Have you ever wondered if you could forgive someone that has caused you pain?  Join me today as we hear from Author, Theresa Reiff as she shares about the pain from her childhood and how God is still there.  One thing that Theresa said was knowing whether we have actually forgiven.  We have all had to answer that at some point in our life.  Did we really forgive?  It is a challenge because forgiveness is a process.  Jesus is a part of the whole thing and we get to witness that.It isn't just like, help me Jesus in the moment to fix it all. Yes, He will.  But we have to participate in that fixing...There is not just a magical potion or waving of the wand like we would like to think. - Theresa ReiffOur Conversation Points:Faith in GodChurch HurtTools to talk through childhood traumaWhy be a part of a church community?The feeling of being a broken personPaying attention to our emotions.Theresa reminds us God is within our stories and is always there with us every step of the way.  I hope you are so blessed by this conversation with Theresa Reiff.Reflection Questions:Sometimes we only see the mundane-ness of our life.  How can we look at the last few weeks and see how God showed up. Can find some moments where you can say, "But God..." and thank Him for being there every step of the way. How has God started to bring back some memories or repressed feelings that are coming through and who is someone safe you can work through these with?Connect with TheresaInstagram | Facebook Overcoming Sexual Abuse: From the Inside OutTotal Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Would you say that you're living your life glass half empty or glass half full? Can't wait for you to listen in from Jackie Glass. She is an energetic coach, magnetic leader, experienced communicator, and mama of 4, made to lead moments that spark transformation.  Jackie has experience as a licensed clinical professional therapist, health coach, pastor, and communicator, deeply desiring for people to give voice to their lives as they ignite purpose, deepen calling, and lean into talents. As you will hear, Jackie is passionate about seeing people live whole and full of wellness: heart, mind, soul, and strength.As you get older you acquire more people in your life...The temptation can be, I don't have time for everybody. But, who is the person right in front of me. - Jackie GlassOur Conversation Points:Wholeness in our life (spiritually, physically, emotionally)What Shalom can offer usWhat's next when feeling overwhelmedHow do I work with my body, not against itPaying attention to the tension points in our lifeHow do we be the person right in front of you?I loved how Jackie reminded us that we don't have to take his spot as rescuers for ourselves or others.  Jesus is already the rescuer for us. And when we are learning to walk in wholeness, it allows us to truly be with people and allow others to discover Jesus in their own time.  I hope you are so blessed by this conversation on wholeness with Jackie Glass.Reflection Questions:Jackie said we need to pay attention to the tension in our life.  What area do you need to focus on this week as you continue to build wholeness?What questions can you put in your back pocket as you encounter people this week?  Some of mine are: Tell me more? and What are you passionate about? This opens up the conversation to connect deeper with other people to hear their stories.How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Dr. Daryl Merrill Jr. is the Lead Pastor of Christian Life Church and President-Elect of Christian Life College (formerly Chicago Bible College).  I met Daryl over 15 years ago when I was working in radio and he always has a special place in my heart because of his genuine care that is bigger than himself.  Daryl’s heart is to see people continually grow deeper in their relationship with God.  He and his wife Leslie have been married for almost 30 years and have three sons.  He honestly shares in this episode about what it is like to be a caregiver for aging parents, wondering if He has what it takes, mental health, and taking those never-ending lifelines when offered.I didn't even realize what I was going through.  And I had so many friends afterwards call me and say, "I had know idea what you were going through. Why didn't you reach out?" But, when your in that moment and this is a good thing, don't beat up your friends that don't reach out to you because they don't even know what they are doing sometimes. And You be the one to reach out. - Dr. Daryl Merril Jr.It was great to reconnect with Daryl and appreciated how he expressed He felt he didn't have what it takes to be a Pastor.  Most of us have had that moment of wondering do I have what it takes and desperately seeking after God along that road. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did and are encouraged to know God knows you have what it takes.Our Conversation Points:Aging Parents and Caregiving through Dementia and Alzheimer'sGrowing up as a Pastor's Kid in the '70sMental Health that unknowingly gripped himHis time on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and what it taught himWhat has Daryl been learning about chasing after GodReflection Questions:Finish this statement for yourself: I didn't think I had what it takes to be a _________. What is that for you or how you have felt in the past?  How can you take that challenge, worry, and fear to God right now in prayer?How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever experienced burnout in your relationship with God?  