Guest Bio: Shalini Bennet has a BA from Duke University and a certificate from the Soul Care Institute. She was part of the original group led by Sharon Garlough Brown that led her to write “Sensible Shoes”, a book about the spiritual journey of four women. She edits for her sister, Vaneetha Risner, who has written “The Scars That Have Shaped Me” and “Walking Through Fire”. She and her husband have three young adult children ranging from 21 to 26. 

Show Summary: Have you ever heard of “spiritual formation”? It may sound complicated or confusing, but what if we told you it was as simple as practicing closeness with God? On today’s episode of God Hears Her, Shalini Bennett shares some wisdom with hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy, on how to practice spiritual formation while sharing her own personal testimony. 

Notes and Quotes: 

• “We need to be born again to be rightly attached to our Father.” —Shalini Bennett
• “The gospel is worth everything, but it is not dependent on my getting it right.” —Shalini Bennett
• “The love you receive from the Lord does not depend on your performance.” —Eryn Eddy
• “When I focus on my performance, I am focusing on myself, not on the Lord.” —Shalini Bennett
• “We have somehow believed the lie that He [God] does not want me as I am—nobody wants me as I am!” —Shalini Bennett
• “You don’t know as much about you as He [God] knows about you, and He chose you before the foundation of the world.” —Shalini Bennett
• “I find we live in a world where what we’re hearing is “run harder, run faster, run better, run, run, run, run, run”. . . even if life is a wreck, stick a happy face on it and Jesus will be happy with you.” —Shalini Bennett

Verses: 

• John 3:3 
• Psalm 81:10 
• Romans 12:2
• Zephania 3:17

Links: 

• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

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Guest Bio: Sheila Wise Rowe is a graduate of Tufts University and Cambridge College with a master’s degree in counseling psychology. For over twenty-five years she has counseled abuse and trauma survivors in the United States. Sheila ministered to homeless and abused women and children in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she also taught counseling and trauma-related courses for a decade. She is the cofounder of The Cyrene Movement, an online community for people of color seeking healing for racial trauma. She is the author of Healing Racial Trauma, The Well of Life: Heal Your Pain, Satisfy Your Thirst, Live Your Purpose along with The Wonder Years. She lives in the Boston area, where she is a writer, counselor, speaker, and spiritual director.

Show Summary: At some point in our lives, we have all experienced trauma. Maybe from a traumatic moment or a series of events that altered our lives. Do you feel different after your trauma experience? Have you been working to overcome things from your past or present that hurt you? Tensions have been high, and have caused an increasing amount of anxiety and pain, but God doesn’t leave us alone to deal with the aftermath. On this episode of God Hears Her, counselor Sheila Wise Rowe talks with Elisa Morgan about how we can overcome different types of trauma and work to heal racial trauma as a community of believers. 

Notes and Quotes: 

• “The reality is that most of us have experienced some sort of trauma.” —Sheila Wise Rowe
• “Multiple little T traumas can have a bigger impact than having one big T trauma.” —Sheila Wise Rowe
• “In order to be a counselor, you need to have been counseled.” —Elisa Morgan
• “Trauma is held in our bodies, and the only way to expel that is by moving (exercising, walking).” —Sheila Wise Rowe
• “I want brothers and sisters in Christ who are more than just allies, they are literally brothers and sisters and are participating in God’s shalom and justice.” —Sheila Wise Rowe

Links: 

• Healing Racial Trauma book by Sheila Wise Rowe: Amazon
• Sheila’s Website: https://sheilawiserowe.com/home
• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy 

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Getting older can make us feel discouraged as we watch our bodies change and feel irrelevant compared to younger people. But what if God has a plan for aging? What if we looked at it as a blessing instead of a curse? On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan talk about how God has a purpose for us throughout our aging. 

