Fierce Calling

Doris Swift
  • 5.0 (39)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

Because every woman of God has a Fierce Calling

  1. 2d ago

    From Hollywood Makeup Artist to Christian Author and Poet with Deborah Rutherford

    What happens when the wounds, detours, and difficult seasons of your life become part of God’s calling? In this episode of Fierce Calling, Doris sits down with Deborah Rutherford, poet, podcast host, speaker, Emmy award winning makeup artist, and author of Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones, to talk about a journey from childhood trauma and spiritual confusion to healing, surrender, and grace. Deborah shares how poetry became a lifeline during painful years, how she eventually rediscovered Jesus while working in Budapest, and how God prepared her through decades as an Emmy Award-winning makeup artist before leading her into writing. She also opens up about walking through career uncertainty, marriage and financial struggles, and paying off $150,000 in credit card debt in 22 months! Together, Doris and Deborah Rutherford reflect on God’s providence, the difference Jesus makes in hard seasons, and as Doris loves to share: Our past stories don’t discredit our grace stories, they become part of it. What Deborah shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in! Quotes from the show: Hollywood’s Anti-Christian Double Standard: “You’re not supposed to talk about somebody’s religion at work, but that seemed to be sort of the okay thing to make fun of.” – Deborah Rutherford “When We Mistake Our Fathers for God: we can mistake God for the attributes of our own fathers or the, or the men in our lives who were supposed to protect us and didn’t.” – Deborah Rutherford Grateful for Salvation—and a Story to Share: “I wake up, you know, every day being grateful for my salvation, but also grateful and grateful, not also, but grateful that he gave me a book to write to tell people about what he’s done in my life.” – Deborah Rutherford 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 03:18 Introducing Deborah and her book 08:52 Finding Faith and Healing 10:51 Moving from LA to Georgia 14:25 Starting Christian writing journey 18:08 Forming a Writing Group 21:59 Family secrets and denial discussed 24:36 Embracing Faith Amid Workplace Challenges 30:25 Choosing between makeup school and self-study 32:24 Adapting to the new dress code 37:38 Reflecting on career and faith journey 38:32 Balancing marketing and writing 44:10 Deborah’s testimony and book discussion 45:37 Reflecting on faith and gratitude 48:56 Sharing faith and personal testimony 🤝 Connect with Deborah! You can connect with Deborah at deborahrutherford.com and find her book, more about her, encouraging blog, podcast, resources, and more! You can also find her here: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeborahRutherford-Behold-Her DeborahRutherford.substack.com Instagram @deborahrutherfordwrites Deborah Rutherford is a poet, author, speaker, and Emmy recipient for her makeup artistry in film and television. Her poem “Dear Lord Only You” was recognized in the Storytellers Poetry Contest. Her debut collection, Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones, reflects her journey of restoration, grace, and hope in Christ. Deborah hosts the Behold-Her Beauty Podcast and has been published in The Way Back to Ourselves, Vessels of Light, Calla Press, and Prosetrics. She lives in Georgia with her husband, Don, and enjoys singing old hymns, drinking bold coffee, and walking under the pines. 🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters! As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast 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, 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? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in December 2026, and actively booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Show Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of this podcast, its hosts, or its sponsors. The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00 – 00:01:35] What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Doris Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. Doris Swift [00:01:36 – 00:02:38] What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and His plan is to surrender it, surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal. It might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Darris Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You. And it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever-present Jesus joy within that fills, empowers, and ripens the fruit that God produces in our lives. Using personal and biblical stories, I share how you can identify your joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within, and share the joy with others. Doris Swift [00:02:39 – 00:03:18] You can do it on your own or with a group. If you’re looking for a Bible study, check it out, friends. Surrender the Joy Stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It’s time to take your joy back. Hi friends, welcome back to the Fierce Calling Podcast. And I am excited today to welcome my friend Deborah Rutherford. She has been so encouraging to me over time with her ministry, Behold Her Beauty that she has been doing, and we’ve connected on different other levels with her ministry work, and she was very gracious in helping launch my book. Doris Swift [00:03:18 – 00:04:17] And so I’ve been wanting to have her on for a while, and then I discovered she had a book that came out, and so I got— I just kind of jumped on that, and I have that. So we’re going to talk about that today, but I also want to give you a little background about Deborah, and then I’ll let her kind of share more about that. So she is a Christian wife, award-winning poet, she’s a speaker, and an Emmy Award-winning makeup artist. So this is so fascinating. And so she has been on this pilgrimage, as she puts it, from a stolen childhood to a life of grace. In the heart of her debut poetry collection, Prodigal Daughter, Poems of Light for the Lost Ones, and I have it right here with me, Prodigal Daughter. It’s beautiful and filled with scripture and lovely poetry. And Deborah lives in Georgia with her husband Don, so she’s not too far from me. Doris Swift [00:04:17 – 00:04:24] I’m in Florida. And so we are excited to get into this conversation. Welcome to the show, Deborah. It’s great to have you on. Deborah Rutherford [00:04:

