Singing Through Fire

Lara Silverman, Christian Author, lawyer, comedian

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

  1. 4d ago

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

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

  2. Sep 8

    When God Doesn’t Answer “Why?”: Brittany Born on Trusting Him in the Fire | STF Podcast Ep. 36

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara talks with singer-songwriter Brittany Born about her son Caleb, who was born with multiple life-threatening medical conditions and spent his first months in the hospital. Brittany shares what it has looked like to trust God without knowing the outcome, wrestle with fear and lament, and see His faithfulness in the midst of a difficult season. She also talks about how the poems she wrote during Caleb’s hospital stays eventually became songs for her album Held, created to encourage parents walking through medical trials. Chapters 00:00 Song in Surgery Waiting 00:28 Meet Brittany Born 02:19 Caleb Medical Journey 05:20 Where Caleb Is Now  07:15 Early Faith and Sovereignty  12:40 Surrendering the Outcome  16:45 Motherhood Cross and Grace  22:19 When God Feels Silent  24:15 Lament and Deeper Trust  27:01 Marriage Forged in Trial  28:10 Sovereignty Over Healing  29:13 Asking God Why  32:57 Finding Purpose in Suffering  34:40 Memoir Break and Hope  36:04 Romans 8 28 Good  37:31 Poetry Into Songs  42:55 Songwriter Roots and Trials  47:04 Album Held Kickstarter  50:54 Encouragement and Closing Prayer Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Brittany's website Brittany's Kickstarter Brittany's Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  3. Sep 1

    How to Trust God When Life Falls Apart: Sherrie Pilkington Finding God’s Goodness in Suffering | STF Podcast Ep. 35

    In this episode, host Lara Silverman continues her Faith in the Furnace series on Singing Through Fire with guest Sherrie Pilkington, a speaker, blogger, podcast host, and founder of Sealed With a Hug, a monthly subscription gift box designed to help people stay connected to grievers. Sherie shares the devastating, unexpected death of her seemingly healthy 52-year-old husband from a massive heart attack after a minor car accident, and describes the shock, silence, anger, lament, and fear of not being able to trust God again. She recounts how God met her through worship, His presence, and a message she sensed in her spirit: “Some things simply belong to me,” which helped her release her “why” questions. Sherie discusses identity beyond roles, the coexistence of grief and joy through gratitude, finding purpose through her blog and podcast, and the faith-based mission of Sealed With a Hug. Chapters 00:00 Why Questions and Trust 00:19 Show Intro and Guest 02:42 Her Loss Story Begins 05:33 Accident and Hospital Rush 09:34 Silence Then Raw Prayer 13:38 Worship and God Downloads 16:00 Some Things Belong 22:42 Identity After Widowhood 26:41 Gods Faithfulness in Death 32:54 Cross and Daily Surrender 35:54 Pride and Surrender 36:57 Upside Down Kingdom 38:51 Why God Uses Suffering 39:40 Joy and Peace in Pain 40:34 Book Promo Singing Through Fire 41:44 Fighting for Joy 45:51 Discerning Gods Voice 48:41 Struggle Well Like Job 50:25 What God Knows Best 54:06 No Good Thing Withheld 56:57 Surprising Mercies and Gifts 59:24 Redemption Through Ministry 01:03:30 Eternity and New Purpose 01:06:19 Sealed With a Hug 01:09:02 Final Encouragement Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram Sherrie's website PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  4. Aug 25

    When Suffering Feels Like Punishment: Michelle Bader Ebersole’s Story of Grief & Redemption | STF Podcast Ep. 34

