“I am the embodiment of the worst case scenario. I am what every athlete fears and what pregnant parents dread. I am the catalyst for losing faith and questioning God.”

Those stunning words were written by today’s guest Dr. Amy Kenny, a brilliant author and scholar who lives with disabilities. That phrase— “worst case scenario”—resonates so deeply with me since I was born with a congenital brain defect that, essentially, exploded out of the clear blue when I was in my twenties.

Today I have the privilege of hearing from Dr. Amy Kenny. This brilliant woman’s work has helped me see that the “worst case scenario” might actually be the best case scenario for my life. She’s guided me in learning that my body—disabilities and all—is not an impediment to being an image bearer of God; it’s actually a channel through which I can bear God's image most fully. 

On this episode, we will…

• Investigate our standards of bodily perfection
• Parse out the critical difference between being cured and being healed
• Celebrate disability as a creative force
• Identify the traces of divinity to be found in our bodies

If you need permission to believe your body bears God’s image—whether you have disabilities or not!—this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church - https://a.co/d/3DZTIt1

Dr. Amy Kenny at Calvin University - https://youtu.be/URPc3nMll5s?feature=shared

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

Luke 14 - The Parable of the Banquet

John 9

***

There's so much more to the story.For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

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Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenote

Get to know us:

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⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp

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Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite chapters of a book I’ve ever written. Several years ago, my husband Jay and I released a book calledSuffer Strong. It’s all about how we were able to survive anything because we were willing to redefine everything—from failure to trauma to commitment. Even beauty. That’s the chapter you’re about to hear.

Before my stroke, I had never put too much focus on the way I looked. But once my face became paralyzed and my body lost a lot of its typical function, I had no choice but to confront the deep-down story of beauty that I had been told…and believed. After years of grappling with that story, I came to understand that it’s actually a story about fear, control, and shame. The truest beauty, it turns out, comes from putting down the shame and embracing our belovedness.

If you’re ready to trade in your old definitions of beauty and start living in freedom, I pray hearing these words invite you to take the first step in walking away from shame.

Suffer Strong - https://a.co/d/8DKyzM7

There's so much more to the story.For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visithttps://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

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Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content:https://hopeheals.com/hopenote

Get to know us:

⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠:https://hopeheals.com/

⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠:https://hopeheals.com/camp

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Instagram⁠:https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

I’m going to make a big claim: This will probably be the most sweeping, inspiring conversation on beauty you’ll hear in your life. I say this with such confidence because Brook Hensley changed the way I understand beauty. And she’s about to do the same for you. 

Over the next several weeks, we’re going to focus deeply on the story of our beauty and our bodies—what the story is, who is telling it to us, and what needs to change. But before we get into the flesh-and-bones of it all, I want to talk about beauty as a concept. Why, oh why, does it matter to us so much?

That’s where Brook comes in. This brilliant friend of mine is inviting you and me into a surprising and subversive new way of thinking about beauty. Join in on this unmissable conversation to understand…

If you’re waiting to unlock a mind-blowing expansion of your relationship to beauty, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

Hope Heals Camp - https://hopeheals.com/camp/

Upcoming speaking events: https://hopeheals.com/upcoming-events

The Soul of Desire by Dr. Curt Thompson - https://a.co/d/0J89OXU

Beauty Will Save the World by Brian Zahnd - https://a.co/d/3N6yPdA

Walter Wink - https://a.co/d/4xjwKxz

“Why It Matters” by Sara Groves - https://www.saragroves.com/song-lyrics/why-it-matters

The Overview Effect - https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/houston-we-have-a-podcast/the-overview-effect/

Earth rise photo - https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230511-earthrise-the-photo-that-sparked-an-environmental-movement

Blue marble photo - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blue_Marble

“This Is What I Do To Feel Close To You” by John Guerra - https://youtu.be/nSozD9_vHo0?feature=shared

Andrew Peterson - https://www.andrew-peterson.com/

On Beauty and Being Just by Elaine Scarry - https://a.co/d/bj0RBTC

“The last act is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason.” - T.S. Eliot

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

1 Samuel 14:7

Romans 1:20

Psalm 27:4

Psalm 90:17

Matthew 5:30-41

John 8:12

Matthew 5:14-16

***

There's so much more to the story: ⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠ for more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me!

Follow me in Instagram: ⁠⁠@hopeheals⁠⁠

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⁠Apple Podcasts⁠

⁠Spotify⁠

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⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, my monthly digest of only the good stuff, like short reflections from me and a curated roundup of the Internet’s most redemptive content. Subscribe here.

