Uplifting Message

Brave Enough to See the Light, Brave Enough to Be the Light

Today’s uplifting message comes from Amanda Gorman’s powerful quote in The Hill We Climb:

"For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it."

Such a short yet profound statement! The word light carries deep significance—it represents hope, truth, and divine guidance. But seeing the light isn’t always easy, and being the light takes even greater courage.

In a world filled with darkness—doubt, fear, pain—it’s easy to lose sight of the light. And if we can’t see it, we may start to question its existence. But the truth is, light is always present; we just have to be brave enough to acknowledge it, embrace it, and reflect it in our lives.

Jesus Himself is the ultimate light. He came not only to give us life but to show us the way out of darkness. In John 8:12, He declares:

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

So, how do we break free from the blindness that keeps us from seeing and being the light?

The answer is in Ephesians 5:8:

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."

To truly be light in this world, we must first accept Jesus, the source of all light. This requires faith, surrender, and courage—leaving behind what blinds us and stepping into a life that radiates His love and truth.

God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Whenever you feel lost, discouraged, or overwhelmed, turn to Scripture. Let it illuminate your heart, renew your mind, and strengthen your spirit. Everything you need to see the light and be the light is right there in His Word.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some “darknesses” in your life that prevent you from seeing the light?

2. How can you actively walk as a child of light in your daily life?

3. What steps can you take to reflect God’s light to others around you?

4. What Bible verses have encouraged you when you felt surrounded by darkness?

"How can Cognitive Stimulation Help you Maintain Health Wellness" Part #2

Contactct information:

Dr. Abimbola Alao

Author, Wellness Coach, Educator and Speaker

See bio: Part #1

Website:

https://shorturl.at/hxyA4

https://www.abimbolaalao.com/

What is Storytelling?

Storytelling is a universal and ancient art form that transcends time, culture, and historical events. It has been an essential means of preserving knowledge, traditions, and values across generations. Throughout history, storytellers have employed various mediums such as song, chant, music, and poetry to convey their narratives, making their tales both engaging and memorable.

One of the most significant roles of storytelling is played by elder historians who pass down the history of their towns, people, and heritage through oral traditions. Many cultures have maintained their customs and legacies through this practice. For example, the Choctaw Native American tribes use storytelling as a way to preserve their rich history and educate younger generations about their ancestors, beliefs, and way of life. Similarly, Native Hawaiians rely on storytelling to pass down their history, legends, traditions, and genealogies, ensuring that their cultural identity remains intact.

In West Africa, storytelling is deeply rooted in tradition. Families and communities gather around the fire after dinner to listen to griots—storytellers who serve as historians, poets, and musicians. These narratives not only entertain but also teach important lessons about history, traditions, and professions, preparing the next generation to carry forward their cultural heritage.

The Jewish culture also emphasizes the importance of storytelling, particularly during Passover, when families recount the story of the Exodus. Through the Haggadah, younger generations learn about their ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom, reinforcing their cultural and religious identity.

Another rich storytelling tradition is found in Ireland, where "Seanchaí"—the revered storytellers—once traveled from village to village, reciting ancient tales of wisdom, mythology, and heroic deeds. These stories, which included legends of kings, warriors, and folklore, played a crucial role in preserving Irish heritage and keeping the oral tradition alive.

From indigenous tribes to historical communities across the world, storytelling remains a vital thread that connects people to their past, strengthens cultural identity, and ensures that the wisdom of generations endures. By Claribel Coreano

Part#1

Welcome to the "Be an Encourager Podcast"! I’m thrilled to bring you our second guest of 2025—someone whose work is truly inspiring. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Dr. Abimbola Alao, a distinguished wellness coach, literary scholar, and researcher. Dr. Alao is a certified wellness coach and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) practitioner, renowned for her signature program, Cell Narratives®, which has empowered many individuals to overcome chronic health challenges. Based in the UK, she has dedicated over 20 years to teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and has authored six books, along with translating eight children's books. For the past decade, her research has been deeply focused on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in dementia care, with a particular emphasis on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). She is a passionate advocate for early diagnosis and awareness, working tirelessly to improve dementia care. In addition, she serves as a visiting lecturer in Medical Humanities at the Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, UK. Beyond her impressive academic and professional achievements, Dr. Alao is also a woman of faith, deeply committed to her belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, she will be sharing insights from her incredible journey, both professionally and personally. Get ready for an enriching and encouraging conversation! Let’s dive in.

We welcome Dr. Alao to “Be An Encourager Podcast.”

Contact information:

Dr. Abimbola Alao

Author, Wellness Coach, Educator and Speaker

Website:

https://shorturl.at/hxyA4

https://www.abimbolaalao.com/

Books:

1. Desert Haiku

2. Dear Toriola, Let’s talk about Perimenopause.

3. The Legendary Weaver: New Edition

4. Trickster Tales for Telling.

5. The Goshen Principle: A Shelter in the Time of Storm

6. How to Enhance your Storytelling with Music

"Welcome back, everyone, to the Be An Encourager Podcast! I'm thrilled to kick off 2025 with an extraordinary guest. Today, we have the privilege of talking with Mabel Pearce, a passionate advocate and change-maker in the realm of domestic kindness and relationship awareness.

Mabel is the founder and president of Domestic Kindness, a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping churches to address and help resolve domestic abuse issues. She's a certified domestic violence advocate, a certified life coach, and an experienced small-group leader.

Mabel is also the co-author of Relational Awareness, a small-group Bible study that empowers Christians to recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and provides practical tools for navigating relational conflicts. On top of all her professional accomplishments, Mabel has been married since 1986, is a proud mother of five adult children, and a grandmother to three.

Mabel, welcome to the Be An Encourager Podcast! It’s truly an honor to have you here with us today."

Contact information:

Author, Podcaster, Educator

Website:

Domestic Kindness

www.DomesticKindness.org

Email: 

[email protected]

[email protected]

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DomesticKindness

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@domestickindness7361

Books:

Relational Awareness Bible Study by Domestic

Book

Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft

https://a.co/d/dzBowgY

I have the pleasure to interview our 34th Guest for 2024, Nichole Haugen Nichole is a wife, mom to six daughters, nurse, and grief coach. She spent over 10 years as

Contact information:

Email: 

[email protected]

Social Links:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/nursegriefcoaching/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/nursegriefcoach

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@nursegriefcoaching

Podcast:

https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/33936367

YouTube:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/nursegriefcoaching

Books:

Contributing

Available at Amazon.com

It's my pleasure to interview Mae Renfore, our 33rd guest. Mae is a wife, mother of ten, author, speaker, and life coach who is dedicated to providing encouragement and support through the power and hope of God's word to those facing life's challenges. She is passionate about fostering a closer and more intimate relationship with God among women and offering encouragement to those who have endured hardships. Drawing from her personal experiences of loss and grief—having lost three family members to sudden death within three years—Mae imparts new hope, purpose, and vitality to those with broken hearts and big dreams. She is the author of "Holding on to Hope," a family's story of child loss and the sustaining hope in God. Today, she will share insights from her background on the topic of "Raising God-Fearing Children."

Email: 

[email protected]

Facebook:

Ama Mae Irene Renfore https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009137414949&mibextid=JRoKGi

YouTube:

Books:

Holding on to Hope - a family's story of child loss and the hope in God that keeps them going.”

In Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your hearts and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”  

Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children;

I have the pleasure to interview our 32nd guest for 2024, Trisha Plummer Mounce, Trisha Mounce will always first and foremost be a child of the most high God. Through many miraculous events she put down her worldly

Contact information:
Trisha P. Mounce

Author, Podcaster and Speaker 

Phone:

314-479-3346

Website:

www.trishamounce.com

Email: 

[email protected]

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/trishamounce/profilecard/?igsh=bGcwc2560WdgYmx3

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/15fXndaGC/?mibextid=JRoKGi

YouTube:
https://youtube.com@/TrishaMounce?si=rUrl1Mge8GkgQV8p

Books:

Ephphatha

Contact information:
Trisha P. Mounce

Author, Podcaster and Speaker

Phone:

314-479-3346

Website:

www.trishamounce.com

Email: 

[email protected]

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/trishamounce/profilecard/?igsh=bGcwc2560WdgYmx3 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/15fXndaGC/?mibextid=JRoKGi

YouTube:

Books:

Ephphatha

It's my pleasure to welcome our 31st guest for 2024, Mr. Earl Morrison, to the "Be an Encourager" podcast. Mr. Morrison, a retired Chief of Police and former Assistant Director of the Council of Law Enforcement Educational Training, brings over 29 years of leadership and organizational experience. He provides consulting, classes, and mentoring across the United States. With a deep passion for teaching and mentoring, Mr. Morrison focuses on cultivating effective leadership and organizational development. Having recently published his fourth book, "Closing the Gap: Building Bridges for Organizational and Personal Success," Mr. Morrison will share insights from his background and discuss today's topic, "Never Give Up."

Contact information:

Leading and Learning with Character, L.L.C.

Leadership Development and Consulting

"Better your mindset, better your organization!"

Email: 

[email protected]

Phone:

512-269-1346

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/EarlMorrisonLeadingandLearningwithCharacter

1.      Closing the “Gap By Building Bridges

2.      Mentoring For Life: Leading and

3.      Leadership Lessons Learned: Leading

4.      Jumpstart your Leadership and

I have the pleasure to interview our 30th guest for 2024, Stephne Hockenhull, President, founder, Speaker, Educator, TV show host and bestselling international author. Stephne heads the Love Misunderstood Institute and will share her story and expertise as well as share words of encouragement for all listeners. The

Cyber extortion

Internet blackmailing

Sextortion

Romance scams

Email scams

Identity theft

Trolling, Gangs talking,

And cyber

Contact Information:

Stephne Hockenhull

President & Founder of Love Misunderstood Institute

Email:

[email protected]

https://www.Lovemisunderstoodinstitute.org

LinkedIn: 

https://www.Linkedin.com/in/Stephnehockenhull

YouTube:

bitly/WhereistheLove

Instagram:

https://www.Instagram.com/Love_misunderstood_institute