What do you do when the very thing you prayed for… finally happens—but you don’t fully feel like yourself inside of it?

In this deeply personal and faith-filled episode of The Encouragement Well, Rachel opens up about her 7-year journey of praying, pushing, and persevering toward her calling—only to face rejection, closed doors, and seasons that felt like she was moving backwards instead of forward.

But what if those seasons weren’t setbacks… but setups?

Through honest storytelling and powerful biblical connections, this episode explores what it really means to become—to step into who God called you to be, even when it feels uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and yes… a little scary.

✨ In this episode, you’ll be encouraged to:

• Reframe rejection and delay as redirection
• Understand the purpose of “wilderness” seasons (Exodus 13:21; Exodus 14:13)
• Navigate identity shifts when your role changes but your confidence hasn’t caught up
• Embrace the refinement process without losing yourself (Isaiah 48:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Move forward even when fear is present (Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7)

With anchor scriptures like Isaiah 43:19, Exodus 3:11–12, Joshua 1:9, and 2 Timothy 1:7, Rachel reminds you that God is not confused about who you are—and He hasn’t brought you this far without purpose.

If you’ve been feeling stretched, uncertain, or caught between who you used to be and who you’re becoming… this conversation is for you.

🤍 Reflection to carry with you:

• What has God already shown you about who you are in this season?
• What is He asking you to trust Him with right now?
• What would it look like to take one faithful step forward today?

0:00 Intro

02:03 The Prayer That Changed Everything

06:05 When God Calls You Forward, Not Back

08:59 You Are Not Losing Yourself… You’re Being Refined

12:20 “Wait… Who Am I Now?”

15:37 The Nervousness is Part of the Process

18:41 Closing Encouragement 

19:48 Prayer

20:45 Outro

Episode 21: What Obedience Looks Like in Real Life

Obedience isn’t always loud, bold, or obvious. Sometimes it’s quiet… uncomfortable… and unseen.

In this episode, we’re talking about what obedience to God really looks like, not the polished version, but the lived, everyday version.

If you’ve been trying to follow God but it doesn’t feel clear…

If you’ve been saying yes in private while questioning everything…

If obedience feels more stretching than empowering…

This conversation is for you 🤍

We explore:

✨ The tension of obedience when it doesn’t make sense

✨ The cost of following God .....and the fruit it produces

✨ Biblical examples like Noah, Abraham, Esther, and Peter

✨ How to walk in obedience in everyday life

✨ Why your small yes matters more than you think

📖 Anchored in:

Luke 16:10

Proverbs 3:5-6

Galatians 6:9

🎶 Featuring: Yes - Shekinah Glory

✨ Your quiet obedience is not overlooked. God is building something through it—even now.

In this honest and faith-filled episode of The Encouragement Well, we sit with the mom who has been pouring into everyone else and quietly feeling empty herself.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Where did I go?”—this conversation is for you.

Together, we talk about the weight of constantly giving, the quiet grief of missing parts of yourself, and the truth that you are not lost—you are becoming. Through the lens of Scripture and the heart of Jesus, this episode reminds you that God is not erasing who you are… He is refining, deepening, and strengthening what He already placed inside of you.

You’ll be encouraged to:
🤍 Recognize when you’ve been pouring without being filled🤍 Release guilt around missing parts of yourself🤍 Respond to the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudges toward restoration🤍 Make space for God to pour back into you🤍 Reconnect with the woman He created you to be

Jesus meets us in our emptiness—not to leave us there, but to fill us with living water.

Scriptures Referenced

• Book of Isaiah 43:19 — “Behold, I am doing a new thing…”
• Second Epistle to the Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”
• Gospel of John 4 — The Woman at the Well

Take a deep breath, settle in, and allow God to meet you right where you are.

00:00 TEW Episode 20- Who’s Pouring Into You? — Finding Yourself Again in Motherhood

01:58 The Constant Pouring

04:22 The Version of Me I Miss

06:33 The Truth (God's Perspective)

10:25 Who’s Pouring Into You?

12:25 Finding Yourself Again (Practical + Hopeful)

14:41 Closing Encouragement

16:13 Prayer

17:31 Outro

In this special Resurrection Sunday episode, we’re talking about how Easter speaks directly into one of the hardest seasons of motherhood… raising teens.