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Michelle Bader Ebersole, author, speaker, founder of Widow Goals, and host of the podcast Widowed 2 Soon, for an honest conversation about faith, grief, suffering, and finding hope after devastating loss. Michelle's husband, Luke, battled cancer early in their marriage and ultimately lost his life after years of illness. Michelle shares what it was like to walk through cancer, amputation, chronic illness, hospice, and eventually widowhood while raising their three children. But Michelle's story doesn't end with loss. She shares several powerful experiences that changed the way she understood her suffering—including a vision in which Jesus told her, “I chose you.” What had felt like punishment suddenly became something entirely different: a calling and a privilege. Chapters 00:00 Chosen Not Punished 00:33 Show And Guest Intro 02:27 High School To Wedding 04:11 Cancer Diagnosis And Pregnancy 05:27 Chemo Fails Amputation Choice 07:25 Years Of Chronic Illness 09:06 Cancer Returns In Lungs 11:22 Dream Foundation And Making Memories 13:20 Hospice And Caregiving Strength 20:42 Final Days And Sudden Death 23:11 Supernatural Peace At Deathbed 28:12 Grief Retreat Visions 34:42 Widowhood And Kids Grief 36:11 Grief Dark Tunnel 36:53 Memoir Singing Through Fire 38:04 Healing Like A Job 39:47 Widow Goals Ministry Launch 41:37 Book Workbook Leaders Guide 44:08 Churches And Widow Care Gap 48:08 God Meets Us In Despair 53:58 Mourning Into Dancing 58:41 Remarriage And Dating Again 01:02:58 Loving Two Men 01:06:39 Signs And Eternity Hope 01:11:58 Feel It God Heals Resources and Links: Michelle's website Michelle's book, Widow Goals Widow Goals Workbook Widow Goals Leader's Guide Michelle's Instagram Michelle's TikTok Michelle's Facebook Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  5. Aug 18

    When Suffering Returns: Sara Willoughby on Trusting God Without Answers | STF Podcast Ep. 33

    What do you do when you’ve already walked through years of suffering—and then the suffering comes back in a new and unexpected form? In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Sara Willoughby to talk honestly about chronic illness, unanswered prayer, lament, and what it means to keep trusting God when you cannot understand what He is doing. After years of debilitating illness and significant recovery, Sara is now facing a new season of suffering, including suspected TIAs, a traumatic brain injury, migraines, and brain rehabilitation. And yet, Sara continues to cling to what she knows about God: He is loving, He is all-powerful, and therefore, He is trustworthy. Together, Lara and Sara explore: - Why God allows suffering - How lament and faith can coexist - What it means to trust God without having answers - Grieving the dreams that chronic illness takes away - Finding joy in the middle of suffering - How our suffering can become a source of comfort for others - What it means to “take up your cross” Sara also shares how 2 Corinthians 12:9—“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”—has carried her through difficult seasons. If you're walking through chronic illness, grief, unanswered prayer, or a season where God feels far away, this conversation is a reminder that you can lament, grieve, and ask why—and still choose to trust Him. Chapters 00:00 Trusting God Again 00:26 Meet Sarah Willoughby 02:42 Illness Begins at 14 04:29 Collapse and Diagnosis 06:54 Slow Road to Recovery 08:20 New Crisis TIAs and TBI 10:31 Faith Under Pressure 13:51 Feeling Gods Presence 16:41 When God Feels Silent 20:10 Glory in the Suffering 26:31 Take Up Your Cross 29:13 Choosing Trust Without Answers 31:14 Trust In The Fire 32:08 Lament As Trust 32:58 Why Suffering Helps Others 34:07 Comfort In Weakness 35:47 Hope Beyond This Life 36:00 Thorn And No Quota 37:18 Memoir And Redemption 38:30 Praying The Psalms 40:40 Dreams That Died 46:07 Joy And Grief Together 51:22 Eternity Perspective Shift 52:44 Renewed Day By Day 54:05 Grace In Weakness Verse 01:00:57 Invisible Chronic Burden 01:03:49 Sprinkles Of Joy 01:06:17 Final Blessing And Sendoff Resources and Links: Diamonds Conference He's Making Diamonds devotional freebie Sara's website Sara's Instagram Sara's Facebook Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  6. Aug 11

    Training for Eternal Glory: Earth Is a Spiritual Gym and Race | STF Podcast Ep. 32

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman explores the Bible’s picture of the Christian life as an intense race that requires training, endurance, and perseverance through suffering. She explains how trials strengthen “faith muscles,” calls listeners not to quit when bitterness or doubt hits and, encourages offering God a sacrifice of praise even in pain. Lara describes the ultimate prize as Christ Himself—eternity with Jesus—and highlights the hope of hearing God’s commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” She also unpacks the idea that earthly suffering is not wasted but somehow produces an “eternal weight of glory,” potentially enlarging our capacity for joy and shaping our future roles of service and leadership in God’s kingdom. She shares personal stories of loss, promotes her memoir, and closes with encouragement that God will sustain believers to the finish line. Chapters 00:00 Life Is a Race 00:28 Welcome and Prayer 01:20 Race Metaphor in Scripture 03:45 Trials as Training 06:40 Sacrifice and Perseverance 08:16 The Prize Is Christ 09:47 Grace Not Earned 11:22 Break and Book Plug 12:36 Eternal Weight of Glory 16:23 How Suffering Becomes Glory 20:09 Training for Reigning 26:17 Encouragement and Finish Line 29:44 Final Blessing and Next Episode Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  7. Aug 4

