The Sharon Decker Podcast

Recently, I had the honor of speaking at the Walk by Faith Luncheon in Charlotte, surrounded by dear friends and sisters in Christ who have walked alongside me through some of life's most challenging seasons.In this speech, I opened my heart about what I've witnessed in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene — not just the devastation, but the profound ways hope shows up when everything else is stripped away. I shared stories of neighbors who hadn't spoken in 18 years embracing in the street, churches becoming places of radical hospitality, and families learning what it means to surrender when there's no other way forward.But beyond the recovery work, I felt called to share some deeper truths I've been learning: that our relationship with God requires intentional time and stillness, that the things we surround ourselves with hold no eternal value, and that sometimes God has to get loud before we finally slow down enough to listen.I also shared a personal turning point from years ago — a day of silence that led me to leave a corporate career track and trust God with what came next. It wasn't easy, but it was right.If you're in a season of uncertainty, loss, or simply longing for deeper peace, I hope this message meets you where you are.🙏 CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINARecovery will take 4-6 years. We still need prayer, volunteers, and support.📍 STAY CONNECTED:🎙️ Podcast: The Sharon Decker Podcast (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube)📸 Instagram: @thesharondecker🌐 Website: sharondecker.com💬 Comment below and let me know what spoke to you the most.

When Hurricane Helene hit, most people saw the damage to homes and roads. But what many didn't realize was the devastating impact on the farms that feed our region—and the quiet, steady work happening now to rebuild them.I sit down with Kaleb Rathbone, Assistant Commissioner for Western North Carolina Agricultural Programs, to talk about something that doesn't always make headlines but touches every part of our lives: the recovery of agriculture across the mountains.In this conversation, we cover:• How the ag community responded in the first 72 hours after the storm• $280 million in state disaster relief already distributed to WNC farmers—and $221 million more coming from USDA• Why agriculture is the third most diverse industry in the nation and the backbone of North Carolina's economy• The long-term challenges farmers are facing now: infrastructure repairs, low commodity prices, and contractor shortages• How you can support local farms through intentional buying choices• What's coming this spring—strawberries, blueberries, vegetables, and moreAgriculture isn't just an industry here—it's the heart of our communities. The small family farms across Western North Carolina grow everything from apples and trout to specialty vegetables and Christmas trees. These farmers take real risks every season to put fresh, nutritious food on our tables. And right now, they're working through one of the hardest seasons they've ever faced.How You Can Help:Look for the "NC" label at your grocery store. Visit your local farmers market. Ask where your food comes from. Buy intentionally. Every choice you make supports a family farm working to recover and rebuild.If you've been wondering how our farmers are really doing, or if you want to understand what it actually takes to rebuild an entire agricultural economy, this conversation will give you the full picture—and remind you why supporting local matters more than ever.Topics covered: Hurricane Helene recovery, Western North Carolina agriculture, disaster relief for farmers, NC Department of Agriculture, farm recovery, local food systems, small family farms, buying local, farmers markets, NC agriculture economy, farm infrastructure damage, specialty crops, livestock recovery, agricultural disaster response, WNC farmers🌿 Stay Connected & Join the Work in Western North CarolinaIf you'd like to follow more stories of recovery, community strength, and the people rebuilding Western North Carolina, here's where you can find us:Instagram:➡️ instagram.com/thesharondeckerTapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit):➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.comWNC Recovery Resources & How to Help:➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.govIf you'd like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: Kaleb Rathbone on WNC Agriculture02:15 - Hurricane Helene Hits: The First 72 Hours05:40 - Coordinating a Regional Agricultural Response09:20 - Agriculture's Role in Western North Carolina's Economy12:45 - How WNC Farmers Are Doing Now16:30 - $280 Million in Disaster Relief Distributed19:10 - Infrastructure Challenges: The Long Recovery Ahead22:35 - Federal Funds Still Pending from USDA24:50 - Supporting Local Farmers: Why It Matters28:15 - What You'll See at Farmers Markets This Spring31:40 - The Growth of Vineyards and Specialty Crops34:20 - Final Thoughts: Keeping Family Farms Alive

Friends and colleagues keep asking me the same question lately… "What do I do right now?"

In this short encouragement, I'm reminding you of what God asks of us—especially in uncertain times. Scripture tells us in Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." That's it. That's the answer.

I also share something a friend reminded me recently—when anger overcomes our ability to reason, most of us can't do this on our own. But with God, when we're in an intimate relationship with Him, we can absorb that love and give it to others. And honestly, that one truth changes everything.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed by what's happening around us, this is your reminder to pause, go back to God's Word, and let His guidance do what it was meant to do.

In this video:

What Micah 6:8 asks of us in practical terms

How to act justly and love mercy when you feel angry

Why walking humbly with God is the foundation for everything

📖 Scripture: Micah 6:8

If this encouraged you, hit like, subscribe, and drop a comment:
How do you lean into God's Word when times feel uncertain?

Instagram:
➡️ instagram.com/thesharondecker

Tapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit):
➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.com

WNC Recovery Resources & How to Help:
➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.gov

If you'd like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.