Because sometimes it feels like you’re losing connection, losing control, or losing your footing altogether.

But what if this season isn’t the end…
What if it’s the beginning of something deeper?

In this episode, we explore:

✨ Good Friday Parenting – when it feels heavy and confusing✨ Silent Saturday Parenting – when nothing seems to be changing✨ Resurrection Parenting – learning to trust God with your child

Plus a simple, faith-filled survival guide to help you stay connected, speak life, and pray with purpose.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or stretched in this season… this episode is for you.

📖 Scriptures Referenced:

Luke 23Matthew 27:62–66Matthew 28:5–6Galatians 6:9Proverbs 18:21Ephesians 4:29James 5:161 Thessalonians 5:17

Reflection Questions

-What am I trying to control right now that God is asking me to surrender?-Where might God be working in my child’s life… even if I can’t see it yet?

You are not alone in this… and this is not the end of the story 🤍

00:00 TEW Episode 19- What Easter Teaches Us About Parenting Through Hard Seasons: Raising Teens Without Losing Your Mind or Your Faith

01:59 Good Friday Parenting

04:30 Silent Saturday Parenting

07:32 Resurrection Parenting 

09:54 A Little Survival Guide

13:06 Closing Encouragement

16:03 Prayer

17:57 Outro

In Episode 18 of The Encouragement Well, Rachel Haywood talks about what it means to raise Kingdom kids in a culture that is constantly shifting. This episode is for the mom who feels the weight of wanting to prepare her children well, stay rooted in truth, and parent with intention in a world full of competing voices.

Anchored in Isaiah 54:13, this conversation explores how culture influences our children through media, school, relationships, and everyday messages, while reminding us that God’s truth does not change. Rachel shares encouragement on being the first discipler in the home, building a faith that can withstand pressure, teaching discernment instead of just rules, calling God’s promises over your children, and trusting that the seeds you plant in faith will grow.

If you’ve ever asked, “Lord, am I doing enough?”—this episode is for you. You are not raising your children alone.

Scriptures referenced: Isaiah 54:13, Romans 12:2, Hebrews 13:8, Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 7:13–14, Deuteronomy 6:6–7, Matthew 7:24–25, Ephesians 6:11, Philippians 1:9–10, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Lamentations 3:22–23, John 10:10, Galatians 6:7, Psalm 127:3.

00:00 TEW Episode 18 Raising Kingdom Kids in a Culture Going Left- Planting Faith Foundations in a Shifting World

02:14 The Culture is Loud… But Truth is Steady

07:14 It Starts at Home — You Are the First Discipler

11:51 Building a Faith That Can Withstand Pressure

15:08 Teaching Discernment, Not Just Rules

17:28 Grace for the Parent Who Feels Like They’re Getting It Wrong

20:04 Calling God’s Promises Over Your Children

22:54 What Are You Planting?

25:38 Closing Encouragement

26:52 Prayer

28:09 Outro

When Mom Guilt Tries to Steal Your Joy- How to Reject Shame and Embrace Grace

Mom guilt is something every mother experiences—but not every mother talks about.

In this episode of The Encouragement Well, we’re having an honest conversation about the weight of mom guilt, where it comes from, and how it quietly steals our joy. Together, we’ll uncover the difference between conviction and condemnation, recognize the voice that sounds like us but isn’t, and expose how comparison, pressure, and unrealistic expectations keep us stuck in cycles of guilt.

Most importantly, we’ll shift our focus back to truth—learning how to reject shame, renew our minds, and embrace the grace that God has already given us.

This episode is your reminder that you were never called to be a perfect mom—you were called to be a present one. And through God’s grace, you can release the pressure, reclaim your joy, and walk confidently in the role He specifically chose you for.

If you’ve ever gone to bed feeling like you didn’t do enough… this one is for you.

Scriptures Referenced:

Romans 8:1

John 10:10

Revelation 12:10

2 Corinthians 10:12

Psalm 139:14

Matthew 11:28–30

Psalm 103:14

Hebrews 4:16

Romans 12:2

2 Corinthians 10:5

Isaiah 40:11

Reflection Questions:

Where have I been believing guilt instead of truth in my motherhood?

What standard have I been holding myself to that God never gave me?

