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Feeling stressed, empty, or a little bit down? Have you lost your joy? Learn to reclaim power and joy from this week's incredible guest, Danette Joy Crawford.

Our heartfelt and empowering conversation was recorded at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas with Danette Joy Crawford—TV show host, evangelist, author, and international speaker, known for her popular program “Joy with Danette Crawford.” Together, we tackle the timely and important topic of reclaiming a woman’s joy and power.

Danette shares her personal journey of overcoming deep challenges, including the heartbreak of facing single motherhood just days before giving birth. With vulnerability and wisdom, she offers practical, faith-based steps for moving forward, even when life feels overwhelming. From “soul control” and cultivating unshakable joy, to building community and the importance of reaching out for support, Danette’s insights will encourage any woman feeling powerless, isolated, or stuck in a “pit.”

Tune in for uplifting stories of transformation, real talk about mental health, and actionable tips on jump-starting your day with joy and reconnecting with your true purpose. Whether you’re a busy mom, single woman, or simply in need of hope, this conversation will remind you that your current situation is only temporary—and joy can once again be your source of strength.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s inside this episode:

Danette’s Personal Story of Strength Danette shares her powerful testimony of facing abandonment when she was nine months pregnant and how she chose not to “quit in the pit” but to take one step of faith at a time. Her journey reminds us that even in our deepest struggles, our stories are far from over.

The Secret to Soul Control Do you find your emotions running the show? Danette explains the concept of “soul control”—learning to bring your mind, will, and feelings under the authority of your spirit so you can move forward rooted in truth, not tossed by circumstances.

Daily Joy-Boosting Habits Danette suggests kickstarting each morning by proactively choosing joy—spending even five minutes with God, meditating on scripture, and setting positive intentions for the day. Small choices can yield unshakable joy!

The Power of Community Isolation can make struggles feel heavier. Danette emphasizes reaching out—whether to friends, a faith-based group, or a supportive ministry. She reminds us that community is key, especially when we least feel like joining others.

When to Seek Extra Support If you find yourself feeling persistently down, losing (or gaining) significant weight, neglecting self-care, or wanting to withdraw, Danette encourages seeking help, including counseling or prayer support.

Resources to Encourage You Danette’s ministry offers 23 outreach programs focused on helping single moms and at-risk youth. She also has a devotional, “The Power of Joy for Women,” available wherever books are sold. For prayer or support, her ministry’s phone center is open 24/7 at (757) 420-2625.

A Final Word of Hope No matter what you’re facing, “where you’re at is not your final destination.” Your breakthrough can start with a single, faithful step—and your hope might be exactly what someone else needs.

Stay Connected You can find more about Danette’s books, TV program, and outreach at danettecrawford.com.

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Our teams at Christians Engaged and Family Policy Alliance Foundation invite you to join us in celebrating the National Day of Prayer! The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman.  The theme for 2025 is Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled. It’s based on Romans 15:13: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Bunni Pounds, President of Christians Engaged, leads a powerful time of prayer to mark the occasion, joined by FPA Senior Vice President Amanda Banks and Christians Engaged Vice President Ben Quine. Join us for this special time of prayer.

Discover more about the National Day of Prayer at https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org. Conversations with Christians Engaged | Hosted by Bunni Pounds and Ben QuineListen, watch, and subscribe: https://christiansengaged.org/conversations-showChristians Engaged exists to awaken, educate, and empower believers in Jesus Christ to:▪️ PRAY for our nation and elected officials regularly▪️ VOTE in every local, state, and national election to impact our culture ▪️ ENGAGE our hearts in civic education or involvement for the well-being of our local communities and our nationLearn more: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/⁠⁠Support our efforts: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/donate⁠⁠Take the PLEDGE to PRAY, VOTE, & ENGAGE: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/pledge⁠

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, host Doris Swift welcomes back author, coach, and Proverbs 31 Ministries writer Abby McDonald. Abby is here to talk about her brand new book, Surrendering Certainty: Hearing God Today by Letting Go of Tomorrow. With warmth and honesty, Abby opens up about juggling the demands of motherhood, writing, and community, and how God has shifted her focus to finding Him in both the big moments and everyday interruptions.

Together, Doris and Abby dig into what it means to truly surrender our need for control and certainty, and to trust God—especially when life doesn’t go the way we planned. Abby shares insightful stories, biblical wisdom, and practical steps to help you trade fear and frustration for adventurous faith, and to recognize that even life’s distractions can be holy moments of growth and connection with God.

Whether you’re in a season of waiting, feeling weighed down by uncertainty, or looking for encouragement to embrace your calling, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone. Get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to rediscover joy and confidence in following God’s lead—one surrendered step at a time.

05:36 Intentional Connections and Community Building

09:32 “Trusting God’s Plan”

13:41 “Surrendering Certainty” Book Endorsement

18:38 Honest Prayer for Clarity

23:07 Chronic Pain and Seeking Comfort

24:06 “Meteor Shower and Divine Assurance”

29:51 “Rejection as a Refining Process”

31:19 Psalm’s Guidance Against Fear

34:49 “Delayed Success is Sweeter”

38:44 Encourage Book Reviews for Abby

You can connect with Abby and find her books, social media links, coaching services, blog, and her 5 Days to Life Unstuck Challenge, and more at abbymcdonald.org

Abby McDonald is a writing coach, speaker, and the author of Surrendering Certainty: Hearing God Today by Letting Go of Tomorrow. and Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God. Her mission is to empower women to hear God’s voice in their lives and act on it in faith. Abby writes regularly for Proverb 31 Ministries’ daily devotions team, and her work has been featured in numerous publications. Abby lives with her husband, three children, and black lab in the mountains of western Maryland. Connect with her at abbymcdonald.org.

This episode is part of our Conversations series, Messengers: Live from the NRB Conference, which features insightful interviews with influential Christian leaders who inspire biblical action across generations. In this episode, Bunni Pounds sits down with biblical counselor, author, and founder of Hope for the Heart, June Hunt. Together, they dive into June’s powerful personal testimony, the founding of a global ministry rooted in God’s truth, and the deep impact of emotional and verbal abuse. With grace and boldness, June offers wisdom on healing from trauma, confronting lies with Scripture, and extending compassion to the brokenhearted in Jesus’ name.Conversations with Christians Engaged | Hosted by Bunni Pounds and Ben QuineListen, watch, and subscribe: https://christiansengaged.org/conversations-showChristians Engaged exists to awaken, educate, and empower believers in Jesus Christ to:▪️ PRAY for our nation and elected officials regularly▪️ VOTE in every local, state, and national election to impact our culture ▪️ ENGAGE our hearts in civic education or involvement for the well-being of our local communities and our nationLearn more: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/⁠⁠Support our efforts: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/donate⁠⁠Take the PLEDGE to PRAY, VOTE, & ENGAGE: ⁠⁠https://christiansengaged.org/pledge⁠