Finding Your Brave

When faith turns into performance, something has gone deeply wrong. Summer Neal shares why she stopped pretending that church girls have to look perfect to be loved by God.After years of people-pleasing and trying to keep the messy parts hidden, a devastating loss forced Summer to confront the truth: believers struggle with mental health, addiction, divorce, broken homes, and grief too. That realization became the spark for her book, Confessions of a Church Girl, and the beginning of a braver life.In this conversation, DeShawne and Summer explore:

• Why honesty matters in church communities
• The difference between perfectionism and excellence
• Why “me plus God” is enough when you feel underqualified
• How to stop performing and trust God with the outcome
• What it means to move forward even when you’re afraid

If you’ve ever felt you had to be “good enough” before God could use you, this conversation offers a freeing reminder: do it scared, trust God with the outcome, and let Him get the glory.Summer Neal is an author, entrepreneur, wife, mom, and ministry leader. Her book, Confessions of a Church Girl, invites women to trade secrecy for freedom.

Join us as we sit down with pastor and ministry leader Kristy Keitt. Kristy shares with DeShawne how she kept moving through fear, job loss, a high-risk pregnancy, and six months in the NICU with her son. Together, they talk about finding courage before you feel ready, the power of community, and trusting God through uncertainty.

What if the reason you haven't taken the next step isn't because you need more confidence?

Maybe you need to feel safe enough to begin.

In this episode of Finding Your Brave, I’m getting really honest about how growing up with neglect and abuse shaped the way I approach uncertainty, control, and risk. For years, I thought I needed more preparation, more confidence, and more certainty. But through marriage counseling, I began to understand that what I was really looking for was security.

We’ll talk about the difference between preparation and procrastination, why courage often comes before confidence, and what Philippians 1:6 reminds us: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.

You don't have to know how the whole story ends. You don't have to feel ready.

You just have to be willing to take the next faithful step.

What does it really mean to Find Your Brave? In this first episode, DeShawne shares the personal journey that led her to understand bravery in a completely different way. From overcoming trauma and leaving unhealthy relationships to embracing new opportunities and trusting God through uncertain seasons, she reflects on the moments that required her to take a step before she felt ready.

DeShawne talks about the parable of the talents, the danger of comparison, and what happens when we bury the gifts God has given us because we're afraid. Most importantly, she reminds us that bravery isn't about having no fear; it’s about choosing to move forward even when fear is present.

You don't need complete clarity. You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need enough faith and courage to take your next faithful step.

This is your invitation to find your brave... and be brave enough to begin.