Fierce Calling

Doris Swift
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Because every woman of God has a Fierce Calling

  1. 3D AGO

    Where Faith, Fun, and Family Intersect with Valerie Ellis

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode #215, host Doris Swift is joined by returning guest Valerie Ellis—author, speaker, teacher, and founder of Our Everyday Parables, a multi-author site dedicated to bringing families resources where faith and fun meet. Valerie’s passion for connecting kids with biblical truth through engaging books shines as she shares about her journey, including inspiration from her own two boys and her background as a certified teacher. Doris and Valerie dive into the stories behind Valerie’s beloved children’s books—like Let’s Go Bible Adventures, designed for kids obsessed with trains, trucks, and ice cream vans, and Share the Joy: A Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book, which helps instill a spirit of giving during the holidays. They discuss Valerie’s newest release, Wild Faith Devotional for Kids, packed with fascinating animal facts and faith lessons, and explore how everyday moments and the wonders of creation can point children (and adults!) to God. You’ll also hear practical wisdom on helping your kids experience "Jesus joy," resources for parents and caregivers to make faith relatable, and tips for aspiring writers who feel called to create meaningful books for children. Tune in for encouragement, laughter, and a timely reminder that investing in the youngest generation can have eternal impact—even in the busiest seasons. We're Talking About These Amazing Books & More! Florida Women's Ministry Leadership Conference mentioned in the intro: Episode Highlights and Takeaways ... 00:00 Children's Christian Books and Devotional 07:06 "Supporting Parents in Faith Education" 09:42 Teaching Christmas Sharing to Kids 12:28 Promoting Christian Books in Libraries 14:44 "Books Adults and Kids Love" 20:15 Teaching Faith Through Everyday Moments 21:28 VBS Themes: Truth and Fun 25:02 "Catfish Devotion: Sense God's Goodness" 30:39 Joy of Writing Rhyming Books 31:44 Writing Children's Christian Books 34:53 "Get Excited Every Day" 38:07 Critique Groups for Writing Growth 42:19 Writing Journey: Faith, Fiction, and Nonfiction 45:01 Unrecognized Parental Impact 49:47 Sharing Faith and Resources Connect with Valerie! You can connect with Valerie and find her books and resources mentioned in the show, here: valerieellis.com Our Everyday Parables Blog Instagram: @iamvalerieellis Instagram: @oureverydayparables  Let's Go! Bible Adventures: Real Bible Stories for Kids Who Love Trains, Tractors, Ice Cream Trucks, and More  Share the Joy! A Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book Wild Faith Devotional for Kids: 52 Amazing Animals That Point to One Great God Listeners can find a free activity pack for Let's Go! Bible Adventures at https://valerieellis.com/letsgo/. and info & resources for Wild Faith, plus a YouVersion study for kids at https://valerieellis.com/wildfaith/. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Valerie mentioned: https://www.scbwi.org More About Valerie! Valerie Ellis is an author, speaker, and founder of Our Everyday Parables, a multi-author online resource with book reviews and ideas for families pursuing faith and compassion. A certified teacher with countless hours in children’s ministry, Valerie writes books that serve kids at the intersection of faith and fun.  Valerie is a frequent speaker for The MomCo (formerly MOPS) and similar groups. She stays involved with her own local chapters of The MomCo, SCBWI, and the Texas Library Association as well. Valerie is also a nonprofit consultant, trainer, and grant writer in the Houston area, where she lives with her husband, Josh, and their two boys. An Ohio-born, Texas-raised TCU Horned Frog, Valerie loves live music and going on adventures—big and small—with her family and friends. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John ...

    51 min

  2. SEP 23

    Breaking Free From Body Image Struggles and Leaning Into Aging Gratefully with Heather Creekmore

