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Have you ever had a hard time comprehending the place of life you are in? Please meet Adult Ministry Leader Sharie Behnke as she shares about her parable journey of finding God while going through a challenging season.

Sherri reflects on her childhood in Oklahoma, how her faith has evolved through life's challenges and including the loss of her first husband, Dennis to cancer. She reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of God and her role as a young widow. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of seeking God in times of grief, the transformative power of silence and solitude, and the necessity of embracing life's challenges with passion and purpose. Sharie's story serves as an encouragement for others navigating similar paths, highlighting the beauty of vulnerability and the strength found in faith.

Takeaways

• Life's challenges can lead to profound faith experiences.
• Community support is crucial during difficult times.
• Sherri's faith journey began during a pivotal moment of crisis. Life is a gift and it's an honor to get older.
• Witnessing someone die young makes you appreciate life more.
• It's important to seek God in times of grief.
• Silence and solitude can be transformative practices.
• Crying out to God is a way to find comfort.
• Embracing passion can help honor lost loved ones.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some last words that have impacted you and why?
2. Set a timer for two minutes to practice silence with God.

Connect with Sharie

Email | Instagram

Keywords: The Parable Podcast, vulnerability, faith, story, overcoming challenges, community, purpose, growth, faith, loss, grief, widowhood, spirituality, silence, solitude, God, healing

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Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Our monthly theme episodes give us a chance to focus on a theme and then extend that as an opportunity to see how that can play out in our life and all the relationships that surround us.  It is important for me that we dive into our story often to not only see where God has brought us but also continue learning and growing in empathy. In this episode, we are going to talk about listening and how I learned why that is so important, as I had the pleasure of chaperoning 45 High Schoolers, not just once but four different occasions. I can't wait for you to hear about it.

My words I shared with the students:

Every time I sat in the audience, I was mesmerized by the musicality of every note, your teamwork, effort, every dance move, and your commitment of so many countless hours. It was pure joy to watch everything come together.  Even though the end is near on this inaugural season, don't give up on those remarkable gifts each of you have.

I am so proud of each one of you. Not just for your talents, but because of the amazing humans you are.  The way you cheered each other on, were supportive friends, the laughter through crazy long bus rides, and extending kindness even when no one was looking.

Most importantly, I hope you know the impact you made each time you took the stage. You don't know who was in the audience that day or even standing next to you that needed to reminded of the hope in your words...to not give up ...and that you are loved. It made a difference.

Continue to take this whole experience with you and know you are more than enough just as you are right in this moment. And whenever you feel like your world is loosing it's mind, let us keep creating more moments like this one.

Signed a parent who lives vicariously through you,

Mrs. Edie's mom

• For the Lord watches over the righteous, and His ears are attuned to their prayers. (1 Peter 3:12).
• “In my time of need, I called to the Eternal; I begged my True God for help.He heard my voice echo up to His temple, and my cry came to His ears.(Psalm 18:6)

Reflection Questions
1. Who was someone that listened to you when you needed it the most?

2. Who is someone you know that maybe needs a listening ear - not to fix them but to just know they matter.

If this theme of listening made an impact on you, and you wish you had some basic tips to enhance your conversations and listen well.  I have the perfect thing for you: 10 Simple tips to enhance first time conversations. Click here to grab your copy now.

Keywords: Listening, Story matters, Friendship, Relationship, Parenting, Conversations

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever experienced your worth as transactional? Please meet Executive Health coach Donna Thomas with over 30 years in the fitness industry as she shares about her parable journey embodying mental, physical, and spiritual health. In this episode, we discuss Donna's journey through her 60s, the challenges and joys of aging, and the importance of self-discovery and reflection. Donna shares her experiences with physical injuries, the impact of diet culture on body image, and how her faith has shaped her understanding of identity and worth. The conversation emphasizes the need for community and the freedom that comes with embracing aging as a gift.

Reflection Questions

1. Are there any areas in your life that have become transactional?
2. What 15-minute opportunity can you explore this week to become more present?

Takeaways

• Donna emphasizes the importance of self-discovery in your 60s.
• Aging can be a gift that brings freedom and purpose.
• Physical, mental, and spiritual health are interconnected.
• Community support is crucial during challenging times.
• Diet culture negatively impacts body image and self-worth.
• Faith can help navigate struggles with identity.
• It's important to have different conversations about health and wellness.
• Movement is essential for mental and physical well-being.
• Celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes is vital.
• The best work in life often comes later, not earlier.