What would it look like for me to receive God’s grace in this season instead of striving for perfection?

Let’s Stay Connected:

You can connect with us on Instagram and Facebook at The Encouragement Well for continued reflection, Scripture, and honest conversations rooted in faith.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with another mom who may need this reminder today 🤍

00:00 Intro

01:04 The Voice That Sounds Like You… But Isn’t

04:11 The Comparison Trap

06:56 The Mental Load & Unrealistic Expectations

10:00 Grace is the Standard, Not Perfection

11:57 Replacing Guilt with Truth

14:15 Closing Encouragement

15:18 Prayer

16:30 Outro

TEW Episode 16 — Motherhood & Mercy: Grace for the Messy Days

Motherhood is beautiful—but it can also be exhausting, stretching, humbling, and sometimes overwhelming. In this episode of The Encouragement Well, Rachel opens the fourth series, Motherhood, Growth, and Emotional Strength, by talking honestly about the messy days of motherhood and the mercy God offers us in the middle of them.

Many mothers quietly carry guilt, comparison, and the pressure to get everything right. But Scripture reminds us that God never asked mothers to be perfect—He offers something far better: His mercy, renewed every morning.

In this episode, Rachel reflects on the reality of imperfect motherhood, the refining work God often does in us through parenting, and the grace that allows us to grow instead of living under condemnation. Through biblical encouragement and stories of mothers throughout Scripture—including Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Jochebed, Naomi, Hannah, and others—listeners are reminded that messy moments do not disqualify us. Instead, they are often the very places where God meets us with compassion and strength.

If you have ever wondered whether you are enough as a mother, this conversation is a reminder that your children do not need a perfect mother—they need a mother who keeps turning back to God’s grace.

Motherhood may stretch you in ways nothing else can. But it will also grow you in ways nothing else can. And in every messy day, every tired moment, every “I don’t know if I’m doing this right” feeling—God’s mercy is still there.

• Lamentations 3:22–23

• Psalm 103:13

• Malachi 3:3

• Romans 8:1

• Hebrews 4:16

• 2 Corinthians 3:17

• Matthew 6:4

• Galatians 6:9

• 2 Corinthians 12:9

• Isaiah 40:29

Take a moment to reflect on these questions after listening:

• Where might you be being too hard on yourself in this season of motherhood?• What expectations have you placed on yourself that God may not actually be asking of you?• What would it look like to truly accept God’s mercy today instead of replaying yesterday’s mistakes?• How can you extend grace to yourself the same way God extends grace to you

You can connect with us on Instagram and Facebook at The Encouragement Well for continued reflection, Scripture, and honest conversations rooted in faith.

Until next time, drink deeply from His grace and stay rooted in Him.

00:00 Intro

04:02 The Reality of Messy Motherhood

07:28 Giving Yourself the Grace God Already Gives You

10:41 God Sees the Work No One Else Sees

13:19 When You Feel Like You're Not Enough

16:01 Mothers God Met in the Mess

22:11 Reflection Questions

23:32 Closing Encouragement

25:14 Prayer

26:36 Outro

In marriage, not all struggles are loud.

Sometimes distance forms quietly—through busyness, unspoken hurts, or simply the slow shift from intentional connection to routine. In this episode of The Encouragement Well, Rachel talks about quiet drift—the subtle way couples can begin living parallel lives instead of shared ones.

With honesty, practical wisdom, and Scripture, this conversation explores how to recognize the early warning signs of drift and how to intentionally reconnect with your spouse before distance becomes disconnection.

You’ll hear about:
• What quiet drift really looks like in a marriage• Why even loving couples can slowly grow apart• Gentle questions to help you recognize warning signs• Practical ways to rebuild connection and closeness• Why spiritual intimacy anchors a strong marriage

If you’ve ever felt a subtle distance in your relationship—or simply want to protect the closeness you have—this episode offers encouragement and hope.

Because distance noticed is distance that can be healed.