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this important episode, host Doris Swift welcomes guest Heather Creekmore—a writer, speaker, coach, and the host of the popular “Compared to Who?” podcast—to talk about a struggle many women face but rarely speak about openly: body image. Heather shares her deeply personal journey, beginning in childhood and traveling through years of dieting, disordered eating, and the belief that changing her body would finally bring happiness. Even marriage and motherhood didn’t resolve her struggle—until a message about modern-day idolatry led to a powerful awakening in her heart. Heather unpacks how cultural messages fuel our obsession with appearance, how comparison steals our joy, and why true freedom comes from understanding our God-given identity—not from pursuing the latest health trend or fitting into a certain pair of jeans. She also dives into her work coaching women, The 40-Day Body Image Workbook, and her devotional Aging Gratefully. And you'll love the story about her memorable appearance on Netflix’s “Nailed It!”—and what it taught her about real freedom. Whether you’ve battled body image insecurities, comparison in any area of your life, or the pressures of aging in a looks-obsessed world, this honest and hope-filled conversation will inspire you to pursue joy, purpose, and your fierce calling right where you are. Get ready for truths, laughter, encouragement, and the reminder that you are so much more than a number on a scale or a face in the mirror. We're Talking About These Amazing Books & More! Florida Women's Ministry Leadership Conference mentioned in the intro: Episode Highlights and Takeaways ... 00:00 Unexpected Struggles with Eating Disorders 08:13 "Discovering Modern Idolatry Challenges" 14:37 "Overcoming Idolatry and Distractions" 19:11 Challenging Self-Worth and Body Image 22:48 Love Language Pitfalls for Women 28:05 Diet Trends Roller Coaster 38:01 Encouragement, Laughter, and Scale Reality 40:56 "Aging Gracefully Through Inner Beauty" 44:17 "Inner Beauty Over Outer Appearance" 51:51 "Wisdom through Experience and Guidance" 54:47 "Baking Show: Embrace Imperfection" 01:00:50 "Community and Connection for Women" Connect with Heather! You can connect with Heather through her website and social media links below: Website: https://www.improvebodyimage.com https://www.facebook.com/heathercreekmoreblog https://www.youtube.com/comparedtowho https://www.instagram.com/comparedtowho https://www.pinterest.com/comparedtowho/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/compared-to-who/id1448403677 Heather Creekmore writes and speaks hope to thousands of women each week, inspiring them to stop comparing and start living. She’s the host of the Compared to Who? podcast and the author of four books, including The 40-Day Body Image Workbook: Hope for Christian Women Who’ve Tried Everything and Aging Gratefully , a new devotional on aging for women in midlife. Heather has been featured on Fox News, Huff Post, Morning Dose, Church Leaders, For Every Mom, and dozens of other shows and podcasts. But she's best recognized from her appearance as a contestant on the Netflix hit show, Nailed It. Heather and her fighter-pilot-turned-pastor husband, Eric, have four children and live in Austin, Texas. Connect with Heather at: www.improvebodyimage.com What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple...

    1h 4m

  3. SEP 1

    Embracing New Beginnings After Unexpected Challenges with Melissa McLaughlin

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, host Doris sits down with Melissa McLaughlin, an author, teacher, and speaker, who writes to uplift and inspire followers of Christ.. Melissa opens up about her faith journey, including her unexpected bout with debilitating health issues that led her to an unexpected and unplanned early retirement from her teaching career. What could have been a season of loss became a time of deep spiritual renewal, as Melissa rediscovered her identity in Christ and found new ways to connect with God through scripture-based prayer. Out of her darkest moments came her first book, In Dark of Night When Words Fail, Voice of Jesus, Pray for Me, designed to help those who struggle with prayer find their voice again through scripture. Melissa also shares how her second book, The Whole Bible Devotional: Seeing Jesus in Every Book of the Bible, was inspired by her own challenges with reading the Bible all the way through, and her desire to help others see the big-picture story of Jesus woven throughout all the books of the Bible. Join us for an encouraging conversation about hope, identity, and the power of God, Who creates beauty from ashes. Whether you’re in a season of uncertainty, desire to deepen your prayer life, or looking for fresh ways to engage with Scripture, Melissa’s story and resources will inspire you to keep seeking God’s purpose—no matter what twists and turns life may bring. We're Talking About This Amazing Devotional and More! Florida Women's Ministry Leadership Conference mentioned in the intro: Episode Highlights and Takeaways ... 1. Introduction to Melissa McLaughlin Roles and identity: teacher, writer, wife, mom, speaker, prayer leader, overcomer Passion for pursuing Christ with biblical truth, grace, and prayer Brief overview of her books: "In Dark of Night When Words Fail, Voice of Jesus, Pray For Me" "The Whole Bible Devotional: Seeing Jesus in Every Book of the Bible" Context of her writing coming from personal struggles Doris’s introduction and excitement about the conversation 2. Melissa’s Personal Faith Journey Growing up in a Christian home Making her faith her own during college years Becoming a teacher and her passion for education Marriage and raising three grown children 3. The Impact of Health Challenges Long history of back problems leading to debilitating health issues at age 50 Forced, early, and unexpected retirement from teaching Struggles with loss: health, job, and sense of identity Spiritual wrestling: questioning God’s plan and lack of healing 4. Rediscovering Identity in Christ God “peeling back” layers of false identity Coming to see herself as a child of God, identity rooted in Jesus Faith being deepened and transformed through suffering 5. Losing and Regaining the Voice to Pray Feeling unable to pray during her darkest moments Returning to Scripture and learning to pray aloud from the Bible Rewriting Scripture into personalized prayers Restoration of her prayer life: God’s words empowering her prayers 6. The Birth of Her First Book Decision to write for others struggling to pray Combining teaching, compassion, and personal pain into her writing Purpose and design of "In Dark of Night When Words Fail, Voice of Jesus, Pray For Me" A prayer guide using Scripture for those struggling to pray or seeking to refresh prayer life 7. Transitioning from Teaching to New Ministry Letting go of her expected career path Recognizing how God repurposes gifts for new seasons The unexpected call to writing and blogging 8. Encouragement for Listeners Facing Unexpected Change Reflection on how God is never surprised by our circumstances Importance of not finding identity solely in career or roles Trusting God’s faithfulness to unfold new things 9. Struggles and Strategies in Reading the Bible