  2. Oct 8

    Finding the God of Comfort in Times of Loss and Grief with Lisa Appelo

    What happens when you go to bed living one life, and when you wake up, that life has totally changed? In this episode of Fierce Calling, Doris welcomes Lisa Appelo, author, speaker, and Bible teacher, who is passionate about helping women find hope in grief, talk about loss, seek comfort in God, and find hope when life takes an unexpected turn. Lisa suddenly became a widow in her forties and began walking through grief with her seven children. She shares how that experience led to her first book, Life Can Be Good Again, and her newest devotional journal, God of Comfort, which explores 50 aspects of God’s character for grieving hearts. This conversation offers honest encouragement for anyone facing any type of loss in their lives, as well as practical guidance for those who want to support someone in grief. Lisa explains: *Why grief isn’t a tidy set of stage *Why presence often matters more than perfect words *How simple questions like “How can I pray for you today?” can make space for authentic and meaningful connection. Together, Doris and Lisa point listeners back to the God who sees, sustains, understands, and remains with us. As Lisa says, “The way through grief is not a method. It’s not a prescription. It is a person”, and that person is the God of Comfort. What Lisa shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in! 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 04:37 Finding encouragement during grief 06:56 Meeting and Marrying High School Sweetheart 11:20 The importance of community support 15:28 Navigating the complexity of grief 16:47 Discussing the Comfort of God’s Character 20:18 Collaborating with the editor 26:20 Discussing expressions of grief and support 29:11 Discovering personal faith insights 30:48 Writing Christian books with purpose 35:46 Dealing with unexpected life changes 39:27 Wrapping up the podcast chat 🤝 Connect with Lisa! You can connect with Lisa at lisaappelo.com and find all her books, social media links, blog, and free resources to encourage your heart. Lisa invites you to check out her newest book, God of Comfort: A Devotional Journal for the Grieving Heart and I definitely recommend grabbing extra copies to give as gifts! Lisa Appelo is a speaker, author, and ministry leader passionate about helping women find hope in grief. She suddenly became a widow and solo mom of seven, navigating her grief and shepherding her children through theirs. She helps women navigate grief through her speaking ministry as well as in-person and online grief groups. 🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters! As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast 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, 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? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in December 2026, and actively booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Show Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of this podcast, its hosts, or its sponsors. The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00 – 00:01:35] What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Dara Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. Doris Swift [00:01:36 – 00:02:27] What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and His plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal. It might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Darris Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You. And it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever-present Jesus joy within that fills, empowers, and ripens the fruit that God produces in our lives. Doris Swift [00:02:27 – 00:03:01] Using personal and biblical stories, I share how you can identify your joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within, And share the joy with others. You can do it on your own or with a group. If you’re looking for a Bible study, check it out, friends. Surrender the Joy Stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It’s time to take your joy back. Welcome back to the show. I am so happy to invite back my good friend Lisa Apolo. Doris Swift [00:03:01 – 00:03:40] She and I have known each other for quite some time, and It’s just encouraging to see her journey and how she’s ministered to so many hearts over these past several years. And I’m going to just tell you a little bit about her. She was on the show before, but it’s been a while, so I’m going to do a little refresh here. She’s a speaker, a writer, and a Bible teacher who is passionate about helping women find hope in grief. She helps women navigate losses through her speaking ministry, as well as in-person and online grief groups. She does a lot of events. Like that. And she also lives in Florida. Doris Swift [00:03:40 – 00:03:49] She’s very close to me, just a couple of hours away. So we’ll have to get together soon, as we always say. So welcome back to the show, Lisa. So great to have you back on. Lisa Appelo [00:03:50 – 00:03:51] Oh, thank you for having me, Doris. Doris Swift [00:03:52 – 00:04:34] This is very encouraging, and I can’t wait to talk about, first of all, your— the book that you had come out in ’22, which is right behind you, Life Can Be Good Again. And I also have that book, and I have a little story about that book, and I think I shared it with you, but also I posted it. In ’22, our house flooded when Hurricane Ian came through, and it was pretty devastating. It was really bad. And I just remember sorting through and picking up all the wet stuff all over the floor, all the clothes. Everything was just a mess and horrible. And, you know, I had sewage and all of that. Anyway, TMI. Doris Swift [00:04:37 – 00:05:20] But the encouraging thing was, as I was going through different things, God would like— there would just be these encouraging things that I would find. Like one time I found this scripture verse that I had written on like an index card and had put it in a Bible or something. And anyway, it had floated somewhere where I was cleaning that day. And so I found that. But then I came across your book, Life Can Be Good Again. And we talk about the grief journey, and most often it’s when we lose someone we love very dearly. But grief c

