The Priority Now Podcast

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Anxiety can affect anyone, including women who love Jesus and faithfully serve in ministry. The pressure to meet expectations, care for others, and always be available can leave ministry leaders feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and afraid to admit they are struggling.

In this episode of Priority Podcast, host Carmen Halsey-Menghini joins Amy Donathan, Carla Powderly, and Leslie Davis for an honest conversation about anxiety in ministry. Together, they explore the difference between normal anxiety and anxiety that interferes with daily life, how anxiety affects us, and practical ways to respond with biblical truth and healthy habits.

Through Scripture, personal experiences, and practical tools, the conversation reminds us that experiencing anxiety does not mean we have failed God. He understands our humanity, meets us in our struggles, and provides help through His Word, His Spirit, and the people He places in our lives.

Key Takeaways

Scriptures Mentioned

Resources Mentioned

Amy offers a three-session coaching package to help people identify anxiety triggers and develop a plan, along with coaching cohorts and educational sessions tailored for ministry leaders and groups. Amy Donathan, Hope and Healing Life Coaching

To connect with Amy, check out her website: Christian Life Coaching | Hope and Healing Christian Life Coaching

To connect with Carla, check out her website: Therapy for Individuals, Couples, & Families | St Charles, MO

To connect with Leslie, check out her website: The Vision-Driven Marriage

A Tool for the Hard Days

When anxiety begins to rise, try these practical steps:

Tool 1:  Cognitive Restructuring + Romans 12:2

Write down the anxious thought, identify the distortion (catastrophizing, mind-reading, overgeneralizing), then write a Scripture-grounded, truer replacement.

· Anchor verse: Romans 12:2 — "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This is the biblical basis for CBT's core mechanism: replacing distorted thinking with truth.

Tool 2: Breath Prayer with Philippians 4:6-7

Inhale while praying "Your peace, O Lord," exhale while praying "guards my heart and mind." Combines physiological calming (slow breathing) with Scripture meditation.

Tool 3: The "Casting" Practice with 1 Peter 5:7

Physically write the anxious thought on paper. Set it down or place a hand over it while praying, "I cast this anxiety on You because You care for me." The physical act reinforces the release.

Tool 4: Scripture-Paired Grounding (5-4-3-2-1) with Psalm 46:10

Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste — pairing each round with the phrase "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Tool 5: Scripture Memory Walk with Psalm 23

Walk slowly while reciting Psalm 23 phrase by phrase, matching each line to a step. Combines movement, grounding, and Scripture meditation — useful for the "walking with a friend" habit already in your routine.

Tool 6: Worry Time, Bounded by Prayer

Schedule 10-15 minutes a day as designated "worry time," opening and closing it in prayer, rather than letting anxious thoughts intrude all day. It contains worry within a boundary instead of suppressing it.

Tool 7: Seek Support (biblical, not just clinical)

· Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 — "Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up." A direct biblical case for not carrying anxiety alone.

· Practical application: talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or small group — and when anxiety is persistent or severe, Christian counseling that integrates biblical truth with evidence-based therapy is both wise and faithful, not a failure of faith.

If you experience new or concerning physical symptoms, such as chest pain, seek appropriate medical evaluation rather than assuming anxiety is the cause.

Reflection

Where are you carrying pressure to do everything, be everything, or always be available?

Remember: You are not a disappointment to God when you struggle. You are human, you are seen, and you do not have to walk through anxiety alone.

What if spiritual health has less to do with how much we are doing for Jesus and more to do with how deeply we are abiding in Jesus?

In this episode of Priority Podcast, Carmen, Leslie, Amy, and Carla explore what it means to maintain spiritual health amid busy schedules, ministry responsibilities, relationships, trials, and everyday demands. Carla leads the conversation around a powerful truth: identity precedes activity. We don't work our way into God's love. We begin from the truth that we are already His beloved children, and what we do becomes a response to the love and grace we've received.