    40 min

  4. AUG 19

    Tracing His Promise: How an Advent Tradition Can Help Us Discover the Profound Connections Between Old Testament Scripture and the Coming Messiah with Donna & Charity Amidon

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, I welcome a very special duo: mother-daughter team Donna and Charity Amidon. Donna—an accomplished author, speaker, and Bible teacher—returns to the show to talk about her impactful book, Tracing His Promise: Understanding the Bigger Story of Jesus and What That Means for Us. But this time, there’s a creative twist: Donna’s daughter, Charity, an exceptional artist and illustrator, joins the conversation to share her unique role in bringing this project to life. Together, Donna and Charity reveal how a simple Advent family tradition grew into a beloved Bible study—one that seamlessly connects Old Testament Scriptures to the promises fulfilled in Jesus. We’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about how illustrations that started as small doodles at the kitchen table grew into the artwork that now graces the pages of Donna’s book, as well as full-color Christmas ornaments, inviting families to create meaningful Advent traditions. You’ll also get practical ideas for using the book at home, in small groups, or as part of your church community, plus inspiration on how to use your own gifts to impact others for Christ. Whether you’re looking for hope in God’s timing, new ways to engage with Scripture, or encouragement to pursue your calling, this episode is sure to uplift you. Let’s dive into this heartwarming conversation about faith, creativity, advent, and God’s faithfulness across generations! We're Talking About This Amazing Book and More! P.S. Planning your fall Bible study or Christmas Advent? Now’s the perfect time to explore Tracing His Promise! And if you do, be sure to share your experience with us. We’d love to hear—and maybe feature your story, too! Episode Highlights 00:00 "Book Discussion with Charity" 07:31 Divine Preparation and Small Beginnings 11:46 Art, Passion, and Impact 14:00 Mother-Daughter Art Collaboration 18:04 "Illustrations Enhanced with Color PDF" 20:51 Bible Study Book's Progression 23:19 Exploring the Old Testament Together 27:10 "Fulfilled Prophecies: Hidden Treasures" 30:17 Empowering Youth Through Faith Sharing 34:37 "Passover's Symbolic Link to Jesus" 37:49 Faith's Universality Through Art 40:24 Trusting God's Perfect Timing 43:19 Trust God's Timing 47:30 Gratitude and Future Invitations Connect with Donna! You can connect with Donna at donnaamidon.org, where you'll find out more about the book, her blog, and speaking. Follow & connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnaamidon_/ Follow & connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignitetheheart/ A graduate of Southern Evangelical Seminary, Donna is an author, speaker, musician, and lover of all things Bible. For over two decades, Donna has been helping women engage with the rich truths of Scripture and apply them to everyday life.  With a heart for the local church, Donna has served as a Bible teacher, worship leader, radio broadcaster, small groups director, and pastor’s wife. Donna brings Scripture to life with clarity, heart, and just the right touch of humor, leaving her audience both challenged and refreshed.  Donna regularly shares at women's conferences, retreats, and church gatherings. She also serves as a Spiritual Fitness Coach with Back to the Bible, where she hosts short video messages to encourage Christians in their spiritual journey.  Her first book, Tracing His Promise, invites readers to see Jesus throughout the Old Testament and discover God's faithfulness from creation to the cradle. Donna and her husband, Ryan, live in Virginia with their adult daughter and teenage son. Connect with Charity! You can connect with Charity and find her amazing art at https://www.luckydogart.com/ Follow & connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amidonartstudio/ Follow & connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luckydogart/

