Didn't Ask to be a Hero Podcast: Ordinary Women Living Extraordinary Lives

Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves is a six-part podcast series that tackles the raw reality of cancer while shining a light on unshakable hope in Christ. In today's episode, Annie and Davenia kick this honest and faith-filled journey off as they dish it out about their personal connection to the topic.

Then stay tuned for five more episodes each Thursday between July 31st - August 28th. Each episode will bring a different perspective to the conversation:

• an oncologist offering insight from behind the scenes, humanizing the provider
• a survivor whose life's work has been shaped by the diagnosis,
• a caregiver walking the hard road alongside a loved one,
• someone who is currently battling cancer, and
• a therapist/counselor who helps navigate the emotional and spiritual toll.

Together, these voices remind us that while cancer is devastating, it doesn’t have the final say—Jesus does.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. Have you or a loved one been impacted by cancer or another illness? How are you coping? How can we pray for you? Please email us at [email protected], or share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney

And if you know someone who might benefit from this series, please share it with them. Your share might just be the hope they need!

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage 

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode songs are (yes, you're getting two today) Hold On To Me by Lauren Daigle and Even If by MercyMe. Please note these songs are for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

In this powerful, liberating, and sometimes blush-worthy conversation, Kimberly Bulgin joins us to talk about what it means to be hot, holy, and whole. As a woman who embraces her femininity, owns her sexuality, and walks boldly in her faith, Kimberly challenges the belief that holiness requires hiding parts of who we are. Together, we unpack how to be comfortable in our bodies, confident in our beauty, and fully accepted by God—without guilt and shame. If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile your womanhood with your worship, this episode is your permission slip to live naked and unashamed, just as God designed.

And if after listening to this episode, you feel you need more of Pastor Kim, please checkout the following:

• Subscribe to her Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@KimberlyBulgin
• Join her WhatsApp Sisterhood Chat, a safe, Spirit-filled space where she sends out weekly devotionals and leads a live Wednesday morning prayer. Tap here to join the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JNirz7FcwkSHTUdEpHhvep
• Purchase her book, The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems! And because you're special and we're so appreciative that you took the time to listen to this episode, you can take advantage of the "Didn't Ask to be a Hero" discount. Use the Code HERO for a 15% discount off physical copies of book: The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems: https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/product-page/the-sisters-stay-dropping-gems
• Finally, check out Pastor Kim's ministry, House of Women and if you love it and can't get enough, use the Code HOUSEHERO for $5 off the House of Women membership fee: https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/houseofwomen

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How have you struggled to reconcile your sacredness and your sensuality? What, from this episode, do you resonate with or continue to grapple with? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage 

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode song is Daughter of the King by Jamie Grace featuring Morgan Harper Nichols. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

When Latoya faced the unimaginable heartbreak of her son's incarceration, she could have been consumed by grief, shame, and isolation. But for this courageous mother, the prison walls did not define the end of hope. 

In this powerful episode, we hear the story of a mother who found strength, peace, and purpose through her unwavering faith in God. She shares how prayer, scripture, and the support of her faith community have transformed her pain into perseverance. Join us as we explore her emotional journey—from despair to spiritual resilience—and discover how God's presence can bring light even in the darkest midnight.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How have you experienced joy amidst sorrow? What, from this episode, do you resonate with or continue to grapple with? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage 

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode song is If I Could by Regina Belle. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

In this eye-opening and deeply personal episode, I sit down with Monique Duson, co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity, for a powerful conversation about faith, identity, and what it means to be a Black female Christian in today’s world.

Monique shares her unique journey from embracing critical race theory to discovering a biblically grounded understanding of unity and identity. With grace, boldness, and honesty, she speaks on navigating cultural expectations, confronting ideological shifts, and finding liberation through the gospel—not through societal labels.

Together, we unpack tough questions:

• How do cultural narratives about race and gender shape our faith?
• What does true “wokeness” look like in the light of Christ?
• How can Black Christian women embrace their identity without compromise?
• How can we be the example of unity in order to reach a divided nation?

This is more than just a discussion—it's a clarion call to live authentically and courageously at the intersection of race, gender, and biblical truth.

Whether you’re struggling under the weight of oppression, wrestling with your identity, leading others in ministry, or simply seeking deeper understanding—this episode is for you.

For additional resources and support:

Please visit The Center for Biblical Unity's website

Listen to Monique's Podcasts

Purchase Monique and Krista's book Walking in Unity

Purchase the book by Thaddeus Williams, Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth

Read more about my (Davenia) own identity journey - Back to Biblical Africa

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How are you holding up under the weight of all the "isms?" What, from this episode, do you resonate with or continue to grapple with? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage 

Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode song is Ebony and Ivory by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

In this episode, we delve into the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. More than educational, Ruth Cowles shares her caregiver story highlighting the resilience, joy, the power of love & deeper relational connections made during one of the most challenging times her family had ever faced. Ruth share invaluable insights on how to navigate this difficult journey and discusses strategies for maintaining patience, and managing the daily tasks that become more complex as the disease progresses.

Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or simply seeking to understand the experience, this episode offers hope and guidance. So, tune and be encouraged.

You can read Ruth's book Bringing Mother Home on Amazon. You can also visit her website for more information and resources.