Together, they unpack spiritual disciplines, Sabbath, prayer, Scripture, honest lament, conviction versus condemnation, and the difference between productivity and worth. Most of all, they remind us that spiritual health is not about building an impressive spiritual résumé. It is about growing in intimacy with Jesus and allowing that relationship to transform every area of our lives.

Key Takeaways

Scriptures Mentioned

Books & Resources Mentioned

Reflection

Where have you been striving instead of abiding?

This week, choose one simple way to slow down and intentionally be with Jesus. Sit quietly before reaching for your phone. Pray throughout your day. Take a few minutes in the car before walking into the house. Practice gratitude. Rest intentionally.

You don't have to earn what Jesus has already given you.

Come. Remain. Trust. Walk with Him.

Subtle ways we can look spiritually mature while actually becoming disconnected from God

Music Credit:

We Love Traveling, AurbanniAudio/Jamendo

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What if we stopped asking, "When will life finally get easier?" and started preparing ourselves for the reality that hard things will come—and trusting that God will meet us in them?

In this episode of the Priority Podcast, the team talks honestly about what it means to trust God when the next hard thing comes. Trials are not necessarily signs that something has gone wrong or that God is disappointed in us. Scripture reminds us that we will experience trouble, but we can also know that God is present, faithful, and working even when we cannot see what He is doing. God does not waste our pain. What feels like an interruption may become a divine opportunity for growth, deeper intimacy with God, and Kingdom purpose.

The conversation gets practical, too. From writing down anxious thoughts and grounding your body to reaching out to trusted friends, staying connected to God's Word, borrowing hope from the faith of others, and learning to distinguish what you feel from what is true, this episode offers a toolbox for walking through difficult seasons. Amy also shares vulnerably about the stillbirth of her son, Mark, and how God eventually used that devastating experience to help her walk alongside another grieving mother. Her story reminds us that we may not see the purpose of our pain immediately—but we can trust that God is with us in the middle of it and that our stories can become a source of hope for others.

When the next hard thing comes, you don't have to have it all together.

You can take one small step.

Write down what you're thinking.

You may not be able to see the whole story from where you are standing. But God can. And He is not wasting your story.

Reflection: What is one truth about God's character that you need to hold onto in the hard thing you're facing right now—and what would it look like to take one small step of trust today?

Music Credit:

We Love Traveling, AurbanniAudio/Jamendo

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Comparison is one of the enemy's quietest traps. It often begins with innocent observation but quickly grows into feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and discouragement. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Carmen, Leslie, Amy, and Carla unpack why comparison is so destructive, how it steals our gratitude and creativity, and why God never intended us to measure our story against someone else's highlight reel.

Together, the team explores the difference between healthy discipleship and unhealthy comparison, reminding us that every believer has a unique calling, a unique story, and a unique Kingdom assignment. Through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical encouragement, you'll be challenged to shift your eyes from the lives of others back to the One who is faithfully writing your own story. Whether you've struggled with comparison in ministry, motherhood, leadership, business, or everyday life, this conversation will encourage you to rest in God's timing, trust His design, and embrace the gifts He has uniquely entrusted to you.

Comparison distorts reality. We often compare our private struggles with someone else's carefully edited public image, leading to shame and feelings of inadequacy. Helpful reframe: instead of asking “why don’t I have what she has?” ask “what story might God be writing in my life that I don’t know yet?”

Healthy discipleship is different from comparison. Following faithful examples should draw us closer to Christ—not make us question our worth.

Your story matters. God is uniquely writing your testimony, and your life experiences are part of His Kingdom purpose.

Comparison shifts our focus away from Jesus. When our eyes leave Christ, we become discouraged by God's timing, our gifts, or the assignments He's given us. Helpful reframe: Instead of asking “why is her life better?” ask “Am I being faithful with what God has entrusted to me?”

Faithfulness—not visibility—is God's measure of success. Many of the most impactful ministries happen quietly, unseen by others but fully known by God.

Gratitude protects our hearts. Thankfulness helps us recognize God's unique gifts and keeps comparison from stealing our joy, peace, and creativity. Helpful reframe: When comparison rises, stop and ask yourself, “What has God uniquely given me in this season?”