Scriptures referenced in this episode:
Revelation 2:4–5Hebrews 2:1Song of Solomon 2:15Ecclesiastes 4:9Ephesians 4:2–3Colossians 3:14Matthew 19:6John 15:4Joel 2:25Lamentations 3:22–23

00:00 Intro

02:25 What Quiet Drift Actually Looks Like

04:18 Why Drift Happens

07:11 Warning Signs You Might Be Drifting

09:56 HOW TO RECONNECT INTENTIONALLY

13:14 SPIRITUAL INTIMACY — THE ANCHOR

15:07 Closing Segment

16:13 Prayer

18:38 Outro

Fighting Fair: Conflict Without Carnage

Conflict in marriage isn’t the problem. How we handle it is.

In this episode of The Encouragement Well, Rachel Haywood welcomes licensed counselor and Board Certified Christian Counselor Kayla Whittle, M.Ed., for an honest and faith-rooted conversation about learning to fight fair.

Together, they discuss:
• Why conflict gets a bad reputation• What healthy disagreement actually looks like• Common destructive patterns couples fall into• The power of repair and apology• How to invite God into growth instead of expecting perfection

Rooted in Mark 10:9 and Ephesians 4:2–3, this episode reminds us that protecting what God has joined together requires humility, patience, and intentional connection.

Guest:
Kayla Whittle, M.Ed., BCCC
LifeBack Counseling Center
GO Church – East Coweta Campus
Learn more at mygochurch.com

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a sister who needs it.

Until next time, drink deeply from His grace and stay rooted in Him. 🤍

00:00 TEW Episode 14- Fighting Fair-Conflict Without Carnage

00:44 Why Does Fighting Fair Matter?

02:28 Why Does Conflict in Mariiage Get a Bad Rep?

03:14 Is Conflict Normal?

03:59 What Does "We Never Fight" REALLY Mean?

04:40 What Role Does God Have in Marital Conflict?

05:26 How Do You Define Healthy Conflict?

06:26 What Do Most Couples Misunderstand About Fighting?

06:51 What's Happening Beneath the Surface?

07:46 Common Unhealthy Fighting Patterns

09:37 What Does Fighting Fair Look Like?

14:55 Repair After a Disagreement

16:20 Healthy Apologies

17:12 One Takeaway about Fighting Fair

17:36 Healthy Disagreement Stems

24:36 Jesus as the 3rd Cord in Your Marriage

29:53 Kayla Whittle's Ending Encouragement

32:23 Prayer

Episode 13: When Marriage Feels Heavy or Uncertain

Marriage isn’t always roses, unicorns, and rainbows. Sometimes it feels heavy. Sometimes it feels uncertain. And sometimes the weight isn’t loud — it’s quiet, stretching, and hard to name.

In this episode of The Encouragement Well, we’re talking honestly about what to do when marriage feels heavy but not broken… uncertain but not over. When you’re trying to love well without losing yourself. When covenant feels costly. And when you need to anchor your heart in Christ so the season doesn’t consume you.

We walk through what Scripture says about:

• Finding God near in seasons of heaviness (Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, Isaiah 43:2)

• Trusting God when you don’t know what’s next (Proverbs 3:5–6, James 1:5, Psalm 62:5–8)

• Loving without over-functioning or losing yourself (Galatians 6:5, Matthew 11:28–30, Ephesians 4:2–3)

• Choosing covenant intentionally, even when it feels costly (Colossians 3:12–14, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, Hebrews 10:23)

• Understanding wilderness seasons and how God meets us there (Hosea 2:14–15, Lamentations 3:22–23, Romans 8:28)

This episode is not about pretending everything is fine. It’s not about minimizing real hurt. And it’s not about “pray harder and smile more.” It’s about walking through complicated seasons with wisdom, boundaries, faith, and hope.

If your heart has felt stretched lately… if you’ve quietly asked, “Are we okay?” … this conversation is for you.

Share this episode with a sister who may be fighting for her marriage quietly. Sometimes encouragement looks like reminding someone they’re not alone.

Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook at The Encouragement Well for continued reflection, Scripture, and honest conversations rooted in faith.

Until next time, drink deeply from His grace and stay rooted in Him. 🤍

00:00 TEW Episode 13- When Marriage Feels Heavy or Uncertain

01:57 When the Weight Is Real

05:33 When You Don’t Know What’s Next

10:19 Loving Without Losing Yourself

14:44 When Covenant Feels Costly

18:20 God in the Wilderness Seasons

20:53 Closing Encouragement

21:42 Prayer

23:01 Outro