Get Up Girl

This week, we have a familiar voice on the podcast ... Mrs. Peri Reed! Peri joins us this time to discuss the topic of spiritual abuse. If you have not heard that phrase before, we encourage you to stick around and give this a listen. If you have heard that phrase before ... we encourage you to stick around and give this a listen! Peri has so much knowledge to offer on this  topic that is making its way to the frontlines in more and more conversations. We believe you will walk away more informed and empowered after listening to what Peri has to offer today! 

LISTENER WARNING: 

This episode contains conversation about many forms of abuse. If you are a survivor of any type of abuse, we encourage you to listen with care and pause and step away from this conversation, if needed. If, after listening to this conversation, you need to explore and process deeper into this topic, we advise you to reach out to a trusted source for further care. 

MENTIONS:

• When Narcissism Comes to Church by Chuck DeGroat

See what all Peri is doing in the counseling world HERE

Hi Friends!

We are so thrilled you stopped by to join us for a great conversation today. Thank you for being here! 

In this episode, I sit down with my friend, Holly Polonski as she discusses her journey through cancer at the young age of 22. She walks us through her physical journey AND her faith journey as she had to navigate this season of life shortly after losing her mother. Holly is a wife, mama, teacher and skin care enthusiast with some temporary tattoos that are still with her almost 20 years later (listen in for more on that!). 

Not to mention she just celebrated 19 YEARS CANCER FREE, all due to the healing power of Jesus! 

MENTIONS: 

• Good Grief by Granger Westberg

CONNECT:

• Holly's Happy Skin makes us want happy skin 

Hi Friends! For this episode, I sit down with wife, mama of 4, author of many, speaker, and encourager, Laura Smith. Laura is one of those people that, once you are in her presence, you feel like you can just take a breath. She has such a calming and soothing nature about her and everything that comes out of her mouth radiates Jesus. Not to mention that everything she puts a pen to flourishes! 

Laura is a best-selling author and strives to find the beauty of God in everything. She is passionate about sharing the love and truth of Jesus everywhere she goes. She is a professional coffee drinker and chocolatier, and her newest book, Restore My Soul, releases July 5, 2022!

MENTIONS:

• Get Laura's newest book here 

READS:

• The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

CONNECT:

• Visit Laura's website and see all she is up to here 

Hey gals! Welcome to this week's episode with the ever-beautiful Esther Marie. This conversation is unique because Esther and I are talking for the first time ... like ... EVER. Through the beauty of technology, Esther and I have connected and she agreed to come on the podcast and share her story. How wild is that!!

Esther is passionate about helping singles learn to love their life and discover their full potential. With a background in theological studies and humanitarian relief, Esther’s message offers Biblical truth paired with satirical stories to guide you along your journey of self-discovery. You can catch Esther riding waves near her home in California or playing with her nieces and nephews. 

MENTIONS:

• Esther's devotional on YouVersion 

Pull up a chair as Angie Haigler graces us with her presence on the podcast today. If you have the honor of knowing Angie, you know what a light she is. And if you don't know her yet, you will feel like you are sitting in her living room by the end of this conversation!

Angie discusses her faith walk with Jesus from an abusive childhood environment to living the fast-paced life as teen and young adult to encountering the love of God in a raw and real way. Her walk with Jesus led her straight into full time ministry where she and her husband now pastor a church that has changed the face of their city. 

Mentions: 

Church: Check out Justin and Angie's church here 

Read: Chasing Daylight 

Pop Culture: Prince | King of Pop | Open Eyes

** If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, we encourage you to call the National Domestic Violence hotline or visit their website here **

Join me as I chat with Jacqueline, a survivor of the sex industry. Today, Jacqueline so bravely shares her testimony of her life in the sex trade, how she made it out, and what God has done in and through her on the other side. Jacqueline is not only a survivor, but she is now an advocator for those who have walked this road and those who are still in exploitation. 

LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED:

This episode contains sensitive content related to sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. We advise listeners be over the age of 13. 

RESOURCES ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING:

Organizations: a21 campaign | Treasures | Hookers for Jesus | Polaris Project | Children of the Night

Documentaries: Nefarious: Merchant of Souls (faith based) | I Am Jane Doe 

Reads: Scars & Stilletos | Trophy of Grace (Both faith based)

Stats: Here | Here | and Here

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

1. Pray. Seek God on how you can get involved. Maybe it is through serving with an organization. Maybe it is giving financially or with your time. Maybe it is being a prayer warrior and partner with others in your community. There are so many ways to be involved!

2. Educate yourself & others! Have the discussion with your family, friends, and co workers. Know the signs and how to report. 

3. Give. Find an organization that is on the ground and give! Whether that is financially, donations, or giving of your time, your gifts, your skills .. whatever it may be, there are plenty of ways for you to give! 

Join me as I chat with my friend, Betsy Haddox!  Betsy is the author of over 15 novels and novellas. As a divorce and single mama survivor, Betsy has a deep rooted passion to seeing women restored in Christ. Today, Betsy speaks on healing from the trauma of divorce, navigating life as a single parent, and how Jesus restored and returned everything that was lost to the fullest. Betsy speaks with peace, passion, and courage as she shares her story. I hope your heart is encouraged today! 

Episode Mentions: 

Read: Wild at Heart | Captivating

Connect with Betsy here and here and here 

Reads from Betsy: Love Arrives in Pieces | The Key to Love   

Other reads mentioned: The Story of With | Chaos Can't 

Pop culture references: Cadbury Eggs | Ice Ice Baby

Get ready to laugh today as I chat with my soul sista, Peri Reed (but just wait until you hear her full name). Peri oozes joy because she knows what it is like to go through the fire and come out on the other side without even smelling of smoke. Today she shares her testimony of losing her father at a young age and how that changed the trajectory of her choices and her lifestyle well into her adult years. She speaks on the detrimental effects of abuse and trauma, the power of healing through Jesus Christ and, of course ... the Twilight Saga.  

For this episode, I chat with my sister from another mister, Shera Dye. She discusses her experiences with abandonment from an early age, surviving a miscarriage in her late teens, and a car accident that should have taken her life but, instead, led her back to Jesus. By a miracle of God, she not only survived but she THRIVED. She defied everything the doctors said would plague her for the rest of her life. And today, she shares her recovery journey physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

BOOKS:

Beyond Awkward Side Hugs by Bronwyn Lea

America's Expiration Date by Cal Thomas

Enter Wild by Carlos Whittaker 

Connect with Shera! 

IG: sheradye

FB: Shera Dye