She Lives Purposefully

In today’s episode, Ellie Holcomb — 3× Dove Award winner, bestselling author, and songwriter for Amy Grant, Francesca Battistelli, Riley Clemmons, and more - shares the story behind her new album Far Country. She joins me for a powerful conversation about grief, longing, and the steadfast love of God. 

Ellie’s album, Far Country, was born out of a season of deep grief and honest wrestling — yet it radiates with hope and the nearness of God. We talk about:

This episode will comfort anyone walking through uncertainty, doubt, or loss — and remind you that God’s presence is constant, even when the road ahead feels unclear.

Links:

Listen to Ellie’s Album, Far Country, on the She Lives Purposefully Christian Music & Worship playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0MW7HE4KkPHZyUC14NQqGu

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Intro 

04:00 What stories of grief inspired this album, Far Country

10:50 Wrestle with God

15:00 Hope in the midst of pain

22:00 Losing loved ones and the song Give Me Your Hand

28:30 There will be both: sorrow and hope

32:30 God’s presence during our pain 

41:00 Ellie’s favorite songs from her album

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#EllieHolcomb#ChristianPodcast#FaithThroughSuffering#FarCountry#SheLivesPurposefully

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I am joined by THE Alisa Childers, a titan in the world of apologetics, working through Christian faith doubts, combatting deconstructionism and more.

Alisa is an author, podcaster, former CMM recording artist with ZOEGirl and today she joins the show to talk about the potential revival happening after the death of Charlie Kirk, the world of Christianity and politics, having a Biblical worldview, how to work through faith doubts, how NOT to approach our doubts, what deconstruction is and why it's dangerous.

This is a powerful, controversial episode.

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We all want to live a life that matters — but what does that really look like as a follower of Christ? How do we do that? What about what other people will think? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what it means to live WELL, to live purposefully, to leave a legacy, and to hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

We’ll talk about:

This isn’t about chasing comfort or worldly success—it’s about living for what lasts. 

Links: 

My Christian Living favorites (with discounts!): 

Episodes Mentioned

00:00 Talking about leaving a legacy

01:20 Mentioning Charlie Kirk

04:40 Behind the scenes

05:45 To hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

09:50 The ONE legacy that matters

10:30 YOU can leave a legacy - no matter where you’re at

13:00 An exhortation, stirring up the fire in your heart to live for God

15:15 If you feel held back by shame, God’s encouragement for YOU

16:00 Every moment matters

17:40 Do the thing. Don’t just be a reader of the Word, but a doer

18:45 Be a city on a hill

20:00 Matthew 16:26-27 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.”

23:30 How to live boldly for God without alienating others who don’t know Jesus

30:00 When and how to bring up your faith in conversation

36:00 6 ways to live well and leave a legacy 

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When tragedy strikes, it can leave us asking the hardest questions: Where is God? Why does He allow suffering?

In this video, I share a personal story that’s a huge part of my testimony. It’s the anniversary of my grandmother’s murder — and I share what God has taught me through it. We also touch on the recent murder of Charlie Kirk and other tragic recent events. 

We’ll talk about:

You’ll also hear powerful scriptures that have carried me through seasons of grief, including Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 1, James 1, and Revelation 21.

Even when life feels overwhelming, God is present, He intervenes, and He redeems. My prayer is that this encourages you, strengthens your faith, and reminds you of the eternal hope we have in Jesus.

📖 Verses Mentioned in This Video:

💬 I’d love to hear from you: How has God met you in times of suffering? Share in the comments so we can encourage one another.

EPISODE TIMELINE: 

00:00 My testimony and why we’re talking about this

13:36 Understanding why bad things happen

16:55 Where is God when there’s tragedy

23:50 Purpose that God brings out of suffering, according to the Bible

27:00 Bible verses about suffering that WILL encourage you

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I am joined by my husband today to talk about life and death. We share some exciting news for our family and dive into all the details - how we’re feeling, if we were planning it, anxiety, etc. - but we also start the episode talking about the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, recent school shootings, violence, and where God is in all of it. 

