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How do you hold onto hope in long seasons of waiting, walk through infertility and loss, and still step into leadership with empathy, strength, and a confident voice?

In this episode of SpeakHER Sessions, host Kim Atwood sits down with Joy Henderson—mom of five, Pastor’s wife of a multi-generational church, and founder of the Because of Love adoption and foster care ministry.

Joy shares how years of infertility, pregnancy loss, and the decision to adopt three biological siblings reshaped her confidence, her faith, and the way she uses her voice—for her family, her church, and other women walking through waiting seasons.

From grieving openly with her husband and kids, to navigating the realities of private adoption, to parenting across generations (from kindergartner to married adult children and a grandchild), Joy offers honest, hope-filled wisdom for women who feel “in between” where they are and what they’re praying for.

You’ll hear them talk about:

• The private pain of infertility and why the words we use with hurting women matter
• How Joy and her husband chose to grieve together instead of drifting apart
• Why adoption is both beautiful and broken—and how to support adoptive and foster families well
• Parenting across multiple life stages while pastoring a multi-generational, multi-cultural church
• Learning balance and boundaries in leadership so you’re not doing “all the things” alone
• How waiting seasons can deepen your trust in God, even when you never get all the answers

If you’ve ever felt behind, unseen, or weary in a long season of waiting, this conversation will remind you that your story is still unfolding—and your voice still matters.

SPONSORS: This episode is sponsored by:

How2SpeakU

Helping women build confidence and communicate with strength and clarity.

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Westmore Land of Gifts and More

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GUEST INFORMATION

Joy Henderson
Pastor’s wife, Christian Life Church (Columbia, SC)
Founder, Because of Love Adoption & Foster Ministry

Joy is a mom of five. Out of her own journey through infertility, multiple pregnancy losses, and adopting three biological siblings, she now equips and supports adoptive and foster families through Because of Love. As a co-lead pastor of a multi-generational, multi-cultural church, she leverages her experiences in motherhood, ministry, and advocacy to shepherd women and families with empathy, honesty, and courage.

Click here to learn more about Because of Love and how you can support adoptive & foster families: https://www.clcolumbia.com/adoption

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SpeakHER Sessions is hosted by Kim Atwood.

New episodes are coming soon.

Follow the show to hear honest, encouraging conversations with women who use their voice to lead, serve, and create meaningful impact.

SpeakHER Sessions is hosted by Kim Atwood.
New episodes are coming soon.
Follow the show to hear honest, encouraging conversations with women who use their voice to lead, serve, and create meaningful impact.