    48 min

  5. AUG 5

    What’s Next for You? Saying Yes to God and Your Powerful Purpose with Kate Battistelli

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, host Doris Swift sits down with Kate Battistelli—author, speaker, and one of the hosts of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. Kate shares her powerful story of stepping from a career in theater and the New York Broadway scene into an unexpected life of faith, family, and purpose after coming to know Christ at the age of 29. Together, Doris and Kate explore what it means to step into unknown seasons—such as the empty nest—and discover new meaning and purpose beyond motherhood. Kate reflects on her journey, from being a Broadway understudy to embracing roles as a mother to the award-winning Christian music artist, Francesca Battistelli, grandmother to 7, wife, and writer, all while encouraging women to boldly obey God’s call, even if it means venturing outside their comfort zones. We're talking about her career in theater opposite a well-known actor, how she met her hubby, their sweet salvation story, and how God has amazing plans and a powerful purpose for each of our lives. You’ll also hear practical tips for navigating life transitions, building strong marriages, mentoring the next generation, and saying “yes” to unexpected challenges—whether it’s writing a book, starting a podcast, or simply volunteering. Stick around until the end for a special offer from Kate, and get ready to be inspired to step out where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect! Episode Highlights 00:00 "Writer, Podcaster, Former Actress" 04:20 Exciting Stories and New Offers 10:25 From Understudy to Leading Role 12:45 "Unexpected Encounter at Holiness Church" 14:35 "Life-Changing Divine Calling" 20:30 Faithful Obedience and Calling 22:12 Redefining Life After Parenting 25:44 "Preparing for Future Goals" 28:20 Prioritize Relationship Over Parenting 31:31 Finding Purpose Beyond Motherhood 34:32 Pray for Prodigal Children's Return 38:02 Impact Through Obedience 42:06 "Join, Share, and Connect" We're Talking About Her Amazing Books and More! Connect with Kate! You can connect with Kate at katebattistelli.com where you'll find her books, social media links, podcast, blog, and even some amazing recipes! Plus, If you'd like to read the introduction and the first chapter of The Afterparty of the Empty Nest for free, just text: afterparty (all one word with no spaces), to 44144. And you'll get a couple of other fun goodies as well! Kate Battistelli is the author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom is Not Your Only Name, the bestseller, The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible, and Growing Great Kids: Partner with God to Cultivate His Purpose in Your Child’s Life. She is a contributing writer to the (in)courage Bible for Women and The Spirit-Led Woman’s Bible, and her writing has appeared in Guideposts, The Joyful Life magazine, The Better Mom, Mici magazine, and more. She is one-third of the popularMom to Mom Podcast. In addition, she is an honoree with She Leads Tennessee. As a young actress in New York City, Kate had a life-changing experience, going from understudy to starring as Anna in theBroadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God Dare,” moving out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and home business. She lives in Franklin, TN, near her daughter, contemporary Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli, and seven precious grandchildren. Kate serves women by encouraging them to step out of their safe space and into His irresistible future. She's a Jersey girl living in Franklin, TN, with her husband Mike. They’ve been married for 40 plus years and are the parents of GRAMMY Award-winning Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli Goodwin. She and her husband, Matt, have given us 7 beautiful grandchildren,