Episode Timeline
00:30 A BIG announcement

02:00 Charlie Kirk, mass shootings, and God in the midst of tragedy

16:45 Pregnancy - were we trying for 2 under 2?  

19:35 Girl or boy?

22:10 How we found out we were pregnant

24:50 How am I feeling? (Symptoms and all!)

27:00 Things we’ll do differently this time

32:20 Pregnancy anxiety and potentially being high risk

36:00 Pregnancy can be hard on the whole family 

40:10 Community growing

42:40 A prayer for everyone impacted by violence

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Check out the free Bible reading plans and worship playlist below! 

Ready for a faith refresh or simply looking to grow in God even MORE? In this fall “living purposefully reset,” we talk practical, cozy, doable rhythms to ignite your heart for God—think prayer walks in the crisp air, deeper time in the Word, worship on repeat, and intentional community. 

We have one life to live and a life dedicated to God is what matters MOST.

I’m sharing exactly how I’m prioritizing spiritual growth this season, and I’m inviting you to join me with a FREE bundle: a 31-Day Purpose Bible Reading Plan, a 20-Day Esther Plan, an Esther Bible Study, and my worship playlist. 

Let’s grow in our relationships with God and live for Jesus—purposefully.

What You'll Learn

Resources (Mentioned in Episode)

Keywords: fall faith reset, Christian women, Bible reading plan, Esther Bible study, worship playlist, prayer walks, fall routine, spiritual growth, living purposefully, Christian podcast

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Are you entering a new stage of life? Whether it’s sending your little one to daycare, dropping your kid off at college, or starting a new job, marriage, or more — change can feel exciting and hopeful and even overwhelming, emotional, and a little scary.

In today’s episode of She Lives Purposefully, we’re talking about the truth that Jesus goes before you. You’ll hear encouragement for women walking through milestones, reminders that God designed life to move forward, and a powerful perspective shift: you’re not carrying the burden alone. You’re walking alongside Him.

If you’re navigating change, this episode is for you. And if you know a mama or friend entering a new chapter, be sure to share this episode to encourage her too!

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As moms, we all want to raise strong, faithful sons who will grow into men of godly character. But parenting boys in today’s culture comes with unique challenges.

In this episode, I’m joined by Molly DeFrank — mom of three boys (and three girls), who has been featured in Parents Magazine, Good Morning America, and Mama Bear Apologetics. 

Together, we unpack:

Molly shares this powerful reminder: “Our mission as mothers should be to teach our sons objective truth and affirm their identity as assigned by God.”

If you’re a boy mama (or a mama who simply wants to raise kids grounded in God’s truth), this conversation will encourage, equip, and inspire you!

Get Molly's book: https://amzn.to/3Jo1GCY 

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Christian parenting encouragement for boy moms. Molly DeFrank on toxic masculinity, culture, and 8 things your son needs before 10.

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If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to step into the mission field for Jesus —or how you can make a difference for the kingdom in global missions without leaving home — this is your episode.

Today, I’m joined by Julianne Heilman, founder of Asifiwe Child Care Ministries in Uganda, a life-changing ministry that rescues vulnerable children, gives them hope and opportunity, and shares the love of Jesus. Think stories you’ve only read in missionary biographies—except they’re happening right now.

This conversation is extra special for me, because She Lives Purposefully began as a college project where I interviewed six women who live with purpose—and Julianne was one of them! Now, years later, we get to sit down again and hear how God has been moving in powerful ways.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

Whether you’re praying about your own call to missions, looking for ways to support from home, or just want to be encouraged by God’s faithfulness, this conversation will inspire and challenge you.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

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Is the Bible really for everyone?

In today’s episode, we sit down with She Reads Truth’s Amanda Bible Williams to talk about why the answer is a resounding yes. Women of God (and men of God) should be in the word. Whether you’re new to the faith or you’re a seasoned Christian, God’s Word has something for you—right now, right where you are. 

It’s written by God and it’s meant to be read. 

We dive into:

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the Bible or unsure how it connects to your life, this episode will remind you: the Bible is not just for scholars—it’s for you.

PREORDER THE DEVOTIONAL: https://amzn.to/415qXYH 

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