Singing Through Fire

Lara Silverman, Christian Author, lawyer, comedian
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Christianity

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. 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.

  2. Jul 14

    Finding Peace in God's Providence | Katelyn Friesen's Story | STF Podcast Ep. 29

    What does it look like to trust God when suffering never seems to end? In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman sits down with chronic illness blogger Katelyn Friesen to discuss a lifetime marked by profound hardship—and the unwavering faith that has sustained her through it all. From years of unanswered questions, abuse, and chronic illness to countless hospitalizations, Katelyn shares how God met her in the darkest places and taught her to find peace in His providence. Together, Lara and Katelyn explore lament, choosing hope, the power of Scripture and worship, God's nearness in suffering, and how Christ transforms even the deepest pain into opportunities for His glory. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while the fire is real, God's presence is even more real. If you've ever wrestled with the questions, "Why would God allow this?" or "How do I keep trusting Him when life hurts?" this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Trust God in Pain 00:41 Meet Katelyn Friesen 02:40 Childhood Mental Health Spiral 04:50 ECT and Lost Memories 08:04 Abusive Rehab and Conversion 10:50 Mystery Illness and Fainting 15:20 POTS Diagnosis and COVID Crisis 17:10 Feeding Tubes and TPN Life 22:55 Explaining POTS and Seizures 26:59 Advocate Finds Tick Illness 33:25 Book Promo Break 34:35 Bitterness Bullying and Identity 36:35 How She Keeps Faith 38:06 Worship in The Hospital 39:04 Choosing Hope Daily 40:55 Gospel Through Suffering 44:56 Miracles in The Mundane 48:08 Caregiver Faith and Fear 55:28 Upside Down Kingdom 01:01:48 Trust When You Cannot Eat 01:04:26 Grieving Dreams and Warfare 01:16:07 Final Encouragement and Sendoff Resources and Links: Katelyn's blog 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.

  3. Jul 7

    God IS near to the brokenhearted. I’VE GOT RECEIPTS | STF Podcast Ep. 28

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman asks a question many hurting Christians have wrestled with: Is God really near when our hearts are breaking? Drawing from Psalm 34:18, she explores what the Bible says about God's presence in suffering and shares how He has faithfully comforted her through some of life's darkest seasons. From losing her dream career after developing a rare neurological illness to spending three years bedridden and later grieving the death of her husband, Matt, Lara offers personal stories of God's timely encouragement through Scripture, the Holy Spirit's gentle whisper, and the support of fellow believers. She closes by encouraging listeners to cling to God's Word, resist discouragement, and trust that Christ is with them in the fire—even when life doesn't unfold the way they hoped. Chapters 00:00 Heartbreak Questions 00:43 Prayer and Promise 01:12 Psalm 34 18 Explained 03:00 God With Us Scriptures 04:45 Furnace in Daniel 06:41 How God Speaks 09:21 Receipts and Diary 10:15 Dream Job Lost 12:45 Bedridden Comforts 18:07 Book and Hope Plug 19:17 Grief After Loss 24:00 When God Feels Silent 27:16 Practical Next Steps 30:58 Intimacy Through Suffering 32:36 Final Timely Encouragement 34:31 Closing and Sendoff 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.

  4. Jun 30

    When Grief Comes Again and Again: Emily Curtis' Story | STF Podcast Ep. 27

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, host Lara Silverman continues the Faith in the Furnace series with Emily Curtis, president of Hope in the Morning, compiler of Hope in the Morning: A Hope-Filled Guide Through Grief, and host of the Hope in the Morning radio and podcast. Emily shares the story of her lifelong journey through suffering—from her parents' divorce as a young child and the gift of a loving stepfather to his heartbreaking 39-day battle with pancreatic cancer. She also opens up about losing five babies through miscarriage, the physical and emotional realities of pregnancy loss, and how God met her in seasons of profound grief. Together, Lara and Emily discuss: - How to trust God when suffering feels relentless - Why grief is not a sign of weak faith - The unique pain of miscarriage and pregnancy loss - The importance of compassionate community - Why some well-meaning words can do more harm than good - Postpartum depression, spiritual warfare, and telling ourselves the truth - Living with hope while longing for heaven Chapters 00:00 Grief Is Not Sin 00:40 Meet Emily Curtis 02:36 A Father Figure Found 04:31 Cancer Diagnosis Shock 07:31 Baby Loss Amid Grief 10:24 Another Pregnancy Ends 13:06 Facing Death With Hospice 19:48 Singing At His Passing 22:32 Heaven Minded Hope 26:47 Miscarriage Reality Check 30:24 When Losses Compound 33:45 Surrendering the Losses 34:57 When God Feels Mean 36:02 Hands Open in Trust 36:55 Finding a Why 37:34 Grief Is Not Sin 39:08 Memoir and Hope 40:19 Why Pain Sanctifies 47:09 Comforting Others Well 49:58 Faith Without Answers 52:47 No Good Thing Withheld 56:06 Spiritual Warfare and PPD 01:01:45 Does Church Prepare Us 01:06:11 Blessed Are Those Who Mourn 01:08:36 Sweet Suffering Poem 01:11:04 Singing and Farewell Resources and Links: Emily's website 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. Jun 23

    How the Holy Spirit has spoken to me while bedridden | STF Podcast Ep. 26

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, Lara Silverman shares the extraordinary ways she believes God has met her during eight years of profound suffering. After becoming bedridden with a rare neurological disease that left her dependent on full-time care, Lara recounts a series of deeply personal experiences—including vivid dreams, providential Scripture passages, remarkable timing, and unexpected encouragements—that strengthened her faith and convinced her that God was speaking to her through her affliction. She also reflects on meeting and marrying her late husband, Matt, while they were both facing life-altering illnesses, and how God continued to reveal His presence through both joy and devastating loss. Throughout the episode, Lara emphasizes the importance of testing every spiritual experience against Scripture, rejecting prosperity gospel assumptions, and trusting that God's greatest gifts are often found not in the removal of suffering, but in His nearness within it. 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.