  3. Sep 23

    How Christians Can Navigate AI With Wisdom & Discernment with Misty Phillip

    Are you fearful of AI? How are you currently using it? In this episode of Fierce Calling, Doris welcomes back Misty Phillip for a candid conversation about all things AI, surrendering a meaningful season, recognizing when good work has run its course, and trusting that nothing in your story is wasted. Misty shares how she transitioned from building Spark Media to working alongside her husband in cybersecurity and AI, and why it’s so important for Christians to have a seat at the AI table. We’re also talking about her new book The Trojan Horse of the Digital Age: Why Christians Must Discern AI From deepfakes and phishing attacks to children outsourcing their thinking, the discussion offers a clear call to discernment, grounded in Scripture, prayer, community, and the Holy Spirit. Listen in and learn how Christians can navigate AI with discernment and without fear. Doris and Misty also explore the hopeful side of technology, including AI-assisted Bible translation and Misty’s 90-day devotional app, Trojan Horse Companion. This episode is a timely conversation about preparing without panicking, using technology wisely, and staying rooted in God as the digital age accelerates all around us. What Misty shares will encourage, inspire, and challenge you, so listen in! 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 06:30 Reflecting on life’s changing seasons 09:14 Letting go of past seasons 13:42 Christian perspective on AI ethics 15:56 Sharing personal info with AI 20:17 Phishing and account security risks 24:03 Collaborating with Peter on projects 26:27 The rise of AI and its impact 28:08 AI’s potential in various fields 32:54 Future of autonomous vehicles 36:32 Discussing Purpose and AI Caution 40:41 Discussing AI and digital tools 41:28 Developing an AI-based Bible app 46:03 Closing and audience thanks 🤝 Connect with Misty! You can connect with Misty at mistyphillip.com where you’ll find all her social media links, books, and how to sign up for her email newsletter! Misty Phillip is a best-selling author, cybersecurity and AI executive, podcast host, and faith leader who helps people and organizations navigate the intersection of technology, faith, and leadership with wisdom and discernment. Misty bridges worlds most people see as separate. As COO of Trilogyworks, a boutique advisory firm specializing in cybersecurity and AI, she advises enterprise clients on responsible AI implementation and cybersecurity. Together with her husband Peter, they have served more than 200 clients across Finance, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Healthcare, and Retail sectors. Before entering technology leadership, Misty left a promising Enron consulting career to homeschool her three sons for more than twenty years, building a life centered on faith, family, and intentional purpose. She later founded Spark Media, a platform that empowered thousands of Christian podcasters through conferences, publications, and community. She is the author of the Golden Scroll Award-winning Bible study The Struggle is Real, But So is God, and Spark Your Influence, Inspiring Women to Lead with Boldness, Purpose, and Passion a leadership guide for Christian women. Her co-authored title Upskill or Die: Thriving in the AI Revolution reached the top Amazon charts alongside her newest and most timely work, The Trojan Horse of the Digital Age: Why Christians Must Discern AI, released March 17, 2026. Misty has hosted several podcasts, speaks at conferences nationwide, and has been recognized as a top voice at the intersection of faith, media, and emerging technology. She is available for keynote engagements, conference panels, podcast interviews, and media appearances. 🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters! As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast 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? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Show Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of this podcast, its hosts, or its sponsors. The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00]: What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Dara Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. Doris Swift [00:01:36]: What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and His plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal. It might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Darris Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study, Surrender Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You. And it helps women rediscover the overflowing, ever-present Jesus joy within that fills, empowers, and ripens the fruit that God produces in our lives. Doris Swift [00:02:27]: Using personal and biblical stories, I share how you can identify your joy stealers, surrender them to God, reawaken the joy within, and share the joy with others. You can do it on your own or with a group. If you’re looking for a Bible study, check it out, friends. Surrender the Joy Stealers. Rediscover the Jesus joy in you. It’s time to take your joy back. Welcome back to the show. Today I am very happy to invite back my friend Misty Philip. Doris Swift [00:03:00]: You will have seen her maybe on our previous episode. I’m going to read a little bit about her to introduce her to you. Misty Philip is the award-winning author of The Struggle Is Real, But So Is God. It’s an amazing Bible study. Spark Your Influence: Inspiring Women to Lead with Boldness, Purpose, and Passion. And she co-authored Upskill or Die: Thriving in the AI Revolution. And that was with her husband, Peter. We’re going to hear more about that. Doris Swift [00:03:30]: And she is the COO of Trilogy Works, an advisory services firm specializing in cybersecurity and AI. She’s a speaker, a podcast host, and advocate for faith-driven leadership. She equips believers to navigate the digital age with wisdom and conviction. Welcome back to the show, Misty. It’s so great to have you back on. Misty Philip [00:03:51]: Thank you so much, Doris. Excited to be here. Doris Swift [00:03:54]: Yeah, it’s been fantastic. You’ve been on quite a journey lately. And so we are going to talk about you