Glad you found The Parable Podcast and joining me today is author, church advocate, and entrepreneur Ericka Andersen discusses faith burnout and how God is in the details of our lives.  She shares how she was shocked to see the statistics of what burnout looks like in the local church, especially for women."I don't want to see this to happen because, I see what happens when people leave their faith. And it is not going to be good for our society, our community, and its not going to be good for the world" - Ericka Andersen16 million women left the church in the last decade and Ericka was intrigued and concerned by that number and it has increased exponentially.  There is something going on there and she dives into why this number affected her and chose to write a book on it to encourage others.Our Conversation Points:Faith Burnout is RealCreating space to share authentically in all church spacesExtending faith legacy to our kidsHow are we able to see the details of God in our life?Do you have support in the church?Spiritually absent or uninvested in the churchReflection Questions:Who is someone in your life that you can pray for that may be in a season of wondering if they should return to church or struggling with their faith?Maybe that person is you and you're going to church and feeling complacent, stuck, or unsure.  What can you do or pray to him about so you could draw back to the desire of Him?Connect with ErickaInstagram | WebsiteReason to Return: Why Women need the church and the church needs womenJude 1:22 How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Can you remember a moment in your life when God showed up?  Today you will meet Ashley Cochrane Olson who is the Founder & Executive Director of Crowned for Ashes, a dream she formed along with her husband Chris in 2014. Ashley will share on today's episode that she spent 5 years as Chris’s caregiver following a series of medical issues arising from a 2013 deployment before his unexpected passing in 2018. By trade, Ashley is a lifestyle and branding photographer based in Florida and believes in choosing joy regardless of the circumstances your life with bring.  I can't wait for you to hear this beautiful story about how God continued to show up in Ashley's life."I am remarried now, but that does not heal the fact that I lost Chris. Aaron does not take Chris' place in my heart. I am not whole again because of Aaron.  I am whole because of Jesus. And I need Him as much on my best day as I did on my worst day. He will never stop inviting me into more healing. " - Ashley Cochrane OlsonAshley has one of the most beautiful stories I have ever heard. Does it have pain, beauty, and loss. Absolutely, what story of ours doesn't?  But, the good news is that God was with Ashley through it all and he continued to show up for her in ways only He could.  My prayer as you listen to Ashley's story you see not only the love story in her life but the overarching love story God has for each one of us.Our Conversation Points:I am not a professional widowGod showing off with Rainbows and Bald EaglesWhat is Crowned for Ashes and how did it come to be?Losing your husband and being angry with GodWidowhood isn't your identity, Christ is your identityThe journey of finding love after lossHow God is using Ashley today because of her late Husband ChrisReflection Questions:Make some time to talk with God and allow Him into your daily life so you can see all of the ways He is consistently showing up for you.Is there someone in your life that you need to completely surrender to God? Maybe you need to build up your willingness to surrender.Connect with AshleyInstagram | WebsiteConnect with Crowned for AshesWebsite | Instagram | Facebook | Donate  Brooke Talley's Episode Circle Maker by Mark BattersonHow to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever looked at your life and wondered how did I get here? It has definitely happened more than a few times. Today you are going to meet my friend Kelsey Brooks. I met her 17 years ago as a high school student who lit up the room with her smile and now is an amazing woman.  "It was more just me realizing I don't know a lot about myself.  And That was the catalyst for my relationship with Christ really changing. Because that is when I was like, 'why am I so sad and broken.' So Lord, can we talk." - Kelsey BrooksLearning about yourself is hard work and Kesley knows first hand. Transitions are hard and God wants us to shape us.  I am so proud of Kelsey and the tough work she put in too.  Her desire to be dependent on Him through the comfortable and uneasy is something that is admirable.  I hope you can continue to trust the curveballs in your life and enjoy this conversation with Kelsey Brooks. Our Conversation Points:Single - is there something wrong with me?Dealing with the Divorce of your parentsSpending time in reflectionGrace within the season of divorceHow to lovingly have boundaries with your parentsReflection Questions:It is just about talking with God and it doesn't have to be formal.  He is the one that is going to  Just talk to him.Journal about a time when you were in a tough transition and you can see where God was at work.Connect with Kelsey BrooksE-mail How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Do you have a phobia or a fear of anything?  Mine is clowns.  It is probably because I coursed my mom into letting me stay up later and watch IT when I was in elementary school.  Not a great choice on my part.  Today you are going to meet my former intern when I worked in radio, Junior Ziegler who is now the Lead Teaching Pastor of The Bridge Community Church.   "Thinking, God created that person in His image. And praying for them that they meet Jesus... Just having that on your radar, people need Jesus." - Junior ZieglerJunior is an excellent teacher that challenges his listeners in a way that encourages them to see Jesus. After being a pastor for a little over a decade he shares with us how easy it is to run from the problems we face.  How even in the pain we continue to numb it and push it to the side.  But the reality is someday we are going to have to face it and Junior's parable gives us a practical parable that applies to each one of us. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Junior Ziegler.Our Conversation Points:Growing up as a Pastor's Kid and finding his own way.One of his biggest lessons in preaching and in marriage.God built us for community through vulnerability.Practical ways community has benefited him and for us as well.The Spiritual practice of silence.How to humbly deal with the "tooth pain" in our life.Reflection Questions:What is the tooth you don't want to address in your life?Think about some of the practices you use often during your time with God and how you can incorporate something new to build on.Connect with Junior ZieglerWebsite | Instagram The Vitals: The Critical Organs of Christianity by Junior How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever felt stuck, numb, or wondering is there more for your life? Today I have a conversation with my new friend Sara Emmerson who shares that just because you are a Christian, doesn't mean hardships are out of the question.God has grown me in the struggle. When hardship happens, my relationship with Him flourishes. My relationships with others flourish.Sara is a champion of people and a coach who helps others get unstuck and level up to what is next in your life.  Her heart is to let others know that were made on purpose for a purpose.  She grew up knowing Jesus but seeing Him as a way to just do good and everything is going to fall into place.  We talk about so many things we all walk through, don't miss this conversation with Sara Emmerson.Our Conversation Points:Rest in what God has for you in the momentGod's timing is everythingFailure and hardships are not out of the questionDid you know, confidence is a skill you can learnRomans 15:13 - May the God of hope  fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may  overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Reflection Questions:Let's be people that don't hide our failures. How can you share your own "Bette Midler" audition moment this week with a friend?Think about Sara's idea on Rest and Respond. How can you apply that to your life or maybe one of your situations your walking through right now?Connect with SaraInstagram | Website Discover Your Core Values | FREE QUIZ How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever wondered how your faith gets formed?  Do your emotions even matter when you are trying to grow closer to Jesus?  Today you will meet Alex Gowler who had a breakup with his own emotions early on in his life. We have a full conversation with Alex to hear if that really worked out for him in the end.  I made the decision that emotions were way too unpredictable to possibly be beneficial in my relationship with Jesus. And the best thing to do was to live on emotional do not disturb.- Alex GowlerOur Conversation Points:What does Sabbath mean and look like in our lives?Does everyone need to go through Spiritual Formation?Alex shares a few ways on how we can build into the mindset of Spiritual FormationWhy Emotions, can they really help us daily? Alex really does help make sense of the things that matter most. He believes no one should miss out on hope because it was too difficult to understand. Whether through speaking, writing, or content development, Alex's goal is the same: to make the life-changing message of Jesus available to everyone. Alex earned his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School ('15) and currently serves as Spiritual Formation Pastor at The Hope Collective in Lake Zurich, IL. He and his wife, Renee, live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and have three children. Don't skip out on your emotions and the goodness of God saturating every part of your life.  I hope you enjoy this conversation with Alex Gowler.Reflection Questions:How can you flip the switch back on for your emotions?  How is that block causing you to not connect with God, family, or friends?How has the Holy Spirit been working in you to make you more like Jesus every day?Connect with AlexInstagram | E-mail | Website Alex's Message on Spiritual Formation | Week 1 What the Feels: How to Own Your Emotions Without Letting Them Own You | Amazon How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Can you remember a moment in your life when you felt unseen?  Meet my new friend Louise Goodwin who is the NoVA First Impressions Director and Sozo Inner-Healing Prayer Ministry Lead at National Community Church in northern Virginia. Who at a young age God shared with her that her life is worth living even when she felt unimportant and misunderstood. Louise talks briefly of her suicide attempt at 15 years old if that subject is triggering for you (8:15 - 10:21).  However Jesus interceded in a miraculous way and because of that Louise decided to stick around to see why."Our fight is not against flesh and blood. There is a spirit realm and we are partnering with God to bring the Kingdom of God into earth. But,we will face troubles and trials in this world and so it is going to require that we ask for help." - Louise GoodwinOur Conversation Points:Jesus brought back Louise's hope for lifeBeing an Enneagram 8 - Challenger Identifying what the lies are in our own storyAuthenticity in our lives and in our church Doing the work of inner healing for you to heal your body, soul, and spiritIn what ways is Louise connecting with God these daysGrateful for Louise's parable story and her willingness to dig through her past so she could stick around and live in the truth.  