YouTube Show Notes

There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664beb

Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenote

Get to know us:

⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/

⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp

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Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

Recently I received emails from two people in very different circumstances who were grappling with (essentially) the same question: Who is telling me the story of who I should be?

Their messages struck me so deeply because, for the first half of my life, I asked other people to tell me that story. I desperately wanted to please people by giving them the power over who I was and what I should do. Then I was set free by, of all things, a massive stroke. My new physical limitations meant I was no longer capable of pleasing everyone, all the time.

And neither are you, whether you live with disabilities or not. So let’s get real about it. 

We simply cannot go any further into our conversation on identity formation without coming to terms with who we’re trying to please. My teammate Caroline Young is joining me on this week’s episode of The GoodHard Story Podcast to offer a glimmer of hope (and maybe a big deep breath) for all of us people-pleasers and perfectionists. Here’s what we get into:

If you want to prioritize pleasing God over pleasing people, this episode is for you!

Show Notes:

I Shall Not Want by Audrey Assaud - https://youtu.be/e5xEYgGr6ms

Star for Jesus and Other Jobs I Quite by Kim Stuart - https://a.co/d/4GnHtlN

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

Hosea 6:3

***

There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664beb

Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenote

Get to know us:

⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/

⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp

⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.org/

Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

If you think your calling is collateral damage in the hurt and hardship you’ve experienced, I understand how you’re feeling. The work I’m doing now looks nothing like the dreams I had for my life. But now, I can’t imagine dreaming up anything better.

Today on The GoodHard Story Podcast we’re covering one of my all-time favorite topics: how our limitations—rather than our strengths—invite us to lean into God’s calling for our lives. Give me 45 minutes of your day and I’ll give you a new way of approaching your purpose. I’m sharing how you can…

If you need fresh vision for the good purpose in your hard story, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

Treasures in the Dark Entry 46: Dreaming New Dreams - https://a.co/d/4n1npsd

“The most progress we can make is turning around” - C.S. Lewis

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

***

There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664beb

Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenote

Get to know us:

⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/

⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp

⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.org/

Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

How could it be true that God withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly?

I spent years trying to make God’s ways align with my definition of goodness, but nothing ever seemed to click. Finally, I realized I actually needed to redefine what goodness meant to me. It was not an easy process, let me tell you, but it has formed me for the better.

My friend Lysa has been on the same journey of redefining everything in a life that has upended every expectation she had. While our pain has taken completely different forms, she is my sister in suffering whose extraordinary character has been formed by hardship, not in spite of it. No one is more qualified to coach us on identity formation than Lysa TerKeurst.

I’m inspired and challenged by who she is today and who she is still becoming, and I think you will be too. You do not want to miss out on the goodness and grit today episode of The GoodHard Story Podcast. Here’s just a preview of what you’ll take away:

If you’re ready to become better instead of bitter because of your heartbreak, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

Therapy and Theology Podcast - https://lysaterkeurst.com/therapy-and-theology/

I Want to Trust You, But I Don't by Lysa TerKeurst - https://a.co/d/2Q6mHfK

Lysa’s TikTok dance in New York - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDTBG8np6mm/

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

***

There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664beb

Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenote

Get to know us:

⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/

⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp

⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.org/

Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

I don’t re-listen to my own podcast episodes often, but I’ll be replaying this one many times over. My guest Dr. Dan Allender is a trauma therapist. And if you just assumed this episode has nothing for you, consider Dr. Allender’s words: “All life east of Eden is a form of trauma.”

Whew. 

So, yeah, you need to hear this. Dr. Allender’s work has been a gamechanger in my life and I insist that you have access to his wisdom, too! He has given me a framework for understanding, grieving, and telling my story, and I cannot think of a more trustworthy voice to speak into our conversation on identity formation. 

On this episode, the kind and brilliant Dr. Allender shares…

If you want support in becoming who you’re meant to be, this episode is for you.

Show Notes: 
The Allender Center - https://theallendercenter.org/

The Allender Center Podcast - https://theallendercenter.org/category/podcast/

Curt Thompson Confessional Community - https://curtthompsonmd.com/the-way-of-the-confessional-community/

Adam Young on The GoodHard Story Podcast Episode 71 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-71-what-your-feelings-are-asking-of-you-with/id1496882479?i=1000671653634

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

2 Corinthians 4:10

Romans 12:15

Psalm 22:1

***

There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664beb

Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenote

Get to know us:

⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/

⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp

⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.org/

Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

It’s 2025, friends. Who do you hope to become in the year ahead?

