True Harbor Podcast

True Harbor Podcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Relationships

Real people. Raw stories. Honest life struggles. Your weekly dose of community, comfort, and encouragement. Listen on Spotify, Apple, & YouTube.

  1. 2d ago

    Finding Your Calling & Serving With Purpose

    Lauren talks with Emma Higgins, a children’s ministry director, about how unexpected opportunities shaped her path into church leadership. Emma reflects on finding work through faith, discovering her gifts with children, helping others find places to serve, and the spiritual and personal cost of ministry. Keywords church leadership, children's ministry, serving in church, faith, young leaders, Christian ministry Key Topics Emma Higgins shares how she left a fast-food job without a clear next step and later joined Faith Family Church as a youth assistant. Emma describes how her childhood love for children developed into a calling, while youth ministry first challenged her to grow beyond her comfort zone. A mission trip helped reignite Emma’s interest in children’s ministry; although she felt unqualified at 22, she accepted the director role. Emma sees helping people find a place where their gifts are used as one of the most rewarding parts of church leadership. Serving outside your strongest gifts can build skills and compassion, but service should also be fulfilling and make room for people’s God-given passions. Emma describes ministry’s ongoing emotional and spiritual demands, including leading four Sunday services and carrying the pressure of weekly programs and events. Lauren and Emma discuss guarding the heart against pride, bitterness, and distraction, and approaching ministry with pure motives. Emma reflects on the visible joy of seeing children encounter Jesus, while acknowledging that ministry still involves sacrifice and exhaustion.  Sound Bites "You're not in control." "She radiates Jesus." "There is a constant grind." Chapters 00:00 Meeting Emma and her path to Faith Family Church 05:01 Leaving Chick-fil-A and trusting an unexpected opening 09:57 From youth ministry assistant to children’s director 15:04 Taking the leadership role before feeling qualified 19:57 Recognizing the gifts that feel like a natural fit 25:04 Helping people discover where they can serve 30:05 The cost and joy of church ministry 34:55 Carrying the ongoing weight of children’s ministry 39:57 Protecting the heart while serving 44:52 Leading through imperfections and continuing to grow

  2. Oct 20

    God Carried Me Through

    In this episode, My friend Michelle shares her profound journey through grief, faith, and healing after her husband's sudden passing, her tragic car wreck and cancer diagnosis. Her story highlights the power of trust in God, resilience, and the importance of community support. Below is an example prayer that you can pray if you would like to start your relationship with Jesus. These words alone are not magic. He wants to hear from your heart so feel free to use your own words. He loves you more than you could ever know or comprehend ♥️ “Dear God, I know that I have made mistakes and fallen short in my life. I believe that Jesus is Your Son, that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He rose again. I am sorry for my past, and I want to turn away from it. Please forgive me. Come into my life, be my Lord and Savior, and help me to follow You from today on. Thank You for loving me and giving me a new start. In Jesus' name, Amen.” If you prayed this prayer, please let us know how we can help support you and get you plugged into a local community. Welcome to the family!  Keywords grief, faith, healing, trust in God, resilience, testimony, Christian faith, overcoming loss, spiritual growth Key Topics Michelle’s sudden loss of her husband in 2017 The impact of grief and loss on faith How community and support helped Michelle heal The role of prayer and trusting God in overcoming adversity Michelle’s experience with GriefShare and spiritual growth Takeaways Trust in God's plan even when life is devastating The importance of community and support during grief How prayer and faith can bring healing and peace Moving forward without leaving behind loved ones in memory The power of visual reminders and personal visions in faith Sound bites "God saved my husband from those things." "He carried me right through." "Hope is what He gives you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:51 Navigating Grief and Self-Discovery 05:04 Loss, Identity, and a Friend’s Reassurance 07:47 Returning to Work and Letting Grief Flow 09:25 Embracing New Beginnings 11:37 Moving Forward Without Leaving Love Behind 13:47 A Calling to Serve Through GriefShare 16:44 The Importance of Presence and Memory 20:02 How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving 22:56 Resilience and Moving Forward 25:43 Answered Prayers After the Car Accident 29:26 A Vision of Prayer Carrying Her Through 30:27 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth 31:29 Finding Purpose in Everyday Encounters 32:00 Facing Breast Cancer With Faith 34:54 Trusting God's Plan Through Pain 37:12 Lauren’s Journey Back to Trust 42:02 Faith Through Life’s Hardest Seasons 43:47 Finding Support in Grief and Community 45:24 Hope, Music, and a Living Relationship With God 48:43 GriefShare Resources and Closing Encouragement Resources: griefshare.org Help for those dealing with grief

