Help Her Be Brave Podcast

What if the very things you've been taught to overcome about yourself are actually part of the way God uniquely designed you?

In Part 2 of Amy Ford's conversation with Cristie Penn, they turn their focus to women—identity, femininity, relationships, influence, and the unique strengths God intentionally placed within women. Cristie Penn is a speaker, author, and relationship coach with a passion for helping people discover who they are in Christ and build healthy, life-giving relationships. For more than 30 years, she has encouraged individuals and families through biblical truth, practical wisdom, and authentic connection.

Cristie shares how women can become exhausted when they feel like they have to carry everything alone or prove their strength by becoming something they were never designed to be. She talks about women's ability to adapt, nurture, connect, influence, and co-lead, and why these qualities aren't weaknesses. Amy and Cristie also explore the importance of understanding your identity in Christ before looking for fulfillment through a relationship.

For women who have repeatedly found themselves in unhealthy relationships, this conversation gets especially practical. Amy and Cristie talk about recognizing the lies we may believe about ourselves, learning to ask what God says is true, and considering whether the people we allow into our lives value us and want the best for us. They also discuss the importance of godly friendships and community, especially for women who are carrying difficult circumstances alone.

Amy shares stories from Embrace Grace, including a single mom who realized she had been trying to be both mother and father for her son, and another mom who described the difference it made to begin carrying herself like a daughter of the King. These stories point back to one central truth: knowing who you are and whose you are can change the way you see yourself, the relationships you choose, and the way you move through the world.

Whether you're a single mom, a young woman, a mother, a ministry leader, or simply someone who has struggled to believe what God says about you, this episode offers an invitation to slow down, identify the lies, discover your God-given gifts, and rest in the truth of who you are. You don't have to prove your worth or carry everything alone. You were created by God with purpose, influence, beauty, and unique strengths—and there is freedom in learning to live from that identity.

• Support Embrace Grace: https://embracegrace.com/give

• Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: https://embracegrace.com/start-a-group

• Get your free Life Support Guide: https://helpherbebrave.com

• Learn more about Embrace Grace: https://embracegrace.com

• Keys for Us by Cristie Penn: https://keysforus.com/

• Follow Cristie: https://instagram.com/cristiepenn

What if understanding how God created men could change the way we see our sons, husbands, young fathers, and the men around us?

On this episode of the Help Her Be Brave Podcast, Amy Ford sits down with Cristie Penn, speaker, author, and relationship coach, to talk about identity, healthy masculinity, relationships, and the unique way God created men and women. Cristie has spent more than 30 years encouraging individuals and families through biblical truth, practical wisdom, and authentic connection, and she has a passion for helping people discover who they are in Christ and build healthy, life-giving relationships.

Amy and Cristie dive into what young fathers and young men need from the Church, why godly men modeling healthy masculinity matters, and how mentoring can help men grow into the people God created them to be. They also talk about how our understanding of our own identity in Christ can shape the relationships we choose and the way we see the people around us.

One of the most powerful stories Amy shares is about an Embrace Grace Princess Day, where a young mom who had experienced abuse from her baby's father saw a godly man serving women and praying over them. She had never seen a man pray for a woman before. In that moment, she realized she wanted a future husband like him. It's a beautiful picture of how simply seeing godly men love, serve, and lead can give someone a new vision for what a healthy relationship can look like.

Whether you're raising a son, mentoring a young man, walking alongside a young father, serving women through your church, or navigating your own relationships, this conversation is an invitation to look deeper—to understand identity, recognize healthy relationships, and speak life into the men and women God has placed around us. Because when we understand who God created us to be, we can begin to live and love from that place.

• Support Embrace Grace: https://embracegrace.com/give

• Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: https://embracegrace.com/start-a-group

• Get your free Life Support Guide: https://helpherbebrave.com

• Learn more about Embrace Grace: https://embracegrace.com

• Keys for Us by Cristie Penn: https://keysforus.com/

• Follow Cristie: https://instagram.com/cristiepenn

What if the night you believed your story was over became the beginning of God's greatest work in your life?

In this episode of the Help Her Be Brave Podcast, Amy Ford welcomes Tierra McCarty, an Embrace Grace alumna whose incredible journey is a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness through some of life's darkest moments. From facing an unexpected pregnancy and overwhelming hopelessness to discovering the love, community, and prayer that changed everything, Tierra shares how one night at Embrace Grace became the turning point that saved her life.

Tierra vulnerably opens up about walking into her first Embrace Grace group while secretly planning to end both her life and her pregnancy. As she prepared to leave that first meeting, God interrupted her plans in a profound way. Instead of walking away, she asked the leaders to pray—and surrounded by women who courageously prayed over her, Tierra experienced hope when she needed it most. That moment became the foundation for a completely different future for her and her children.

Amy and Tierra also talk about the challenges of single motherhood, learning to trust God as her provider, raising two beautiful children, and persevering through seemingly impossible obstacles—including completing aviation mechanic school while navigating financial hardship and witnessing God's provision through the generosity of His people. Throughout every season, Tierra discovered that God truly is her anchor, never allowing her to drift beyond His reach.

