Dear Past, Thank You

In this inspiring episode, Sonia sits down with her former colleague Kristen, who shares the unexpected health journey that changed her life — and ultimately led her to launch her own podcast. What started as unexplained fatigue and sharp pain became a wake-up call that led Kristen to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, where a mass was discovered in her first-ever mammogram. Praise God, it wasn't cancer, but the experience transformed her perspective on health, faith, and purpose.

Kristen opens up about learning to advocate for herself in the medical system, the courage it took to seek a third opinion, and the moment she sat in the waiting room surrounded by cancer patients and felt an undeniable call from God. Out of that moment, her new podcast Chosen for This Moment, inspired by Esther 4:14 — was born.

This episode is a powerful reminder to listen to your body, not delay your health screenings, and trust that God can use even the scariest seasons of life for something greater. If something has been tugging at your heart, this conversation just might be the nudge you need.

Listen to Chosen For This Moment on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chosen-for-this-moment/id1890744495

Listen to Chosen For This Moment on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZUnriJ97a88OlT1lfXhpq?si=9d250c9c06c74bd0

What does it really take to start over?

In this episode of Dear Past, Thank You, Sonia sits down with Samantha Hoppen to talk about the courage it takes to walk away from what no longer serves you, even when it’s good, familiar, and deeply intertwined with your life.

Samantha shares her journey of ending a long-term relationship, walking away from a shared future, and rebuilding her identity from the ground up. From people-pleasing and losing her voice to rediscovering who she is and stepping into purpose, this conversation is honest, raw, and deeply empowering.

If you’ve ever questioned a relationship, struggled to trust yourself, or felt like you’ve lost who you are… this episode will meet you right where you are.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The power (and pain) of starting over
• Letting go of a relationship with love and clarity
• Breaking free from people-pleasing
• Rediscovering your voice and identity
• Healing, grief, and rebuilding after loss
• Why trusting yourself changes everything

This episode will remind you:
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do… is choose yourself.

In this heartfelt continuation of Heather’s journey, we dive into the story behind her move to Uganda and the birth of her nonprofit, His Heart for Africa. From a childhood inspired by missions to founding programs that serve both students and the elderly, Heather shares the powerful ways God led her across the world and into a purpose far greater than she ever imagined.

We talk about:

• How a surprise trip changed her life direction

• The challenges of building a nonprofit in a developing country

• Her life-changing work with students, families, and the elderly

• How forgiveness and faith helped her heal childhood wounds

• What "home" really means when you live 8,000 miles away

Heather reminds us that our past doesn’t define us—it prepares us. Tune in for a story of purpose, resilience, and deep Kingdom impact.

Listen now and be inspired to say: Dear Past, Thank You.

Listen to Heather's Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-on-dirt-roads/id1800399542

Donate to her ministry - https://www.hisheartforafrica.org/

Follow her on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hisheartforafrica?igsh=MWg5Zml3Z2N5b25pYw==

Part 1 of 2 - In this deeply personal episode of Dear Past, Thank You, Sonia sits down with Heather Teague, a passionate missionary living in Uganda, to unpack her story of growing up in a household that looked whole from the outside but was marked by betrayal and emotional instability behind closed doors. Heather shares what it was like to have a father living a double life, how she unknowingly witnessed years of infidelity, and the weight of becoming the emotional “adult” in her relationship with him.

She talks candidly about the heartbreak, the boundaries she had to set, and the healing journey that eventually led her to forgiveness and freedom. Heather also opens up about her recent medical emergency and how God showed up in miraculous ways. This episode is a beautiful testimony of resilience, grace, and choosing healing over bitterness.

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Heather's Ministry

Faith On Dirt Roads Podcast

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It's Not Over

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In this heartfelt episode of Dear Past, Thank You, I sit down with someone extra special, my little sister, Krista. Together, we reflect on her journey of becoming a mother at 19, the challenges she faced, and how those experiences shaped the woman and mother she is today. We talk about the struggles of young motherhood, the strength it takes to persevere, and the beauty that comes with raising a blended family. With our own daughters on the verge of graduating high school, this conversation is filled with raw emotions, deep reflections, and valuable lessons on resilience, growth, and parenting through life’s unexpected turns.

Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for a conversation that is sure to inspire, encourage, and remind you that no matter how tough the journey, you can emerge stronger.

In this heartfelt episode of Dear Past, Thank You, I reconnect with my longtime friend and former boss, Julianne Reed, after 24 years. Julianne shares her powerful journey of navigating the challenges of caring for aging parents, stepping into her true calling, and trusting God’s timing.

We dive into topics that resonate with so many, balancing family and career, persevering through uncertainty, taking risks, and embracing the seasons of life with faith and grace. Julianne also offers invaluable insight into fundraising, event planning, and creating a sense of community through service.

Whether you’re in the midst of caring for aging loved ones, considering a major career change, or simply looking for encouragement in life's transitions, this episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and practical advice.

Key Takeaways:
- The emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving for aging parents
- Grieving the version of a loved one you once knew while embracing who they are now
- Trusting God’s timing and stepping into your true calling
- The power of perseverance, taking action, and learning from failure

This conversation is a reminder that no matter where you are in life, God is preparing you for something greater. Tune in for an inspiring, deeply personal episode that speaks to the heart of transformation and faith.

Listen now and be encouraged to step forward in faith, no matter the season you’re in!

In this deeply moving episode of Dear Past, Thank You, I sit down with my dear friend and now business partner, Priscilla Gray. Priscilla bravely shares her personal journey of brokenness, self-discovery, and redemption—one that took her through the pain of an affair, divorce, and ultimately, the unexpected beauty of reconciliation. She opens up about the struggles of identity loss, the impact on her children, and how faith and surrender to God led her back to healing, her marriage, and a stronger version of herself.

This episode is a testament to God’s grace, the power of vulnerability, and the hope that no story is ever truly over. If you're struggling with marriage, identity, or faith, this conversation is for you.

This week onDear Past, Thank You, I’m joined by Brent Long, a man whose journey from pain to purpose is nothing short of inspiring. From battling a broken spine that derailed his dreams to navigating the painful process of divorce, Brent's unwavering faith and perseverance are a beacon of hope for anyone going through tough times.

In this episode, Brent opens up about:- Overcoming identity crises through hardship
- How God’s unconditional love reshaped his life
- Turning pain into a platform to help others succeed

Tune in for a conversation that will encourage you to rise above your struggles and trust that there is hope on the other side. Don't miss it!

In this powerful episode of Dear Past, Thank You, I sit down with Nina Brothers, a trauma-informed coach and social media marketing expert, to discuss the deep healing journey after divorce. At just 22 years old, Nina faced the unexpected end of her marriage, navigating heartbreak, grief, and the pressure of societal expectations. Nina shares how her faith and identity in Christ became her anchor, helping her reclaim her sense of self after years of dysfunction and a painful divorce.

Through vulnerability and courage, Nina opens up about the importance of finding your identity beyond relationships, embracing the beauty in life’s struggles, and learning to trust in God’s timing. She offers profound advice for anyone struggling with heartbreak, feeling lost, or questioning their worth. Tune in for a conversation filled with hope, redemption, and the reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always room for growth and a brighter future.

In the Season 2 premiere of Dear Past Thank You, I share my personal testimony of how God brought healing and restoration to my marriage after facing near-divorce. Vulnerability, faith, and self-discovery were pivotal in transforming not only my relationship but my life. This episode reminds us that even in our darkest moments, hope is within reach when we trust God and embrace growth.