Just Love Them

Shiree Best
  • 4.8 (25)
  • RELIGION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

If you have searched to understand loved ones who have left their religious faith, this show is for you. As a mother of six out of seven children who have chosen a different path from the one they were raised in, I intimately understand the profound struggle this journey entails. On this compassionate exploration we share moments of laughter, tears, and resilience. Through insightful interviews, we unravel the personal struggles of individuals whose loved ones have ventured away from their initial beliefs, and how they emerged on the other side with newfound understanding and peace.

  1. 3D AGO

    Staying in the Room, part 1 - With Michael McLean

    What happens when the story you’ve built your life around begins to unravel? In this deeply personal and courageous episode, beloved singer-songwriter, performer, filmmaker, and author Michael McLean opens up about one of the most painful and transformative chapters of his life. Known for his inspiring music and messages of faith, Michael shares what happened behind the scenes when his son left the Church and came out as gay. What followed were years of confusion, heartache, distance, and a faith crisis Michael never expected. He vulnerably walks us through: The strain that entered their father-son relationship His own spiritual questioning and internal turmoil The turning point that began healing their relationship The truth he ultimately discovered about faith, love, and family This is not a polished stage story. It is raw. It is real. And it is hopeful. If you have a loved one who has left your faith… If someone you love has come out and you don’t know how to navigate it… If your relationship feels fragile or broken… This conversation will meet you in that tender space. Michael’s journey reminds us that healing doesn’t come through control, fear, or winning arguments—it comes through humility, listening, and a deeper kind of love. This is a rare look into a very private struggle—and a powerful testimony of what can happen when love becomes bigger than fear. Song: Safe Harbors Connect with Shiree at ⁠shireebest.com⁠  Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com

    1h 2m

  2. MAR 30

    There is No Agency in the Past

    You’ve apologized.You’ve repented.They’ve forgiven you. So why are you still punishing yourself? In this episode, we explore: Why we get stuck in cycles of guilt and ruminationThe difference between healing guilt and destructive shameHow the adversary uses the past to keep us stuckWhy your power is only in the present momentWhat it actually looks like to receive Christ’s grace How to finally let go of the “dark closet” of past mistakes This episode might change the way you see your past—and your worth—forever. Apply for the support group at ⁠shireebest.com⁠ Send the message "interested". Link to episode: God's Guilt vs. Satan's Guilt Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com

    18 min

  3. MAR 23

    Love is the Answer, Now What Was Your Question? - With Joy Allen

    What happens when four of your five children leave the religion you raised them in? In this powerful conversation, Joy Allen shares how turning to God brought a profound spiritual shift in the way she views agency, motherhood, and faith. Instead of clinging tighter in fear, she learned to lean into love. Grounded in her mother’s simple wisdom — “Love is the answer. Now what was your question?” — this episode offers hope, perspective, and peace for parents navigating faith differences in their families. Gratitude Challenge: Rachaelcurfew.com Connect with Shiree at ⁠shireebest.com⁠  Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com

    30 min

  4. MAR 16

    Hyper-focusing Your Prayers

    What if the way you’re praying is missing one key element? In today’s episode, I share a spiritual “aha” moment that completely reframed how I understand prayer — especially when we’re asking God for miracles. After reading the book The Circle Maker and wrestling with some questions, I decided to write God a letter. The answer I received changed everything. We’re talking about: Why some prayers seem more powerful than others The importance of getting a clear “yes” from God The difference between begging and praying with expectation How intentional focus may impact the miracles you’re seeking I’m sharing this in real time — not as someone who has it all figured out, but as someone learning alongside you. If you’ve been praying for change… this episode is for you. ANNOUNCEMENT: Details about a new online support group for those navigating the pain of a loved one leaving the Church. To get on the support group list, click on ⁠shireebest.com⁠ , fill out the contact form at the bottom of the home page, with the word "Interested". Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com