If you are contemplating suicide, please don't do it and keep fighting for the long game, it is worth it.  Your life matters. Know you are loved and please talk to a safe friend, family member, or call or text the National Suicide Hotline 988.Sozo Inner Healing Reflection Questions:What is one lie in your life that keeps you in bondage that you need to work on pinpointing?What is one way that you can spend discover how to spend some time with Jesus in a new way (ie. fasting, meditating, contemplative prayer).Connect with LouiseInstagram | E-mail  How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever thought your voice doesn't matter? We may not say it out loud, but on the inside, we all wrestle with that thought. It was a joy to talk with Danielle Kelly on this episode.  Danielle is a Writer, Speaker, Podcaster, and Life Coach who shares how she discovered that her voice does matter. She wondered how her own natural abilities, the things we casually take for granted are God-given gifts we shouldn't hold back.  It is easy for questioning, fear, and worry to fill your head and heart in moments when you are by yourself and wonder, "Do I have a voice?"  For Danielle, it was a choice not to dim her light anymore and be who God created her to be fully.In the telling [of our story] it is a part of the healing. - Danielle KellyDanielle also shares about how the abandonment she felt from her father at a young age, disconnected her from God at times.  Through a lot of prayer and processing, she has created the Unashamed & Free Podcast.  Her desire is for women to live freely. If you question your voice or ever thought shame held you back, then take a listen to Danielle's parable today.Reflection Questions:How are you learning how to use your voice to yourself, others, and to God?How have you been hiding your gifts lately? Connect with Danielle KellyInstagram | FaceBook | E-mail Unashamed and Free Podcast How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever asked yourself, "Am I really free and fully living?" It is easy to live every day trapped in a life that feels bound because that becomes your normal.  However, my next guest, Karrie Garcia is not afraid to wade through deep waters and wants to bring those who are hurting along, so they too can experience the freedom that leads to flourishing.  As a speaker, life coach, author, and CEO of Freedom Movement, Karrie Garcia inspires change in others by boldly sharing her journey to freedom. Karrie shares her story of God restoring her and meeting her at one of her darkest moments of her life. She explains that Jesus is continually restoring us day in and day out so we can be free and fully live in Him.  Rarely does advice make people feel better...what makes them feel better is that you are willing to feel with them. - Karrie GarciaPlus, what does it look like to walk along with someone who is wrestling with the hard parts of life? How can we as friends and family offer support and empathy? Are you willing to sit in the feelings and just be?  Such a great conversation with Karrie to assess where you are in your own story.Reflection Questions:How are you free and fully alive right now? Are you living in that space, and if not, why?Karrie talked about being honest with your own story.  What is the layer that God is asking you to work through right now?Connect with KarrieInstagram | FaceBook | YouTubeThe Freedom Movement Karrie's InstagramPRE-ORDER Free and Fully Alive: Reclaiming the Story of Who You Were Created to Be How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

***Trigger Warning - Erica shares about her suicide attempt briefly (24:31 - 27:20), if that is triggering for you please fast forward.Do you know your master truly? I am so excited to introduce you to Erica Schwartz who shares vulnerably how post-partum depression and childhood trauma brought her to a place she never imagined. Erica challenges us on who our master is. Because when her depression hit, she realized how little she knew her master and had nothing to fall on. She shares that oneway depression can take hold of you is because Satan studying is you. By drawing closer to who God is, we can see who we are in God.When your inner voice is more powerful than God's word, your going to destroy yourself every time. - Erica SchwartzErica now has the opportunity to reflect on the people God placed in her life to help her grow and heal. She knows God sees our pain and helps us understand how much he loves, so much so, that our names are imprinted on his hands. He is not shaken by you and nothing will ever separate you from your Master.Reflection QuestionsWhat is one way you can get away from that negative inner voice, so you can focus on the voice of your Master?Has there been moments in your life where God said no, you were sad, you were upset, you were confused?  And with that perspective, can you now see how He used to prosper you to give you a hope and a futureConnect with EricaLight Held Love PhotographyMatthew 25:14–30 | Parable of the TalentsHow to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Well, I have had the joy of getting to know Greg & Cathy Bufkin over this past year.  