Have you ever wrestled with the complexities of friendships? Maybe you've been hurt by a friend, struggled to find deep, meaningful connections, or wondered how to build relationships that truly last. If so, this episode is for you.  

I’m sitting down with my friend Alli Patterson to talk about the bravery it takes to show up in friendships—through vulnerability, setting boundaries, and learning to trust again after betrayal. We dive into the story of Rahab, a woman in the Bible whose courage and faith reshaped her future and connected her to God’s bigger plan. Alli shares powerful wisdom on recognizing *counterfeit* friendships, understanding our relational capacity, and how Jesus models healthy, grace-filled connections.  

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

- Friendships require bravery—we have to be willing to show up authentically.  

- Rahab’s story reminds us that faith and courage can change everything.  

- Not every relationship is meant for the same level of depth—and that’s okay!  

- Jesus modeled boundaries in relationships, and we should too.  

- Trusting God with our friendships allows us to let go of unhealthy ones and embrace better ones.  

If you’ve ever struggled with friendships—whether it’s feeling left out, unsure of how to build strong connections, or healing from relational hurt—this episode is for you. Alli’s wisdom will remind you that God designed us for relationships and that, with Him, we can navigate friendships with grace, truth, and courage.  

Alli Patterson is an author, teaching pastor at Crossroads Church, speaker, wife, and mom of four. She is passionate about helping others build a life on the firm foundation of Jesus' truth and grace through authentic, scripture-rooted teaching. She’s the author of Blueprint for Belonging and How to Stay Standing.  

Links:

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Alli: Fun quiz related to the book Website 

Instagram/Facebook - @theallipatterson 
Blueprint for Belonging book

Hey friend, have you ever felt unseen, unworthy, or just plain exhausted by trying to do it all? Then this conversation is for you. In this episode of Brave Woman, Mighty God, I sit down with Amy Seiffert to explore the power of embracing our identity as daughters of God.  

Amy and I dive into the lives of incredible women in the Bible—women like Huldah, a hidden gem in the Old Testament, and the bleeding woman, whose desperation and faith led her straight to the healing power of Jesus. We talk about the bravery it takes to claim our worth, the restoration found in Christ, and how community plays a vital role in our healing. Plus, we unpack what it means to bring kindness and compassion into our parenting and how saying NO is actually an act of bravery.  

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

- Huldah is an often-overlooked but powerful voice in the Old Testament.  

- The bleeding woman’s faith shows us how Jesus restores our identity.  

- We are invited to fully embrace our identity as daughters of God.  

- Receiving God's love is just as important as giving it.  

- Healing happens in community—when we share our brokenness, we find restoration.  

- God’s heart for women is one of empowerment, restoration, and love.  

Amy’s insight and wisdom will encourage you to stand confidently in who you are, knowing that Jesus calls you daughter—loved, seen, and cherished. If you’ve been struggling with your worth or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to do it all. You just have to know Whose you are.  

Amy Seiffert is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher with a passion for encouraging women to embrace their identity in Christ. She’s the author of Grace Looks Amazing on You and Starved, and she regularly speaks on faith, motherhood, and living fully in God’s grace.  

Links: Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Amy Seiffert: Website,  Your Name is Daughter book, Instagram

If you’ve ever felt like your past is too messy or your wounds are too deep, this conversation with Toni Collier is for you. I’m so honored to kick off season 2 of my podcast with the powerhouse Toni Collier. She's a speaker, author, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, and a woman who knows firsthand what it means to walk through trauma and come out the other side stronger, braver, and filled with hope.  

We dive deep into what it means to heal—not just survive, but truly *heal*—from the wounds of our past. We talk about how shame and guilt try to keep us stuck, why community is essential in the healing journey, and how God meets us in the middle of our brokenness. Toni also shares how the story of Ruth in the Bible has inspired her resilience, and she reminds us that we don’t have to heal alone.  

And if you’re thinking, “That sounds great, but where do I even start?”—Toni has got you. We also talk about her course, The Hopeful Woman, which helps women step into healing through biblical truths and the power of community.  