  4. Sep 8

    Equipping Parents to Raise Biblically Grounded Kids With Lee Ann Mancini

    How can parents help their children build a strong foundation in Christ before the noise of culture shapes their worldview? In this episode of Fierce Calling, I welcome back Lee Ann Mancini to discuss biblical parenting, critical thinking, family discipleship, and the importance of relationship from the earliest years. In a previous episode which you can find here, we talked all about her book Raising Kids to Follow Christ, and in this episode we go even deeper, including the Raising Disciples Conference coming up in October 2026. Lee Ann shares practical ways to help children ask thoughtful questions, examine ideas through Scripture, and understand the difference between rights and privileges. She also explains how family mission statements, positive communication, prayer, and consistent boundaries can shape a child’s faith. Her central encouragement is simple: parenting is hard, but parents can take a deep breath, trust the Lord, and pray for wisdom. The conversation also highlights Lee Ann’s work equipping parents and grandparents through her books, resources, and the upcoming Raising Disciples Conference in South Florida. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways 05:56 Reflecting on parenting and mentoring 08:18 Researching and Writing the Book 12:54 Writing a book on family virtues 13:54 Teaching Kids Critical Thinking 17:38 Listening to Kids’ Thoughts 23:18 Creating family mission and contracts 27:19 Explaining rules to kids 30:12 Teaching kids critical thinking 33:17 Establishing Early Spiritual Foundations 35:36 Parenting and Faith Conference Overview 39:20 Christian parenting guidance and resources 42:29 Trusting God in Difficult Times 44:39 Discussing spiritual gifts and teamwork Becoming a Grandparent and Praying for Children Before Birth The first grandchild, a nine-week-old grandson named Nino, becomes a personal example of intergenerational faith. Prayer began during pregnancy, with emphasis on: Asking God to teach wisdom in the womb. Praying for a heart that wants to know and love God. Asking that God’s Word be written on the child’s heart and mind. Praying for compassion, love, and the fruit of the Spirit. The discussion encourages parents, grandparents, relatives, and mentors to pray for children before birth and throughout their lives. Grandparenting is described as an opportunity to apply lessons learned and steward spiritual influence. The Origin of the Children’s Books and Animated Series The original children’s stories were created because existing books did not adequately show children how to apply biblical principles to real-life situations. Stories were first written and read to the author’s own children. The books later became the 7 See Kids series. The ministry’s mission continued through the animated series after the books were no longer being sold. The Shift Toward Equipping Parents The ministry’s focus moved from producing children’s materials to educating and equipping parents. Concern grew over statistics indicating that: 45% of middle-school children were walking away from their faith. 75% of high-school children were walking away from their faith. More than 250 parenting books, expert resources, and training courses were researched. Additional training included Biblical Parenting University, Kidman, and an EPIC trauma course for children. The research was condensed into Raising Kids to Follow Christ. Proceeds from the book support a nonprofit that provides free: Parenting books. Bibles. Devotionals. Children’s books. Other family resources. The Raising Disciples Conference The first parenting conference in South Florida is scheduled for October 10. The conference is designed to make parents feel supported, loved, and spiritually encouraged. The event includes: Parenting instruction. Emotional and spiritual support. Practical tools. Raffle prizes. Resource-filled goodie bags. The conference website is raisingdisciplesconference.com. The event takes place in Pompano Beach, Florida. The day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is described as $65 for the full day. Lunch options include bringing food or purchasing Chick-fil-A for $10. Concerning Statistics About Christian Families and Biblical Belief Recent statistics discussed include: 70% of 13- to 14-year-olds from Christian families reportedly do not believe Satan is real. 84% reportedly do not believe people are born into sin and need a Savior. 90% reportedly do not believe in absolute moral truth. 56% of Christian pastors reportedly believe reincarnation is real. The statistics are connected to findings from the Barna Group and Christian Arizona University. The book is presented as both an explanation of the problem and a source of practical application. A major emphasis is answering not only what parents should do, but how they can do it. Cultural Noise, Confusion, and Heart Transformation Modern families receive information from television, radio, podcasts, magazines, newspapers, and other media. Excessive information can confuse children and adults and pollute their thinking. The central concern is not only what enters the mind, but what takes root in the heart. Biblical parenting should focus on: Teaching truth. Identifying what is valuable. Developing virtues. Encouraging heart transformation. A forthcoming book project is mentioned on teaching families to become virtuous. 10. The Parent’s Primary Spiritual Responsibility Academic achievement, sports, and other activities are acknowledged as worthwhile but secondary to spiritual formation. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to raise children who: Stand firmly in their faith. Think critically. Become other-centered. Grow into strong disciples. The first 13 years are described as a critical window for establishing a child’s worldview. A strong early foundation allows later spiritual growth to build on something stable. Building Relationships Through Play Relationship-building should begin during infancy and early childhood. Parents are encouraged not to rely primarily on phones or television to occupy children. Playtime should be intentional and relational. The home environment can be evaluated by asking whether it reflects “Disneyland” or “Destinyland.” Biblically themed toys, Legos, puppets, and costumes can support spiritual conversations. Examples of faith-centered play include: Acting out Bible stories. Using puppets and costumes. Reimagining a tea party as communion. Play is presented as a way to cultivate trust and make children comfortable engaging with parents. Teaching Faith Throughout Everyday Life Deuteronomy 6 is used to emphasize teaching children about God: When rising. While walking along the path. At bedtime. Throughout ordinary daily routines. Faith formation is presented as an all-day process rather than a once-a-week activity. A strong relationship makes it easier for teenagers to bring parents their questions, confusion, and concerns. Parents are encouraged to begin teaching critical thinking before adolescence. Encouraging Questions and Critical Thinking Children should be praised for asking questions. Parents can respond to a child’s question by first asking, “What do you think?” This approach helps parents understand the child’s current beliefs and reasoning. When a child gives a biblically sound answer, parents can affirm the child’s thinking. When a child is mistaken, parent and child can search Scripture together. The approach is intended to: Encourage curiosity. Build confidence. Keep communication open. Teach children to investigate claims rather than accept them automatically. Asking questions back should be used thoughtfully rather than mechanically, so children do not feel frustrated. Positive Communication With Children Parents are encouraged to replace negative phrasing with positive, purposeful language. Examples include: Saying, “Hurry up and put your pajamas on so we can have a bedtime story,” rather than threatening to remove the story. Telling a teenager to drive carefully and watch the speed because safety matters and driving privileges should continue. Positive language can communicate both expectations and reasons. Frequent negative words and commands may negatively affect young children’s language development and learning. Parents are encouraged to think before speaking, especially when angry. The distinction between reacting and acting is emphasized. The “Yes-No Sandwich” for Toddlers A “yes-no sandwich” gives children a positive response while setting a necessary boundary. Instead of simply saying no to a request, parents can: Affirm that the desired activity will happen. Explain the condition or timing. Offer a choice within the boundary. The example involves postponing a trip to the park until a younger sibling wakes from a nap. Giving children choices, such as selecting between swings and a teeter-totter, helps them hear the positive elements of the response. The method avoids blaming a younger sibling for a postponed activity. Reverse Negotiation and Privileges “Reverse negotiation” is presented as a discipline technique for repeated arguments over privileges. If a teenager continues challenging a limit, each additional argument results in a further loss of privilege. Possible privileges include: Computer time. Cell-phone access. Car keys. Time with friends. The approach teaches that continued arguing worsens the outcome. Children are distinguished from having unlimited rights to privileges: Basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are rights. Cars, phones, computers, and social activities are privileges. Privileges can be earned through obedience and responsible behavior. Family Mission Statements and Disciplinary Contracts Families are encouraged to create a written mission statement. A family mission statement can define: Family values. Worship prac

