The Shieldmaidens

When Emilee Rathgeber lost her sister and best friend, Halee, in 2017, her world changed forever. In the middle of unimaginable grief, Emilee found herself angry at God.. and then faced another painful reality: being made to feel like she wasn’t allowed to be angry with Him. 

In this deeply honest conversation, Emilee shares what it was like to grieve Halee during her senior year of high school, wrestle with the questions she couldn’t answer, and navigate the tension between faith and anger. She opens up about the things she wished people had understood about her grief and what happened when she finally stopped hiding her feelings from God. 

This is a conversation about loss, anger, grief, faith, and the God who can handle our hardest questions. 

If you’ve ever been hurt, disappointed, or angry with God - and wondered if that meant you weren’t trusting Him enough... Emilee’s story is a reminder that we don’t have to hide our pain from God. We can bring Him all of it. 

If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. 

For more information on the Halee Rathgeber Memorial Nursing Scholarship: 
https://www.facebook.com/p/Halee-Rathgeber-Memorial-Nursing-Scholarship-100066794865046/ 
https://www.uealumnionline.com/s/1096/bp20/interior.aspx?sid=1096&gid=1&pgid=3316 

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Production by Hitchcock Visuals 

What if the things you call coincidences are actually the providence of God? 

In this episode of The Shieldmaidens, we’re talking about the difference between God’s provision and His providence... and how often we look back and realize that God was working behind the scenes long before we ever saw the answer. 

Sometimes His provision looks obvious. Other times, it looks like a closed door, an unexpected detour, a person He placed in our path, or an answer that came at exactly the right moment. What feels like coincidence to us may be part of a much bigger picture that only God can see. 

If you’re in a season where you’re wondering “Where is God?” or “How is He going to make a way?”, this conversation is a reminder that God is not absent, late, or unaware. He is working; even when you can't see it yet. 

✨ God provides. 
✨ God sees the whole picture. 
✨ God is working behind the scenes. 
✨ And His timing is never accidental. 

Join us as we talk about the moments that remind us: You call it a coincidence. God calls it providence. 

If this episode encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that God is still working. 

#TheShieldmaidens #GodsProvision #GodsProvidence #ChristianPodcast #TrustGod #GodsTiming #Faith #ChristianWomen 

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Motherhood wasn’t meant to be lonely. ❤️ 

In this episode of The Shieldmaidens, we sit down with Kelly Doan, the creator of Mom Joy, a local women’s conference created specifically to encourage, love, and pour into moms. 

Kelly shares the story behind Mom Joy and why moms became such a passion for her. After experiencing firsthand how much new moms need community, encouragement, and simply someone to make them feel seen, Kelly felt called to create a space where other moms could experience that same kind of love and connection. 

We talk about the loneliness that can sometimes come with motherhood, the importance of finding your people, and why moms need to be reminded that they don't have to walk this journey alone. 

And if you're a mom who needs some encouragement, community, and a reminder that you are seen and valued, we hope you'll consider joining Kelly at Mom Joy Conference on September 19th in Henderson, Kentucky, featuring guest speaker Ginger Hubbard. 

🎟️ Get your tickets here: 
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/momjoy 

Whether you're a brand-new mom, have been doing this for years, or simply need a little encouragement in the middle of the beautiful chaos of motherhood, this conversation is for you. 

❤️ You are seen. You are loved. And you don't have to do motherhood alone.

 #TheShieldmaidens #MomJoy #Motherhood #ChristianMoms #MomCommunity #ChristianWomen #GingerHubbard #FaithAndMotherhood #MotherhoodSupport #MomsNeedCommunity 

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What do you do when doctors tell you there is no cure?

In this powerful episode of The Shieldmaidens, we sit down with Ryan Seaton of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and his wife, Krista, to hear the incredible story of their journey through one of life's darkest seasons. After Ryan was diagnosed with an aggressive, rare, stage 4 bladder cancer and given just 3–6 months to live, they were faced with fear, uncertainty, and impossible odds.

Together, Ryan and Krista share what it was like to walk through devastating news as husband and wife, how God met them in the middle of suffering, the lessons He taught them about faith, marriage, and hope, and the incredible moment they learned Ryan's latest scans showed no evidence of cancer.

Whether you're facing illness, walking alongside someone you love, or simply wondering how to trust God when life doesn't make sense, we pray this testimony reminds you that God is faithful in every season. No matter the diagnosis, He is present, He is good, and He always has the final word.

✨ In this episode:
• Ryan Seaton's stage 4 bladder cancer testimony
• Krista's perspective as a wife and caregiver
• Finding hope when the prognosis is devastating
• Trusting God through fear and uncertainty
• The power of prayer, faith, and Christian community
• God's faithfulness in the middle of suffering

If this conversation encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

#ChristianTestimony #Stage4Cancer #CancerTestimony #FaithOverFear #Healing #GodIsFaithful #TheShieldmaidens #RyanSeaton #ErnieHaaseAndSignatureSound #HopeInChrist

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What does it take to stand firm in a world filled with darkness? 

In this powerful conversation, Garrett Gross joins The Shieldmaidens to share how God used faithful men to strengthen his walk with Christ, why biblical brotherhood is essential for every believer, and how he's learned to face the reality of evil without losing hope. 