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

- Healing isn’t something we do alone—God designed us for community.  

- Shame and guilt are lies that try to hold us back from the freedom God offers.  

- The story of Ruth reminds us that even in loss and uncertainty, God is writing a redemption story.  

- Worship is a posture of surrender, and surrendering to God brings healing.  

- Bravery looks like inviting others into faith and hope, even when it feels scary.  

- There’s always hope—God never leaves us where He found us.  

Toni’s story will inspire you to rise up, let go of shame, and step boldly into the healing God has for you. If you’ve been waiting for permission to move forward, this is it. Let’s go, brave woman.  

Toni Collier is the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, an international women’s organization helping women process their brokenness and step into healing and hope. She is a dynamic speaker, host of the Still Coloring podcast, and the author of Brave Enough to Be Broken and the children’s book Broken Crayons Still Color.. Toni is passionate about teaching people all over the world that you can be broken and still worthy—that feeling unqualified doesn’t mean you’re not called.  

Laura L. Smith: WebsiteInstagram   Brave Woman, Mighty Godbook

ToniJCollier.com

ToniJCollier.com/Freebies – Freebies 

ToniJCollier.com/Hope – Join the waiting list for the next 100 Hopeful Women course

@tonijcollier – Toni’s Instagram

@tonjcollier on YouTube

@brkncrayons – Instagram for Broken Crayons Still Color
Broken Crayons Collective – Facebook Group for Women

Find strength, hope, and resilience through God's mighty empowerment.
You can use your gifts, say yes, be the change, stand up for what's right, share what you have, break bad cycles, reach out for support, speak up, and so much more.
You can... because God empowers, equips, and cheers you on in everything you're facing today, tomorrow, and every day.

I am beyond excited for you to hear this conversation with the incredible Jess Connolly. Jess is an author, Bible teacher, and coach with a heart for helping women feel more alive and present in their everyday lives. In this episode, we talk about something we all struggle with—fatigue. Jess and I dive into how the pressures of hustle culture and societal expectations can leave us feeling exhausted and inadequate and why slowing down is crucial for our well-being.

Jess shares her journey with fatigue and burnout and how she’s learned to listen to her body and prioritize rest. We talk about the significance of Sabbath as both a commandment and a gift and practical ways to make space for rest in our busy lives. Most importantly, we discuss how the gospel reminds us of our true identity and worth, grounding us in God’s grace rather than cultural pressures.

Here are some key takeaways from our chat:

- Fatigue often comes from the societal pressure to hustle and constantly achieve.

- The Gospel anchors our identity and reminds us of our worth in Christ.

- Rest is essential for our spiritual, emotional, and physical health.

- Sabbath is not just a commandment—it’s a gift from God that we’re invited to embrace.

- Listening to our bodies and creating space for rest helps us live more fully.

- We can create a rest culture by inviting others to join us in slowing down.

- Scripture is vital in reminding us of our identity and calling in Christ.

- Goodness and love follow those who slow down and embrace God’s grace.

- Preaching the Gospel to ourselves daily helps combat fatigue and burnout.

Jess’s insights will inspire you to reevaluate how you approach rest and show up in the world. If you’ve been feeling tired or worn down by life’s demands, this episode will encourage you to slow down, embrace rest, and step into the fullness of God’s grace.

Jess Connolly is an author, Bible teacher, podcaster, and coach. She leads Go and Tell Gals, helping women feel more awake, alive, and present as they live out their calling. Jess is also a wife, a mom of four, and a passionate advocate for women embracing their identity in Christ.

Links: for Jess Website Instagram  Tired of Being Tired book
Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book

I’m thrilled to share this beautiful conversation with Faith Eury Cho as we dive into the importance of slowing down to cultivate a deeper friendship with God. Faith is a co-pastor at Mosaic Covenant Church, the founder of The Honor Summit, and a mama to four kiddos. Faith shares such incredible wisdom!

