This Is Your Nudge

Have you ever walked into a church and felt like you didn't belong? Or maybe you've been part of a church for years, but somewhere along the way, you've forgotten what it looks like to welcome people who are different from you?

Jesus calls us to love our neighbors. Not just the ones who look like us, think like us, worship like us, or vote like us. All of them.

But what does that actually look like?

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez to talk about what it means to build a church that truly welcomes people, embraces differences, and reflects the love of Jesus.

Because there's a big difference between greeting someone at the door and making them feel like they belong.

Pricelis and I also dig into some harder conversations about church hurt, healing, and what it looks like to walk alongside someone who has been wounded by the very people who were supposed to love them.

And maybe one of my favorite reminders from this conversation is that we can disagree with someone without dismissing their dignity.

We don't have to be the same to be united in Christ.

• Welcoming people means more than a friendly hello. It means seeing them as whole people with unique stories, backgrounds, and needs.

• We can practice discernment without automatically labeling something unfamiliar as wrong.

• Curiosity can open doors that judgment and assumptions quickly close.

• Church hurt is real, and healing doesn't happen on someone else's timeline.

• Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is simply show up and walk alongside someone without pressuring them to take the next step.

• Unity doesn't mean sameness. We can celebrate our differences while remaining rooted in Jesus.

• Loving our neighbors often begins with small, intentional moments like sharing a meal, asking a question, or listening to someone's story.

Sometimes we make loving our neighbors so much more complicated than it needs to be.

We want to get it right. We want to have the answers. We want everyone to understand things the way we do.

But what if we started by listening?

What if we made room for someone else's story? What if we approached a disagreement with curiosity instead of defensiveness? What if we stopped expecting everyone to look like us and started looking for the image of God in them?

That's where unity begins. Not with everyone agreeing on everything, but with people choosing to love one another as Jesus loves us.

So here's your nudge this week: Be a little more curious. Slow down. Ask one more question. Make room for someone who might not look, think, or worship like you.

You never know what God might do through one intentional relationship.

Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez is a daughter of immigrants committed to truth-telling and helping the body of Christ become pro-neighbor. She is the founder and CEO of Full Collective, creator of the annual Sowers Summit in New York City, and an Associate Pastor at Renovation City Church in the Bronx.

She lives in New York City with her husband and son. Her newest book is False Peace: Rejecting the Lie of Sameness, Embracing Difference, and Embodying True Unity.

Make sure you're following This Is Your Nudge so you don't miss a single conversation encouraging you to stop making excuses, step out of someday, and into the promises and goodness God has for you today.

Here's what you'll take away from this episode:About Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez

Have you ever turned your relationship with God into another thing on your to-do list?

Read the Bible. Check.Pray. Check.Go to church. Check.Serve. Check.

And somehow, all the things that were meant to draw you closer to Jesus start feeling like things you have to accomplish to prove you’re doing faith right.

If you’ve ever been there, this episode is your nudge to put down the checklist and remember: God loved you before you ever did a single thing for Him.

Today I’m talking with my wise friend Monica Ritchie about what it looks like to grow in our faith without slipping into legalism or performance.

Monica Ritchie is a Bible Teacher & Theologian. She’s passionate about bringing you accessible theology that you can embody in real life. She says, “I’m your friend that went to seminary,” and she means it! Her heart is to share more of who God is so that you are better equipped to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Monica also shares her own unexpected journey from fashion influencer to Bible teacher and theologian—and I love the way she reminds us that faith, creativity, beauty, and theology don't have to live in separate boxes.

We talk about spiritual disciplines like prayer, Scripture, worship, silence, rest, and community—not as rules we have to follow, but as rhythms that continually turn our hearts back toward God. And those rhythms? They might look completely different depending on your life and the season you're in.

• Spiritual disciplines are meant to lead us toward freedom, not pressure.

• Your relationship with Jesus was never supposed to be a checklist.

• Prayer, Scripture, worship, silence, and community can look different for different people and in different seasons—and that's okay.

• Rest isn't something we have to earn. God invites us into it.

• We need community, but sometimes building it means being brave enough to take the first step.

• Vulnerability allows us to experience deeper, more authentic relationships.

• Slowing down creates space for us to actually hear what God might be saying.