Notes and Quotes: 

• “The real legacy of life is not really in what we achieve. . . it is our inner character.” —Elisa Morgan
• “Our bodies are constantly cuing us because they are constantly changing.” —Elisa Morgan
• “You can accept it [aging] and have negative self talk about it, or accept it and still be a good steward to your body.” —Eryn Eddy 
• “Smile lines are a sign of how hard you pray.” —Eryn Eddy
• “I’m gonna put my foot in the door and keep it there to hold the door for the next woman to walk through it.” —Elisa Morgan
• “Every single human is the apple of God’s eye.” —Elisa Morgan
• “Your body is a container for what you have experienced.” —Eryn Eddy

Verses: 

• 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 

Links: 

• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

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How do you feel when you hear ‘special needs’? Does your mind fill with memories from someone you love with special needs? Do you get uncomfortable? Do you wish you knew more? On this episode of God Hears Her, Elrena Evans will talk with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy about what she faced when her son was diagnosed with special needs and how her world completely changed.

About Our Guest:

Elrena Evans is an executive editor of Paper&String, a digital care package celebrating faith, creativity, and beauty in its many forms. She is the author of a short story collection This Crowded Night, and Special Grace.

Notes and Quotes: 

• “Special education is taking something and presenting it in a different way.” –Elrena Evans 
• “When I said, ‘I don’t have any more hope,’ she said, ‘then I will hold it for you.'” –Elrena Evans
• “My dream is that one day the church will be the place where we can call with news of a diagnosis and say, ‘I don’t know what to do.'” –Elrena Evans
• “Written prayers give me words for when I have none.” –Elrena Evans 
• “Anything we are unfamiliar with, we get scared to ask questions. But that can make someone feel lonely.” –Eryn Eddy

Links: 

• Special Grace Elrena Evan’s book: https://www.ivpress.com/elrena-evans 
• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

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Do you know who you are? Are there lies that you believe about yourself? God designed us with a unique identity that is fueled by His love and knowledge of who He made us to be. On today's episode of God Hears Her, Jamie Winship talks with hosts Eryn Eddy and Elisa Morgan about how we can clarify our true identity and overcome the lies cast on us.

About Our Guest:

After a distinguished career in law enforcement in the metro Washington DC area, Jamie Winship earned an MA in English and developed a unique process called the Identity Method. This process of identity transformation is the key to resolving inner conflict and acquiring new levels of learning and creativity in any field. His unconventional efforts to bring about societal and racial reconciliation led him to Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Israel, and now Seattle. Jamie has worked with leaders in professional sports, business, education, law enforcement, government, non-profit, and other sectors. Jamie and his wife, Donna, are co-founders of Identity Exchange and its corporate arm, Identity Method, providing training and consulting in the transformative power of living fearlessly in your true identity.

Notes and Quotes: 

• “Ask God to remind us of the times He called to us and we didn’t know it was Him.” — Jamie Winship
• “True identity is the truest thing about you.” — Jamie Winship
• “Humans develop an inner voice based off the things they hear.” — Jamie Winship
• “The voice of God always takes faith to believe.” — Jamie Winship
• “The only way into the kingdom of God is through receiving.” — Jamie Winship

Verses: 

• Matthew 13:9–16
• 1 Samuel 3
• Genesis 3
• Genesis 16
• Psalm 139:13–16
• John 13:1–17
• John 4
• Matthew 5:3

Links: 

• Jamie Winship book and website: https://www.identityexchange.com/ 
• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

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At times we can feel overwhelmed by the events of our daily lives, even if they are good things. A state of overwhelm can cause a racing heartbeat, clenched fists, a lack of peace, and overthinking. Gem Fadling wants to help people overcome the hurry in their lives that causes rapid thoughts and an overall state of unhealthiness. Join Gem on this episode of God Hears Her, as she talks with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy about her own practices that lead to a healthier thought life.