Sound Bites

• "I was mad at my body, I was mad at God."
• "These are bodies to be celebrated."
• "Aging is a gift."
• "My best work is still ahead of me."

Connect with Donna

Instagram | FaceBook | Podcast

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever defined yourself how much you accomplish on your to-do list? Yes, I so resonate with this. Please meet Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Danni Smith Bullied as she shares her parable journey of understanding her worth. We discuss her journey of overcoming postpartum depression and the metaphor of carrying a 'bag of rocks' to describe the emotional burdens she faced. The conversation delves into circumstantial living and how faith can provide freedom and joy beyond life's ups and downs. In this conversation, Danni Smith-Bullied shares her self-acceptance journey, mental health challenges, and the importance of redefining success. She emphasizes the need for daily practices to grow in faith and the significance of communication in relationships. Danni's insights on embracing one's identity and the struggles of motherhood resonate deeply, offering practical advice for listeners.

Takeaways

• The metaphor of a 'bag of rocks' represents emotional burdens.
• Circumstantial living can lead to questioning one's worth.
• Faith can provide freedom from emotional struggles.
• Danni emphasizes the importance of daily provisions from God.
• Understanding God's love is crucial for personal growth. Letting go of the need to shrink oneself is crucial.
• Success should be redefined beyond task completion.
• Mental health awareness is essential, especially postpartum.
• Daily practices can lead to consistent growth in faith.
• Communication is key in managing expectations in relationships.
• Creating accountability systems can ease burdens in partnerships.
• Sharing burdens and expectations can lead to healthier relationships.

Connect with Danni

Website | Instagram | Email

Reflection Questions

1. Is it time to look through that bag of rocks you've been carrying around.  If you are a more tactile person, go get some rocks or gravel and use that to name what is being dragged around with you.
2. How can you look at accomplishment differently this week?

Keywords: integrative nutrition, health coach, worship, self-care, motherhood, faith journey, personal growth, emotional health, circumstantial living, mental wellness, self-acceptance, mental health, faith, communication, success, postpartum, perfectionism, identity

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever felt like you were the first to break the cycle? This is our final collaboration with The Baton Pass as we celebrate their Spring Event season called Illuminate when Light Reveals.  If you haven’t heard about the Baton Pass before, they believe when stories are shared chains will break and divine connections will be made. Grateful to be a part of their advising team and honored to hear another parable story from Shequan Palmer. 

**Just as a trigger warning or for those listening with little ears around, we discuss Domestic Violence and Murder in this episode (Timestamp 17:43 - 24:10). Today Shequan shares with us about healing from heartbreak and walking into freedom.

In this conversation, she shares her journey of overcoming generational trauma and abuse, highlighting the importance of family support, faith, and personal growth. She reflects on her experiences with domestic violence, the influence of her grandmother, and the strength it took to break the cycle of abuse. Through her story, Shequan emphasizes the power of resilience and the freedom found in faith.

Takeaways

• Shequan aims to empower other women through her experiences.
• She faced challenges as a teen parent but found support in her grandmother.
• She broke the cycle of abuse by leaving an unhealthy relationship.
• Generational trauma impacted her family deeply.
• Faith became a pivotal part of her healing journey.
• Understanding her grandmother's past helped her forgive.
• She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational patterns.
• She encourages others to embrace their gifts and share their stories.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BATON PASS

Reflection Questions

1. What cycle has God finally broken through in your family or can see the light peeking through?
2. If you feel like you are underutilizing the gifts God gave you, what is one way you can embrace them more fully?

Connect with the Baton Pass

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Our Baton Pass Collaboration Playlist

Connect with Shequan | Instagram

keywords
The Baton Pass, community engagement, overcoming challenges, joy of life, loss, resilience, empowerment, abuse, family support, generational trauma, faith, resilience, mental health, domestic violence, empowerment, healing

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever felt like you lost your direction? We are collaborating with The Baton Pass as they kick off their Spring Event season called Illuminate: When Light Reveals. I happen to be one of their advisors and I truly love this team and what this organization is all about. If you haven’t heard about the Baton Pass before they exist to empower women to overcome through the use of story. So I am thrilled for us to hear another parable story from Ana who shares her own story of loss and God’s hand on her life.

