In this episode, Rebecca and Liz welcome Dallas Theological Seminary President Dr. Mark Yarbrough to discuss maintaining and rekindling a vibrant faith. Drawing from Scripture and personal stories, Dr. Yarbrough explains the various ways our faith can cool, and offers six essential principles for fanning the flame. Dry seasons—even desert seasons—are a normal part of the Christian walk. Even the earliest church fathers spoke of seasons of consolation and desolation. We hope and pray that this conversation provides the spark your weary heart needs.

Resources & Links:

The Rekindled Heart
Story of Scripture
Mark Yarbrough
Dallas Theological Seminary


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Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

This week on Honestly, Though, Rebecca and Liz sit down with Christine Crawford for a deeply honest conversation about trauma, soul care, rest, and what it means to follow Jesus as whole human beings—not just floating heads with theology degrees. Christine shares how her work in trauma-informed spiritual formation led her to rethink some of the harmful messages many Christians have absorbed about rest, weakness, emotions, and even our physical bodies. Together, we explore why soul care isn’t self-indulgent—it’s deeply biblical.

Resources Mentioned:

• Christine Crawford’s ministry: The Holy Shift
• The Draw Near series
• Center for Mind-Body Medicine

Connect with Christine:

• TheHolyShift.org
• Instagram
• Facebook

And friends—wherever you are today, may you remember this:

You are allowed to be human.
You are allowed to rest.
And you are deeply loved by God.

In this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca and Liz sit down with Tiffany Stein to explore the profound truth about grief, suffering, and God's nearness. Tiffany shares her personal journey through the devastating loss of her son, revealing how grief shapes our understanding of God's character and invites us into deeper faith. 

Resources:

• Mourning God: Grieving Loss, Wrestling with God, and Finding Your Way Back to Life
• Dallas Theological Seminary
• Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Tea
• John Mark Comer on Biblical Hope

Connect with Tiffany:

• Instagram
• Website

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of depression and suicidality. Please listen with care, and consider sharing or listening alongside someone you trust if this is a sensitive topic for you.

On this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell and Nika Spaulding sit down with author and mental health advocate Chris Morris to talk about his powerful book Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression. Chris shares candidly from his own lifelong battle with depression and suicidality, offering a deeply personal and faith-filled perspective on what it means to follow God in the midst of ongoing mental health struggles.

His story challenges the misconception that faith automatically eliminates suffering—and instead points to a God who is present even in the darkest places. Together, we explore the intersection of theology and mental health, the stigma surrounding these conversations in the church, and what it looks like to pursue healing without shame. This episode is honest, compassionate, and full of hope for anyone who has struggled—or loves someone who has.

About the Book:

Resilient and Redeemed weaves together biblical truth, personal story, and practical insight to help readers navigate depression and suicidality with honesty and hope. Drawing from his own experiences, Chris offers encouragement for those facing shame, misunderstanding, and long-term mental health battles—reminding readers that God has not abandoned them.

Connect with Chris Morris:

•  Website/Blog: https://chrismorriswrites.com
•  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrismorriswrites
•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismorriswrites
•  X: https://x.com/chrismorriswrite

More from Chris Morris:

• Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression
• By Faith: Strength and Hope for Life’s Challenges

Resources:

If you or someone you love is struggling:

•  Call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
•  Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people find hope-filled conversations like this one.

In this episode of "Honestly, Though: Real Talk. Real Life. Real Faith," Liz and Rebecca welcome Taylor Standridge to explore the biblical and theological foundations of contentment, stewardship, and the elusive concept of "enough." If you're tired of chasing more and want to discover the freedom Christ offers in trusting God's provision, this conversation is for you.

Resources & Links:

Find FaithFi: Faith and Finance at https://www.faithfi.com/

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected]. 

In this episode of "Honestly, Though: Real Talk. Real Life. Real Faith," Rebecca Carrell sits down with Dr. Christine M. Crawford and Dr. Kelley Matthews to unpack the pain of toxic relationships, the importance of truth, and what biblical love really looks like. This candid conversation explores the harmful theology that's often embedded in Christian culture and offers encouragement for women seeking healing and wholeness in Christ.

Resources & Links

• The Holy Shift Podcast
• Kelly Matthews on Substack
• Books by Christine Crawford
• Dallas Theological Seminary
• Houston Christian University

Connect with Christine Crawford:

• Instagram
• Website

On this episode of Honestly, Though, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Rebecca Carrell and guest co-host Dr. Kelley Mathews for a timely conversation about loving our Iranian neighbors in the midst of national conflict. Together, they reframe the tension by reminding us that every nation is filled with image-bearers of God—and that our true struggle is not against people but against the spiritual forces at work behind the scenes. With pastoral wisdom and biblical insight, Carmen invites us to stay attentive to the Spirit’s leading, looking for everyday opportunities to extend the love of Christ across cultural and political divides.

Resources & Links:

• Carmen Imes’ Books: Bearing God's Name, Being God's Image, Becoming God's Family
• Kelly Matthews’ Books and Articles
• Exodus: An Archaeological Perspective
• Logos Bible Software
• The Well (Online Theology & Resources)

Connect with our guests:

• Kelly Matthews - Twitter, LinkedIn
• Carmen Imes - Website, Twitter

Last Words:

Friends, as we close, let’s remember that our sharing, listening, and small acts of kindness can be powerful tools to cultivate God’s kingdom here on earth. Commitment to scripture fuels us to answer every question and navigate every challenge with hope rooted in Christ. Always seek to act with compassion, humility, and grace—because in doing so, we reflect Jesus to a hurting world.

In a world full of noise and distraction, it’s easy to miss what matters most. In this episode, Rebecca and Liz welcome Cynthia Yanof to discuss her new book, How’d I Miss That? Through humor, storytelling, and hard-won wisdom, Cynthia explores how we overlook God’s work in our everyday lives—and how we can begin to notice Him again. This conversation is both lighthearted and deeply meaningful, inviting listeners to slow down and pay attention.  

Find out more about Cynthia Yanof HERE.
Buy How'd I Miss That? HERE.

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez  https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas

We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

In this episode of Honestly, Though, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with pastor Matt Love to rethink the way Christians approach funerals. Drawing from his Christianity Today article, Love explores how American culture often gives grief only “two weeks and a casserole” while many services quietly remove the gospel from the moment it’s needed most. Together they discuss the place of lament, the hope of resurrection, and how the church can proclaim Christ even in the shadow of death.

Matthew D. Love, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Harding School of Theology, where he trains and mentors the next generation of preachers and church leaders. He holds a PhD in preaching from Baylor University, along with an MDiv from Harding School of Theology and a BA in Bible from Harding University. In addition to his academic work, Love has spent many years in congregational ministry and preaching, including serving as preaching minister for the Beebe Church of Christ in Arkansas. His writing focuses on preaching, pastoral theology, and the life of the church, and his work has appeared in outlets such as Christianity Today.

Read his article, The Death of a Eulogy, HERE.

We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us.

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].

Genesis 38 interrupts Joseph’s story with a scandal. Or so we’ve been told.


But what if Tamar isn’t a seductress? What if she isn’t a vixen, a manipulator, or a cautionary tale? What if she is the most righteous person in the room? In this episode, Rebecca Carrell and Liz Rodriguez sit down with theologian Chad Bird to take a fresh look at Judah and Tamar.

Tamar refuses to quietly disappear when Judah withholds justice. She refuses to let the covenant line die. And in doing so, she becomes the catalyst for Judah’s transformation—the very man whose tribe would carry the scepter, and whose descendant would be Jesus Himself. This is not a story about scandal. It’s a story about courage. About righteousness. About a woman who would not be erased.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the uncomfortable corners of Scripture, this conversation will remind you: sometimes the women we’ve misunderstood are the very ones moving redemption forward.

Chad Bird is a biblical scholar and theologian who serves with 1517.org, where he writes, teaches, and hosts podcasts focused on the riches of Scripture and the heart of the gospel.

A former professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Chad is known for his Christ-centered approach to the Old Testament and his ability to make complex biblical theology accessible and deeply pastoral. He is the author of several books, including The Christ Key and Unveiling Mercy, and is passionate about helping readers see Jesus woven throughout the entire biblical narrative.

Find out more about 1517.org HERE.
Find Chad online HERE.
We love hugs! And when you rate, review, and share Honestly, Though on Apple Podcasts (and all podcast platforms), we see it immediately, and it feels just like a big, warm hug. Thank you in advance for taking an extra moment to make sure others find us in the algorithms. And speaking of finding us...

Honestly, Though: @honestlythoughthepodcast (FB & IG)

Rebecca Carrell: https://www.rebeccacarrell.com/ ;  IG - @RebeccaCarrell ; X: @RebeccaACarrell ; FB - Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez: IG: @lizannrodriguez ; FB - Liz Rodriguez - https://www.facebook.com/liz.rodriguez.92775

Nika Spaulding: https://www.nikaspaulding.com ; IG - @NikaAdidas ; X - @NikaAdidas



We have the world's best producer! Are you interested in podcasting? Do you know someone who is? Taylor Standridge can help with audio engineering, production, editing, show mapping, and coaching. Connect with Taylor at [email protected].