  5. Aug 25

    Made for More: Refusing to Settle for Less Than God’s Best with Julie Lefebure

    Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast, where we explore how God uses our stories—especially our hardest seasons and deepest passions—to call us into His purpose. I’m your host, Doris Swift, and today I’m joined by Julie Lefebure: author, speaker, mentor, and host of the Encouragement for Real Life podcast. Julie Lefebure shares her journey of encouraging women to refuse to settle for less than God’s best, and how her most recent book, Made for More: 365 Devotions for the Woman Who Refuses to Settle, grew out of her desire to help women live abundantly and embrace their unique callings. We’ll dig into the power of beginnings, the significance of the everyday, and how to discern and step into your calling, even when it feels insignificant or unclear. Julie Lefebure offers encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, questioning their purpose, or believing the lie that they have nothing to offer. Get ready for an uplifting conversation filled with faith, practical encouragement, and a reminder that God truly cares about every detail of your life. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Julie Lefebure’s Story and Her Fierce Calling Journey from secular work to full-time ministry (04:00-05:22) Passion for helping and encouraging women The calling to help women see they are made for more (05:11) The Concept of “Refusing to Settle” Meaning of refusing to settle and its biblical significance (06:12-08:12) Personal story: questioning if “this is all there is” Reference to John 10:10 and abundant life Distinction between abundance in God vs. material abundance Structure and Focus of the Devotional Book Format of the devotional: short daily readings with scripture and reflection prompts (08:33-09:15) Example topic from the book: “Find Beauty in the Beginning” Importance of valuing the process and early steps (09:18-10:26) The Value of Beginnings and Taking Time with God Parallels to scriptural truths about new beginnings (11:10-12:12) Benefits of daily rhythms and meditating on the Word Expansion of Julie Lefebure’s Ministry Launch and impact of her podcast (13:01-14:46) Development of a mentoring program, “Abundant Life Mentoring” Difference between mentoring and coaching Emphasis on personal connection and discipleship (15:56-16:57) Encouragement about Stepping Out in Faith Stories of how each began podcasting (17:07-18:41) Overcoming fear of imperfection and possible failure The Significance of Mentoring and Discipleship Clarification of what mentoring looks like (20:31-21:01) Focus on walking alongside women personally Comparison with coaching and counseling The Genesis of the Devotional Book Inspiration: summer podcast series “Summer of Abundance” (21:38-23:01) Incorporation of podcast material into the book Writing process and the importance of serving women’s needs Importance of Biblical Foundation in Resources for Women The necessity of basing books and mentoring on scriptural truth (24:30-25:06) Avoiding self-help trends disconnected from the Bible Recognizing What God Has Already Given Us Encouragement to notice gifts, experiences, and opportunities already in hand (25:35-26:10) God’s unique plan and personal purpose for each woman Addressing Feelings of Insignificance and Calling Reframing the idea of calling and everyday faithfulness (30:53-32:31) God’s direction in daily life Joy as an indicator of calling and gifting Embracing Unique Paths and Overcoming Comparison Importance of not comparing oneself to others (34:03-36:08) Examples of unique contributions in writing and podcasting Assurance that God uses everyone’s perspective Commitment to Biblical Truth and Discernment Reiterating the Bible as the ultimate source (37:05-37:54) Necessity of testing all teaching and books against scripture Final Encouragement and Practical Next Steps Assurance of God’s care for every detail (37:56-39:21) Visualizing “handing over” burdens to God Steps to walking in abundant life and trusting God How to Connect with Julie Lefebure and Access Resources Website, social media, and book availability (39:22-39:54) Summary of ways to follow and engage Closing Thoughts from Doris Importance of knowing God’s character through scripture (40:25-41:44) Encouragement to seek God personally, especially when struggling with past hurt or doubt Invitation to future episodes and closing the show 🤝 Connect with Julie! You can connect with Julie at julielefebure.com Plus, you’ll find real-life encouragement in a variety of ways on Julie’s website: Her weekly podcast, Encouragement for Real Life, that drops new episodes each Tuesday morning. blog posts speaking  free resources You can also find her on Instagram julielefebure, X @JulieLefebure, Facebook Julie Lefebure, and on Pinterest @julielefebure Julie is a big fan of sunrises and sunsets, appreciates unrushed mornings, and loves eating outdoors. I love all of that, too! How about you? She’s wife to Bill, and on any given day you might find them on their tandem bicycle enjoying adventures together. They have a goal to bike in each of the 50 states! They’ve participated in RAGBRAI six times, and they are empty-nesters looking forward to growing old together. Julie Lefebure is a writer, speaker, and Abundant Life Mentor who encourages women to live with intention and experience the abundant life Jesus promises. She is the author of Made for More, Right Now Matters, and the Right Now Matters Bible Study, and the host of the Encouragement for Real Life Podcast. Through her words and work, Julie helps women slow down, stay present in the moment, and live from truth instead of pressure, comparison, or fear. Find Julie at julielefebure.com. 🙏 Remember, Friend, That Your Story Matters! As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast 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? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00 – 00:01:29] What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Dara Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories. Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do, and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. Doris Swift [00:01:29 – 00:02:16] So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and His plan is to surrender it. Surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal. It might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things in our life that threaten to steal our joy. I’m Darris Swift, author of the award-winning 6-week Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You