Whether you're facing an unexpected pregnancy, walking through a difficult season as a single mom, or wondering if God still sees you, this conversation is a reminder that hope is never out of reach. No matter how impossible your circumstances may seem, God is still writing your story—and He is faithful every step of the way.

• Support Embrace Grace: https://embracegrace.com/give
• Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: https://embracegrace.com/start-a-group
• Get your free Life Support Guide: https://helpherbebrave.com
• Learn more about Embrace Grace: https://embracegrace.com

What happens when men realize they have a powerful role to play in creating a culture of life?

In this episode of the Help Her Be Brave Podcast, Amy Ford sits down with Sean Corcoran, CEO of Men for Life, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about men, fatherhood, healing, faith, and the pro-life movement. Sean shares his story of losing his first child to abortion at 19 and the years of grief, shame, and struggle that followed before he began to understand how deeply that loss had affected him.

Sean opens up about the healing journey that helped him connect the dots between his abortion experience and the struggles that followed—and how sharing his story eventually opened the door for other men to share their own stories of loss. Together, Amy and Sean explore why men are often missing from conversations about abortion and how fathers, mentors, and the Church can come alongside men with truth, grace, and encouragement.

This conversation is ultimately about more than abortion. It is about calling men toward authentic, biblical masculinity—learning to protect, provide, lead, and serve—and helping young men understand the kind of man they want to become. Sean shares practical encouragement about creating a personal code, living with integrity, building character, and leaving a legacy that honors God.

Whether you're a man, a father, a mentor, a church leader, or a woman who wants to encourage the men in her life, this episode offers hope and a reminder that no one is meant to walk through unexpected pregnancy, fatherhood, or healing alone. When we choose courage, community, and support, we can help create a culture where women and men are equipped to choose life and families are strengthened.

1. Sean's powerful journey from abortion loss to healing

2. How abortion impacts men emotionally and spiritually

3. Why men are essential to ending abortion

4. The difference between authentic and toxic masculinity

5. Practical ways fathers, mentors, and churches can disciple young men

6. How Men for Life is equipping the next generation of courageous leaders

Support Embrace Grace:

https://www.embracegrace.com/give

Start an Embrace Grace group at your church:

https://www.embracegrace.com/start-a-group

Get your free Life Support guide:

https://www.helpherbebrave.com

Men for Life:

https://www.menforlife.org

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ntlmenforlife

Sean Corcoran on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lseancorcoran

Men for Life on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ntlmenforlife

Sean Corcoran on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/lseancorcoran

Can God redeem even our darkest choices? What happens when grace meets someone who believes they're too far gone?

In this episode of Help Her Be Brave, Amy Ford sits down with Evie West, police captain, author, speaker, and former gang member whose life is a remarkable testimony of God's relentless pursuit. As a teenager, Evie became involved in gang life, became a mother at sixteen, and later found herself pregnant again—alone, overwhelmed, and determined to have an abortion. But a compassionate pregnancy center, the love of a Christian community, and God's unwavering faithfulness changed the course of her life forever.

Evie shares how she found hope in the middle of fear, chose adoption for her second son, and discovered that her past did not disqualify her from God's purpose. Today, after more than 25 years in law enforcement, she serves as a police captain, bringing hope to people experiencing some of the hardest moments of their lives. Her story is a beautiful reminder that God doesn't waste our pain—He can use it to help others find healing and hope.

Whether you're facing an unexpected pregnancy, walking alongside someone who is, or wondering if your mistakes have defined your future, this conversation offers encouragement that no life is beyond redemption. God's grace is greater than our past, and He is still writing stories of hope today.

1. Evie's transformation from gang member and teen mom to police captain

2. Facing an unexpected pregnancy and becoming abortion-minded

3. How a pregnancy center's compassion changed her life

4. Choosing adoption and finding healing through God's grace

5. Overcoming shame, trauma, and a victim mentality

6. Discovering God's purpose after difficult choices

7. Living as a missionary through a career in law enforcement

8. Why sharing your testimony can bring hope to others

Resources & Links

Support Embrace Grace: https://embracegrace.com/donate

Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: embracegrace.com/start-a-group

Get your free Life Support guide: helpherbebrave.com

Learn more about Evie West: https://ambassadorspeakers.com/speaker/evie-west/

Read Revolving Choices: Playing Roulette with Life by Evie West

What happens when one adoption story comes full circle across generations?

In this episode of the Help Her Be Brave Podcast, Amy Ford sits down with Janelle Basham, Executive Director of BraveLove and a birth mom herself, to talk about adoption, community, and the importance of making women feel seen, valued, heard, and supported.

Janelle shares her story of making an adoption plan at 16 and how the support she received during that difficult season shaped her life and inspired her lifelong passion for walking alongside other women. Decades later, she found herself supporting her own daughter through an unplanned pregnancy—and even sitting beside her daughter's adoptive mother during labor as her daughter chose to parent her son.