As the founder of Operation 17:2, Garrett offers a unique perspective on confronting some of the darkest parts of our world while keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus. We discuss biblical manhood, the importance of surrounding yourself with Godly encouragers, spiritual resilience, and why no Christian was ever meant to fight life's battles alone. 

Whether you're searching for deeper Christian community, looking for encouragement in your own faith, or wondering how to stand firm in difficult seasons, we pray this conversation challenges and encourages you. 

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that we are stronger together in Christ.

 **Connect with Garrett Gross & Operation 17:2**
• Instagram: @officialgarrettgross and @op17two
• YouTube:  @Op17two
• Operation 17:2 website : https://www.op17two.com/ 

#TheShieldmaidens #ChristianPodcast #GarrettGross #Operation172 #BiblicalManhood #ChristianCommunity #Brotherhood #Faith #SpiritualWarfare #Jesus #Discipleship #ChristianEncouragement

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Before we share some exciting news, we wanted to take a moment to talk about something that's been on our hearts. 

In a world that loves to define people by their worst moments, the Gospel tells a different story. We open today's episode by reflecting on Psalm 130:3-4 and the incredible truth that none of us stand before God because of our own righteousness. We stand because of His mercy, forgiveness, and redeeming grace. 

Then... it's finally time! 

🎉We are officially announcing **The Shieldmaidens Retreat!** After months of praying, planning, and dreaming, we can't wait to share what God has been putting on our hearts. Join us as we talk about the vision for the weekend, what you can expect, and why we believe this retreat will be a life-giving opportunity to grow in your faith and build meaningful community with other women pursuing Christ. 

If you've been longing for deeper discipleship, authentic friendships, and a weekend set apart to seek the Lord, we'd love for you to join us. 

✨ Retreat details and registration can be found here: 
https://beashieldmaiden.com/pages/retreat 

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True worship is about so much more than the songs we sing on Sunday... it's about how we trust God in the every day. 

In this episode of The Shieldmaidens, we're joined by Mike and Kirby Cheeseman, a married couple who serve on the worship team at their church. But this conversation goes far beyond music. They share powerful, personal stories of God's provision, His faithfulness in difficult seasons, and what it looks like to trust Him when the path ahead seems impossible. 

Whether you're waiting on God to provide, wrestling with uncertainty, or simply longing to deepen your faith, we pray this conversation encourages you to surrender every part of your life to Him. Because a life of worship isn't just expressed with our voices... it's revealed through our daily trust. 

📖 *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."* - Proverbs 3:5-6 ✨ 

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How should Christians think about mental health? When is counseling helpful? Is medication always the right answer? And how do we discern the difference between a mental health struggle and spiritual warfare? 

In this episode of The Shieldmaidens, we're joined by a licensed mental health therapist, Marideth Kates, who specializes in working with teenagers and young adults. Together, we tackle some of the toughest questions Christians are asking today... from over-diagnosis and medicating children to anxiety, depression, identity, and the role of faith in the healing process. 

Our goal isn't to create division between faith and mental health care, but to encourage biblical wisdom, thoughtful discernment, and compassionate conversations as we seek truth together. 

Reach out and find more about Marideth here: 
https://www.enduringstrength.me/ 

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As America approaches its 250th birthday, it's easy to focus on the challenges, divisions, and uncertainties that surround us. But what happens when we take a moment to look back and recognize God's faithfulness throughout our nation's history? 

In this episode of The Shieldmaidens, we reflect on the many ways God has blessed America, discuss the importance of gratitude, and share our hopes and prayers for the future of our country. Rather than allowing fear, frustration, or division to shape our perspective, we're challenging ourselves (and our listeners) to embrace a spirit of hope, unity, and faith. 

What kind of America do we want to leave for the next generation? How can Christians be a light in a culture that often feels divided? And what role does prayer play in shaping the future of our nation? 

Join us for this encouraging conversation as we celebrate God's faithfulness, look ahead with hope, and seek His guidance for the years to come. 

 #TheShieldmaidens #America250 #FaithAndFreedom #ChristianPodcast #GodsFaithfulness #PrayForAmerica #ChristianWomen #FaithOverFear #HopeForAmerica #OneNationUnderGod #ChristianEncouragement #BiblicalPerspective #ChristianConversation #GodBlessAmerica 

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In this deeply personal episode of The Shieldmaidens, Cheryl shares the story of her son, Erik, and the heartbreaking loss her family experienced when he died by suicide at the age of 36. 

With honesty, courage, and faith, Cheryl opens up about the realities of grief, the difficult questions that follow a tragedy like this, and how God has carried her through one of the darkest seasons of her life. Together, we discuss suicide, mental health, loss, healing, and the hope that can still be found even when life doesn't make sense. 

Our prayer is that this conversation honors Erik's life, encourages those who are grieving, and reminds anyone who may be struggling that they are not alone. 

If you or someone you love is battling hopelessness, we encourage you to reach out for help and support. There is hope, and your life has value. 
Suicide and Crisis Hotline: call or text 988 

Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing both your heart and Erik's story with us. 

#TheShieldmaidens #SuicideLoss #GriefAndHope #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealth #FaithThroughGrief #HopeInChrist #SuicideAwareness #Testimony #ChristianWomen 

Check out our website and shop our latest merchandise here: 
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Connect with us on socials: 
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Production by Hitchcock Visuals