Winter gets a bad rap… but it has a purpose.

In this short reflection, I’m sharing why winter matters—spiritually, emotionally, and even practically. From Genesis 8:22 (“seedtime and harvest… summer and winter… will never cease”) to a simple lesson my father-in-law pointed out while driving through the foothills of Western North Carolina, this episode is a reminder that seasons exist for a reason.

Winter can feel quieter, darker, and slower—but it’s also the season that helps you see farther, strip away what doesn’t belong, and make room for growth again.

If you’ve been rushing to “get through” winter, this is your permission slip to pause, take it in, and lean into the stillness.

In This Episode

• Why winter is part of God’s design (Genesis 8:22)

• Dormancy as preparation for growth

• What you can see in winter that you can’t see in spring/summer

• The beauty of stillness and quiet

• A mindset shift for the season you’re in

Scripture Mentioned

• Genesis 8:22

Takeaway
Instead of resisting the season you’re in, ask: What is this season making possible for me?
If this encouraged you, share it with a friend who’s in a “winter season,” and leave a quick rating/review so more people can find it.

A year after Hurricane Helene, many of us are still processing trauma while navigating the pressures of the holiday season. If you're struggling with grief, burnout, or feeling like recovery is taking longer than expected, this conversation is for you.

I sit down with licensed mental health counselor Jake Orr to explore moral injury, trauma recovery, and why healing doesn't follow a timeline. We talk about what happens when trigger dates hit, how to recognize burnout before it takes over, and why winter might be the perfect time to slow down instead of pushing through.

Whether you're a first responder dealing with moral injury, someone recovering from trauma, or just feeling overwhelmed by holiday expectations, this episode offers practical strategies for coping. We discuss the importance of rest, how to stop over-giving, the power of saying no, and why it's okay to stop retelling your trauma story and start focusing on what's ahead.

If you've been feeling guilty about not "being over it" yet, or if you're exhausted from trying to meet everyone's expectations this season, this conversation will help you give yourself permission to heal at your own pace.

Topics covered: trauma recovery, moral injury, PTSD, first responder mental health, burnout prevention, holiday stress, grief after disaster, Hurricane Helene recovery, coping strategies, mental health support, self-care, setting boundaries, Sabbath rest, trigger dates, healing timeline

🌿 Stay Connected & Join the Work in Western North Carolina

If you'd like to follow more stories of recovery, community strength, and the people rebuilding Western North Carolina, here's where you can find us:

Instagram:

➡️ instagram.com/thesharondecker

Tapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit):

➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.com

WNC Recovery Resources & How to Help:

➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.gov

If you'd like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.

00:00 - Introduction: A Year After Hurricane Helene

02:01 - What Is Moral Injury?

04:16 - Why Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected

06:24 - Returning to Traditions After Trauma

08:28 - Moving Forward vs. Retelling the Story

10:17 - Moral Injury Beyond First Responders

12:58 - How to Help First Responders Seek Support

14:50 - Understanding Burnout: The Race to the Finish

16:35 - Winter as a Season for Rest and Renewal

18:49 - Practicing Sabbath and Saying No

21:14 - Final Advice: Patience, Goals, and Self-Care

Key Takeaways:

• Moral injury involves feeling powerless or violating personal moral boundaries
• Recovery doesn't follow a calendar—trigger dates are real
• Burnout comes from overgiving and neglecting self-care
• Winter is a natural time to slow down and rest
• It's okay to stop retelling your trauma story and focus forward
• Setting measurable goals helps create intentional change

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: A Year After Hurricane Helene

02:01 - What Is Moral Injury?

04:16 - Why Recovery Takes Longer Than Expected

06:24 - Returning to Traditions After Trauma

08:28 - Moving Forward vs. Retelling the Story

10:17 - Moral Injury Beyond First Responders

12:58 - How to Help First Responders Seek Support

14:50 - Understanding Burnout: The Race to the Finish

16:35 - Winter as a Season for Rest and Renewal

18:49 - Practicing Sabbath and Saying No

21:14 - Final Advice: Patience, Goals, and Self-Care

Key Takeaways:

• Moral injury involves feeling powerless or violating personal moral boundaries
• Recovery doesn't follow a calendar—trigger dates are real
• Burnout comes from overgiving and neglecting self-care
• Winter is a natural time to slow down and rest
• It's okay to stop retelling your trauma story and focus forward
• Setting measurable goals helps create intentional change

I had the honor of speaking with Stephanie Johnson, a dedicated advocate for Rebuilding the Hollers of Western North Carolina. Stephanie shares her journey from distributing food to leading construction efforts, all in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Her story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of grassroots initiatives. From providing essential supplies to rebuilding homes, Stephanie's work exemplifies what happens when compassion turns into action. What moved me most is how hope flourishes when people unite. As Stephanie beautifully puts it, "We rebuild not just structures, but lives."

If you care about the future of Western North Carolina, about strengthening communities, or about the transformative power of volunteerism, this conversation will inspire you.

I'd love to hear your thoughts—what gives you hope in your community?