In this heartfelt conversation, Ana shares her profound journey of loss, grief, and learning to heal after the death of her husband. She reflects on the challenges of single motherhood and how she found hope and support through her faith and community. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in times of despair and the ongoing nature of healing. Her story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of love and faith.

Takeaways

• She experienced profound grief and anger towards God after losing her husband.
• Ana found healing through her faith and the support of her community.
• She emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's fingerprints in our lives.
• Healing is a personal journey that varies for everyone.
• Ana's story highlights the significance of vulnerability in community.
• She encourages others to seek God's presence in their struggles.
• Grief is an ongoing process that can resurface at milestones.
• Ana's new beginning came through obedience to her husband's last wishes.

Sound Bites

• "I felt like I had lost everything."
• "I felt completely hopeless and lost in this season."
• "Healing looks different for everyone."

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BATON PASS

Reflection Questions

1. What is happening right now in your life that you need to pause and allow yourself to seek God and trust in his timing?
2. How have you God showcased himself through the people of your life?

Connect with the Baton Pass

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Our Baton Pass Collaboration Playlist

Connect with Ana | Instagram

keywords: loss, grief, hope, faith, healing, identity, community, support, widow, resilience

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t bring your pain to God? For the next three weeks we are collaborating again with The Baton Pass as they head into their Spring Event season called Illuminate when light reveals.  If you haven’t heard about the Baton pass before they exist to empower women to overcome through events, workshops and so much more. I happen to be one of their advisors and I truly love this team so I am thrilled for us to hear another parable story from mental health therapist, Colleen Jackson who shares about a season where she felt the pressure to deny difficult feelings and push through the pain.

Colleen shares her personal journey of healing, faith, and the pain of losing a child and the intrusive thoughts that followed. The discussion emphasizes the power of community, the significance of sharing stories, and the encouragement to embrace vulnerability as a means of connection and healing.

Takeaways

• Vulnerability fosters deeper connections in relationships.
• Experiencing intrusive thoughts can be a part of faith journeys.
• It's important to allow oneself to feel sadness and pain.
• Community support is crucial during challenging times.
• Vulnerability can relieve feelings of shame.
• Sharing stories creates a powerful sense of connection.
• Embracing pain can lead to profound healing and transformation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BATON PASS

Reflection Questions

1. Name what pressure you are currently feeling that you keep feeling like you need to deny?
2. How can you be vulnerable this week by asking God to illuminate any feelings of shame so he can reveal his goodness to you?

Connect with the Baton Pass

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Our Baton Pass Collaboration Playlist

Connect with Colleen | Instagram

keywords: mental health, vulnerability, faith, healing, community, self-care, difficult conversations, motherhood, hope, emotional honesty

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever had an injury but you still pushed through the pain? Please Cheryl Nembhard,if that name sounds familiar Cheryl is my my better half, on Together We Rise. Cheryl is a dynamic Speaker, Podcast/TV Host and Justice Advocate. Her dedication to Community Service includes working with at-risk youth, former gang members, sexual assault victims & teenage mothers. She has been named one of the 'Top 100 Women to Watch in Canada', and CBC Canada has recognized her as one of 150 Women who are making Canada a better place. She is also a Harry Jerome Award winner for Social Advocacy. Cheryl is a 10-season Co Host of 'See, Hear, Love', and Host of 'On The Path w/ Cheryl Nembhard, both on YES TV and anywhere podcasts are available. Her show now streams across the U.S. as well. She is currently the Executive Director of the Women Speakers Collective, a worldwide organization, focused on equipping. amplifying and empowering the voices of Women across the globe. Today she shares about her parable journey of healing from a knee injury was so much deeper under the surface

Cheryl emphasizes the significance of reflection and the dangers of ignoring signs of emotional and spiritual distress. In this conversation, Cheryl shares her journey of healing and identity, emphasizing the importance of understanding oneself as a daughter of God rather than a performer or leader. She discusses the challenges of the superhero complex in ministry, the necessity of waiting on God, and the transformative process of spiritual growth. Cheryl encourages women to embrace their identity and collaborate rather than compete, fostering a supportive community in ministry.

