LifeAudio

“When I numbed anxiety and uncertainty, I also numbed beauty and joy.”

That moment of clarity from Ericka Graham came after years of abusing prescription drugs, when God met her in a beautiful way involving a bumble bee and a flower. The point? Substances numb the bad, sure, but they also numb the good.

But addiction isn't the whole of Ericka's story. From a young age, she also struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder—compulsions, intrusive thoughts, and scrupulosity, the form of OCD that focuses on faith and religious rituals.

In this episode, Ericka shares how OCD and scrupulosity quietly trained her nervous system to look for relief through control. She explains how religious fear, perfectionism, and an all-or-nothing mindset made it difficult to tell the difference between faith and compulsion—and how those same patterns eventually showed up in disordered eating and prescription medication abuse. None of it looked alarming from the outside. She was high-functioning, responsible, and sincere. But internally, anxiety was running the show.

Ericka also reflects on the night in an emergency room that her denial cracked, why recovery didn’t begin with willpower, and how learning to sit with uncertainty became a crucial part of healing from both addiction and OCD-driven control.

This conversation is for anyone who lives with intrusive thoughts, spiritual anxiety, or the exhausting need to get it “right,” and for those who’ve learned to cope quietly rather than ask for help. Ericka’s story is a reminder that numbness is never selective—and that real healing often begins when we stop managing ourselves and allow God to meet us in our fear instead of our certainty.

We explore: 

– How anxiety quietly fueled Ericka’s need for control
– The early signs of compulsive behavior that were easy to overlook
– Why high-functioning coping often delays honesty
– How numbing anxiety also numbs joy, beauty, and connection
– The progression from disordered eating to prescription drug abuse
– Why denial can coexist with sincerity and faith
– The moment that finally cracked her self-deception
– The difference between willpower and surrender in recovery
– How recovery reshaped her experience of God
– Why feeling again was both terrifying and necessary

Ericka's podcast: Curiously

Follow Ericka: @mrserickagraham

Follow me: @jonseidl

Order my new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic.

Support the Show: https://www.jonseidl.com/

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Today’s Bible Verse – John 5:7

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me. - John 5:7

In John 5:7, we hear the voice of a man who has been stuck—physically and emotionally—for 38 years. His words reflect a deep sense of helplessness and isolation, but they also open the door for one of Jesus’ most powerful miracles.

This verse is a reminder that even when we feel unseen, unsupported, or left behind, Jesus sees us. He meets us in our waiting, our longing, and our weariness—and invites us to healing that goes beyond what we imagine.

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Meet Today’s Host: Jennifer Slattery

Discover more devotions with Jennifer at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Jennifer Slattery is a national speaker, multi-published author, and founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She’s passionate about helping believers live with bold faith, rooted in surrender to Christ’s purpose.

Jennifer co-hosts both Your Daily Bible Verse and Faith Over Fear, encouraging listeners to step into their God-given identity. Her teachings blend Scripture with personal insight to help others embrace God’s power over fear and move forward with confidence.

Learn more at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com

Learn more at Lifeaudio.com

Let Scripture shape your heart today—begin with the Bible Verse of the Day on Biblestudytools.com

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It's obvious that there is divisiveness in the world, but it's hard for us to accept the divisiveness we see in the church. What if Christians could achieve real unity and see that carry over into how we engage with culture? My friend Heather Thompson Day returns to the podcast today to share her heart on this, and more, in today's episode!

CHECK OUT HEATHER'S MINISTRY: https://www.https://www.heatherthompsonday.com

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: https://a.co/d/0vE5Cji

PRINT OUT MY FREE "SHAME CYCLE WORKSHEET" HERE: https://kirbykelly.myflodesk.com/shamecycleworksheet

CHECK OUT MY FREE RESOURCES: https://kirbykelly.myflodesk.com/kirbykelly 

For 10% off of Faithful Counseling, and to start your healing journey today, go to: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/kirbykelly

To sponsor a child in need alongside me with Compassion International, go to: https://www.compassion.com/kirbyisaboss

For all podcast questions, guesting, and inquiries, email me at [email protected] 

Support the ministry!: https://kirby-kelly.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5d23856d41ec3a0001234376

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What if the most powerful thing you can do heading into 2025 is simply approach God's throne?

In this episode, Rachel shares three prayers for the new year drawn from Hebrews 4:16. Whether you're entering January with anticipation or uncertainty, this episode will anchor your heart in what matters most.

You'll discover:

• Why you don't need a perfect track record to come to God with confidence
• How receiving mercy might be exactly what your soul needs before making plans
• A powerful prayer for grace to help you through the hard moments you can't see coming yet

If you're ready to step into the new year held by grace rather than striving for perfection, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

• Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments — available at desperateprayers.com

Connect with Rachel:

• Website: rachelwojo.com

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A few years ago, I played my first “real” round of golf—and quickly learned what a mulligan was. It’s the do-over shot you get when you mess up. No penalty. No shame. Just another chance.