• Faith and creativity don't have to compete with each other.

Friend, we don't obey God so He'll love us more. We don't read enough Scripture, pray the right prayers, or accomplish enough good things to finally earn our place with Him.

We start from the truth that we are loved by God. Not for anything we’ve done. But just because He always has and always will love us.

And when we really believe that? Our time with the Lord stops being something we have to do and starts becoming time with Someone we long to spend time with.

So if you've been exhausted from trying to be a “good enough” Christian, this is your nudge to: stop performing and start receiving.

You are already loved. Let's live from there.

💛 Make sure you're following This Is Your Nudge so you don't miss the conversations that help you stop making excuses, step out of someday, and into the promises and goodness God has for you today.

Links: 

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Monica Ritchie links:

Fashioned by Faith book 

Website: https://monicaritchie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmonicaritchie/

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

Do you ever put pressure on yourself to read your Bible enough? Pray enough? Make the right choices.?Say the right things? Love people well? Don't mess up?

It can feel like a lot.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mac Bridges and Kenz Durham (you might know them from their For the Girl podcast or Delight Ministries) to talk about the pressure we put on ourselves to get our faith “right” and what God is actually asking of us when He calls us to holiness.

Because here's something we all need to hear: holiness and perfection are not the same thing.

God isn't waiting for us to finally become flawless before He can love us, use us, or draw near to us. He already loves us, uses us, and is near us always! We have Jesus, His grace, and the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish what we could never do on our own.

And there is so much freedom in that.

Mac, Kenz, and I talk about what it looks like to pursue a life that reflects the goodness of Jesus without turning our faith into another impossible standard we're constantly trying to meet. Holiness isn't about never getting it wrong. It's about allowing God to continually shape us, grow us, and teach us to become more like Jesus.

• The important difference between holiness and perfection

• We can ditch the exhaustion that comes from trying to earn something Jesus has already provided

• How God's grace meets us in the places we can't do it on our own

• Why pursuing holiness can look like pursuing goodness and becoming more like Jesus

• The freedom of knowing you don't have to always “get it right”

• How grace and growth work together

• What it looks like to bring our faith into ordinary, everyday life

Maybe you've spent years believing that growing closer to God meant trying harder, doing more, and messing up less.

But what if the goal was never perfection?

What if the invitation is to keep following Jesus? To receive His grace when you fall short, let Him change you, and then get back up and keep walking with Him?

You don't have to live afraid that you're going to get this wrong.

This is your nudge to stop chasing perfection and start walking in the grace, goodness, and freedom Jesus has already given you.

Mac Bridges and Kenz Durham are the cofounders of Delight Ministries, which has expanded to 200 college campuses, and hosts of the podcast For the Girl. Both are dedicated to serving young women in college and beyond. Now as wives and mamas, Mac and Kenz continue to create resources for women in similar seasons of life. Mac lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kenz lives in Vero Beach, Florida.

💛 Make sure you're following This Is Your Nudge so you don't miss a single episode as we stop making excuses, step out of someday, and into the promises and goodness God has for us today.

Links:

Laura L. Smith: 

Website: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book https://amzn.to/4rpX5lk

Mac & Kenz links:

Website: https://forthegirl.com/

Freedom Looks Good on You Bible study https://amzn.to/4wW1OgZ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forthegirl___/?hl=en

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Mac Bridges & Kenz Durham

Do you have an idea, dream, stirring in your heart, but you keep dismissing it, ignoring it, or telling yourself you can’t do it?

Maybe you don’t feel qualified, like it’s too late, like someone else is already doing it, or the answer will be no. So why bother asking?

This conversation is your nudge to not let any of that hold you back and instead take the next faithful step.

I’m sitting down with my friend Annie F. Downs, and we’re talking about what it looks like to trust the unique life God is writing for each of us. Annie shares stories from her own journey, from writing and moving to marriage, tattoos, ministry, and all sorts of unexpected turns. She reminds us that God’s calling rarely unfolds in one giant, obvious leap.

More often? It looks like one small yes followed by another.

Annie shares a beautiful picture of perfume and its “dry down,” or how the same fragrance smells different on every person who wears it. Our faith is like that. We all carry the aroma of Christ, but because God created each of us uniquely, following Jesus isn't going to look the same on me as it does on you.

