Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome Pastor Martel of Streets of Destiny Church for a powerful New Year conversation filled with truth, hope, and encouragement. If you want to check out Streets of Destiny click below:

https://www.sodgoc.org/

Pastor Martel challenges common negative attitudes toward people experiencing homelessness and invites listeners to see with compassion instead of judgment.

The conversation also explores the question many are asking: Are we living in the end times? Pastor Martel shares a grounded, faith-filled perspective that brings both clarity and peace.

As the episode moves forward, Pastor Martel offers a meaningful "gold nugget" of encouragement for stepping into 2026 with purpose, along with practical advice for positive change in the New Year. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer as Pastor Martel speaks a blessing over the listeners.

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen B. are honored to welcome Pastor Martel Stevenson of Streets of Destiny Church for a powerful Christmas message of hope. If you want to check out Streets of Destiny click link below:

https://www.sodgoc.org/

In this episode of Hanging On To Hope, Pastor Martel shares the personal story that led him into homeless ministry and how God placed a calling on his heart to serve those living on the streets. He reminds us that hope can be found even in the hardest places—and that no one is forgotten by God.

Together, we talk about the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of salvation, and how faith can carry us through seasons of discouragement, loneliness, and loss. Pastor Martel offers encouragement to anyone who may be struggling during this time of year and shares practical ways we can help and support those experiencing homelessness.

He closes the episode with a heartfelt Christmas prayer, speaking life, peace, and hope over every listener.

Whether you're feeling weary, searching for hope, or looking for ways to make a difference this Christmas, this message is for you.

🎁 There is always hope—especially at Christmas.

https://hangingontohope.org

If today's episode encouraged you, visit https://deannewelsh.com for a free copy of When God Calls a Writer: Moving Past Insecurity to Write With Confidence, and look for the private Unstoppable Writers group on Facebook.

Deanne has offered a free mini guide as a gift below:

https://whengodfeelsfarawayagracefilledguideforchristianwriters-z4g.plannerpack.co/

In this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome Deanne Welsh—spiritual coach, spiritual director, author, and founder of the Unstoppable Writers community.

She offers practical, faith-filled guidance for writers at every stage, including how to start when writing feels heavy from trauma or grief, how to move past perfectionism and shame, and how to break projects into small, doable steps. Deanne gives Karen helpful direction on shaping years of journals into a book, and encourages Brenda with simple tools for writing to heal. She explains the difference between writing to heal and writing to publish, and reminds us that support—whether from a counselor, a trusted friend, or a writing community—can make all the difference.

This episode is filled with encouragement and hope. Healing and creativity go hand in hand, and you don't have to have it all figured out. Simply begin—one word, one page at a time.

https://hangingontohope.org

In this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome Deanne Welsh—spiritual coach, spiritual director, author, and founder of the Unstoppable Writers community. Deanne shares how her own story led her to support writers who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin.

She offers practical, faith-filled guidance for writers at every stage, including how to start when writing feels heavy from trauma or grief, how to move past perfectionism and shame, and how to break projects into small, doable steps. Deanne gives Karen helpful direction on shaping years of journals into a book, and encourages Brenda with simple tools for writing to heal. She explains the difference between writing to heal and writing to publish, and reminds us that support—whether from a counselor, a trusted friend, or a writing community—can make all the difference.

This episode is filled with encouragement and hope. Healing and creativity go hand in hand, and you don't have to have it all figured out. Simply begin—one word, one page at a time.

If today's episode encouraged you, visit https://deannewelsh.com for a free copy of When God Calls a Writer: Moving Past Insecurity to Write With Confidence, and look for the private Unstoppable Writers group on Facebook.

Deanne has offered a free mini guide as a gift below:

https://whengodfeelsfarawayagracefilledguideforchristianwriters-z4g.plannerpack.co/

https://hangingontohope.org

If you'd like to support the Survivors' Christmas Toy Drive the link is provided below.

https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLFXBNDSB5MKM/checkout/KHHOVTIQK3P3VMRSDVXV4NJT

Brenda J and Karen B welcome back Tahirah Ogletree, founder of the O.Tahirah Foundation, for a special holiday episode. Hanging Onto Hope is partnering once again with the foundation for their Survivors' Christmas Toy Drive: Giving Hope to Families Affected by Domestic Violence. This year marks their biggest outreach ever—providing Christmas gifts and encouragement to 500 families, a record number that shows the incredible growth of this mission.

Tahirah shares updates on her life, including her season of caring for her parents, and speaks openly about what continues to fuel her passion for survivor advocacy. She also highlights the foundation's powerful new support resource—their Emergency Rescue Vehicle Program. With the Mercedes van she received last year, the foundation has already helped survivors and their families escape dangerous situations with dignity and safety.

She also offers an inspiring update on the upcoming House of Hope, a shelter designed to offer safety, support, and a place of true healing for survivors.