Together, Amy and Janelle explore the beauty and complexity of adoption, the importance of birth mom stories, how adoption has evolved, and why no woman should have to navigate an unplanned pregnancy or adoption decision alone.

This is a powerful conversation about the impact of community, the beauty of showing up, and how one person's support can create a ripple effect that spans generations.

Resources & Links:

• Support Embrace Grace: https://www.embracegrace.com/give

• Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: embracegrace.com/start-a-group

• Get your free Life Support guide: helpherbebrave.com

• Learn more about BraveLove: BraveLove

• Follow BraveLove on Instagram: @joinbravelove

In this deeply moving episode of the Helper Be Brave Podcast, Amy sits down with Steventhen Holland to hear his unforgettable story of life, hope, and redemption. Conceived in rape and abandoned at just seven days old, Steventhen's journey is a powerful testament to the value of every human life and the unyielding grace of God.

Steventhen opens up about discovering the truth of his beginnings, the courage of his birth mother who risked everything to save him, and the emotional reunion that brought healing and closure after 27 years. He shares how his experiences shaped his ministry, Broken Not Dead, and how he now empowers others to find purpose and hope in the midst of brokenness.

00:00 – 03:48 | Introduction & Early Life

03:49 – 10:17 | Discovering His Story & Searching for His Birth Mother

10:20 – 21:52 | Emotional Reunion & Reflection on Grace

21:53 – 31:47 | Ministry: Broken Not Dead & Encouragement for Listeners

Join us as we explore:

1. How God redefined Steventhen's story from brokenness to purpose.

2. The impact of his birth mother's courage and love.

3. Stories of transformation and hope through his ministry and advocacy.

4. Encouragement for anyone navigating seasons of pain, rejection, or uncertainty.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that even in the darkest beginnings, life is sacred, and redemption is possible.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Follow Amy and Steventhen on Instagram: @amyfordeg and @steventhenholland

2. Connect with Steventhen: https://www.steventhen.com/

3. Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: embracegrace.com/start-a-group

4. Get your free Life Support guide: helpherbebrave.com

5. Become a monthly partner: https://www.embracegrace.com/give

Watch Steventhen's original YouTube Video meeting his mom for the first time.

If this story inspired you, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more courageous and heart-touching stories.

When Melissa Ohden's mother chose abortion, no one expected the baby to live. But against all odds — and through God's miraculous plan — Melissa survived.

In this deeply moving conversation, Melissa shares her incredible story of survival, forgiveness, and purpose. From learning the truth about her birth to ultimately forgiving her biological mother, Melissa's journey is a testament to the power of God's redemption and the sacred value of every human life.

Her story will leave you in awe — and remind you that no life is beyond God's reach.

Resources Mentioned:

• Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: embracegrace.com/start-a-group

• Get your free Life Support guide: helpherbebrave.com

• Become a monthly partner: embracegrace.com/give-monthly

• Follow Amy and Melissa on Instagram: @amyfordeg and @melissaohden

• Connect with Melissa: https://mybody-myvoice.org/

• Switch to Patriot Mobile: https://patriotmobile.com/embracegrace

When a single mom walks into your church, will she feel loved or judged?

In this heartfelt episode of Help Her Be Brave, Amy Ford shares powerful insights and stories about how the Church can better love single moms and create a truly welcoming environment for women facing unexpected pregnancies. From practical ways to offer help to the deeper heart change needed in our culture, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to see single moms the way Jesus does.

Whether you're a pastor, small group leader, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode will help you take your first step toward becoming a safe place for her to find hope, healing, and community.

👉 Learn more about starting a support group or finding resources at EmbraceGrace.com.

Resources Mentioned:

• Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: embracegrace.com/start-a-group

• Get your free Life Support guide: helpherbebrave.com

• Become a monthly partner: embracegrace.com/give-monthly

🔔 Subscribe for more stories of faith and hope every week!

When God placed adoption on Jill Dasher's heart years before it came to pass, she never could've imagined how He would fulfill that promise. In this powerful conversation, Jill shares the story of adopting her daughter, Ruth Harvest—born 13 weeks early on Easter Sunday—and the brave mom who chose life.

Host Amy Ford and Jill talk about surrendering to God's plan, the beauty of open adoption, and the miracles that unfold when we say yes to God. This episode will renew your faith and remind you that His timing is always right.

Help Her Be Brave is hosted by Amy Ford, founder of Embrace Grace, helping churches become safe places for women with unexpected pregnancies.

About Jill Dasher:

Jill is an author, speaker, and co-host of the Not Yet Now podcast. She and her husband pastor a church in North Carolina and are passionate about living out the Kingdom here and now. Learn more at JillDasher.com.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Start an Embrace Grace group at your church: embracegrace.com/start-a-group

2. Get your free Life Support guide: helpherbebrave.com

3. Follow Amy and Jill on Instagram: @amyfordeg and @jilldasher

4. Support the life-saving work of Embrace Grace: Give Monthly