Your Kingdom assignment is personal. Rather than asking why someone else's ministry or life looks different, ask whether you are faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to you.

Revelation 12:11 – "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."

Galatians 6:4–5 – Test your own work rather than comparing yourself with others.

2 Corinthians 10:12 – Those who compare themselves with themselves are not wise.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) – Blessing is defined by Christ through humility, faithfulness, and perseverance—not worldly success.

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby (referenced throughout the discussion on hearing God's voice and following His leadership).

**Bible Studies by **Kristi McLelland (referenced regarding living from abundance rather than scarcity).

Christine Caine – Referenced as an example of remembering that every visible ministry has an unseen story of faithfulness and perseverance behind it.

Brandon Lake – Mentioned for the lyric describing believers as "the ink in the pen of the Author," illustrating God's authorship of our stories.

Elisabeth Elliot – Referenced near the close of the conversation as an example of surrendering every circumstance back to God with gratitude.

Where has comparison quietly been stealing your joy, your gratitude, or your confidence in God's calling?

This week, ask the Lord to help you shift your eyes back to Him. Thank Him for the story He's writing in your life, trust His timing, and remember that faithfulness—not comparison—is the measure of a life well lived for His Kingdom.

You can find Leslie at The Vision-Driven Marriage

Music Credit:

We Love Traveling, AurbanniAudio/Jamendo

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with Hosts Carmen Halsey Mangini, Amy Donathan, Carla Powderly, and Leslie Davis

Podcast Lead: Carla Powderly

What happens when caring deeply for others begins to drain your soul instead of fuel your calling?

In this honest and deeply encouraging episode of Priority Podcast, Carla Powderly leads a heartfelt conversation with Carmen, Leslie, and Amy about compassion fatigue and caregiver burnout. Together, they unpack the emotional, spiritual, and physical toll of constantly pouring into others—whether in ministry, motherhood, caregiving, counseling, marriage, or leadership.

Through personal stories, Biblical wisdom, and practical encouragement, this conversation reminds Christian women that they were never meant to carry every burden alone. Jesus modeled compassion with boundaries, rest, and dependence on the Father—and we are invited to do the same.

If you’ve been feeling emotionally numb, physically exhausted, resentful, overwhelmed, or guilty for needing rest, this episode offers gentle permission to pause, breathe, and remember: you are not the Savior. You are deeply loved by Him.

Compassion fatigue and caregiver burnout are similar—but different.

Compassion fatigue is like an oversaturated sponge absorbing too much pain.

Caregiver burnout is like a drained battery with no energy left.

Emotional numbness, irritability, resentment, mental fog, and isolation can all be warning signs that your soul and body need care.

Jesus modeled healthy rhythms of rest, prayer, and withdrawal from constant demands.

Asking for help is not a weakness—it is part of God’s design for community and sanctification.

Boundaries are not selfish; they help us continue loving others faithfully and sustainably.

The guilt we feel when stepping back often reveals deeper beliefs about identity, worth, and responsibility.

God meets us compassionately in our limitations, just as He did with Elijah, Moses, and others throughout Scripture.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 – “There is nothing new under the sun.”

1 Kings 19 – Elijah’s exhaustion under the broom tree

Exodus 17:8–13 – Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms

Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens…”

Examples from the life of Jesus withdrawing to pray and rest:

Mark 1:35

Luke 5:16

Matthew 14:23

Try Softer — by Aundi Kolber

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality — by Peter Scazzero

Boundaries — by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Uninvited — by Lysa TerKeurst

Find Carla Powderly

CarlaPowderly.com

Where in your life might God be inviting you to rest, receive help, or release a burden you were never meant to carry alone?

Friend, caring for others is beautiful Kingdom work—but even Jesus stepped away to pray, rest, and be renewed. You do not have to prove your worth through exhaustion. God sees your limits with compassion, not disappointment. May this episode remind you that rest is not failure—it is faithful dependence on the One who truly carries it all.

