Healing begins the moment we stop pretending we’re okay and start being honest with ourselves and with God. It’s not about having it all together but about admitting we don’t. When we finally stop running from the pain and face it with truth, something shifts. That’s where grace steps in.
Surrender isn’t weakness. It’s saying, “I can’t do this alone,” and trusting that’s enough. Faith reminds us that even when we’ve hit rock bottom, we’re still loved, still seen, and still capable of starting again.
The road to recovery isn’t neat or easy. It’s messy, full of setbacks, laughter through tears, and small victories that mean everything. But somewhere in that mess, we find peace. We learn to live with honesty, to let go of shame, and to embrace who we really are.
In this episode, I sit down with Janelle Ropo, manager of Her House Sober Living for Women, to share her moving story of addiction, redemption, and finding God at rock bottom. We talk about what it really means to heal, from learning honesty and surrender to rebuilding a life grounded in peace and purpose. Through laughter, truth, and grace, this episode shines a light on the messy, beautiful reality of recovery and the freedom that comes with living in authenticity.
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Welcome to Sky Talks
(00:06:31) Every woman’s path to healing looks different
(00:08:20) The role of God and awareness in healing
(00:11:25) Using drugs and alcohol to escape trauma
(00:22:35) Addiction starts within
(00:28:30) After me, you come first
(00:46:40) Importance of healthy dialogue and support circle
(00:50:40) The reality of a failing mental health system
(00:54:16) Boundaries, guilt, and learning to rest without shame
(01:05:24) Balancing recovery, work, and personal discipline
(01:10:05) Live in the solution, not the problem
(01:11:49) Learning to say “no” and self-advocacy after trauma
(01:14:38) Trusting God’s timing and guidance
(01:17:26) Honesty as the first step in overcoming temptation
(01:22:13) Advocating for medication as part of recovery
(01:26:29) Radical acceptance as a path to healing
(01:29:25) Pain is mandatory, but suffering is optional
(01:32:31) Silencing an overactive mind
(01:36:52) Respecting differences and restoring humanity
(01:42:02) Purpose and humility can coexist
(01:45:10) Connect with Janelle Roppo
Key Takeaways:
“I believe in God today simply because I have met the devil through my addiction.”
"When we channel our pain into something positive, it’s powerful."
About the Guest:
Janelle Ropo is the manager of Her House Sober Living for Women, where she helps women rebuild their lives through compassion, structure, and faith. With nine years of sobriety, she leads with grace and authenticity, creating a space where healing and accountability go hand in hand. Beyond recovery work, she shares wisdom on honesty, surrender, and the daily practice of choosing peace and purpose.
Connect with Janelle:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelleroppo
FB: https://web.facebook.com/Janelle13
IG: https://www.instagram.com/janelle0413
About the Host:
Jessa Sky is a proud Métis Cree singer-songwriter, mental health and addiction awareness advocate, keynote speaker, and the host of Sky Talks Podcast. Her career continues to rise, but her path has also been shaped by personal battles with mental health and healing. These experiences inspire her to create music, conversations, and spaces that remind others they are never alone.
Through her voice, whether in song, on stage, or behind the mic, Jessa brings healing and humour together. She offers connection, breaks stigma, and shows that resilience can grow even from life’s hardest seasons.
Connect with Jessa Sky:
Website: https://www.jessasky.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessaskyy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessaskyy/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessaskyy
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@jessaskyy