    20 min

  5. MAR 9

    Faith or Attachment Issue? - With Lindsay Schiess

    This week’s guest is Lindsay Schiess—speaker, therapist, and professor at the University of Utah—who brings both professional expertise and deep compassion to one of the most tender experiences families face. As a therapist, Lindsay has worked with individuals on both sides of faith transitions. She offers thoughtful insight into why it feels so painful when a loved one leaves their religion—and explains how, at its core, it’s often an attachment wound. In this powerful conversation, Lindsay shares practical tools to help you navigate the swirl of emotions that can surface: grief, fear, anger, confusion, and even shame. She teaches how to honor your own experience without dismissing it, so you can create enough internal safety to truly hold space for others. If you’ve ever felt torn between staying true to yourself and staying connected to someone you love, this episode will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface—and how real healing begins. Connect with Lindsay: Instagram Linkedin Lindsayschiess.com Podcast: Therapist Question Box Connect with Shiree at ⁠shireebest.com⁠  Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com

    29 min

  6. MAR 2

    Letters to God

    Why does it seem like God speaks so clearly to some people… but not to you? In this episode, I share a powerful and unconventional way I’ve learned to receive clear, loving direction from God—especially during seasons of confusion, heartbreak, and strained relationships. When a loved one leaves the faith…When family dynamics feel painful…When you don’t know what to do next… We plead for answers. We want clarity. We want peace. Today I talk about: Why God doesn’t communicate the same way to everyone How to recognize the way He speaks to you A deeply personal experience that changed how I see my family A powerful form of prayer that has brought me remarkable clarity and healing This practice has softened my heart, strengthened my relationships, and brought answers when I desperately needed direction. God is not silent.He is not withholding.He wants to speak to you. If you’re seeking clearer direction and deeper peace, this episode is for you. To receive updates/information about the upcoming support group, go to ⁠shireebest.com⁠  Fill out the form on the home page with the word "interested" in the message box. Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com

    19 min

  7. FEB 23

    The Story Isn't Over - With Karen Smith

    What do you do when one child leaves and later returns… another passes away from the effects of drug use… and a third relationship feels distant? In this deeply moving conversation, Karen Smith shares her journey as a mother navigating all three realities. With remarkable grace and honesty, she opens up about addiction, grief, hope, disappointment, and the steady love of God that carried her through it all. Karen reflects on: Loving a child who leaves—and welcoming them home Losing a child to the heartbreaking effects of drug use Navigating family strain and relational distance Releasing control and trusting God with her children Learning to see her children the way God sees them Through unimaginable pain and uncertainty, Karen discovered a powerful truth: God’s love for our children is deeper, more personal, and more redemptive than we often understand. This episode may gently shift your paradigm—from fear to faith, from striving to surrender, from worry to trust. If you’ve ever wrestled with heartbreak in your family, felt helpless watching a child struggle, or wondered how to keep loving when it hurts, this conversation will meet you there. You will be inspired. And you may never see your children and other loved ones—or God’s love—the same way again. Connect with Shiree at ⁠shireebest.com⁠  Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com

    23 min

  8. FEB 16

    How to Love and Be a Light

    When someone you love steps away from the faith you cherish, it can be hard to feel love. It can be hard to be a light. It may be more likely that you feel devastated. Rejected. Afraid. Angry. Sad. So how do you truly love and be a light when your heart is hurting? In this episode, I share three life-changing shifts that helped me love my children who left the church—without compromising my faith or values. You can’t control another adult’s choices. But you can control your heart. And when you change, the relationship changes. If you’re tired of tension, walking on eggshells, or feeling rejected… this episode will give you a path forward. Connect with Shiree at ⁠shireebest.com⁠  Join the⁠ "Just Love Them" Facebook group⁠ Email Shiree at imlivinginjoy@gmail.com

    24 min
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

If you have searched to understand loved ones who have left their religious faith, this show is for you. As a mother of six out of seven children who have chosen a different path from the one they were raised in, I intimately understand the profound struggle this journey entails. On this compassionate exploration we share moments of laughter, tears, and resilience. Through insightful interviews, we unravel the personal struggles of individuals whose loved ones have ventured away from their initial beliefs, and how they emerged on the other side with newfound understanding and peace.

Information

  • Creator
    Shiree Best
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shiree Best
  • Show Website
    Just Love Them

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