MUSIC CREDIT

Good Mood by AurbanniAudio

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Podcast Lead: Amy Donathan — counselor, speaker, and founder of Hope and Healing and Life Counseling & Life Coaching

What lies have quietly shaped the way you see yourself… and even the way you see God?

In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, Amy shares how childhood wounds, painful experiences, and unhealed beliefs can quietly become the filter through which we live our lives. From feelings of rejection and inadequacy to striving and perfectionism, the ladies around the Priority Podcast table unpack how these lies affect our relationships, ministry, identity, and ability to step fully into God’s calling.

Together, they explore the freedom that comes when we bring those hidden beliefs into the light of Christ. Through personal stories, Biblical truth, practical encouragement, and compassionate conversation, this episode reminds listeners that healing is possible, that shame does not have the final word, and that God’s truth is stronger than every lie we carry.

If you’ve ever wrestled with thoughts like “I’m not enough,” “I’m too much,” “I always mess things up,” or “God must be disappointed in me,” this episode offers gentle hope and practical next steps for replacing those lies with truth rooted in Scripture.

For Christian women seeking to leverage their previous hurts and God-given gifts for the Kingdom and the sake of others, this conversation is both an invitation and a reminder: you do not have to carry those lies anymore.

Lies often begin forming early in life, stemming from wounds, unmet needs, rejection, trauma, disappointment, or painful experiences.

Hidden beliefs become “core beliefs” that shape how we respond in relationships, ministry, work, and even our walk with God.

Pain points and emotional overreactions can reveal underlying lies that still need healing.

Bringing lies into the light breaks shame and isolation and opens the door for healing and freedom.

God does not condemn us for our wounds or struggles—He invites us to surrender them to Him.

Replacing lies with God’s truth requires intentional renewal, not just awareness.

Authentic Christian community creates safe spaces where healing, honesty, and transformation can happen.

Proverbs 23:7 — “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Ephesians 5:13 — “When anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.”

Ephesians 1:4–5 — Our identity in Christ was established before the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 12:2 — Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.”

Philippians 2:13 — God works in us to will and to act according to His purpose.

Isaiah 49 — God has inscribed us on the palms of His hands.

Romans 8:1 (Referenced conceptually) — “There is therefore now no condemnation…”

Hope and Healing and Life Counseling & Life Coaching — Amy’s counseling and coaching ministry hopeandhealinglifecoach.com

FB: Hope and Healing Christian Life Coaching

IG @‌hope_and_healing325

Email: [email protected]

“We’re not meant to carry these lies. We’re meant to lay them down at the cross.” Amy Donathan:

“Your life reflects what you truly believe.” Amy Donathan

“The cross covered it all.” Carla Powderly

“God isn’t waiting for you to fix yourself before He walks with you.” Amy Donathan

“It’s not enough to lay down the lie—you must replace it with God’s truth.” Carman Halsey-Menghini

What is one lie you may have unknowingly carried for years—and what truth from God’s Word needs to replace it today?

Friend, healing often begins with honesty. Jesus is not intimidated by your wounds, your questions, or your story. The same Savior who carried the cross for the joy set before Him sees you with compassion, tenderness, and purpose. You do not have to stay trapped behind the bars of the lies of the enemy. His truth brings freedom, and His presence walks with you every step of the journey.

Welcome to the relaunch of Priority NOW Podcast—now Priority Podcast—a space created for Christian women who are ready to step into freedom, healing, and purpose.

In this powerful introductory episode, host Carmen Halsey-Mengini is joined by Amy Donathan, Carla Powderly, and Leslie Davis—three experienced counselors and coaches with a shared passion: helping women leverage their life experiences for the sake of the Kingdom. Together, they unpack the heart behind this podcast relaunch and the deep need for practical, Christ-centered tools that meet women right in the middle of real life.

This conversation sets the tone for what’s ahead—honest discussions about shame, comparison, grief, lies we believe, and the barriers that keep us stuck. With warmth, wisdom, and truth, these women remind us that nothing is beyond redemption, healing is possible, and we were never meant to walk alone.

