By Words: Honest Faith Talks to Encourage Everyday Christian Women

What if gratitude wasn’t just something we practice — but a way of seeing our whole lives? This week, I’m sitting down with Virginia Wear Kujabi. She’s seen firsthand how faith isn’t limited to Sunday mornings — it’s formed just as much in the workplace, the kitchen, and the quiet middle moments of life.

Virginia shares what it looks like to trade a formula-based faith for a real, rooted walk with Jesus. We talk about learning gratitude as a posture instead of a checklist, finding God in our ordinary spaces, and the beauty that can grow in seasons of disappointment and transition.

If you’ve been striving to “get it right” or just longing for deeper connection with God in your everyday life, this conversation will feel like a deep breath for your soul.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

To connect with Virginia, head over to @vwear and @theformedlife on IG!

Listen to Virginia’s podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-formed-life-podcast/id1826482126 

Virginia’s book, In Everything Give Thanks: https://amzn.to/4hVR0su 

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FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

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Grab your coffee and your TBR list, friend — we’re diving into my favorite reads of 2025! From faith-filled fiction that met me right in the middle of motherhood, to nonfiction that stirred my soul and audiobooks that carried me through the carpool line, today’s episode is packed with honest recommendations and cozy conversation.

Whether you’re looking for a fun fiction, a spiritual growth book that actually encourages (not pressures) you, or an audiobook to fill your quiet moments, I’m sharing the stories that reminded me God is always growing something, even in the hidden places.

📚 Tune in for my top 5-star Christian book recommendations, what I’m reading next, and how God’s been shaping my heart through story this year.

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SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

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Loss and grief are roads none of us want to walk, yet almost all of us will. And too often, we don’t talk about it until we’re right in the middle of the ache.

In today’s honest and hope-filled conversation, I sit down with Clarissa Moll, author of Beyond the Darkness, to talk about what it looks like to grieve with Jesus — and to find beauty, purpose, and even joy again. Clarissa shares her personal story of loss and how God has met her in the shadows, reminding us that “grief may walk with us for the rest of our lives, but Jesus will too.”

We talk about:
-The lies the world tells us about grief (and the truth Christians need instead)
-What it means to move forward with hope, not guilt
-How to love and support someone who’s grieving (including kids)

-The steady presence of Jesus in our darkest seasons

If you’re in a valley of loss, or walking alongside someone who is, this episode will meet you with gentle truth and real hope. You are not alone in the darkness. Jesus is right there with you.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

To connect with Clarissa, head over to https://www.clarissamoll.com or @mollclarissa on IG!

Get Clarissa’s book here: https://amzn.to/4mrvOeR 

Listen to Clarissa’s podcast Surprised by Grief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/surprised-by-grief/id1553489597 

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

SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠

Today we’re talking about emotional healing and the nervous system and I can’t wait for you to hear this one. I sat down with Hope Vansuch, a Christ-centered nervous system coach, to talk about how God designed our bodies to heal, not just spiritually but physiologically too.

If you’ve ever wondered why you keep reacting the same way in moments of stress, or why certain patterns feel impossible to break, this conversation will be a deep breath of hope. Hope shares how our nervous system holds emotional memory, how the Holy Spirit partners with our body in healing, and why regulation isn’t just self-help — it’s spiritual alignment.

We’ll talk about breaking generational cycles, recognizing unhealed emotional wounds, and simple daily rhythms that bring peace back to your body, with Jesus at the center of it all.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in stress, shame, or striving, this episode is your invitation to slow down, tune in, and let God meet you right where you are.

To connect with Hope, head over to @hope_vansuch on IG!

Evergreen Coaching Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoMqw5HWEa-jNZf3h6tazgYRLwcS6NfAzQZY315akPvUhbVg/viewform?usp=header 

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

SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠

We’ve all been there: halfway through a heated text thread or comment section, trying to prove a point... and suddenly realizing we’re more focused on being right than being like Jesus. 🤦‍♀️

I can’t stop thinking about what my pastor said a few weeks ago: we’re not called to win arguments, we’re called to win souls.

When life “bumps” us, whatever’s inside our cup spills out. If bitterness or pride comes pouring out, that’s feedback. Luke 6:45 reminds us, “Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” What’s overflowing from yours?

Kindness (NOT criticism)  is what leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4). The goal isn’t to convince people, it’s to reflect Christ to them. So today, instead of aiming to be right, let’s aim to be right with God.

Because when we stay rooted in Him, gentleness, patience, and love become our automatic response — even in disagreement.

I’m cheering you on, friend. Let’s spill grace this week.

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

SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠

If you’ve ever walked away from a church experience carrying more wounds than hope, you’re not alone.