We all have a spiritual longing in our hearts, and Faith and I explore how we often try to fill that hunger with the wrong things—busyness, success, even religious duties. But the real fulfillment comes when we walk in communion with the Holy Spirit. Faith shares practical ways to connect with God, even in the middle of our chaotic lives, and emphasizes how personalizing our relationship with Him can truly transform how we experience His presence every day.

Here are a few takeaways from our chat:

- We all have a longing in our hearts to truly know God.

- Be cautious not to fill your spiritual hunger with substitutes.

- It’s easy to get caught up in working *for* God, but what matters most is walking *with* Him.

- We can find holy ground in our everyday moments.

- Creativity and intentionality help us connect with God in meaningful ways.

- Personalizing your relationship with God allows it to flourish and feel real.

- Being aware of God's presence in our daily lives changes everything.

- Navigating pain and anger towards God is a part of the faith journey, and we can bring it all to Him.

Faith’s insights into building a friendship with God, even in the midst of struggles, will leave you encouraged to slow down and draw near to Him. If you’re longing for deeper connection and real, personal communion with God, this episode is for you!

Faith is the co-founder and co-pastor of Mosaic Covenant Church in New Jersey alongside her husband. She’s also the CEO and founder of The Honor Summit, a nonprofit centering Asian American women in the mission of God. Faith is a passionate leader, mama to four, and the author of Experiencing Friendship with God.

Links: Faith: website Instagram Experiencing Friendship with God book 

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this episode with you because I’m joined by Mike Donehey, the lead singer of 10th Avenue North. Mike is also an author, and a dad to four girls. You might also know him from his incredible Bible teachings on social media, lovingly referred to as “Mike Drops.” In this conversation, Mike and I explore what it means to slow down and live intentionally, particularly when it comes to worship, community, and reconciliation.

Mike shares such rich insights on how worship is so much more than music—it's a way of life. We talk about surrendering control and finding freedom in letting go, which allows us to live more fully in the present moment. We also dive deep into the beauty and power of forgiveness and reconciliation, and how God’s unconditional love calls us to be agents of peace in our relationships.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

- Worship goes beyond music—it's expressed in the way we live.

- Surrendering control brings more freedom and fulfillment.

- Community is vital in our spiritual journey, and reconciliation is part of our calling.

- Forgiveness is essential for healing and experiencing true freedom.

- Living in abundance means being present and grateful for the gifts in our lives.

- God’s love is unconditional, and we’re called to reflect that in our relationships.

Mike’s heart for worship and reconciliation will inspire you to live more intentionally, surrender to God’s plans, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. If you’re ready to experience the fullness of God’s love and live in deeper connection with those around you, this episode is for you!

About Mike Donehey:

Mike is the frontman and lead singer for 10th Avenue North, an author, husband, dad to four girls, and the voice behind the popular Bible teachings known as “Mike Drops” on social media. Mike is passionate about worship, community, and encouraging others to live in God’s grace and abundance.

Links: Website Instagram Tenth Avenue North God’s Life for My Will book

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book

Madeleine L’Engle Walking on Water
C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s demands this show is for you!

I’m sitting down with my friend, Barb Roose, and we’re talking all about slowing down and de-stressing. In our fast-paced world, feeling overwhelmed can seem like the norm, but Barb and I dive deep into how we can set boundaries, simplify our schedules, and prioritize self-care to find peace in the midst of the chaos.

Barb shares practical wisdom on how to create simplicity in our lives—whether that’s through meal planning, simplifying our wardrobes, or letting go of emotional clutter. 

Here are a few takeaways you won’t want to miss:

- Slowing down and de-stressing is vital for our well-being—both mental and spiritual.

- Feeling overwhelmed is common, but there are practical steps we can take to manage it.

- Setting boundaries, simplifying our schedules, and practicing self-care help reduce stress.

- Spiritual disciplines, such as surrender, Sabbath, and simplicity, are essential for peace and rest.

- Surrounding ourselves with a supportive Christian community provides the encouragement and accountability we need to thrive.

