Singing Through Fire

Lara Silverman, Christian Author, lawyer, comedian
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Christianity

Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: -Worship when it hurts -Discuss hot takes from the furnace of affliction -Explore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm    From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button because I upload content every single week. Help me get to my goal of 10,000 subscribers so we can help others who are suffering. To God be the glory!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  1. 3d ago

    Mick Wienholt Survived an Avalanche. Then He Lost His Son. | STF Podcast Ep. 44

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, host Lara Silverman continues the Faith in the Furnace series with Mick Wienholt, host of Coincidence or God?, previously known as When You Look. At 19, Mick survived an avalanche on Grays Peak that left him with severe head trauma and required emergency brain surgery. His life was saved with the unexpected help of a man named Steve, who arrived at the trailhead. Mick also shares how the death of his firstborn son, Luke, one week before his due date led him and his wife to surrender to God and begin a lasting relationship with Jesus. Through grief, career upheaval, and unexpected provision, Mick reflects on reconciling God’s goodness with suffering, obeying His leading, and learning to trust Him—even when the next step is simply to wait. Chapters 00:00 — The Impact of an Avalanche   00:44 — Introducing Mick Wienholt 02:51 — Growing Up Around Christianity   04:21 — A Climb Turns Dangerous   07:29 — Rescue and Emergency Surgery   11:03 — A Miracle Before Faith   12:20 — Expecting Their First Child   14:19 — The Shock of Stillbirth   15:25 — Surrender at Rock Bottom   18:16 — Grief Becomes a Blessing   21:13 — Praying Together Through the Night   23:32 — A Shift Toward Church and Worship   25:38 — Reconciling God’s Goodness with Suffering   31:24 — Letting God Be the Pilot   33:51 — Finding Comfort in the Hope of Heaven   34:54 — Relationship Over Religion   36:17 — The Abraham Comparison   36:54 — Memoir Sponsor Break   38:05 — A Rescinded Job Offer   40:23 — Learning to Sit and Wait   44:45 — Denying Yourself and Obeying God   47:51 — Trusting God Without Donations   49:59 — Why God Calls Us to Depend on Him   52:40 — A Story of Christmas Provision   56:42 — Reframing Romans 8:28   59:46 — Finding Comfort in Hard “Nos”   01:02:50 — Closing with the Hope of Eternity Resources and Links: Mick's website Mick's podcast on YouTube Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  2. Oct 27

    God calls us to JOY right in the middle of sorrow | STF Podcast Ep. 43

    Can we experience joy and grief at the same time? In this episode, Lara talks about what it means to rejoice in the middle of suffering without pretending the pain isn't real. Drawing from Scripture and her experiences with chronic illness, her late husband Matt's cancer, and his final days in hospice, Lara shares some of the unexpected ways God brought joy into their lives during difficult seasons. She also reflects on the difference between giving thanks in our suffering and giving thanks for our suffering, and what it means to trust God when we don't understand His purposes. Chapters 00:00 — Joy in Suffering 00:48 — Introduction and Prayer 01:40 — Why Joy Matters in Suffering 04:22 — What the Bible Says About Rejoicing 07:33 — God's Gifts in the Valley 09:01 — Lara's Story: Matt, Illness, and Unexpected Joy 13:14 — Unexpected Moments of Joy 22:06 — Finding Joy in Hospice 25:10 — Laughter After Loss 28:30 — Trusting God in Suffering 31:35 — Final Encouragement Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  3. Oct 20

    A Love That Endures: Ara & Esther Assilian’s 13-Year Journey with Their Son | STF Podcast Ep. 42

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, host Lara Silverman interviews Ara and Esther Assilian about raising their son Hirad, who suffered severe brain damage at birth. After spending three days on a respirator, Hirad unexpectedly began breathing on his own and lived for 13 years, requiring around-the-clock care. Ara shares his struggle with anger and unanswered prayers for healing, while Esther reflects on her steadfast faith and the comfort she found in church music. Together, they explore God’s presence in suffering, the dignity of people with disabilities, and how their journey deepened their empathy, strengthened their family, and inspired Ara’s book Pearls of Life. Chapters 00:00 Don’t Quit Hope  00:24 Meet Ara and Esther  02:53 Labor Crisis Begins  04:13 Brain Injury and ICU  06:12 Thirteen Years of Care  07:16 Wrestling and Wonder  09:40 Esther’s Steadfast Faith  12:07 Final Days and Farewell  16:12 God’s Presence in Pain  19:03 Seizures and Public Stigma  21:40 Unanswered Questions  22:27 Book Break and Redemption  23:55 Strength and Empathy Afterward  25:33 Next Testimony Teaser  25:40 Vision After Loss  26:55 Anger to Assurance  29:22 Healing Hopes Challenged  29:50 Faith and False Doctrine  31:42 God’s Heart for Disability  36:30 Writing *Pearls of Life*  38:23 One Day at a Time  38:53 Encouragement to Sufferers  41:10 Music as Comfort  42:11 Eternal Rewards and Farewell  44:19 Pearls of Life Song Resources and Links: Pearls of Life: Reflections of Faith, Hope, and Love While Facing Life’s Challenges by Ara Assilian Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  4. Oct 13