About Our Guest:

Gem Fadling, CLC, is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc., a non-profit that trains people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better. She is a certified life coach and a trained spiritual director who coaches women at the intersection of spiritual leadership and soul care. Gem is the host of the I Can Do That! Podcast as well as the co-author of What Does Your Soul Love? Eight Questions That Reveal God's Work in You, and author of Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads.

Notes and Quotes: 

• “Busy is one thing. . . but hurried is the soul. Is it possible to be busy but unhurried?” —Gem Fadling
• “There is peace in unhurried living.” —Elisa Morgan
• “I wondered if worry and hurry was my thorn in my flesh?” —Gem Fadling
• “I think a lot of times in life we think we have to produce the fruit. . . but He will make the fruit happen!” —Gem Fadling
• “Our brains are busy, our hearts are fluttering. . . but God’s grace will meet us where we’re at.” —Gem Fadling
• “You are not your thoughts, you are more than your thoughts.” —Gem Fadling
• “Notice, discern, and respond.” —Gem Fadling 

Verses: 

• John 15:5
• Romans 12:2
• 2 Peter 1:3
• Philippians 1:6

Links: 

• Unhurried Living Inc website: https://www.unhurriedliving.com/ 
• Unhurried Living blog: https://www.unhurriedliving.com/blog 
• ‘Hold That Thought’ book by Gem Fadling: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-That-Thought-Sorting-Through/dp/083083169X 
• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

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Have you ever felt heartbroken by the terrible things that happen in the world? Do you ever feel hopeless, scared, or angry at injustice? On today’s episode of God Hears Her, guest Jenn Petersen explains what the International Justice Mission is and how God feels about injustice. Join hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy, as they talk with Jenn Petersen about how we can fight injustice wherever we are.

About Our Guest:

Jenn Petersen serves as Director of Mobilization, NYC, for the International Justice Mission. She is also co-founder and co-lead pastor of Resurrection Life NYC, a multi-ethnic congregation on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Jenn is passionate about justice, worship, songwriting, discipleship, and equipping and unleashing people to live every day as followers of Jesus. Jenn holds a Master of Divinity from Wesley Seminary and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Northern Iowa. She resides in Harlem with her husband, two children, and their dog, Charlie Parker.

Notes and Quotes: 

• God will use what you already have in your hands. —Jenn Petersen
• Following Jesus is a wild adventure. You never know where He will lead you. But His will is always the best. —Jenn Petersen
• When He opens your eyes to Scripture, you can’t unsee it. —Jenn Petersen
• What does it look like to love the Lord with all your strength? —Jenn Petersen
• There is no right or wrong way to pray [about such big prayers about injustice]. —Jenn Petersen 
• God takes the messiest parts and He can make the most beautiful, unexpected, redeemed ministry of our lives. —Jenn Petersen 

Verses: 

• Deuteronomy 32:4
• Isaiah 58:10
• Mark 12:30

Links: 

• International Justice Mission: https://www.ijm.org/ 
• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

Sometimes in life we find ourselves down or hurt when our expectations aren’t met or things don’t go the way we thought they would. On the other hand, things can go well and we may still be faced with negative emotions. Navigating the blues looks different for everyone, but guest Katara Patton shares some practical advice and tips from her own experiences with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy to help us navigate our mental health on this episode of God Hears Her.

About Our Guest:

Katara Washington Patton is a Senior Editor at Our Daily Bread Publishing, and the author of eight books, including 5-Minute Devotional Book for Women and Navigating the Blues: Where to Turn When Worry, Anxiety, or Depression Steal Your Hope. Patton is a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana. She and her husband, Derrick, reside on the South Side of Chicago. They have one daughter, Kayla. She is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. As much as possible, she tries to enjoy a Zumba class and a competitive game of Scrabble to keep her life balanced.