That’s exactly what God’s grace gives us, only far greater. In Christ, we aren’t patched up or repaired—we are made completely new. And God’s grace doesn’t just apply to the moment of salvation; it’s available every day. Each time we repent, grace invites us to begin again.

As you reflect on this past year, you may remember moments you’re proud of—and moments you wish you could undo. But grace says you don’t have to stay stuck in yesterday. God’s mercy is not limited, and His forgiveness is never exhausted. Through Jesus, the old is gone, and the new is here.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
Thank You for Your grace. I don’t know where I would be without it. As I look back over this past year, I see both the choices I’m thankful for and the moments I wish I could erase. I confess the ways I’ve fallen short, and I receive Your forgiveness tonight.

As I step into a new year, help me walk in confidence as the new creation You’ve made me to be. Let me release the weight of my past mistakes, knowing You have made all things new. Remind me that Your grace doesn’t run out—and that with You, I can begin again, even today.

Let this year be the greatest revelation of Your grace I have ever experienced.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Grace is not only what brings you to Christ—it’s what sustains you every day.

2. You are not a byproduct of your strength; you are a testimony of His grace.

3. Grace cannot be earned—only received.

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Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Want to change the world? Meditate on Galatians 3:28. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

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A Prayer for the Everlasting Light by Stacey Thacker

We've followed the light all the way through December and we've made it to the end! In today's episode, we catch a breathtaking glimpse of the eternal city of God, a place where darkness no longer exists and where the glory of God provides unending light.

Reference: Revelation 21:23

Prayer: Father, from the beginning you gave us light to draw a boundary to the darkness you used it to show us the way to go to give us understanding and to reveal deep and hidden truths in your Word. Jesus, the light of the world, illuminated the darkness in our hearts and took away our sins. His light is what transforms us and lets others know we are your children. His light is how we reflect your glory to others. May we remember today that your light is the gift that is to be experienced, enjoyed, and shared every day of the year. In Jesus' name, amen.

LINKS:

Read the first five days of Everyday Prayers for Christmas 

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! 

Join the community on Patreon

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As we step into a new year, I wanted to do something sacred and intentional—pray Scripture over you. 

In this special episode, we walk through powerful biblical prayers from Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Numbers, explaining why these prayers matter and how they shape a faith-filled life. These aren’t rushed or performative prayers; they are grounding, relational, and deeply personal. 

Prayer isn’t about getting God to cooperate with our plans—it’s about deepening our relationship with Him. This episode offers peace, clarity, endurance, and blessing as you begin a new season, anchored not in resolutions, but in God’s Word and presence.

May God bless you and keep you. May He direct your every step. And May God fill you with His peace as you step into the new year, my friend.

Xo,

Donna

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Listen in to learn more :
(03:20) – Why every new beginning should be undergirded by prayer

(08:45) – Grasping the depth of God’s love changes everything (Ephesians 3)

(14:30) – God brings to fruition what faith prompts (2 Thessalonians 1)

(20:10) – Praying for wisdom, endurance, and spiritual strength (Colossians 1)

(27:40) – Receiving God’s blessing, peace, and shalom for the new year (Numbers 6)

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

Connect with Donna 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule:

https://donnajones.org/events/    

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Starting the New Year with Jesus reshapes our priorities, renews our focus, and grounds our lives in lasting hope rather than fleeting resolutions. Rooted in Matthew 22:37, this devotional invites believers to begin the year by loving God fully—heart, soul, and mind—choosing spiritual devotion over worldly pursuits and discovering the abundant life Jesus promises.

Highlights

• The most meaningful New Year’s resolution is deepening your relationship with Jesus.

• Centering your life on Christ brings greater joy, clarity, and spiritual stability.

• Material success and worldly goals cannot satisfy the soul like Christ can.

• Starting the year with Jesus means trusting Him with struggles, grief, and uncertainty.

• Following Jesus leads to protection, comfort, and a fuller life rooted in His love.

• Loving God above all else realigns our hearts and reveals where our true allegiance lies.

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Full Transcript Below:

Starting the New Year with Jesus
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’” (Matthew 22:37). 

As the New Year approaches, many of us consider the New Year's resolutions we want to make. Various resolutions can draw our attention, such as weight loss, getting organized, or switching careers. While all of these are common New Year's resolutions, the greatest resolution we can make is to start the year with Jesus, cultivate our relationship with Him, and faithfully follow Him. 

Developing a stronger relationship with Jesus throughout the year will prove beneficial not only for the present year but also for all years to come. While we will not be completely immune from problems, our lives will become better and more focused on the Lord. 

The more our lives are centered around Jesus, the more joyful we will be. Soon, we will see that materialism and the things of the world do not fulfill us. They are but empty promises that lead us away from the Lord. We don’t need to chase after these things or follow them. 

Since we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we should strive to nurture our relationship with Him. This New Year could be the perfect start. Consider what you are struggling with and the help that Jesus can offer. Maybe you are battling a chronic illness or facing the death of a loved one. Give these matters over to Him and trust Him with the New Year.

It can be easy to t

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The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

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