    Bedridden at 14: Lauren Watt on Finding Hope When Healing Takes Time | STF Podcast Ep. 31

    What happens when life changes overnight—and the healing you've been praying for doesn't come as quickly as you'd hoped? In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with Lauren Watt, whose life was turned upside down by a sudden illness at age 14 that left her mostly bedridden for eight years. But this isn't simply a story about chronic illness. It's a conversation about discovering God's faithfulness in the middle of an unfinished story. Lauren shares how suffering reshaped her identity, why she stopped praying only for healing and began praying for joy, endurance, and strength, and how Scripture became an anchor when God felt silent. Together, Lauren and Lara explore what it means to trust God's sovereignty, grieve honestly, find purpose in pain, and rebuild a life that hardship doesn't define. Whether you're facing illness, loss, disappointment, or a season where God feels distant, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical hope for anyone learning to sing through the fire. In this episode you'll hear about: Trusting God when healing doesn't come on your timelineFinding identity beyond sufferingLearning to pray differently in seasons of waitingWhy gratitude can coexist with deep griefHow God uses ordinary people to carry us through extraordinary painRebuilding a meaningful life after years of hardshipChapters 00:00 Clinging to the Cross 00:22 Meet Lauren Watt 02:18 Sudden Illness at 14 03:14 Misdiagnosis and Decline 05:06 Wheelchair and Chemo 06:49 Hormone Breakthrough 09:54 COVID Setback 10:10 Limbic Retraining Turnaround 12:13 New Life and Work 14:12 Identity After Trauma 16:58 Purpose in the Valley 21:53 Bitterness and Sovereignty 24:11 Faith Tested and Scripture 26:32 God's Silence and Comfort 28:36 Worship in the Dark 29:03 Unseen Footprints 29:57 Feeling God Differently 31:12 Cards and Community 33:12 Clinging to the Cross 35:25 Choosing Gratitude 38:30 Humor in the Valley 41:32 Family Caregiving Toll 45:38 Adult Life and Limits 50:07 Redemption and Flowers 52:15 Writing and Substack 55:22 Hope for Sufferers 56:39 Final Encouragement Resources and Links: Lauren's Substack Lauren's website Lauren's Instagram Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

  8. Jul 21

    Suffering advances the gospel, folks! | STF Podcast Ep. 30

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman unpacks how God can redeem personal suffering by advancing the gospel through it—turning “tests into testimonies.” She explains Paul’s “suffering to salvation” principle from Philippians, showing how courage in affliction can become a witness to unbelievers and embolden other believers to speak without fear. Lara connects this to the early church’s view of suffering as a privilege and shares how her husband Matt’s public battle with terminal stage-four cancer became a powerful testimony that strengthened their community, echoed by God’s repeated comfort through Genesis 50:20. She also describes how her own chronic illness shaped her calling, impacted her family, and deepened her father’s faith. Lara closes by urging listeners to trust that God is working eternal purposes through suffering, even when they can’t yet see the fruit. Chapters 00:00 Why Suffering Spreads Gospel 00:34 Show Intro and Prayer 01:53 Paul in Chains Philippians 03:56 Trials Become Testimony 07:51 Apostles Rejoice in Pain 08:45 Suffering Builds the Church 11:27 Matt Cancer Testimony 13:14 Book Break and Promo 14:28 Prophetic Sermon and Joseph 19:37 Witness Through Death 22:57 My Illness and Dad Saved 27:13 Privilege of Suffering Call 28:55 Final Encouragement and Outro Resources and Links: Watch the Singing Through Fire podcast on YouTube Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple podcasts Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram PODCAST DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we: Worship when it hurtsDiscuss hot takes from the furnace of afflictionExplore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?” Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!  "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.

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