Debby Handman: No Pretty Bow Podcast

Is it possible that God might use mud and saliva to heal us? This is the topic for today’s podcast.

If you have been in churches where it’s felt like God has left the room, this is the space for you. At No Pretty Bow, our desire is to draw close to God and not settle for something else in His place.

Debby Handman is a former minister (M.Div), educator, and single mother writing from the misty crossroads of faith and survival in rural Oregon. She is the author of the acclaimed novels House on Sand and The Gambler’s Wife, and her upcoming release, House of Broken Vessels.

Get full access to Debby Handman: No Pretty Bow at debbyhandman.substack.com/subscribe

We come thirsting for God in God’s House and sometimes find ourselves receiving something very different. What do we do when there’s water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink? This is the question we explore on this week’s podcast.

Debby Handman is a former minister (M.Div), educator, and single mother writing from the misty crossroads of faith and survival in rural Oregon. She is the author of the acclaimed novels House on Sand and The Gambler’s Wife, and her upcoming release, House of Broken Vessels.

Get full access to Debby Handman: No Pretty Bow at debbyhandman.substack.com/subscribe

This is for the women and men like me who have tried to do the spiritual work for a spouse. This is why it never works.

No Pretty Bow is for the “faithful homeless”—those of us navigating the wilderness after the structures collapse. This is where we stop pretending, take off the masks of performative purity, and find a faith built on survival and raw truth. Become a free or paid subscriber.

Debby Handman is a former minister (M.Div), educator, and single mother writing from the misty crossroads of faith and survival in rural Oregon. She is the author of the acclaimed novels House on Sand and The Gambler’s Wife, and her upcoming release, House of Broken Vessels.

Get full access to Debby Handman: No Pretty Bow at debbyhandman.substack.com/subscribe

This one is a little vulnerable, but it’s a message many of us need to hear. Do not let your pain be the voice that tells you who you are.

Subscribing means a new essay and podcast delivered to your inbox each week. This is a place for Christians who are no longer satisfied with the pretty bow—people who want an honest faith strong enough to face the ruins.

Get full access to Debby Handman: No Pretty Bow at debbyhandman.substack.com/subscribe

This is still my most widely read article.

A quick shout-out to my son, Isaac Handman, for composing the original music for the No Pretty Bow podcast. I'm grateful for the chance to create something together.

Subscribe to receive a new essay and podcast in your inbox each week. No Pretty Bow is a place for Christians who are no longer satisfied with the pretty bow—people looking for an honest faith strong enough to face the ruins.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

We often hear, "Hurt people hurt people." But when does that explanation stop being enough? Have you ever felt it was time to leave a church—and what made you realize it?

Get full access to Debby Handman: No Pretty Bow at debbyhandman.substack.com/subscribe

As a thank you for helping No Pretty Bow reach 500 subscribers, I'm starting a weekly podcast version of my essays for those who prefer listening to reading. I will release a new podcasts on Wednesday at 8 am when I'm able.

When was the last time someone surprised you by being more than your first impression of them? Drop a comment below.

Debby Handman is a former minister (M.Div), educator, and single mother writing from the misty crossroads of faith and survival in rural Oregon. She is the author of the acclaimed novels House on Sand and The Gambler’s Wife, and her upcoming release, House of Broken Vessels.

Get full access to Debby Handman: No Pretty Bow at debbyhandman.substack.com/subscribe