And that’s the point.

• Comparison can keep us from noticing what God is doing in our lives.

• God made you uniquely, so your calling isn't supposed to look like someone else's.

• Small, faithful steps matter. 

• Start asking good questions before dismissing an idea or giving up.

• A “no” doesn't always mean stop. Sometimes it means wait, redirect, learn more, or try another way.

• A trusted community can help us discern God's voice when we aren't sure what He's saying.

• What you're being faithful with today may be preparing you for something you can't see yet.

• We can cheer wildly for what God is doing through someone else without questioning what He's doing through us.

• Courage doesn't always look like one huge leap. Sometimes it simply looks like trying again.

Friend, you don't need to know how the whole story ends before you take the next step.

You don't have to have someone else's gifts, opportunities, timeline, or story. You just have to be willing to pay attention to what God is doing in yours.

So before you count yourself out, assume the door is closed, or let a “no” convince you to quit, ask the question. Take the step. Invite your people in. Try again.

This is your nudge.

Annie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for her engaging and honest style, Annie makes readers and listeners feel like long-time friends. She is the co-founder of the That Sounds Fun Network and host of the television talk show I Gotta Ask.

💛 Make sure you're following This Is Your Nudge so you don't miss a single conversation encouraging you to stop making excuses, step out of someday, and into the promises and goodness God has for you today.

Laura L. Smith links: 

Website: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book https://amzn.to/4rpX5lk

Annie F. Downs links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniefdowns/

Book: Don’t Let That Hold You Back 

Website: https://www.anniefdowns.com/

YouTube: youtube.com/@AnnieFDownsTSF

Podcasts: That Sounds Fun https://www.anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun/

TV Show: I Gotta Ask https://www.anniefdowns.com/i-gotta-ask/

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Annie F. Downs

Do you ever feel like there’s just… not enough? Not enough money, time, energy, margin, opportunities, or security? If so, this episode is your nudge to stop living from a place of fear and start living from the abundance God has already promised you.

Today I’m joined by my sweet friend Jen Thompson, and we’re diving into the difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset—and wow, this conversation hit deep. Because if we’re honest, so many of us are walking around exhausted, striving, and constantly comparing, believing the lie that we’re somehow falling behind.

But God never asked us to live clenched-fist lives.

Together, Jen and I unpack what Scripture says about God’s provision, from manna in the wilderness to Jesus teaching us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” We talk about the freedom that comes when we stop obsessing over tomorrow and start trusting God with today.

• Scarcity says “there’s never enough.” God says “I will provide.”

• Gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to fight fear and comparison.

• Social media can quietly fuel anxiety and discontent if we’re not careful.

• God’s provision often shows up daily, not all at once.

• Abundance isn’t about having more stuff—it’s about trusting the God who gives us what we need.

• Spiritual disciplines help us stay rooted when culture tells us to strive.

• Joy grows when we stop chasing what everyone else has.

• We can learn to live open-handed, peaceful, and fully present.

Jen shares such practical wisdom for reclaiming joy in everyday life and reminds us that abundance isn’t reserved for “someday” or “when things finally settle down.” It’s available right now through faith, gratitude, and trust in God’s goodness.

So, this is your nudge:Stop living like God won’t give you what you need.Stop believing satisfaction and happiness are for everyone else.Lift your eyes. Daily bread is still more than enough. And it doesn’t look like crumbs. It looks like abundance.

Jen Thompson is the author of Return to Jesus, speaker, and encourager passionate about helping women recognize the goodness and abundance of God in everyday life. Through biblical truth and practical wisdom, she inspires others to move from fear and striving into peace, gratitude, and trust in God’s faithful provision.

Links:

Laura L. Smith: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book https://amzn.to/4rpX5lk

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Jen Thompson: https://trulyyoursjen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyyoursjen/

Return to Jesus book: ​​https://amzn.to/4tmCAWk

Udi’s gluten free baguettes: https://amzn.to/3PsNBHG

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Jen Thompson:

Do mornings ever feel… a little out of reach? Like you want to be the girl with the quiet time, the coffee, the Bible open… but real life just doesn’t look like that?