They have a heart for people walking through child loss and how to encourage them. Greg and Cathy have been married for 46 years and they have seen the joys and hardships of so many things in their life.  Yet together and with the community in their life they have had a safe place to land to continue the conversation.  Even so to begin their own ministry to passion is to bring awareness to our communities, churches, and workplaces of the devastating impact the death of a child has on the survivors. It is their desire to help prepare and equip others for compassionate and effective ministry to these survivors.             It's okay to not be okay for awhile, but it is not okay to stay not okay. - Greg BufkinIn 2015 they received the phone call that every parent fears, that would forever change their lives, as they learned that their beautiful 26-year-old married son, Ryan, had taken his own life. They share some of their journey from blindsiding trauma and pain through a seven-year period of healing and restoration by GOD. Plus, what does it look like to walk through grief and healing from their perspective.  You are not going to want to miss this conversation.Reflection QuestionsWrite a list of people in your life who are your go-to's for a 3 am morning call.  Decide if this list works for this season of your life.  Is there someone that needs to be added or removed?  Our community matters and we need to invest in it.How are you doing really? It is okay to be there, but not stay in that feeling forever.  Is it time to talk to a safe friend or find a counselor/therapist?Connect with Greg & Cathy BufkinFaceBook | E-mailThe Empty Chair EndevorHope after Child Loss Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Well, I made it to 40 and I am feeling it!  2023 is definitely a milestone year in the Zapchenk House and I would love to tell you about it and what I am learning this year in this episode.  So thrilled to share what I have been learning in some of my own parable stories and excited to look back on this year and see what God is going to continue to do within my heart.  The biggest is remembering the utter dependence I need to have on God daily.  What are you learning this year even though it may be hard? Thanks so much for listening and hope you enjoy this episode."Putting the dependence on what we can do, rather than what He can do."- Danielle ZapchenkReflection QuestionsWhat is one small step the Holy Spirit is nudging you toward?Check out this guided reflection through a portion of the Last Supper...Connect with DanielleInstagram | FaceBook | WebsiteHow to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you spent your time praying for everyone else, but not yourself? Is it hard because you think it is selfish or do you simply forget to pray?  Don't worry you are not alone in that.  I do that all the time!   My next guest, Ashlei Brathwaite shares with us that she felt that way too, and how God has been doing work in her own personal life. "Seeing the evolution of where I started at the beginning of the year with work and that mindset. And now being in a job that is insisting that I prioritize balance, insisting that I give myself rest, and has combined my faith and my passion for working with kids. Every day it's just... this is your life." - Ashlei BrathwaiteAshlei helps us understand that our own parable story can be one we invite God to be a part of.  One where we can share our dreams and goals in prayer.  What would your life look like if you continually depended on  Him daily in your home life, work, rest, friendships, etc... God worked in Ashlei's heart and soul this past year to cultivate something new because He wants to walk alongside us in every prayer and every decision.  I hope you enjoy this conversation with Ashlei.Reflection QuestionsWhat desires do you need to write down right now?Is it time for you to set boundaries with one or more relationships in your life?  Reflect and see if you or they have set expectations that you didn't realize were there.Connect with AshleiE-mail | InstagramHow to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Rev. Dr. Jackie Frazier Roese grew up working on her family farm in upstate New York. She focused that work ethic in pursuing her Masters and Doctorate degrees while raising three children. She has taught the scriptures and trained other women to do the same for more than 25 years.She served as the Teaching Pastor to Women in a large church in Texas. While there she envisioned, wrote, and oversaw the development of over 15 bible studies studied by women around the world. In 2008 she became the first female to preach at her church and became a part of the Sunday morning preaching team. In 2012, Jackie founded The Marcella Project, an organization committed to reshaping the view of women. The Marcella Project’s goal is to ennoble women (lift up to dignity as Jesus intended) through Scripture-focused teaching, training, and dialogue.Today I sat down with Jackie as her parable story wrestles with the thought, "Did what I give my life to really matter?"  Many of us can wonder that no matter what season of life we are in.  Is there worth in what I am doing day to day, does God notice?  Jackie shares her story alongside the parable of the sower, showcasing the truth that God revealed to her in her own story.  She is a mother to three, and she honestly talks about what that looked like for her."The fear of I'm a complete failure and I have not done well if I have led other people close to faith and not my own." - Rev. Dr. Jackie Frazier RoesePlus, what do invisible gender barriers look like in our life?  How can we as brothers and sisters acknowledge and encourage each other as we work together?  