God can use your story—even the painful parts—for His glory and the good of others

There is a difference between guilt (“I did something bad”) and shame (“I am something bad”)—and freedom begins when we recognize it

Healing often happens in community—through people willing to step into your story and walk alongside you

Many of the struggles we face (comparison, lies, burnout) quietly keep us from living out our calling

True transformation requires more than inspiration—it requires practical tools and intentional action

Replacing lies with God’s truth is essential for lasting freedom

Nothing is beyond hope—through Christ, even what feels broken can be restored

“They triumphed… by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” — Revelation 12:11

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…” — Galatians 5:1

“I was blind, but now I see.” — John 9:25

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

Carmen Halsey-Mengini IBSA.org

Amy Donathan Hope and Healing Life Coach

Carla Powderly Carla Powderly Therapy

Leslie Davis The Vision-Driven Marriage

What is one area of your life where shame, comparison, or a lie has kept you quiet or stuck?

Bring that gently before the Lord today. Ask Him to replace it with His truth—and consider who He might be inviting you to walk alongside, or whom He’s inviting to walk with you.

Freedom isn’t just possible—it’s promised. And you don’t have to get there alone.

MUSIC CREDIT

Good Mood by AurbanniAudio

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Today we continue the conversation with Jennifer Smith about what we can do after the Priority Conference is over to continue to draw closer to God and each other.  There is always something we can do to serve God until we draw our last breath.  Jennifer shares some ideas on how we can be on mission right where we are.  She encourages us to see the mission field in a broader light.  What if your mission field is the church down the street that needs help with Vacation Bible School?  Or what if a church plant in your local association needs help with music or set up?  These examples are just a few ways God opens opportunities for us to serve on mission right where we are.

Carmen reminds us that creating a culture of evangelism starts with each one of us.  We are reminded to walk in obedience and listen when God is speaking to us.  When we work together in a spirit of cooperation, it isn't for our own glory, but God gets the glory!  

Priority Now Podcast is hosted by Carmen Halsey and produced by Pat Scarbrough.

Jennifer Smith joins us today at the table to have a conversation that touches on many aspects of our daily walk with Christ.  Jennifer is from Jacksonville Illinois and attends Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church.  She has spent a significant part of her life serving on mission both here and abroad.  She currently is serving as the Chaplain Coordinator for Disaster Relief.  

During our conversation today you will hear Jennifer share how she learned the value of community through the professional opportunities she experienced in foreign countries.  She was able to serve on the mission field as part of those communities while learning their cultures and sharing the love of Christ.  Jennifer also serves the Illinois Baptist Women community through Priority by encouraging us with prayer prompts and leading breakout sessions.

Through our conversation today we hear about the importance of obedience.  There is an opportunity for every woman listening to join in the fellowship of Christ and serving on whatever mission field God has placed you in if you follow God's prompting in obedience.  There is joy in serving together and Carmen reminds us that we are better together.  We hope that you listen to our conversation with fresh ears and then apply that to what God is telling you so you can follow in obedience.

Carmen Halsey is the host of our podcast and today our podcast producer Pat Scarbrough joins the conversation as well.

Today we are joining Carmen at the table with returning guest Jill Finley.  They are joined today by Patty Wysong who serves as a key partner in the Priority Now Blog.  Patty comes to our table from Cornerstone Church in Marion Illinois, and she shares some of her story as a child on the mission field in Ecuador through some wilderness years to arrive right where God intended for her to be.

Patty leads out as the volunteer editor of the Priority Now Blog, and she shares the blog got started and how you can be a part of the writing community.  As part of the annual Priority Conference, there has been a Writer's Workshop that helped develop women writers to use their gift to encourage others and create a culture of evangelism through the written word.  

As the conversation remains focused on how we are called to create a culture of evangelism in our daily lives, we also hear how Jill has a heart for others to hear the Gospel.  

The resources mentioned today include:

Where to find the PriorityNOW Blog , how to subscribe, and how to submit entries to be considered for publication.

Jeff Iorg message to the Southern Baptist Convention can be found here.