    43 min

  6. JUL 15

    Finding Blessings in Painful Seasons with Hadassah Treu

    On today’s episode of Fierce Calling, I'm talking with Hadassah Treu, an award-winning international author, poet, and blogger, who is passionate about encouraging the brokenhearted and helping others find hope in difficult seasons. Hadassah encourages us to discover the blessings and purposes in the painful seasons of our lives. From Bulgaria to Austria and back, Hadassah shared how her most painful experiences have become the birthplace of blessings, and how surrendering our struggles to God can transform our journey. If you’re ready to rediscover lasting joy and resilience through faith, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical encouragement to help you keep moving forward, no matter what you’re facing. I know what Hadassah shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in while I have a chat with Hadassah Treu. Episode Highlights 00:00 Surrender to Rediscover Joy 06:32 From Illusions to Spiritual Growth 09:46 Faith Journey Through Writing 13:01 Spiritual Journeys in Christian Europe 17:37 "Finding Growth Through Pain" 21:47 Faith and God's Definition of Good 24:53 Facing Failure: Losses and Gains 28:39 Pursuing Spiritual Maturity and Growth 30:58 Reflecting on God's Work Through Journaling 34:02 Prophetic Poetry of Eternal Hope 37:16 "New Creations in Christ" 40:14 Inspiring Interview with Hadassah We're Talking About ... Connect with Hadassah! You can connect with Hadassah at onthewaybg.com where you'll find her blog posts, books, social media links, and helpful resources. Hadassah Treu is an award-winning international author, blogger, poet, speaker, and spiritual growth mentor. She is the Encouraging Blogger Award Winner for 2020, the Literature Award Winner of the Municipality of Pazardzhik, Bulgaria for 2024, and a winner of the National Literary Translation Award “Stoyan Bakardzhiev”, Bulgaria for 2025.  Hadassah loves to encourage and motivate people to stand firm in the faith, and grow spiritually by applying biblical truths in their lives. She loves diving deeper into the Word of God and finding hidden treasures. Her blog is on the Top 100 Faith Blogs (spot 19) on the web by Feedspot in 2025. Hadassah is a regular contributor to several faith-based platforms like Devotable, Koinonia, COMPEL Pro Proverbs 31 Ministries Blog,  COMPEL Pro Training Freelancing Group leader, and Blogger Voices Network contributor. She has been featured on The Upper Room, (In)Courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Her View From Home, Living by Design Ministries, Thoughts About God, Aletheia Today, Today’s Christian Living,   The Way Back to Ourselves, and other popular sites. Hadassah is also a contributing author to 14 devotional and poetry anthologies. She is also the author of 2 poetry books in Bulgarian: “A Guarantee for Another Life” and “Memories Keeper.” Her first solo book “Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become a Birthplace of Blessings” with Calla Press Publishing was released on March 15,  2024. Order HERE! Hadassah is no stranger to suffering and losses. From the platform of her greatest pains equipped with lessons gathered on the way, she delivers a powerful message of comfort and hope, found in God’s Word. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage! Love Fierce Calling? Did you know that following, rating, and leaving a review over at Podchaser or Apple Podcasts helps others discover the show too? I would so appreciate it, friend! Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Now Booking for 2026!

    41 min

  7. JUL 1

    How to View Unmet Desires and Longings Through a Gospel-Centered Lens with Rebecca George

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, host Doris Swift welcomes back her friend and returning guest, Rebecca George—author, speaker, and founder of the Radical Radiance podcast community. Doris and Rebecca dive into themes every woman can relate to, including living in that “in-between-almost-but-not-yet” season, and the struggle of waiting on God’s timing in a world telling us to hurry up, because we're falling behind. Rebecca shares insights from her newest book, You're Not Too Late: Trusting God's Timing in a Hurry Up World, and opens up about how longing, comparison, and even resentment can creep in, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Together, Doris and Rebecca discuss faith and trusting God with hopes, dreams, and that thing we're longing for. They also talk about the importance of community, the dangers of the prosperity gospel, and how to cultivate spiritual resiliency in our everyday rhythms of waiting. Whether you’re waiting for a breakthrough, struggling with unmet desires, or simply looking to find more joy right where you are, this episode promises wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder: it’s not too late for you. Join us as we lean into God’s timing, celebrate kingdom work, and find inspiration for your own fierce calling! Episode Highlights Introduction to Rebecca’s New Book: "You’re Not Too Late" Book’s core message: Trusting God’s timing in a hurry-up world Who the message is for and why it resonates Living in the "In Between Almost-But-Not-Yet" The tension of waiting and longing Faithfulness in the "meanwhile" Rebecca’s Story and Passion Intersection Multiple hats Rebecca wears in life and ministry Importance of community among writers, speakers, and podcasters Creating environments free of competition and comparison How real-life women’s stories are integrated Each chapter’s exploration of an opposing mindset/emotion Interactive aspects—readers relating to stories and self-reflection prompts Shift in Book Focus: From Singleness to Bigger Picture Regarding Longing Original intent as a "singleness" book Expansion into broader themes of longing and desire Recognizing longing continues even after certain desires are fulfilled Coping with Longing and Waiting Gospel-centered perspective versus earthly focus Transitioning from struggle (despair, doubt, isolation) to hope (joy, community) Challenges of comparison and resentment Idolatry and Resentment in the Waiting When desires become idols Personal stories of jealousy and difficult emotions Honest conversations with God about unmet desires Navigating Comparison The ongoing struggle with comparison Coping with guilt over mixed emotions (joy for others, pain for self) Reminder of true fulfillment found in God Prosperity Gospel and Misguided Self-Help Critique of self-help and prosperity gospel ideas infiltrating Christian messaging Dangers of self-reliance and the myth that effort guarantees results Importance of biblical truth as the foundation Culture of Instant Gratification How technology trains us to avoid waiting Everyday habits undermining our resilience and patience Practicing small disciplines to build spiritual resilience God’s Timing and Looking Back Reflections on answered prayer coming in the right season The sweetness of fulfilled longing after seasons of waiting Gratefulness for God’s story being better than our plan Favorite Stories and Practical Takeaways from the Book "The Bench Story"—Rebecca and her husband’s intertwined journeys of prayer and waiting Psalm 139 "Search Me, God" prayer as a practical tool for self-examination Encouragement to use scriptural prayers during hard seasons Encouragement for Listeners Still Waiting Praying for future blessings and spouses Warning against making impulsive decisions out of fear of being "too late"