  3. Oct 13

    From College Athlete To Marketer

    In this episode, Lauren Hartmann interviews Sebastian, a former college baseball athlete turned marketer, exploring his journey from sports to marketing, the challenges of content creation, and insights on faith, confidence, and overcoming criticism. Keywords sports, marketing, content creation, faith, confidence, social media, personal growth, entrepreneurship, Christian faith, mental health Key topics Sebastian's transition from college athlete to marketer The challenges of content creation and social media The importance of confidence and overcoming criticism Faith and its role in personal and professional life Strategies for consistency and discipline in content production Takeaways Writing things down helps memory and achievement Consistency is key to success in content creation Faith can help overcome insecurities and criticism Debate and discussion are healthy ways to grow Taking risks and starting small leads to growth Sound bites "If you want something done well, do it yourself" "When I do stick to my deadlines, it feels really rewarding" "People who comment negatively are often hurting themselves" Chapters 0:00 — Introduction and guest introduction 0:46 — Sebastian's background and transition from sports to marketing 5:30 — The challenges of starting in marketing and content creation 8:50 — The importance of authenticity and passion in content 18:32 — Overcoming fear, criticism, and insecurities 22:49 — The impact of social media comments and how to handle them 29:55 — Debate, truth, and biblical perspectives on justice 35:59 — The balance of love, truth, and confrontation in faith 40:17 — Encouragement to pursue dreams and start small

  4. Oct 6

    Trust Him Even When You Don't Understand

    In this episode, my friend Jacinda shares her powerful redemption story, highlighting her struggles, divorce, and loneliness, and how her faith in God transformed her life. Her journey offers hope and insight into God's mercy, forgiveness, and the importance of trusting Him through life's hardest seasons. Keywords faith, redemption, forgiveness, addiction, loneliness, God's mercy, personal testimony, Christian journey, trust in God, healing Key Topics Jacinda's childhood and family background Her journey of faith and baptism at age 12 Marriage, divorce, and the pain of separation Her experience of loneliness during COVID-19 The importance of forgiveness and trusting God How her faith helped her recover and rebuild The role of community and church in her life Lessons learned about God's mercy and redemption Encouragement to stay faithful in difficult times Sound bites "God is so good and He's so faithful" "He is such a redeemer, so merciful" "Trust Him even when you don't understand" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and background of Jacinda 05:53 Struggles and Faith 11:55 Loneliness and Seeking Connection 17:53 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 24:54 The Impact of Storytelling in Faith 32:47 Navigating Loneliness and Fear 38:32 Trusting God Through Difficult Times 38:41 Bringing Anger and Doubt to God 42:21 Closing Reflections and Farewell Resources: The Chosen TV Series

  5. Sep 29

    Leaving The Amish, Prison Ministry & Book Writing

    In this episode, my friend Rebecca Graber shares her remarkable journey from Amish roots to becoming a prison minister and author. Discover how her faith, experiences, and books have impacted lives and challenged cultural norms. Keywords Amish, prison ministry, faith, books, leaving Amish, spiritual journey, Christian testimony, outreach, personal growth Key Topics Rebecca's Amish background and family history Her calling to prison ministry and how it developed The story behind her book 'In the Whale's Belly' Her experiences with outreach to inmates and their families The challenges and rewards of leaving the Amish community Her approach to sharing the gospel with outsiders The importance of authentic faith and love over judgment Her efforts to connect with her extended family after leaving Amish The role of storytelling and books in her ministry and life Her future projects and message of hope and faith Sound Bites "I wanted to keep the good things from my Amish roots." "God called me to prison ministry, and I obeyed." "Love and authenticity open doors where judgment closes." Chapters 00:00 Introducing Rebecca Graber 01:06 Rebecca's Amish roots 02:04 Her calling to prison ministry and initial hesitations 05:09 The story behind 'In the Whale's Belly' and inmate stories 10:16 Her experiences with outreach and connecting with inmates 18:20 Leaving the Amish community and family reactions 30:33 Her journey of faith and trusting God's call 35:42 The impact of her books and sharing the gospel 51:48 Her future projects and message of hope 54:36 Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners Books: My Amish Story Breaking The Silence The Amish And The Reformation And More! Where to Buy:  thorncrownproject.com

  6. Sep 22

    The Truth About Chronic Illness

    On this week’s episode I talk with my friend Rosemary Graber again about our health struggles. We share our personal experiences living with chronic illness, highlighting the daily challenges, medical journeys, and ways to support others. This episode offers insight and encouragement for those navigating health struggles and those wanting to help loved ones. Keywords chronic illness, health journey, mental health, medical system, support, self-care, autoimmune, Lyme disease, PCOS, health advocacy Key Topics Daily challenges of living with chronic illness Medical journeys and diagnosis struggles Mental health and emotional resilience Practical ways to support someone with health issues Impact of stress and relationships on health Importance of self-care and community support Sound bites "Stress and relationships can really impact health." "Just knowing someone cares makes a huge difference." "You're not alone in this fight." Chapters 00:00 Living with Chronic Illness: Daily Struggles 02:42 The Impact of Physical Health on Daily Life 05:58 Personal Health Journeys: Rosemary's Story 08:21 Understanding PCOS: Diagnosis and Treatment 10:45 Alternative Health Approaches: Electrodermal Screening 14:10 Lifestyle Changes: The Path to Improvement 16:27 Fatigue: A Lifelong Battle 17:51 Feeling Misunderstood: The Struggle for Validation 20:08 Chronic Illness: The Search for Answers 23:04 Navigating Medical Dismissal: The Patient's Perspective 24:33 Seeking Answers for Chronic Pain 28:45 Emotional Healing and Brain Fog 31:57 Nutrition, Energy, and Self-Care 36:43 Living with an Unpredictable Body 37:47 Flexibility and Support at Work 39:29 You Are Not Alone 41:44 How to Support Someone with Chronic Illness 44:05 Making Connection More Accessible 45:39 Offer Specific Practical Help 47:19 Closing Encouragement

