God’s grace can meet us right in the middle of our weakness.

If you’ve ever wondered “Can I love Jesus and still wrestle with this?” this episode is for you.

You’re not broken. You’re not the only one. And there’s hope and freedom waiting on the other side of honesty.

To connect with Michelle, head over to @michellechristinerojas on TikTok!

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes 

If you’ve ever wondered whether your past pain disqualifies you from God’s purpose, this conversation will breathe hope into your heart.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Carla Arges, Christian mental health coach, podcast host of Affirming Truths, and a woman who has walked through bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and childhood trauma. Carla’s story is one of redemption: how God met her in the middle of her brokenness, renewed her mind with His truth, and continues to use every piece of her journey for His glory.

Together, we talk about:

• How trauma shapes our core beliefs and how God reshapes them with truth
• What it means to renew your mind daily through Scripture
• Moving from shame into restoration and freedom
• Practical first steps if you feel stuck in old patterns

Friend, God can use all of your story. I pray this episode reminds you that you are not disqualified—you are deeply loved and called to walk in freedom.

To connect with Carla, head over to https://www.carlaarges.com or @carla.arges on IG!

Listen to Carla’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/affirming-truths-podcast-christian-mental-health-encouragement/id1584414334 

FREE Renewing Your Mind Workbook: https://carla-arges.myflodesk.com/workbook 

Carla’s plans on YouVersion Bible app: https://www.bible.com/organizations/e772d67b-ac65-45d4-aded-48671892a363?utm_source=yvapp&utm_medium=share&utm_content=partner-page

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Ever feel exhausted trying to be a “good Christian”?

You pray every day, read your Bible, go to church every Sunday, serve, smile, don’t struggle, don’t doubt.

I used to think that’s what faithfulness looked like. And honestly? I was doing a pretty good job. But I wasn’t fulfilled… I was fatigued.

In this message from a recent event, we unpack what God actually calls us to — not performance, not pressure, not perfection — but faithfulness.

Through Galatians 5 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30 (ESV), we’ll talk about the difference between striving and stewarding, fear and trust, hustle and abiding. Jesus doesn’t say, “Well done, productive servant.” He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

If you’re striving but stressed, working but weary, determined but dry, this conversation will remind you:

Faithfulness isn’t something you earn. It’s something that grows as you abide in Him. Today is the day to lay down performance Christianity and walk in peace.

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

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https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes 

We all carry stories that feel too heavy to hold: the moments that hurt, the words that stuck, the seasons that made us question God’s goodness. But what if letting go isn’t about forgetting what happened, but finally making peace with it?

In today’s conversation, I’m sitting down with Alexandra Hoover, author of You Can Let Go: Make Peace With Your Past, Break Free from Offense, and Move Forward with God. We talk about what it means to actually move forward — not just in theory, but in the quiet, everyday moments where healing feels slow.

Alexandra shares how God invited her to release offense, find peace in His presence, and soften her heart even when it still hurt. This one’s for the woman who’s tired of holding on and ready to trust again.

Today is the day to start loosening your grip. God’s already holding you.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

To connect with Alexandra, head over to www.alexandravhoover.com or @alexandravhoover on IG!

Get Alexandra’s book You Can Let Go: https://amzn.to/4kqAxOb 

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes