In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with someone extra special—Stephanie’s sister-in-law, Lydia Lusby! Born and raised in Statesboro, Georgia, as a pastor’s kid with three older brothers, Lydia knows what it’s like to grow up in the thick of church life. Today, she and her husband, Jeremiah, call Missouri home, where she works as a customer service assistant and appliance retail manager at Lightwise—and serves faithfully at her local church as both a worship leader and small group leader.

Lydia opens up about her journey through the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) Church, sharing how the weight of strict rules and gender expectations once shaped—and nearly broke—her faith. She gets real about the pain of witnessing hypocrisy and control within the church, the season when she walked away, and the powerful way God met her in that space to bring healing, grace, and true freedom in Jesus.

This conversation is raw, redemptive, and full of hope for anyone who’s ever confused religion with relationship.

Takeaways:

• Growing up in a strict religious environment can distort our view of God.
• Legalism often leads to shame, fear, and burnout.
• Walking away from religion doesn’t mean walking away from God.
• Jesus invites us into grace, not guilt.
• Healing from church hurt is possible.
• Freedom in Christ brings joy, authenticity, and peace.

Join us for this powerful story of redemption and grace—you’ll leave encouraged, challenged, and reminded that Jesus is better than religion every single time.

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JENNA:

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STEPHANIE:

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