  6. Aug 15

    A Family Saga Intersecting MS, Faith, and the Power of God’s Love with Sarah Jean Snyder

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, Doris sits down with Sarah Jean Snyder, author of He Said Saga: The Daughter’s Story. The conversation focused on Sarah’s deeply personal journey—her father’s battle with MS, her own diagnosis, and how these experiences intersected with her spiritual growth. A key theme that emerged was how the purpose behind Sarah’s writing evolved over a decade, transforming from sharing her father’s story to encouraging others through her faith. The discussion explored the challenges of living with chronic illness, the significance of supportive communities both in-person and online, and the unexpected ways God leads us through difficult seasons. Several points were raised in this encouraging conversation, including the importance of sharing our stories honestly, embracing change, and finding hope and healing in unexpected places. Join us as Sarah reveals how her family’s legacy and her faith continue to light the path forward—not just for herself, but for anyone navigating hardship.  Sarah shares how, through her father’s circumstances, she learned what it looks like to function through sadness, how to trust even with unanswered prayers, and that life isn’t always fair. However, she also learned to focus on the good and be grateful for it. In the end, sickness isn’t the story. Disclaimer statement: The views expressed in this episode or any other episodes of this podcast are for informational purposes only. This content does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Writing Journey and Spiritual Growth The process of writing her book over a decade Initial intent to share her father’s story about MS and how her own diagnosis influenced the narrative Transformation of the book’s purpose and the element of faith guiding the journey The importance of taking the first step even without full understanding of the “why” Impact of Baptism and Faith Milestones Reaffirmation of baptism as an adult and its spiritual significance Reflection on being a preacher’s kid and hesitance to focus on religious elements How moments that seem accidental are viewed as divine interventions The Book’s Structure and Themes Inclusion of personal photos and stories in the book Use of a Facebook group for chronicling and processing her journey The shift from being a book about MS to a story of spiritual transformation and faith Living with MS and Sharing Hope The process of documenting both her father’s and her own experience with MS Contrast in perspectives: witnessing her father’s illness and experiencing her own Sharing hope and healing found in Jesus for those facing medical challenges The Ending That’s Not the End Discussion of how the story continues beyond the book’s final pages Inclusion of group support through online communities Encouragement that everyone’s story is ongoing and evolving Community, Support, and Group Dynamics The role of group studies and support groups for people facing similar challenges How the book’s message transcends MS to address broader emotional and physical struggles Sharing her father’s struggle and spiritual healing from alcoholism Concepts of Healing and Acceptance Comparison between physical and spiritual healing Sarah’s father’s experience: sobriety as a form of healing even without physical recovery from MS Advancements in MS therapies and the shift towards holistic health approaches Health Wisdom and Lifestyle Changes Pursuing knowledge and wisdom through faith and research The importance of gut health and dietary changes, including gluten elimination Learning from dealing with both her own diagnosis and her son’s epilepsy Recognition of the evolving nature of bodies and personal health needs Autoimmune Conditions and MS Education Explanation of MS as an autoimmune condition affecting the nervous system Comparison of MS to electrical cords with compromised protective layers Acknowledgment of the complexities and unknowns in autoimmunity Transparency and Vulnerability in Storytelling Importance of sharing both victories and struggles (divorce, miscarriage, challenges) Using personal story to comfort and encourage others in similar situations Response from the MS community and broader audience through social media Encouragement for Others to Share Their Stories The impact and value of women sharing their stories Overcoming hesitancy, comparison, or feelings of inadequacy when sharing The ripple effect of encouragement and connection within faith communities God’s Providence and Community Connections Unexpected connections and meetings within faith and author circles The role of community events in building support and encouragement Recognition that God orchestrates encounters and opportunities for sharing The Purpose of the Book: Sharing Jesus Emphasis that the ultimate purpose is to share God’s love and the message of Jesus The invitation at the book’s conclusion for readers to receive Jesus’s message Ongoing calling to use her platform for faith-sharing Resources and Accessibility of Her Story Information on where to find her book (website, local stores, Amazon) Announcement of the upcoming audiobook featuring family members as narrators Prayer and Final Encouragement Praying for listeners and readers to feel loved and receive the message Affirmation of God’s unconditional love and grace Encouragement that even in hard and ongoing journeys, hope and purpose persist Personal and Family Reflections Significance of her middle name “Jean” and its family legacy Importance of family involvement in both her story and her audiobook project 🤝 Connect with Sarah! You can connect with Sarah at https://www.hesaidsaga.com/ Sarah Jean Snyder lives with multiple sclerosis. She is a preacher’s kid, an optician and a mother. She loves the Lord. 🙏 Your Story Matters As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast 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? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris Transcript Doris Swift [00:00:00 – 00:01:29] What if your hardest seasons, your deepest passions, and all the things you’ve walked through and are currently walking through were meant to become the very calling God has placed on your life? Welcome to the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host, Dara Swift, and I invite guests who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and share their stories. Of faith, hard seasons, resilience, and their calling. So together we’ll discover how God uses every part of our stories, and how when we say yes to Him and use our gifts to impact the world, that God can do extraordinary things in the midst of our ordinary days. And sometimes hearing someone else’s yes to God is just what we need To find the courage to say yes to Him too. So my hope is that the stories you hear will encourage, inspire, and challenge you to step out and discover your own fierce calling, because your story may be the very place where God is preparing you to jump into the work He prepared in advance for you to do, and to follow Jesus in deeper and more profound ways. So yes, this is Fierce Calling. And if you’re ready to discover where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect and step out in faith to make a difference, you’re in the right place, friend. Doris Swift [00:01:29 – 00:02:23] So listen in while I have a chat with today’s guest who has a message to share with you. Welcome back to the show. Today I am so excited to welcome my friend, Sarah Snyder. We’ve done some book signings together at a local Christian bookstore. There was an author event at one of the churches we both served there together and did the author event. That was fun. And Sarah has quite a story of her spiritual journey, physical journey, you know, a

  7. Jun 23

    Escaping the Darkness: Breaking Free from New Age and the Occult Through God’s Truth with Jac Marino Chen #226

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode, I welcome my new friend Jac Marino Chen. Jac shares her remarkable testimony of being saved by Jesus Christ out of the darkness of abuse, addiction, New Age practices, and the occult. We’re also talking about her new book, Ensnared: Escaping New Age and Occult Practices Through Biblical Truth and Gospel Hope, which is now available for pre-order. From a self-described sorceress practicing ritual magick to discovering true freedom through faith in Jesus Christ, Jac warns of the deceptions of the enemy that can so easily ensnare those seeking to gain secret knowledge and control their own destinies. Our conversation explores the lure of secret knowledge, the deception of New Age philosophies, and the incremental steps that drew her deeper into occultism—including her involvement with divination, alien worship, and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. According to Jac’s media info about her book, “A growing number of Americans believe in or practice the occult. This includes tarot card readings, Ouija boards, astrology, and visiting psychics. Even some professing Christians believe there is no harm in dabbling in such practices.” It’s also concerning how New Age and New Thought practices are seeping into churches–sometimes much like a slow burn. A key theme that emerged was the prevalence of occult practices in modern culture and even the subtle infiltration of New Age beliefs into everyday life and the church. Several points were raised, including the deceptive allure of practices like divination, manifestation, and the use of crystals, as well as the importance of discerning truth through God’s Word. This episode not only shares her compelling testimony but also provides wisdom, encouragement, and biblical insight for anyone seeking hope or answers amidst spiritual confusion. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Testimony of Transformation: One concept discussed was the slow and incremental way spiritual deception can take hold, leading Jack from childhood trauma and confusion, through self-described sorcery and ceremonial magick, to seeking real truth at her lowest point. She vividly described how searching for “secret knowledge” and a sense of control lured her deeper into darkness—until reading the Bible for herself changed everything 05:22. The Allure of Forbidden Practices: The discussion explored how practices like the Law of Attraction, crystals, divination, and certain spiritual rituals mirror biblical language but twist its meaning. Several points were raised, including the cultural glamorization of magick and how even mainstream environments now promote such practices as harmless or empowering 10:00. Truth Wrapped in Lies: A key theme that emerged was how spiritual counterfeits often mix just enough truth to appear harmless, making discernment essential. The conversation emphasized reading Scripture in context and not building beliefs or practices on isolated verses taken out of context 39:28. Hope for the Hurting & Advice for Families: For those concerned about loved ones drawn into New Age or occult practices, the message was clear: do not underestimate the power of prayer and faithfully sharing the gospel, even if a person seems resistant at first. Jack’s own turning point came through persistent, loving truth from her grandfather and others 43:55. New Book Release: Jack’s book, Ensnared: Overcoming the Darkness of the New Age and Occult with the Light of God’s Truth, is now available for pre-order. Link to her recent post on Harvest House: 5 Biblical Truths for Reaching Loved Ones Involved in the Occult 🤝 Connect with Jac! You can connect with Jac at https://www.jacmarino.com and find her book here: https://ensnaredbook.com/ https://ensnaredbook.com/ Jac Marino Chen was saved by Jesus out of a past of abuse, addiction, New Age practices, the occult, hermeticism, ritual magick, and deep depravity. She is passionate about exposing the darkness she formerly pursued while pointing to freedom through faith in Jesus Christ. When not serving at church or doing occult outreach on her YouTube channel, you can find Jac writing worship music with her husband under the name Jac and Josh Music. 🙏 Your Story Matters As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast 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? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris

  8. Jun 9

    When Mothering is Hard: Finding Hope in God's Eternal Plan for Moms with Shalene C. Roberts

    Hi Friend, Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, Doris sits down with Shalene Roberts, a part-time homeschooling mom of five, writer, small business owner, and author of the heartwarming children’s book Bruce the Brave. Shalene Roberts is passionate about helping women cultivate grace-filled homes and anchor their families in Christ. Together, they delve into her new book, When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees: Where Gritty Meets Glorious in God’s Eternal Plan for Moms, which originated from a viral blog post inspired by her personal journey navigating the unseen challenges of motherhood. In this candid and faith-filled conversation, Shalene Roberts opens up about leaving a career as a magazine editor to focus on her family, her struggles with identity and feeling unseen, and the profound lessons God taught her through seasons of difficulty. The episode explores the crucial roles of abiding, prayer, and rest in a mother’s spiritual journey, the power of intercessory prayer, and the reality of spiritual warfare facing families today. Doris Swift and Shalene Roberts also discuss how the Great Commission starts right at home, encouraging moms to see their influence as lasting Kingdom work with multigenerational impact. Whether you are a mom in the trenches, a grandmother, or a woman mentoring the next generation, this episode offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a powerful reminder that God sees you—and the work you’re doing truly matters. 💡 Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways Pray Abide Rest Motherhood IS Kingdom Work: The Great Commission isn’t just for the mission field—it’s right in front of us, in our homes, as we disciple our children. Our legacy of faith can ripple through generations. Spiritual Disciplines for Busy Lives: Shalene Roberts shares practical ways to abide, pray, and rest—even with a full house. Small, intentional moments with the Lord make a big difference. The Power of Prayer and Perseverance: Prayer moves mountains in the spiritual realm. Whether your kids are under your roof or wayward, your intercession is powerful—even when you haven’t yet seen the fruit. If you’re seeking encouragement in your calling as a mom or mentor, I highly recommend connecting with Shalene Roberts and checking out her beautiful, gospel-centered book! JOIN THE MILLION PRAYING MOMS SUMMER BOOK CLUB! Featuring Shalene’s book! 🤝 Connect with Shalene! You can find Shalene and all the things talked about in the show at shaleneroberts.com, including her book and you can also find the audiobook version here: https://www.amazon.com/When-Mothering-Hard-One-Sees/dp/B0FV9Z6PMW/ SHALENE ROBERTS is a part-time homeschooling mother of five, writer, recreational photographer, and small business owner. Driven by a deep desire to draw women into a life-changing relationship with the Lord, she seeks to inspire women to anchor in Christ, nurture grace-filled families, and foster life-giving homes. Her work has appeared in an array of outlets, including Her View From Home, Motherly, the Thrive Moms Exhale Bible study, and a variety of other publications. Shalene is also the author of the heartwarming children’s book Bruce the Brave and the founder of Lily & Loom Vintage Rugs. 🙏 Your Story Matters As always, remember—your journey, your fierce calling, and your honest story can comfort and encourage others. Where can you share your experiences this week? Grace and peace, Doris Host, Fierce Calling Podcast 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? Conference, Tea, Christmas Event, Workshops, Retreats? I have a few dates still available in 2026, and booking for 2027 – 2028! Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event… Screenshot Thanks for Listening! I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift Let’s have a chat about your next event! Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned. Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you. I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect … Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon. With love and joy, Doris

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5
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Because every woman of God has a Fierce Calling

Information

  • Creator
    Doris Swift
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    226
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2020 Doris Swift & Blubbry Podcasting
  • Show Website
    Fierce Calling

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