You and I are probably not going to become people of resilience, compassion, and courage by accident. Our circumstances, beliefs, relationships, and decisions are shaping our souls—in both good and hard ways—every minute of the day. I want to understand exactly how it’s happening. And what I can do to create the identity I want.

Today we’re talking to my winsome friend Bob Goff—author, speaker, and unofficial spokesperson for belovedness. This mentor of mine knows how to live whimsically *and* strategically, and I am determined to learn how to do it too.

On this episode, Bob is sharing exactly how you can…

If you’re ready to start living like you’re loved (because you are), this episode is for you!

Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility - https://www.bobgoff.com/books/catching-whimsy/

Treasures in the Dark Entry 32: The Habit of Hope - https://a.co/d/3mcRhmK

Treasures in the Dark Entry 60: What If? - https://a.co/d/3mcRhmK

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

***

There's so much more to the story. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=043bd6b10a664beb

Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, our twice-a-month digest of only the good stuff, like reflections from Katherine and a curated digest of the Internet’s most redemptive content: https://hopeheals.com/hopenote

Get to know us:

⁠⁠Hope Heals⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/

⁠⁠Hope Heals Camp⁠⁠: https://hopeheals.com/camp

⁠⁠Mend Coffee⁠⁠: https://www.mendcoffee.org/

Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/hopeheals/

"Hope is not a fixed point I will reach. Hope is the living force that propels me through the ongoing cycle of hurting and healing."

In these sacred weeks surrounding Christmas, I want to acknowledge that the holiday season isn’t such a bright time for all of us. These final days of the year can be a painful reminder of what we once had. What is no longer. What will never be.

Each week in the month of December, I'll be sharing a short reflection that invites you reconsider your darkest seasons as times of formation, preparation, and possibility.

Treasures in the Dark Read Along

Starting January 9, 2025, I’ll be hosting a 90-day read along of Treasures in the Dark over on Instagram. Make sure you’re following me there because I’ll be streaming some readings from the book, sharing behind the scenes content, and hosting discussions with all of you. If you want to grab your own copy of Treasures in the Dark, it’s available wherever books are sold. You can find the audiobook on Spotify or Audible.

Like what you heard?

There's so much more to the story⁠⁠. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: ⁠⁠@hopeheals⁠⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

⁠Apple Podcasts⁠: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

⁠Spotify⁠: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=4e5a0a76749b4d91

Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, my monthly digest of only the good stuff, like short reflections from me and a curated roundup of the Internet’s most redemptive content. Subscribe at https://hopeheals.com/hopenote.

"Hope is an escape hatch from the what-if loop because it gives you and me permission to live the lives we have. It narrows our vision to work with what’s in front of us. Hope puts to rest all the lives we could have lived and gently reminds us, “This is the one you’ve got. Don’t waste it.”

In these sacred weeks leading up to Christmas, I want to acknowledge that the holiday season isn’t such a bright time for all of us. These final days of the year can be a painful reminder of what we once had. What is no longer. What will never be.

Each week in the month of December, I'll be sharing a short reflection that invites you reconsider your darkest seasons as times of formation, preparation, and possibility.

Treasures in the Dark Read Along

Starting January 9, 2025, I’ll be hosting a 90-day read along of Treasures in the Dark over on Instagram. Make sure you’re following me there because I’ll be streaming some readings from the book, sharing behind the scenes content, and hosting discussions with all of you. If you want to grab your own copy of Treasures in the Dark, it’s available wherever books are sold. You can find the audiobook on Spotify or Audible.

Like what you heard?

There's so much more to the story⁠⁠. For more messages of hope, free resources, and opportunities to connect with me, visit https://hopeheals.com/katherine.

Follow me in Instagram: ⁠⁠@hopeheals⁠⁠

Subscribe to The GoodHard Story Podcast!

⁠Apple Podcasts⁠: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-hard-story-podcast/id1496882479

⁠Spotify⁠: https://open.spotify.com/show/0OYz6G9Q2tNNVOX9YSdmFb?si=4e5a0a76749b4d91

Want a little hope in your inbox? ⁠⁠Sign up for the Hope Note⁠⁠, my monthly digest of only the good stuff, like short reflections from me and a curated roundup of the Internet’s most redemptive content. Subscribe at https://hopeheals.com/hopenote.