Notes and Quotes: 

• “I expected life to be high. . . I had a family who loved me. . . Life is not always high.” —Katara Patton
• “The only energy I had was to go to work and go to bed. One day I made a deal with myself that if I go to bed today, then I have to call a therapist tomorrow.” —Katara Patton
• “When you describe the numbness, a lot of people resonate with that.” —Katara Patton
• “We can find it hard to get out of bed even when life is good!” —Elisa Morgan
• “You have to take it one moment at a time. You don’t have to scale the whole mountain at once, just take it one step at a time.” —Katara Patton
• “Most of the time your friends and people do want to help, they just don’t know how.” —Katara Patton
• “Look at Elijah’s story! He showed a lot of signs of depression and God gave him very practical advice. Take a rest, have some food!” —Katara Patton
• “You need to allow yourself to feel your emotions and let others help you.” —Katara Patton

Verses: 

• 1 Kings 19 Elijah’s story
• Luke 5:17–39 
• John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”

Links: 

• Navigating the Blues by Katara Patton: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Blues-Anxiety-Depression-Steals/dp/1640702075
• https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
• Call or text 988 for mental health aid in the case of an emergency
• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy

Christmas is a beloved time of year. But it can be easy to get caught up in the season and forget about why we celebrate Christmas. On this episode of God Hears Her, hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy share the story of two real people in the Christmas story who were changed by Jesus being born. Join this conversation to learn more about how Christmas changes everything for us!

Notes and Quotes: 

• When Christmas becomes more than what’s handed down by traditions, it does change everything. —Elisa Morgan
• When I started understanding the crucifixion, then I started understanding the birth of Jesus. Before that, Christmas was these holiday fun things you would do and sadness processing a grief every year.  —Eryn Eddy
• The whole story of the Bible is about God’s love for humankind, our struggles to believe it, our choosing to do things on our own rather than believe it and God creating a deliverance for us in spite of ourselves. —Elisa Morgan
• Jesus reveals us. His presence in our lives reveals who we are, what we depend on, what we believe, our need for Him. He causes us to be revealed. —Elisa Morgan
• Whether you’re waiting for a relationship, or to become a parent, or a turn in your career—these things we are waiting for. To be like Simeon, changed by Christmas, in the way that we move from a trusting waiter to a fulfilled follower. —Elisa Morgan
• When I think of (Anna’s) loneliness, I’ve fought through feeling lonely and neglected with prayer and fasting and worship. It’s what got me through the other side of depression and anxiety. Worship and prayer. —Eryn Eddy

Verses: 

• Luke 2:22-35 
• Luke 2:36-38 

Links: 

• God Hears Her Episode 100 
• God Hears Her tote: https://godhearsher.org/shop
• Elisa’s book Christmas Changes Everything
• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy 

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The Christmas season can bring joy and excitement, but there are also high expectations and maybe some feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed. Do you tend to get caught up in the Christmas hype? Do you find yourself trying to make sure everything is perfect for your family and friends? On today’s episode of God Hears Her, guest Ruth Chou Simons shares how we can remember Jesus as the real reason for the season. Join hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy as they talk with Ruth about the true meaning of Christmas.

About Our Guest:

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books, including her newest book “When Strivings Cease”. She is an artist, entrepreneur, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

Notes and Quotes: 

• “When we start surrendering . . . that’s when God says, ‘Okay, now you’re ready to see my plan.’” — Ruth Chou Simons
• “God creates art out of burnout and rebellion.” — Eryn Eddy 
• “We put so much emphasis on the atmosphere. . . we make an idol of the feeling of Christmas.” — Ruth Chou Simons
• “The redemptive story impacts our lives in the mundane.” — Ruth Chou Simons
• “What we rehearse at Christmas time will change our lives the rest of the year.” — Ruth Chou Simons
• “Jesus didn’t come in the perfect setting.” — Ruth Chou Simons 

Verses: 

• Matthew 28:11
• Matthew 5:3
• Sermon on the Mount
• Matthew 5

Links: 

• Ruth’s website: https://ruthchousimons.com/ 
• Ruth’s book, Emmanuel: https://ruthchousimons.com/Emmanuel/ 
• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy