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Joy can Co-Exist with Pain and Suffering, with Debora Coty
SUMMARY:
- Guest, Author and speaker Debora Coty shares how to find joy amid pain, drawing from deep personal losses and decades of ministering to women.
- Writing journey: Her Too Blessed to Be Stressed brand unexpectedly grew to 40+ books/products with 2M+ copies sold worldwide; new devotional Bless Your Heart focuses on daily encouragement.
- “Papa God”: She uses the intimate, biblical sense of Abba (Papa/Daddy) to help women experience God’s unconditional love beyond imperfect earthly-father images.
- Faith in crisis: Six miscarriages triggered a two-year spiritual shutdown; daily praying through the Psalms—starting with “angry” psalms—slowly reopened her heart to God’s presence.
- Recent trials: Multiple family deaths, job loss, knee replacements, a spouse’s cancer, and a 5-year legal battle to protect her grandchildren—culminating in unexpected, miraculous breakthrough.
- Joy vs. happiness: Happiness depends on circumstances; joy is a chosen, steady confidence in God’s unchanging character that can coexist with grief.
- Tools for resilience: Gratitude (Philippians 4:6–7), worship/music, nature, Scripture, intentional fun and laughter, and noticing daily “grace notes” (small signs of God’s care).
- “BOGO blessings”: Inspired by 1 Peter 3:9—when you bless others, you “be one, get one,” receiving blessing as you give it.
- Anchoring Scriptures: Philippians 4:6–7 (peace covenant), Psalm 46:1 (ever-present help), Psalm 147:3 (heals the brokenhearted).
- Invitation: Join her BFF (Blessed Friends Forever) community for mutual prayer, encouragement, and practical faith; final charge—keep seeking God’s presence with perseverance.
PODCAST INTRO:
If you’ve ever wondered how joy can possibly coexist with grief, today’s conversation is for you. I’m joined by beloved author and encourager Debora Coty—creator of the Too Blessed to Be Stressed series, with over two million copies in print worldwide. She and I had a chance to connect for the podcast while she was visiting family in the Smokey Mountains and Debora brought her signature warmth, humor, and hard-won wisdom to help us find God’s presence in life’s most painful seasons.
We talk about the difference between happiness and true, resilient joy; how scripture—especially the Psalms and Philippians 4:6–7—anchors us when our faith feels shaken; and the “grace notes” God sprinkles through our days when we learn to look for them. Debora opens up about profound losses—miscarriages, family heartbreak, health challenges, and a long, exhausting court battle—and how waiting on God can still lead to breathtaking redemption.
You’ll hear practical tools to refresh a weary spirit: gratitude that changes the atmosphere, worship that invites God’s presence, nature that whispers His care, and yes—laughter—as a catalyst for joy. Debora also shares about her new devotional, Bless Your Heart, and invites you into her BFF—Blessed Friends Forever—community for prayer, connection, and ongoing encouragement.
Let’s listen in as Debora shares her message of joy, hope and encouragement. As soon as she starts talking you know immediately that’s she’s an encourager at heart maybe it’s because she exudes the joy of the Lord…and because of that joy, I think you’ll be surprising to hear all that she's been through and yet she still keeps leaning on Jesus for His joy and strength.
Live Loved and Thrive @alifeofthrive.com
Sherrie Pilk
ADDITIONAL BLOGS AND/OR PODCASTS ON THIS TOPIC:
Joy in the Midst of Grief, with Author Sonya Mack: https://alifeofthrive.com/2023/01/04/joy-in-the-midst-of-grief-with-author-sonya-mack/
Finding Hope in the Ashes, with Lea Turner: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/09/25/finding-hope-in-the-ashes-with-lea-turner/
Widows, Grief and Finding Hope, with Anne-Marie Lockyer: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/02/14/widows-grief-and-finding-hope-with-anne-marie-lockmyer/
The Possibility of Joy After Child Loss, with Lisa Espinoza: https://alifeofthrive.com/2025/07/16/the-possibility-of-joy-after-child-loss-with-lisa-espinoza/
CONNECT WITH DEBORA:
Website: https://deboracoty.com/
Learn more about Debora’s BBF (Blessed Friends Forever) Group by subscribing to her blog (which is on her website)
BIO:
Debora M. Coty is an events speaker, columnist, certified writing coach, and award-winning author of over 200 articles and 40 inspirational book products, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series, which has influenced two million lives worldwide.
An orthopedic occupational therapist for 36 years and piano teacher for 30, Debora rejoices in life as a diehard tennis addict and choco-athlete (that’s the step beyond chocoholic – she exercises just so she can eat more chocolate). She’s a bodacious women’s Bible study leader, and animated storyteller to anyone who’ll listen. Deb lives, loves, and laughs in central Florida with her long suffering husband of 47 years, two grown children, and five precocious grandbuddies.
Debora, known for her offbeat blend of humor and hope, has a passion for bringing women together to deepen relationships vertically (with their heavenly Father) and horizontally (developing heart-friends). Deb loves hosting a fun-loving community of BFFs (Blessed Friends Forever) from all over the globe at www.DeboraCoty.com.
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By Sherrie Pilkington
5
3030 ratings
SUMMARY:
- Guest, Author and speaker Debora Coty shares how to find joy amid pain, drawing from deep personal losses and decades of ministering to women.
- Writing journey: Her Too Blessed to Be Stressed brand unexpectedly grew to 40+ books/products with 2M+ copies sold worldwide; new devotional Bless Your Heart focuses on daily encouragement.
- “Papa God”: She uses the intimate, biblical sense of Abba (Papa/Daddy) to help women experience God’s unconditional love beyond imperfect earthly-father images.
- Faith in crisis: Six miscarriages triggered a two-year spiritual shutdown; daily praying through the Psalms—starting with “angry” psalms—slowly reopened her heart to God’s presence.
- Recent trials: Multiple family deaths, job loss, knee replacements, a spouse’s cancer, and a 5-year legal battle to protect her grandchildren—culminating in unexpected, miraculous breakthrough.
- Joy vs. happiness: Happiness depends on circumstances; joy is a chosen, steady confidence in God’s unchanging character that can coexist with grief.
- Tools for resilience: Gratitude (Philippians 4:6–7), worship/music, nature, Scripture, intentional fun and laughter, and noticing daily “grace notes” (small signs of God’s care).
- “BOGO blessings”: Inspired by 1 Peter 3:9—when you bless others, you “be one, get one,” receiving blessing as you give it.
- Anchoring Scriptures: Philippians 4:6–7 (peace covenant), Psalm 46:1 (ever-present help), Psalm 147:3 (heals the brokenhearted).
- Invitation: Join her BFF (Blessed Friends Forever) community for mutual prayer, encouragement, and practical faith; final charge—keep seeking God’s presence with perseverance.
PODCAST INTRO:
If you’ve ever wondered how joy can possibly coexist with grief, today’s conversation is for you. I’m joined by beloved author and encourager Debora Coty—creator of the Too Blessed to Be Stressed series, with over two million copies in print worldwide. She and I had a chance to connect for the podcast while she was visiting family in the Smokey Mountains and Debora brought her signature warmth, humor, and hard-won wisdom to help us find God’s presence in life’s most painful seasons.
We talk about the difference between happiness and true, resilient joy; how scripture—especially the Psalms and Philippians 4:6–7—anchors us when our faith feels shaken; and the “grace notes” God sprinkles through our days when we learn to look for them. Debora opens up about profound losses—miscarriages, family heartbreak, health challenges, and a long, exhausting court battle—and how waiting on God can still lead to breathtaking redemption.
You’ll hear practical tools to refresh a weary spirit: gratitude that changes the atmosphere, worship that invites God’s presence, nature that whispers His care, and yes—laughter—as a catalyst for joy. Debora also shares about her new devotional, Bless Your Heart, and invites you into her BFF—Blessed Friends Forever—community for prayer, connection, and ongoing encouragement.
Let’s listen in as Debora shares her message of joy, hope and encouragement. As soon as she starts talking you know immediately that’s she’s an encourager at heart maybe it’s because she exudes the joy of the Lord…and because of that joy, I think you’ll be surprising to hear all that she's been through and yet she still keeps leaning on Jesus for His joy and strength.
Live Loved and Thrive @alifeofthrive.com
Sherrie Pilk
ADDITIONAL BLOGS AND/OR PODCASTS ON THIS TOPIC:
Joy in the Midst of Grief, with Author Sonya Mack: https://alifeofthrive.com/2023/01/04/joy-in-the-midst-of-grief-with-author-sonya-mack/
Finding Hope in the Ashes, with Lea Turner: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/09/25/finding-hope-in-the-ashes-with-lea-turner/
Widows, Grief and Finding Hope, with Anne-Marie Lockyer: https://alifeofthrive.com/2024/02/14/widows-grief-and-finding-hope-with-anne-marie-lockmyer/
The Possibility of Joy After Child Loss, with Lisa Espinoza: https://alifeofthrive.com/2025/07/16/the-possibility-of-joy-after-child-loss-with-lisa-espinoza/
CONNECT WITH DEBORA:
Website: https://deboracoty.com/
Learn more about Debora’s BBF (Blessed Friends Forever) Group by subscribing to her blog (which is on her website)
BIO:
Debora M. Coty is an events speaker, columnist, certified writing coach, and award-winning author of over 200 articles and 40 inspirational book products, including the bestselling Too Blessed to be Stressed series, which has influenced two million lives worldwide.
An orthopedic occupational therapist for 36 years and piano teacher for 30, Debora rejoices in life as a diehard tennis addict and choco-athlete (that’s the step beyond chocoholic – she exercises just so she can eat more chocolate). She’s a bodacious women’s Bible study leader, and animated storyteller to anyone who’ll listen. Deb lives, loves, and laughs in central Florida with her long suffering husband of 47 years, two grown children, and five precocious grandbuddies.
Debora, known for her offbeat blend of humor and hope, has a passion for bringing women together to deepen relationships vertically (with their heavenly Father) and horizontally (developing heart-friends). Deb loves hosting a fun-loving community of BFFs (Blessed Friends Forever) from all over the globe at www.DeboraCoty.com.