This episode is your nudge to let go of the pressure, and meet Jesus right where you are.

I’m joined by the amazing Jennifer Dukes Lee, and we’re talking all about mornings—but not in the “wake up at 5am and have it all together” kind of way. We’re redefining what it actually means to be a “morning person” and why your morning doesn’t have to be early or perfect to be powerful.

Jennifer shares practical, grace-filled ways to invite God into your morning to jump start your day in all the best ways—whether you’ve got five quiet minutes, a chaotic house, or you’re whispering a prayer on your commute.

• You don’t have to be an early riser to be a “morning person” with the Lord.

• There’s no perfect morning–your morning can look different from everyone else’s and still be awesome.

• Jesus Himself modeled intentional time in the morning with the Father.

• Simple moments (even quick prayers in the car or bathroom!) count.

• Taking care of your body–sleep, movement, hydration matters too.

• “Resourced faith” means filling your tank so you have it as a resource on hard days.

• Legalism steals joy—grace brings connection.

Jennifer reminds us that God isn’t waiting for us to get it all together—He’s simply inviting us to start our day with Him, however that looks. And when we do? It’s a game changer.

So whether your morning is slow and quiet or loud and a chaotic, this is your nudge:Don’t wait for perfect. Just start with Jesus.

Jennifer Dukes Lee is a best-selling author, speaker, and self-proclaimed “morning evangelist” from Iowa. Her new book, How to Love Your Morning dives deeper into how no matter what your life looks like, your mornings can be amazing when you start them with Jesus. She’s also the author of Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. Jennifer’s heart is to help you experience more of Jesus in your real, everyday life—right where you are.

Links:

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Jennifer Dukes Lee: https://jenniferdukeslee.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdukeslee/

How to Love Your Morning https://amzn.to/4qY5gV4

Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence: https://amzn.to/40rE0mc

Prayer journal we discussed: https://amzn.to/40rE0mc

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Jennifer Dukes Lee:

Have you ever felt like there’s a gap between where you are and where you think you should be? This episode is your nudge to stop fighting or mourning that gap and instead start understanding and closing it.

I’m sitting down with my dear friend Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon, author, and someone who beautifully bridges the space between science and faith. We talk about what he calls the “mental gap” and how so much of our struggle isn’t about our circumstances, it’s about what’s happening inside our minds.

Here’s the good news: YOU ARE NOT STUCK!

Through the power of neuroplasticity (yes, your brain can actually change!) and the truth of God’s Word, you can begin to rewire your thoughts, reshape your responses, and step into a life marked by peace, purpose, and real freedom.

• The “mental gap” is real—but it doesn’t have to bet permanent.

• Your brain is designed to change (hello, neuroplasticity!).

• You can partner with God to retrain your thoughts this is what Dr. Lee calls “self-brain surgery.”

• Trauma and even generational patterns can impact your mental health—but healing is possible.

• Gratitude and mindfulness are powerful tools for managing intrusive thoughts.

• The way you think today can impact generations after you.

Dr. Lee reminds us that we don’t have to be passive in our thinking—we can be intentional. And when we align our thoughts with God’s truth, everything begins to shift.

This episode is your nudge to stop believing you’re stuck and start believing that change is possible—with God, in you.

Dr. Lee Warren is a neurosurgeon, author, and podcast host who is passionate about helping people find healing and hope by combining neuroscience and faith. Through his work, he equips others to transform their thinking, improve their mental health, and live with greater purpose and resilience.

Links:

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Dr. Lee Warren https://wleewarrenmd.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drleewarren/

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery book https://amzn.to/3YCNIRQ

What if the hardest thing isn’t understanding what Jesus did… but actually receiving it?

In this special Easter episode of This Is Your Nudge, I’m slowing down with you to reflect on the weight and beauty of the cross. Not just what it means, but what it cost. Because when we really sit with that, the sacrifice, the love, the intentionality, it changes how we live.

I’m walking through the reality that Jesus didn’t just give us a moment or a message… He gave us everything. And sometimes, we treat that gift like it’s too big, too much, or maybe even something we have to earn. But friend, this is your nudge to stop striving and start receiving.