Takeaways

• Ignoring signs of pain can lead to greater damage.
• Healing requires time and reflection.
• Being still in God's presence is essential for transformation.
• Cheryl emphasizes the importance of leading with an open hand. Healing requires vulnerability and honesty with God.
• The superhero complex can lead to burnout and idolatry.
• True identity is found in being a daughter of God.
• Waiting on God is an active process, not passive.
• Growth often occurs in the valleys of life.
• Striving for approval can hinder authentic relationships with God.
• Spiritual surgery is necessary for true transformation.
• Embracing our identity allows us to serve from a place of love.
• God's love for us is unconditional and not based on our performance.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where do you currently  find yourself fighting your own superhero complex in your life?
2. Spend some time journaling about what God is trying to teach you in identity as his daughter or son.

Connect with Cheryl

Instagram | On the Path Podcast |

Women Speakers Collective | Together We Rise Podcast

Keywords: storytelling, empo

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you wondered, is God really good and then had the courage to say that outloud? Please meet Careese Mukulu as she shares honestly about how she viewed God at one point in her life. In this conversation, CaReese discusses her journey of navigating hardship, faith, and personal growth. She reflects on the universal nature of hardship, and explores the complexities of understanding God's goodness amidst suffering. CaReese emphasizes the strength gained through adversity and the importance of developing perspective over time. She doesn't forget to address the challenges faced by the single community within the church.

CaReese is a Chicago native who works as in urban missions. CaReese is a writer, a teacher, and has recently launched the Life Off Script Podcast to help women thrive when life delivers the unexpected. She lives with her husband in the Chicagoland area and loves books, baking, and anything pink. 

Reflection Questions:

1. Can you think of a time in your life where you had a realization of, "I just needed more time on this planet to realize that" and do you remember what that felt like?
2. It is totally normal to have a dark night of the soul, one, twice, even more as you grow in your faith. If you have had one, can you see the perspective now of how far you have come?

Connect with CaReese

Instagram | Life Off Script Podcast: Spotify | Apple

Books CaReese mentioned:

• Experiencing Friendship with God: How the Wilderness Draws Us to His Presence by Faith Eury Cho
• Uncharted by Inez Franklin
• Treasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections on Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf 

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever struggled to find the words to describe your purpose?  Please meet my guest, Danita Cummins. She is a career and business coach with nearly 30 years in the Department of Defense, where she led teams in Special Operations and advanced technology. In her book,

Promise Over Purpose, she encourages readers to shift from purpose-chasing to a fulfilling life grounded in God’s promises. Danita shares the times when we don't fully see where God is leading us.

She emphasizes the significance of trusting one's voice and the journey of self-discovery, culminating in her powerful metaphor from the Bible about 'following the cloud' as a way to navigate life's uncertainties. In this conversation, Danita Cummins shares her journey through life's challenges and her interest in purpose. She discusses the importance of anchoring oneself in God's promises rather than in roles or titles. Our dialogue explores the psychology of purpose anxiety, the significance of understanding God's promises, and the potential pitfalls of making purpose an idol. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the hope and peace that come from living in alignment with God's promises and leading others from that place.

Takeaways

• The importance of trusting God's plan and following His guidance is a recurring theme in Danita's life.
• Her military background shaped her understanding of leadership and service to others.
• She believes in being 'ruthlessly unapologetic' about one's identity in Christ.
• The metaphor of 'following the cloud' serves as a reminder to trust in God's timing and direction.
• Danita's story highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of life's disruptions.
• She encourages others to embrace their unique journeys and the lessons learned along the way. Life is filled with seasons of challenges that test our faith.
• True purpose is not found in roles but in our identity in Christ.
• Understanding the psychology of purpose can alleviate anxiety.
• God's promises are abundant and foundational to our faith.

Reflection Questions

1. How can you follow the cloud today with just one next step?
2. To ease your anxiety, if you are in a seasonal shift in your life or you feel stuck, what is one promise you can hold to?

Connect with Danita

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast

Promise Over Purpose website

Grab your copy of Promise Over Purpose

Keywords: Danita Cummings, The Parable Podcast, military service, helping others, purpose, follo

Support the show

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.