Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women

While the holidays give us a chance to reconnect with family and friends, they can also be a time when old sore spots get re-bruised. Amy 'n' Cheri tackle the timely topic of forgiving holiday hurts. Oh, the freedom we receive when we embrace—and extend—God's grace!

Amy and Cheri talk candidly about how to recognize when we might be the ones driving others crazy and discuss practical ways to recalibrate on the fly. Amy shares an all-new attitude she's practicing this year ... plus some exciting news. Here's to a joy-full Christmas!

Even as we sing about "heavenly peace," we recovering people-pleasers, perfectionists — and those of us who are Highly Sensitive People — can struggle not to over-react to circumstances we can't control. (You knew "The C Word" had to make an appearance!) Amy and Cheri discuss practical ways to avoid "Contact Crazy" at Christmas and unpack the "HSP Pivot" Cheri's been practicing. Even when external circumstances are less-than-ideal, internal peace isn't just possible—it's a promise ... a gift God offers each one of us.

With so many expectations swirling around us during the holidays, even the most reformed perfectionist can revert back to old ways. In this candid convo, Amy 'n' Cheri contrast their "ideal" holiday selves with their "real" holiday selves and discuss what hinders us from being our most authentic selves at Christmastime. They also share and reflect upon two scriptures that will help you stay secure in your identity in Christ, all the way into the New Year ... and beyond!

If you've ever promised yourself, "This year, I'm going to focus on the reason for the season!" only find yourself in full-blown perfectionism come December 25th, this episode is for you. Amy and Cheri share why and how they've handed over too much authority during the holidays. Plus, they discuss a Biblical litmus test for discerning the difference between healthy accommodation and unhealthy people-pleasing — this time of year, and all year long.

Jesus is our "Prince of Peace" — so why do we place so many expectations on ourselves this time of year? Amy 'n' Cheri discuss times they've had to scale back on their usual holiday decorations and celebrations, and how to keep accidental "Christmas creep" from taking over our lives. Be sure to listen for the one word Amy is eliminating from her vocabulary ... plus the new theory she's testing! And rest in the assurance that Jesus replaces all our try-hard efforts with the peace of knowing Him.

The holidays pose a real challenge for reforming perfectionists and people-pleasers, and those of us who are Highly Sensitive People! In this episode, Amy and Cheri discuss how to know when you've done "enough" ... and what's really of greatest importance (hint: it has nothing to do with Pinterest!)

Most perfectionists and people-pleasers try to avoid failure at any cost. But as Amy and Cheri have learned, sometimes what initially appears to be a failure turns out to be the seed for a bountiful crop of unexpected blessings from God.

Do you know your personal brand? Do you communicate it everywhere you go? Personal brand is a powerful idea that can change our work like and our personal life for the better. Amy 'n' Cheri discuss the development of their own personal brand and give you tips for finding your own. You'll also hear why it may be more important to hone your strengths than to focus on your weaknesses. Sounds like freedom, right? Listen for your own strengths in the list Cheri and Amy give. (And make sure to tune in to find out Cheri's signature color that's become part of her personal brand. Do you think you know it?)

Over half of churched women work outside their homes, but many say they feel that this part of their lives is ignored in the faith realm. With sixty-five years of combined corporate experience, Paula Brown Stafford and Lisa Grimes, co-authors of Remember Who You Are, share hard-earned wisdom about work and family that's steeped in their strong faith. In this episode, Paula and Lisa give lessons of grit with rich measures of grace to their sisters in the working world.