In today’s episode, I sit down with my friend Mia Elliott who shares her powerful story of growing up in a rigid, rule-based faith and how God gently led her into something deeper — a real, rich relationship with Jesus.

Mia opens up about religious trauma, the ache of church hurt, and what it looked like to rediscover the heart of God after disappointment. Her story reminds us that healing doesn’t mean walking away from faith, sometimes it means finally meeting Jesus outside the performance and pressure.

If you’ve been hurt by people in the name of religion or you’re wondering if faith can ever feel safe again, this conversation will breathe hope right where you are.

To connect with Mia, head over to @themiaelliott and @wasthattoomuchpodcast on IG!

Listen to Mia’s podcast here: https://linktr.ee/themiaelliott?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeoBLz2_1-LSRxKkEd5h_HD8Y2iGDzPdGnSWK1n80o33jhrZ6h3zPkQ6_j0sQ_aem_TVjBAlq3GM8RU2noTCy30g 

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

SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠

If you could sit across from your younger self with a latte in hand, what would you say? That’s the heart of today’s conversation with 15-year-old Rose Patton.

We thought it’d be fun to share some big sis advice — the kind of wisdom I wish I had tucked into our back pockets during those messy, beautiful teen years.

In this episode, Rose shares her testimony and heart for discipling young women, and together we unpack:

• What we’d say to our younger selves (and the next generation of Christian girls).
• How Gen Z girls can stand confident in who God says they are despite the pressure of social media, comparison, and culture.
• Encouragement for older Christian women who want to come alongside their younger sisters in Christ.

Whether you’re in high school figuring out faith in real time, or you’re a woman looking to encourage the next generation, this episode is packed with truth and a whole lot of sisterly love.

To connect with Rose, head over to @blessed_bonds1 on IG!

Rose’s podcast, Blessed Bonds: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blessed-bonds/id1788375577 

Rose’s devotional, Better Believe It: https://amzn.to/4lsuUh3 

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

SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠

Have you ever wondered if you can really hear God’s voice for yourself? In today’s conversation with Bible teacher and author Mariel Davenport, you’ll be encouraged to know that you can, and it starts with opening God’s Word.

Mariel shares her powerful testimony of moving from atheism to faith after reading a borrowed Bible, and how God’s Word completely transformed her life. We talk about what it looks like to engage Scripture in a way that’s personal, approachable, and deeply transformative.

Mariel walks us through her TEND method — a simple, garden-inspired framework that helps women engage more deeply with the Word of God. If you’ve ever felt dry in your faith, unmotivated to pick up your Bible, or unsure of how to really connect with what you’re reading, this episode will give you fresh hope and practical steps forward.

God’s Word isn’t distant or complicated. It’s living, active, and available to you right now (Hebrews 4:12).

To connect with Mariel, head over to https://marieldavenport.com or @marieldavenport on IG!

Get the FREE Tend Guide: https://marieldavenport.com/start  

TEND Bible Study: https://amzn.to/3VrRv2Y 

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

SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I don’t love this right now…” in the middle of motherhood chaos? If so, you’re not alone.

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain with some honest Christian mom confessions. Because the truth is: we don’t always love every second of motherhood. And that doesn’t make us bad moms. It makes us human.

We’ll talk about the tension between guilt and grace, why social media’s “enjoy every moment” message can feel crushing, and how God invites us to see our weakness as a place for His strength to shine.

Together, we’ll anchor in Scripture and reframe the lie that not loving every moment equals failure. Instead, we’ll remember that faithfulness matters more than feelings.

So grab your coffee and breathe deep, mama. This is a safe space to be honest, to release shame, and to hear encouragement that God delights in you right here in the messy middle.

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

SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠

Hormones, PMS, fertility… these aren’t usually words we hear in the same conversation as faith. But today, I’m sitting down with Christian hormone coach Virginia Gruhler to change that. Virginia shares her story of how faith and hormone health collided in her own life, and why she believes Christian women need both spiritual wisdom and practical tools when it comes to their bodies.

We talk about the basics of hormone health, what so many of us wish we had learned earlier, and how understanding your cycle is actually a form of stewardship. Whether you’re navigating PMS, thinking about future fertility, or just wondering why your energy feels all over the place, this episode will encourage you to see your health through both a faith and science lens. This one’s for every woman who wants to walk in faith, steward her health, and live with freedom!

To connect with Virginia, head over to @simply_virginia_ on IG and TikTok!

Virginia’s Faithful + Fertile Women program: https://forms.gle/XaE4xpReAgWexcVo9 

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

SHOP MY BOOKS:

Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz

Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs 

FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hannahhughes.myflodesk.com/pathwaytopurpose 

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

Connect: ⁠www.thehannahhughes.com⁠

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

https://www.instagram.com/bywordspodcast 

Shop my Amazon faves: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehannahhughes⁠