  7. Sep 15

    How Faith Shaped American History & Politics

    In this episode, my friend Rosemary Graber shares her journey from growing up Amish to becoming involved in Texas politics and national policy. She discusses her experiences with American history, faith, and her efforts to influence government through youth programs and legislative work. In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith, politics, and history, highlighting the importance of religious freedom, the role of faith in public life, and the historical roots of religious expression in America. Keywords Texas politics, American history, faith, youth leadership, legislative process, public speaking, political involvement, patriotism, government, leadership faith, politics, religious freedom, history, public schools, First Amendment, Supreme Court, faith in government, biblical citizenship, cultural values Key  topics Rosemary's background and Amish roots Her involvement with Wall Builders and American history Her journey into politics starting at age 18 Passing her first bill on drug testing for food stamp recipients Her experience with public speaking and leadership in youth programs The importance of shared values and storytelling in politics Handling online political discussions gracefully The role of faith in government and public service Changes in government policy regarding faith offices and religious expression The spiritual battles in Washington DC and the importance of faith in leadership The case of Coach Joe Kennedy and the fight for religious expression in public schools The history of the First Amendment and the separation of church and state The significance of the Lemon test and its overturning by the Supreme Court The tradition of prayer and faith in the founding of America and its institutions The efforts to reintroduce the Ten Commandments in public schools and their historical basis The influence of faith-based organizations like Wall Builders and Patriot Academy The importance of biblical literacy and its role in shaping American values The ongoing cultural and spiritual battles over religious expression in public spaces The personal stories of faith and activism that inspire ongoing efforts for religious freedom Takeaways Knowledge reduces fear in public speaking. Shared values and storytelling create connections in politics. Handling online criticism with grace can be powerful. Faith plays a significant role in government leadership. Youth programs can inspire lifelong political involvement. Sound bites "Knowledge really does take away a lot of fear." "Handling criticism with grace is powerful." "The impact of faith in public life is huge." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rosemary Graber 04:10 The Awakening: Discovering a Passion for Politics 07:15 Facing Fears: Public Speaking and Legislative Success 11:45 The Art of Political Storytelling 15:15 Handling Controversial Conversations Gracefully 19:03 Reflections on Charlie Kirk and His Impact 20:14 Political Engagement and Awareness 21:12 Impact of Charlie Kirk's Legacy 22:55 Global Influence of Faith and Worship 24:59 Revival and Forgiveness in Tragedy 27:02 Faith in Government and Policy Changes 28:55 Challenges of Faith in Washington, D.C. 30:51 Historical Context of Faith in Politics 33:13 Legal Battles for Religious Freedom 39:19 Separation of Church and State Misconceptions 39:31 The Historical Roots of Public Education and Religion 43:06 The Role of the Ten Commandments in Society 49:32 Women’s Rights and Feminism: A New Perspective

  8. Sep 8

    Glass Art, Faith & Simple Kindness

    In this episode, Lauren Hartmann interviews her friend Charlene Fort about her diverse life experiences, including her passion for glass art, gardening, singing, and her cancer and faith journey. They explore the importance of creativity, community, and finding beauty in everyday moments. Keywords glass art, gardening, faith, creativity, cancer, community, life experiences, teaching, worship, spiritual growth Key Topics Charlene's journey into glass art starting in 2000 Her childhood fascination with glass and early experiences The importance of creating and expressing through art Gardening challenges in Texas versus Oregon The role of community education in learning new skills Spiritual insights from studying the Bible and prayer The joy of singing in the church choir The significance of making a difference regardless of circumstances The impact of small acts of kindness and relationship building Living intentionally to find beauty and purpose Guest Name Charlene Fort Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:15 Teaching Glass Art: Sharing the Craft 13:15 The Science of Gardening: Understanding Plant Needs 18:16 Biblical Insights on Gardening and Life 25:26 The Importance of Community in Faith 31:54 Embracing Life's Adventures 37:17 Finding Safety in Community 41:50 Simple kindness during cancer treatments 44:19 Recognizing Beauty in Everyday Life References nicholsartglass.com morningsunstudio.org lisaharper.org/backporchtheology Quote by Susie Larson "God whispered to my heart one day, 'You don't have to feel well to be powerful.”

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About

Real people. Raw stories. Honest life struggles. Your weekly dose of community, comfort, and encouragement. Listen on Spotify, Apple, & YouTube.

Information

  • Creator
    True Harbor Podcast
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 True Harbor Podcast
  • Show Website
    True Harbor Podcast

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