    A Faith That Endures: Remembering Matt Silverman's Legacy with Tim Ketenjian | STF Podcast Ep. 41

    In this special birthday episode of Singing Through Fire, host Lara Silverman welcomes singer-songwriter and longtime friend Tim Katendjian to remember her late husband, Matt Silverman's legacy in the days leading up to what would have been his 43rd birthday on October 16th. Tim knew Matt long before Lara and Matt fell in love, and he was there for their remarkable love story. Together, Lara and Tim reminisce about Matt's humility, humor, hospitality, deep knowledge of Scripture, and unwavering faith in the face of cancer. They revisit the joy of Lara and Matt's wedding, where Tim led worship, and reflect on the legacy of faith Matt continues to leave behind. Their conversation also explores the relationship between worship and suffering, finding our worth in Christ rather than achievement, and how Tim's song “Valuable” encouraged Lara during her years of severe chronic illness. Tim shares the story of losing his aunt Ruth to cancer, and both friends speak honestly about the pain of grief, the hope of heaven, and trusting God's sovereignty when His plans differ from our own. At the heart of this conversation is a question that touches every believer who has walked through disappointment or suffering: Is Christ still enough when our dreams don't come true? Join Lara and Tim for an honest, hope-filled conversation about grief, eternal perspective, and the God who remains faithful through every season of life. Chapters 00:00 God Never Changes 00:19 Welcome to Singing Through Fire 00:45 Meet Tim Katendjian 02:22 How Tim Met Matt 04:04 Reconnecting in Northern California 05:38 Tim's Music Ministry 06:55 The Story Behind “Valuable” 08:55 Finding Our Worth Beyond Achievement 12:24 How Tim Met Lara 14:04 Remembering Matt's Humility and Legacy 16:09 Lara and Matt's Remarkable Love Story 18:50 Wedding Memories and Worship 20:58 Living with Eternity in View 21:49 Tim's Experience of Grief 21:54 Trusting God's Sovereignty Over Time 23:28 Aunt Ruth's Journey with Cancer 25:42 Grieving Honestly While Holding On to Faith 26:52 “Mighty God”: A Song of Hope 28:23 The Story Behind Lara's Memoir 29:36 An Eternal Perspective on Suffering 32:40 Remembering Matt's Faith in Hospice 35:06 Celebrating Matt's Life and Legacy 39:30 Finding Joy Through Comedy After Loss 41:42 What Tim Would Say to Matt Today 43:44 Closing Prayer and “Happy Day” 45:17 Final Encouragement and Subscribe Resources and Links: Tim's website Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  5. Oct 6

    Her Heart Was Functioning at 6%: Lori Ann Wood on Trusting God Through Suffering | STF Podcast Ep. 40

    In this episode, host Lara Silverman continues the Faith in the Furnace series on Singing Through Fire with guest Lori Ann Wood, an award-winning author and speaker whose life was suddenly upended by a diagnosis of severe heart failure. After years of uncertainty, unexpected turns, and unanswered prayers, Lori Ann shares how suffering transformed the way she understood faith, prayer, and the character of God. Lori Ann describes how she stopped “bubble-wrapping” the faith she had inherited, learned to embrace lament and hard questions, and discovered that wrestling with God could actually strengthen her faith rather than destroy it. She shares how learning to surrender the outcome through “prayers of relinquishment” ultimately opened the door to peace and joy. Together, Lara and Lori Ann explore what it means to trust God when healing doesn't come as expected, recognize His presence when He feels silent, respond to the pain of invisible illness, lean on the faith of community, and hold onto the hope of eternity. Chapters 01:47 A Diagnosis Out of Nowhere 03:41 An Unexpected Turn 04:47 Learning to Live With Uncertainty 08:38 Divine Detour and Shaken Faith 10:49 Silent Treatment With God 11:40 Permission to Ask Why 13:38 Doubt Versus Indifference 14:30 Relinquishing the Ending 17:01 God’s Purposes in Suffering 18:30 Size of Loss and Mystery 21:49 Signs God Hasn’t Forgotten 24:20 When God Feels Silent 25:44 Clinging When Prayers Fail 26:24 Finding Threads of Faith 27:35 Wrestling With Scripture 29:16 Prayer Beyond Transactions 30:22 Weakness Into Witness 32:08 Sustained Through Crisis 34:49 Eternity and Letting Go 36:37 Verses to Hold Onto 38:43 Peace Before Joy 42:10 Relinquishment and Trust 43:57 Invisible Illness Misunderstood 47:03 Redemption and Final Takeaway Resources and Links: Lori Ann's Website Lori Ann's Instagram Lori Ann's Facebook Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  6. Sep 29

    How to Find Joy When Life Hurts: Clay & Jean Jones on Faith Through Suffering | STF Podcast Ep. 39