This episode is a reminder of the true spirit of the season: hope, compassion, and showing up in extraordinary ways for those who need it most.

https://hangingontohope.org

In this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. interview Deenbo Kidane, Director of the Daniel Initiative, a global network of pastors and church leaders. She also serves as the Director of Children's and Youth Ministry at El Bethel Ethiopian Church.

Deenbo shares her story as a 1.5-generation immigrant and how this role allows her to bridge the gap between first-generation parents and second-generation children. She explains how cultural norms that feel "normal" to the first generation can create unrecognized trauma and identity loss in their children.

This conversation offers a clear, compassionate look at generational trauma and the challenges second-generation kids face as they navigate belonging, culture, and identity.

https://www.danielinitiative.com

https://hangingontohope.org

In this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. interview Deenbo Kidane, Director of the Daniel Initiative, a global network of pastors and church leaders. She also serves as the Director of Children's and Youth Ministry at El Bethel Ethiopian Church.

Deenbo shares her story as a 1.5-generation immigrant and how this role allows her to bridge the gap between first-generation parents and second-generation children. She explains how cultural norms that feel "normal" to the first generation can create unrecognized trauma and identity loss in their children.

This conversation offers a clear, compassionate look at generational trauma and the challenges second-generation kids face as they navigate belonging, culture, and identity.

https://www.danielinitiative.com

https://hangingontohope.org

In this episode, Brenda J and Karen B sit down with author and speaker Daniel Cruz to discuss his powerful new book, Don't Adopt Until You Read This Book! — Transracial Adoption: From a Biracial Adoptee's Perspective. Written from the viewpoint of a biracial adoptee, Daniel's story challenges listeners to rethink what it means to love and support adopted children — especially in transracial adoptions.

Daniel shares his deeply personal journey. For years, he had no idea who his biological parents were or even what race he was. As he grew older, the loss of identity and belonging led to trauma and shame that he now speaks of with honesty and compassion.

In this conversation, Daniel unpacks why his book isn't anti-adoption but pro-truth, calling adoptive parents to embrace their child's culture and heritage so every child knows who they are and where they come from. He also shares the incredible story of finding his birth parents through a DNA test and how his journey led to self-discovery and finding his true identity in Christ.

Brenda opens up about her own experiences raising biracial children and how this conversation helped her recognize and confront her own racial blind spots.

This episode is an honest, heartfelt discussion about race, adoption, identity, and faith — a must-listen.

https://multiracial-voice.beehiiv.com

https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Adopt-Transracial-adoption-perspective/dp/B0FR3QZRCJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CYV2QQAV0VN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vIGN7PsnfwXDaa9IYVGI3FX5rpIa-n9CgXEpEVhXLEI.zfrOwAjnf46AVAzY_BXZ5gKapKbFzU1bZ8c_jr-mTwM&dib_tag=se&keywords=dont+adopt+until+you+read+this+book&qid=1761264787&sprefix=dont+adopt+%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

https://hangingontohope.org

In this episode, Brenda J and Karen B sit down with author and speaker Daniel Cruz to discuss his powerful new book, Don't Adopt Until You Read This Book! — Transracial Adoption: From a Biracial Adoptee's Perspective. Written from the viewpoint of a biracial adoptee, Daniel's story challenges listeners to rethink what it means to love and support adopted children — especially in transracial adoptions.

Daniel shares his deeply personal journey. For years, he had no idea who his biological parents were or even what race he was. As he grew older, the loss of identity and belonging led to trauma and shame that he now speaks of with honesty and compassion.

In this conversation, Daniel unpacks why his book isn't anti-adoption but pro-truth, calling adoptive parents to embrace their child's culture and heritage so every child knows who they are and where they come from. He also shares the incredible story of finding his birth parents through a DNA test and how his journey led to self-discovery and finding his true identity in Christ.

Brenda opens up about her own experiences raising biracial children and how this conversation helped her recognize and confront her own racial blind spots.

This episode is an honest, heartfelt discussion about race, adoption, identity, and faith — a must-listen.

https://multiracial-voice.beehiiv.com

https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Adopt-Transracial-adoption-perspective/dp/B0FR3QZRCJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CYV2QQAV0VN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vIGN7PsnfwXDaa9IYVGI3FX5rpIa-n9CgXEpEVhXLEI.zfrOwAjnf46AVAzY_BXZ5gKapKbFzU1bZ8c_jr-mTwM&dib_tag=se&keywords=dont+adopt+until+you+read+this+book&qid=1761264787&sprefix=dont+adopt+%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

https://hangingontohope.org

In this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. talk with Joshuaan Williams, also known as Big J.—a hospitality professional, youth leader, hip-hop musician, martial artist, and boxer. Big J. shares his story of surviving an abusive relationship and being bullied, reminding us that abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender. He opens up about his healing journey, how he recognizes and helps stop bullying today, and even brings a surprise through his music.

As abuse survivors ourselves, we know that SAFETY is everything. Abuse is not limited to one gender. We understand that it may not be the same for men regarding safety, but for women, it's an utmost priority.

Facebook @Big J Nation

Instagram @bigjthadmc

https://hangingontohope.org