🌿 Stay Connected & Join the Work in Western North Carolina

If you’d like to follow more stories of recovery, community strength, and the people rebuilding Western North Carolina, here’s where you can find us:

Instagram:

➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thesharondecker

Tapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit):

➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.com

WNC Recovery Resources & How to Help:

➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.gov

Rebuilding The Hollers:

rebuildinghollers.com

If you’d like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.

Keywords

Rebuilding Hollers, disaster recovery, community resilience, volunteer engagement, recovery efforts, Western North Carolina, Helene recovery, humanitarian aid, local involvement, rebuilding homes, Stephanie Johnson, Sharon Decker

Takeaways

Rebuilding Hollers is a grassroots initiative. Community support is vital during recovery. Volunteers provide both physical and emotional aid. Long-term recovery requires ongoing commitment. Local businesses play a crucial role in rebuilding. Hope is essential in disaster recovery. Engaging volunteers can amplify the impact of resources.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Rebuilding Hollers

06:49 Community Support and Volunteer Efforts

16:55 Long-term Recovery and Local Engagement

23:53 Gratitude and Future Vision

In this conversation, I had the privilege of sitting down with my friend Richard Brunson, Executive Director of Baptist On Mission—one of the most extraordinary forces of hope and hands-on service in North Carolina.

Richard shares the heart behind their 17 ministries, including the disaster relief teams so many of us in Western North Carolina have come to know well, especially since Hurricane Helene. From mobile medical units reaching remote communities to volunteers rebuilding homes one nail at a time, their work reminds us what happens when compassion moves into action.

What encouraged me most is how hope grows when people show up. This recovery will take time, but as Richard says so beautifully, “We glorify God by meeting human needs.” And that is exactly what Baptist On Mission has done—finishing more than 617 homes and offering thousands of families a path forward.

If you care about Western North Carolina’s future, about rebuilding stronger communities, or about the power of volunteers to multiply impact, you’ll be inspired by this conversation.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what gives you hope right now in your community?

🌿 Stay Connected & Join the Work in Western North Carolina

If you’d like to follow more stories of recovery, community strength, and the people rebuilding Western North Carolina, here’s where you can find us:

Instagram:

➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thesharondecker

Tapestry Collaborative (Nonprofit):

➡️ https://www.tapestrycollaborative.com

WNC Recovery Resources & How to Help:

➡️ https://wncrecovery.nc.gov

If you’d like to receive invitations to upcoming events, updates on recovery efforts, and weekly reflections, sign up for our email newsletter.

Keywords

Baptist On Mission, disaster relief, community support, volunteer engagement, recovery efforts, Western North Carolina, Helene recovery, humanitarian aid, church involvement, rebuilding homes, Richard Brunson, Sharon Decker

Takeaways

Baptist On Mission has 17 different ministries.

Disaster relief is the most recognized ministry.

Mobile dental and health units serve remote areas.

Community support is crucial during recovery efforts.

Volunteers provide both physical and emotional support.

Long-term recovery requires sustained commitment.

Grants from the state significantly aid rebuilding efforts.

Hope is a critical component of disaster recovery.

The church plays a vital role in community support.

Engaging volunteers can multiply the impact of funds.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Baptist On Mission

06:49 Disaster Relief Efforts and Community Support

16:55 Long-term Recovery and Volunteer Engagement

23:53 Gratitude and Future Outlook

Overcoming Transitions and Embracing Community: Sharon Decker's Inspirational JourneyWelcome to a special episode where Sharon Decker introduces her new journey into podcasting, inspired by long-time friends Ramona Holloway and Stetson Patton. Sharon reflects on her 20-year dream and the community of Western North Carolina she loves. Joined by notable guests Pam Stone, Ramona Holloway, and first responders therapist Jake Bowman, this episode dives deep into transitioning through life's challenges. Pam Stone brings humor and insight from her transition from stand-up comedy to horse training, while Jake emphasizes the importance of community and mental health post-Hurricane Helene. Witness the heartfelt reunion of these lifelong friends and learn how to navigate your own life transitions. Don't miss the inspiring stories from Phil and Tina DeAngelo who turned their Asheville studio into a community hub amid natural disasters, and join the celebration of Ramona Holloway's 60th birthday!Website - www.sharondecker.comInstagram - www.instagram/thesharondecker00:00 Introduction and Gratitude00:17 Launching a Dream: The Podcast Journey01:42 Ramona Holloway: A Heartfelt Introduction02:08 The Satisfied Life Radio Show06:46 Transitions and Challenges12:50 Ramona's Career Shift and Personal Growth29:20 Community and Art: A New Beginning34:14 Philip and Tina DeAngelo: Angels in the Arts50:38 The Decision to Open the Art Supply Store51:27 Community Support and Challenges52:11 Lessons Learned and Community Spirit54:03 Nona's Kitchen and Community Meals55:19 Supporting Local Artists and Art Supply Store57:11 Pam Stone Joins the Conversation58:56 Pam's Journey from Comedy to Horses01:07:09 Jake's Role in Trauma and Community Support01:12:52 The Importance of Community and Therapy01:28:32 Sharon's Reflections on Transitions and Waiting