- Simplifying daily routines like meal planning or wardrobe choices can free up mental space and time for what truly matters.

- Making intentional choices that align with our values leads to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Barb’s insights will leave you feeling inspired to make intentional choices that not only reduce overwhelm but also lead to deeper connections with God and those around you. If you’re seeking practical ways to simplify and destress, this episode is for you!

Barb is a speaker and author. She’s passionate about helping women set boundaries, embrace spiritual disciplines, and build supportive Christian communities that nurture their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Links: for Barb: Website  Facebook  Instagram Stronger Than Stress book  

Barb’s Free Gift: Taking Care of You: 101 Self-Care Tips for Tough Times  

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book

The Polish Pottery Barb describes in our chat

Hey friends! I can’t wait for you to hear this episode, where Debra Fileta and I explore something that has the power to change our hearts and minds: gratitude. Debra, a licensed professional counselor and author, shares her insights on how practicing gratitude and celebration can transform the way we approach life, not just during the Thanksgiving season, but all year round. 

We dive deep into why gratitude is essential for avoiding burnout, reducing stress, and bringing more joy into our lives. Deborah also offers practical tips for celebrating and savoring the good things in life, whether that’s through family time, meaningful conversations, or simply being mindful of the world around us. Together, we explore how intentionally slowing down to practice gratitude and celebrate can help us experience the fullness of God’s goodness and find rest in our busy world.

Here are some key takeaways from our chat:

- Gratitude is a rhythm of a healthy life—it helps us avoid burnout and keeps stress at bay.

- Practicing gratitude increases joy, decreases stress, and leads to better overall well-being.

- Celebration should be part of our daily lives, not just saved for special occasions.

- Slowing down and practicing gratitude is a powerful way to challenge unhealthy mindsets and experience God’s goodness in new ways.

- Taking time to rest, celebrate, and give thanks requires intentionality but leads to empowerment and transformation.

This conversation is so needed in today’s hustle culture, and I hope it helps you find new ways to slow down and truly celebrate the beautiful life God has for you. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or struggling to find joy in your every day, this episode is for you.

Debra is a licensed professional counselor, author, and speaker known for her work in healthy relationships and mental health. She’s passionate about helping people live full and abundant lives by understanding their emotions, setting boundaries, and finding joy.

Links: Debra Fileta WEBSITE  Facebook Instagram Soul Care book

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book

Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this episode with you because it’s with a woman I truly admire—Jennifer Dukes Lee. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the fast pace of life or the constant pressure to achieve more, this conversation is going to speak right to your heart. Jennifer is a bestselling author and joins me to talk about the dangers of “hurry sickness” and how we can resist hustle culture by intentionally slowing down.

In our chat, Jennifer opens up about her personal journey of hitting a wall from hustle, and then intentionally making a shift to set boundaries and create rituals that help her enjoy her life and focus on what matters most. We dive into practical ways to find work-life balance, resist the pull of technology, and savor the small moments that might pass us by if we’re rushing through life. We also talk about the deep roots we need to cultivate in our faith to grow steadily and sustainably.

Here are a few takeaways you won’t want to miss:

- Slowing down allows us to truly savor life’s beauty and blessings.

- The pressures of hustle culture can affect both our physical and mental well-being.

- Developing daily rituals and setting boundaries are key to finding balance.

- Technology is useful but can also be a distraction—resisting it can strengthen our relationships.

- Jesus offers us a path to rest and renewal, inviting us to trust Him over the noise of the world.

Jennifer’s wisdom is so timely, and I hope this episode encourages you to take a breath, slow down, and find rest in Jesus. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or struggling to balance all the things, this is for you.

Jennifer is the bestselling author of Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. She’s a lover of queso, bright lipstick, and great harmonies. Jennifer and her husband live on a family farm in Iowa, where they grow crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans—all while cultivating deep faith and lasting joy.

Links:  Jennifer Dukes Lee: Instagram Website Growing Slow book Growing Slow resources
Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book