    36 min

  8. JUN 17

    Hope & Encouragement for Caregivers, Blended Families, and those Unexpected Seasons of Life

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, host Doris Swift sits down with Jessica Ronne—author, speaker, caregiver advocate, and founder of the Lucas Project—for an inspiring conversation about faith, resilience, and answering God’s call in the midst of life’s biggest challenges. Jessica opens up about her lifelong journey as a caregiver, from growing up as the eldest of twelve siblings to raising a blended family of eight children, including her son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Jessica shares how her experiences of navigating personal loss, blending families, and caring for a child with special needs have shaped her calling to support caregivers and create real solutions through initiatives like the Lucas Project and her work as an author and documentary producer. Together, they discuss the importance of giving yourself permission to feel all the complex emotions that come with caregiving, the holy and transformative nature of serving others, and practical ways to support families facing these unique challenges. Whether you’re a caregiver yourself, know someone who is, or simply want to understand what it means to walk in faith and fierce compassion, this episode is packed with encouragement, wisdom, and actionable insights. Get ready to rediscover joy, find community, and learn how God meets us—and uses us—in every season of life. Episode Takeaways ... Permission to Feel: Jessica opens up about the reality of caregiving—how it’s okay to admit feelings of grief, resentment, or overwhelm, and how naming those feelings is the first step toward healing. Finding Holy Purpose: She beautifully reframes caregiving as "holy work," reminding us that as we care for those who can’t care for themselves, we reflect the heart of Christ. Blended Family Wisdom: Jessica and her husband blended families after losing their spouses. She shares practical, honest advice for navigating new relationships, grief, and all the “stuff” that comes with starting over. Practical Help for Caregivers: Learn about the power of presence, the need for respite, and practical ways to support families—like bringing a meal (pro tip: offer easy choices like tacos or lasagna!). Resources You Can Use Today: The Lucas Project provides respite and resources for parent caregivers The Coffee with Caregivers podcast for ongoing encouragement Caregivers Cove Facebook support group (2,200+ members!) Two documentaries: Unseen and the upcoming Uncertain Jessica’s books: Caregiving with Grit and Grace, Sunlight Burning at Midnight, Blended with Grit and Grace, and more Episode Highlights 06:38 Lifelong Caregiver Journey 08:38 "Author's Journey and Family Life" 10:39 "Blending Families: Grace and Grit" 16:30 Permission to Feel in Caregiving 20:18 "Founding the Lucas Project" 22:31 Divine Design and Support Systems 26:49 Caregiving: Finding Purpose and Support 28:30 Seek Professional Help, Not Spouse 33:05 Simplifying Help for Caregivers Connect with Jessica! You can connect with Jessica at thelucasproject.org and jessronne.com Facebook: @jessronneofficial Instagram: @jessplusthemess Jessica Ronne is a multi-published author, speaker, host of the Coffee with Caregivers Podcast, producer of UNSEEN and UNCERTAIN,  and caregiver advocate. She offers encouragement and practical tips to her listeners. She is also the founder/executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit providing resources, and respite for special needs caregivers. She and her husband, Ryan, live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas, who has profound disabilities. What Threatens to Steal Your Joy? Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/ Let’s Stay Connected! Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses,

    35 min
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About

Because every woman of God has a Fierce Calling

Information

  • Creator
    Doris Swift
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    213
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2020 Doris Swift & Blubbry Podcasting
  • Show Website
    Fierce Calling