And here are some resources for caregivers:

Alzheimer's Association

Dementia Care Resources

Resources for Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's

Support Groups for Caregivers

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How are you aging gracefully? What's on your bucket list? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage 

Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

Today's episode song is The Goodness of God by CeCe Winans. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

Annie and Davenia dish it out as they chat off script about the joys (that would be sarcastic) of aging :-). From the birthday blues to bucket lists to seeing the beauty in the season there in.

In this episode we referenced two previous episodes that relate to our discussion. We hope you'll check them out too!

56 and not afraid to tell it with Kwavi

The sky's the limit with Joann

We also refenced our "scars" photoshoot. One year later, here you go - Beautifully and Wonderfully Made

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How are you aging gracefully? What's on your bucket list? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage 

Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

Today's episode song is Reflection by Christina Aguilera. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

The Kingdom of Heaven is under attack! The enemy is viciously attacking our world, churches, schools, families, and children. They are left wandering through the spiritual rubble with no covering or protection for their future. We are indeed living in a spiritual war zone, and people are badly injured and hurting, even in our church pews. 

What should be our response to this crisis? We can continue to ignore it and pretend that all is well, or we can face reality and realize that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (2 Cor. 10:3). There are some things still worth fighting for! So join our guest, Pastor Brenda Billingy as she shares her personal testimonies of how God answers prayers! If He's done it for her, He can and will most certainly do it for you!

You can purchase the book, Let's Pray for Family Fuel as referenced in the episode on Amazon or download a free PDF on our website.

To learn more about The Trenches Prayer Initiative you can visit our website or email Davenia at [email protected] or Pastor Billingy at [email protected].

You can also join the Facebook Community of Praying Mothers where you can connect with others, be inspired, and share your thoughts and prayer requests.

Today's episode song is Someone Prayed by Angela Bryant (and lyrics inspired by our very own, Davenia Lea). We encourage you to download this song, check it out on Youtube (Someone Prayed ), like it and to share it! We pray that it encourages you!

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. What burning questions do you have for our guests about love and relationships? How has your perspective on love changed your relationship? What's your ideal date night? What's the greatest love song ever? We wanna hear from you! Please share a text below or share your thoughts with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney and @daveniajoneslea.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player, on Apple or on our Podcast Webpage Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Annie and Davenia

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

Women, have you ever wondered what makes a man tick? What do they desire from us as women? How do they see us? How do we get them and better yet, how do we keep them? Well, today's guests are sure to please!

Four men from all walks of life - Andrew divorced and open to love again, Damein happily married for over 25 years, Derrick happily married for over 5 years and Kishore has never been married and awaiting the one God has for him - share from their experiences and from their hearts.

Join us for lots of laughter, Godly wisdom, and insights that will hopefully enhance the love you have or point you in the right direction to finding it!

Oh, and by the way, you know we always ask our guests their favorite song. Well we couldn't come up with just one, so here's a Spotify playlist of some of our favorites! Enjoy! Love, Romance and Passion Playlist

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. What burning questions do you have for our guests about love and relationships? How has your perspective on love changed your relationship? What's your ideal date night? What's the greatest love song ever? We wanna hear from you! Please share a text below or share your thoughts with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney and @daveniajoneslea.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player, on Apple or on our Podcast Webpage Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

Today's episode song is When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Annie and Davenia

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

First comes love, then comes marriage...and for many of us, this is where it ends because we haven't thought beyond the fairytale. And neither did our guest Angie Clayton. Take a listen as Angie shares how God worked through she and her husband's mess, became the center of their union and is blessing them exceedingly, abundantly beyond their wildest dreams. Angie touches on some tough topics for us as women like submission, follow where he leads, lay your weapons down, and taking the first step towards healing (yeah, even if your husbands 99% of the problem). A few ouch moments but many more aha ones! You'll laugh, you'll cry and we pray you'll go love up your hubby a bit more too. 

You can follow Angie on social media @angie_clayton_author and checkout her blog posts and books here - https://angieclayton.net/. 

As always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How have you been able see beautiful again, even after a traumatic or hurtful experience? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage 

Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

Today's episode song is Sweet Symphony by Joy Oladokun and Chris Stapleton. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

Did you know that over 70% of the women use the word "invisible" to describe themselves? Society does a fantastic job of packaging women in their 40s and over into boxes labeled with a sell by date or the dreaded expired sticker. You no longer need to be heard. You are no longer valued.

Well meet Kwavi as she shares her superpower for helping women become the best version of themselves while pursuing the kind of life they actually want....over the age of 50!

It’s time to not just age gracefully but to age boldly. Are you ready? Well, listen to this episode and we promise that you will cheer, laugh, praise, and did we mention laugh? 

Oh, and join in the fun when one of Kwavi’s biggest fans joins the conversation! Seriously, you don’t want to miss today’s episode. 

If you want to connect with and follow Kwavi, you can do so via Instagram @kwavi_tv, on Tik Tok via vm.tiktok.com/ZMemFBW1X or subscribe to her Youtube Channel @KwaviTV. 

And you can get her book, 50 Questions to Answer When You Reach 50, on Amazon. 

As always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How have you been able see beautiful again, even after a traumatic or hurtful experience? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage 

Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

Today's episode song is I’m Every Woman by Whitney Houston. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!