• What Jesus’ sacrifice actually cost, and why that matters

• How the cross mirrors the way we give (and struggle to receive) in our own lives

• The powerful connection between Psalm 22 and Jesus’ crucifixion

• Why receiving God’s gifts can feel harder than earning them

• Practical ways to actually live in the abundance Jesus already gave us

This episode is an invitation. Not to do more. Not to try harder. But to open your hands and receive what’s already been given.

Because Easter isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we’re meant to live in.

This is your nudge:Stop minimizing the gift.Stop holding it at arm’s length.Stop thinking it’s for someone else.

It’s for you. Right now.

*This episode is adapted from a chapter in Restore My Soul: the Power and Promise of 30 Psalms by Laura L. Smith copyright 2022, published by Our Daily Bread Publishing

Links:

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:
Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845

Ever felt like you’re fighting a battle you can’t quite see? Maybe it shows up as fear, discouragement, anger, or a heaviness that seems to come out of nowhere. If that’s you, this episode is your nudge to start proactively fighting. You’re not powerless. God has given you everything you need to win the battle before it even starts..

Today I’m joined by my friend, Beth Guckenberger. We talk about something many believers experience but don’t always discuss: spiritual warfare. Beth brings wisdom, clarity, and hope as we unpack how to recognize the enemy’s tactics and stand firm in the authority we already have in Christ.

This conversation isn’t about living in fear, it’s about living aware, equipped, and confident in the victory Jesus has already won. Beth shares practical ways to prepare your heart and mind through prayer, Scripture, confession, worship, and community so that when spiritual battles come (and they will), you’re ready.

• The enemy is real—but God is way more powerful.

• Understanding the enemy’s tactics helps us stay spiritually alert.

• Fear and anger can often signal deeper spiritual battles happening beneath the surface.

• We have authority in Christ to stand against the enemy’s schemes.

• Confession, prayer, and worship are powerful tools for spiritual freedom.

• Scripture renews our minds and strengthens us in moments of doubt.

Beth reminds us the battlefield often starts in our minds—but when we fill our thoughts with truth, worship, and the promises of God, the enemy loses his ground.

This episode is your nudge to take down the enemy by standing firm in the power of Jesus.

Beth Guckenberger

Beth Guckenberger is a speaker, author, and the co-executive director of Back2Back Ministries. Through her ministry and writing, Beth helps believers live with courageous faith and deeper trust in God. She is the author of several books including Reckless Faith, Throw the First Punch, and The Heart Who Wanted to Lasso Thoughts. Beth is passionate about equipping people to recognize spiritual battles and walk confidently in the authority Christ has given them.

Beth Guckenberger: https://recklessfaith.com/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Beth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bguckenberger/

• Throw the First Punch – Beth Guckenberger https://amzn.to/4pWmMbp

• The Heart Who Wanted to Lasso Thoughts – Beth Guckenberger https://amzn.to/4pmvcZW

• The Bible App https://www.bible.com/

• Worship music for spiritual warfare and encouragement https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7oX3bprpkQJBpws5TliMP0?si=FazI_xMbTLK82kpAeChmCA

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:Resources Mentioned

Have you ever felt like someone else is doing it better, faster, or more “important”? That you’re not enough? If that’s you, this episode is your nudge to stop looking around and start leaning into exactly who God created you to be.

Today, I’m sharing stories of incredible women in the Bible who didn’t have the same gifts, roles, or callings—but each of them said yes to God in their own unique way. And because of that? Their lives made an eternal impact.

We’re talking about women like Mary Magdalene, Martha, Mary, and Lydia each one showing us that bravery doesn’t look one way. It looks like obedience. It looks like trust. It looks like showing up with what you have and letting God do the rest.

• You don’t need someone else’s calling, you need to be faithful to your assignment.

• Martha and Mary show us there’s beauty in both serving and sitting at Jesus’ feet.

• Lydia teaches us that leadership and influence can start right where you are.

• You don’t have to have it all figured out, just a little faith (even mustard-seed size) is enough.

• God created you with unique gifts on purpose—not by accident.

• Obedience often starts small but leads to a big impact.

This is your reminder: you don’t need to be more like anyone else. You just need to be available to God.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time, or doubting if it even matters—this is it. This is your nudge to say yes.

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

99 cent Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4kN06ZJ

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:
Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845