You will love Jackie's humor, thought-provoking questions, and approach to this conversation today.Reflection Questions:How does what you give to your life matter?Are there any invisible gender lines (internal or external) in your own life that you can acknowledge and grow from?Connect with JackieInstagram | Facebook The Marcella Project Jackie Always Unplugged PodcastHow to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever just wanted to get away from it all?  My new friend Taylor Warbritton was running from loss, church hurt, and shame in her early twenties. But as we know in every parable, God shows up.  Taylor shares how God was the greatest parent she could ever have. And that in her moments of desperation she felt his strong arms around her so strongly.He was the greatest parent I could ever have.- Taylor WarbrittonTaylor goes on to share that even in all the loss she has experienced that God still used it to bring people to know Him, to worship, and to their knees.  As painful as some of those times were for her, it is one of her most outstanding achievements is to sit and walk alongside those who are lamenting.  I hope you enjoy this conversation with Taylor Warbritton.Reflection Questions:How has God redeemed the loss in your life?Are there relationships, emotions, or situations that you need to physically throw away?  Name them, rip them out and give them over to God.Connect with TaylorInstagram Propel Ecclesia Lead BoldHow to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Could you look at your life right now and say I am fully living?  Today I sit down with co-founders and twin sisters Rachel and Jaclyn of Open Frame. A community that Open Frame is a community that cherishes, empowers and connects after loss due to overdose.  Rachel and Jaclyn lost their brother due to the ingestion of a synthetic opioid and it changed everything. It was sudden, tragic, and unexpected. As his sisters, they decided to band together in order to shed some light in the darkness of the aftermath.Throughout their own grief, they felt a lack of space to discuss and simply acknowledge what happened due to the complexity of the issues and the stigma of the cause of death. The inability to acknowledge and discuss the reality of their brother's passing has made it harder to heal and left them both with the feeling that they were alone. That is where the idea began for Open Frame.Statistics show they were definitely not the only siblings that had experienced a such tragic loss. yet we know (due to statistics) that we are certainly not alone.  Rachel and Jaclyn want to give those who have lost due to the Opioid Crisis a way to say, “I lost, but I still love and remember, without guilt and shame, the one I lost.” 100,000 die of overdose in 2021 in the [United States], that is a football stadium full of people...How do we hold those people with love and care? How do we move forward and heal?It is incredibly important to both of them to have others learn how to heal from each other and continue to live every day fully. We talk about Justin and their fondest memories of who he was Happy Birthday Justin - you were and continued to be loved! Reflection Questions:We may never have the closure we need. But, how can you move past that certain detail and take a step in the direction to see how God is working in your life?Jaclyn said, "All of our feelings can come out of this deeply holy place."  The next time you feel a strong emotion, acknowledge it, listen to it, and thank God that He has given you this emotion.Connect with Rachel and JacylnInstagram | FaceBookOpen Frame Website How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever felt like an imposter?  Have you ever felt like you are not capable of the role God has called you to? She candidly talks about a time in her life she was going to take a secret to the grave. Jenni Wong Clayville was born and raised in Seattle, WA. but she and her family now live in the Washington D.C area. She is wife to Brian and boy-mom to Chance & Paxton. Jenni currently serves at National Community Church as the Weekend Experience Pastor and is part of the teaching team at the Northern Virginia location.  Jenni also serves on the leadership team of Leading and Loving It for over ten years and recently on the Propel Ecclesia Team to support women in ministry internationally. Jenni is a life-long learner, an unpretentious foodie, a more pretentious coffee lover, and a self-proclaimed comedienne.I appreciate Jenni walking us through her childhood, growing up as a Chinese-American, and as a pastor, and what her parable story holds. Don't miss this episode and how God is a trusted source of integrity."With integrity, you either have it or you don't. It is not like a sliding scale. So once you lose it, you have to work hard to build it back up again. But when you have built it back, you better work really hard to not mess it up again." - Jenni Wong ClayvilleReflection Questions:How can you assess your life and do you need to set up some guardrails?  What are the things that bring up negativity, and lead you to a place of sin, or repeated hardship?  Examine those areas and set up some boundaries to protect yourself.Have you dealt with the Messy?a. Sometimes we don't want to deal with our own mess. Step into today, what is it?b. Choosing to walk into that space with others, asking the questions and walking through it with them.Connect with Jenni Wong ClayvilleInstagram | Twitter | FaceBook | online How to support The Parable Podcast: #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.#3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.