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Dr. Clay Jones and Jean Jones to talk about faith in the midst of suffering. Drawing from their own experiences with cancer, health challenges, miscarriage, fear, and unanswered prayers, Clay and Jean share what they’ve learned about trusting God when life hurts. They discuss surrender, renewing the mind, finding joy while grieving, and keeping our hope anchored in eternity. They also share practical ways they prepare their hearts and minds for difficult seasons—including the “seven truths” and truth journals from their book, How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? If you’ve ever wondered how to hold onto faith when suffering doesn’t make sense, this conversation is for you. Chapters 00:00 Joy and Sorrow 00:36 Meet Clay and Jean 03:15 Why Suffering Grows 06:35 Skeptic Pushback 08:06 Miscarriage Wrestling 12:51 Fear and Truths 14:17 Cross Gift Surrender 17:10 Discipline The Mind 22:01 Forever Friend Hope 24:23 Joy Versus Happy 28:59 Eternity and Heaven 31:28 Eternity Over Earthly Pride 32:33 Weakness Made Strong 36:23 Grace Through Truth Journals 38:04 Tears Not Stoicism 41:01 Cancer Perspective Shift 42:13 Prosperity Healing Claims 46:39 Heaven Myths Debunked 48:11 Gifts Yes Signs No 51:17 Hearing God in Suffering 56:58 Preparing for Hard Times 58:59 Resources and Farewell Resources and Links: Dr. Clay Jones' website Jean Jones' website Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  7. Sep 22

    Eternal Rewards in Heaven: God Keeps Score! | STF Podcast Ep. 38

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman takes you “to Wall Street, heaven style” to explore a hope-filled biblical promise: God doesn’t waste suffering, and He intends to turn grief into glory. With honesty, humor, and hard-won faith, Lara shares how an eternal perspective can steady you in chronic pain, heartbreak, loss, or unanswered prayers—and why Jesus encourages us to store up treasure in heaven. You’ll hear why perseverance matters, how Scripture frames joy on the other side of the cross, and the comforting truth that your faithfulness in the fire is seen by God and is not in vain. If you’re tired, hurting, or tempted to believe your story ends in ashes, this conversation is an invitation to keep going—and keep singing through the fire. Chapters 00:00 Eternal Investment Hook 00:58 Prayer and Setup 01:18 Grief to Glory Promise 03:50 Suffering into Joy Scriptures 06:50 Eternal Perspective Comfort 09:03 Job and Double Restoration 12:02 Break and Book Plug 13:13 Doctrine of Rewards Explained 14:42 Bema Seat Not Salvation 17:21 How to Earn Rewards 18:10 Perseverance Under Trial 20:34 Crowns and Heavenly Prizes 23:50 Don't Lose Your Crown 25:53 Eternal Pleasures Ahead 28:22 Store Treasures in Heaven 29:49 Final Encouragement and Outro Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  8. Sep 15

    Why Suffering Doesn’t Have the Final Word: Sona Jamgotchian on Finding Hope in Christ | STF Podcast Ep. 37

    What if your suffering never completely goes away—but it doesn’t have to have the final word? In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Sona Jamgotchian, author of Finding Hope in Suffering, to talk about what it looks like to hold onto hope when life hurts. After years of chronic pain, two spinal cord surgeries, and a difficult recovery, Sona had plenty of reasons to ask, “Why am I suffering like this?” But through her journey, she discovered that suffering can become a place where God grows us, strengthens us, and teaches us to hope. Sona and Lara talk about: • Finding hope when your circumstances don’t change • What it really means to thrive in the midst of suffering • How biblical counseling and the Holy Spirit work together • Healing from generational trauma and grief • Discerning spiritual warfare from mental health struggles • Why suffering doesn’t have to define your story If you're walking through a hard season right now, this conversation is a reminder that your pain does not have the final word. Chapters 00:00 Thriving in Pain 00:34 Show Intro and Guest 02:38 Spinal Surgeries Story 04:45 911 Night and Notes 06:17 Blog to Book Journey 09:28 Years of Chronic Pain 11:44 Book Themes Breakdown 16:50 Thriving Spiritually 21:00 Therapy and Scripture 22:19 Holy Spirit Healing 25:13 God Heals Hearts 26:03 Counseling With Love 27:41 Memoir Promo Break 28:51 Healing Genocide Trauma 31:49 Breaking Cultural Silence 34:10 School of Hope Vision 37:36 Crocus Hope Symbol 41:29 Remember and Bloom 43:39 Warfare vs Illness 48:54 Breakthrough and Wrap Up Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Sona's book, Finding Hope in Suffering: Growing and Thriving Through Hard Seasons RSVP to attend Sona's book signing in Glendale, CA Learn more about Sona and the School of Hope PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

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About

Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: -Worship when it hurts -Discuss hot takes from the furnace of affliction -Explore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm    From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button because I upload content every single week. Help me get to my goal of 10,000 subscribers so we can help others who are suffering. To God be the glory!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

Information

  • Creator
    Lara Silverman, Christian Author, lawyer, comedian
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Isaiah 4320 Press, Lara Silverman
  • Show Website
    Singing Through Fire

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