  6. Jun 17

    A Baby's Death, God's Presence, and Hope in the Furnace with Shawna Murray Bryant | STF Podcast Ep. 25

    In this episode of Singing Through Fire, host Lara Silverman continues the Faith in the Furnace series with author, speaker, and podcaster Shawna Marie Bryant, who shares how her second child, Sam, was born with trisomy 13 and lived less than three weeks, shattering her expectation that God would always “fix things.” Shawna describes God’s sustaining presence through specific moments: a comforting “weighted blanket” embrace, Scripture guidance to Jeremiah (including the fuller promise, “Your children will return to their own land”), and a friend awakened to pray at the exact hour she received peace. She recounts how grief strained her marriage due to differing theology, how God restored it, and how she brought hope to grieving parents while wrestling with anger, spiritual warfare, and learning to discern God’s voice. The conversation centers on worship, refining faith through trials, and ongoing hope in Christ. Chapters 00:00 When God Didn’t Fix It 00:23 Meet Shawna Marie Bryant  02:17 A Silver Spoon Faith 03:19 Pregnancy Shock and Trisomy 13 06:07 Leap Day and Hidden Mercy 08:50 Jeremiah Word in the Night 14:51 Comfort in the Hospital 16:52 Grief Group and Gospel Hope 21:18 Protector God in the Fire 25:31 Why God Refines Our Faith 29:51 Marriage Crisis and Healing 33:36 Suffering as a Witness 34:45 Guarding Against Lies 36:04 Dedicate Scott Test 41:15 Anger and Miracles 49:25 Suffering and Bitterness 50:25 Dreams and Comfort 56:06 Hope Filled Scriptures 58:38 Joy Through Trials 01:03:02 Worship as Warfare 01:05:37 Healing Rejection 01:08:46 Where to Find Shawna 01:09:53 Final Encouragement Resources and Links: Shawna's website Shawna's Book on Amazon Shawna's Facebook Shawna's Instagram Shawna's YouTube Shawna's LinkedIn 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. Jun 9

    It’s Ok to Cry, baby: Biblical Lament | STF Podcast Ep. 24

    In this episode, Lara Silverman explores how Christians can respond to profound suffering in a way that is both honest and biblical. She argues that Scripture makes room for deep grief through the practice of lament—a process she describes as bringing both questions and cries before God. Drawing from the experiences of Jacob, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Moses, Paul, Job, and the psalmist in Psalm 88, she demonstrates that God welcomes honest expressions of pain. Even Jesus Himself cried out in anguish from the cross. Lara also highlights the comfort believers have in Christ, who sympathizes with their suffering and continually intercedes on their behalf, as well as the Holy Spirit, who groans with them in prayer when words fail. She shares how these truths sustained her through the losses of her health, career, and ultimately her husband, Matt. At the same time, Lara cautions that lament is meant to lead us toward God, not into lasting bitterness. Reflecting on her own journey, she discusses seasons of wrestling, fasting, repentance, and God's conviction regarding idolatry in her heart. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to move from grief toward acceptance and trust, taking their thoughts captive and renewing their minds with the truth of Scripture. Chapters 00:00 Facing Severe Suffering 01:49 Grief Stages And Goals 04:48 Biblical Lament Basics 06:39 Wrestling Saints Examples 08:55 Job And Honest Prayer 11:47 Psalm 88 In Darkness 14:41 Why Share Feelings 17:45 Jesus Our Advocate 22:37 Lament Toward Surrender 24:49 Habakkuk Trust Without Answers 26:34 Acceptance Brings Peace 28:04 Break And Book Promo 29:21 My Grief And Bitterness 31:48 Fasting And Idols Exposed 34:48 Lessons And Warnings 38:13 Stewarding Emotions Daily 39:33 Declarations And Closing 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.

  8. May 26

    Andrew Villalpando on Grief, Loss & Finding Joy Again | STF Podcast Ep. 23

    In this Faith in the Furnace episode of Singing Through Fire, host Lara Silverman interviews Christian comedian and social media creator Andrew Villalpando about a decade marked by grief, betrayal, and rebuilding faith. Andrew recounts receiving a call at 20 years old that his father had an hour left to live before suddenly dying of a heart attack on his little sister’s birthday — a loss that launched years of disorientation, wrestling with God’s goodness, and learning how to lament honestly. While still serving in ministry, Andrew faced additional heartbreak, including the loss of trusted relationships, a devastating betrayal by a mentor and father figure, financial upheaval after losing family businesses, and eventually losing trust in a longtime church community. He shares openly about spiritual warfare, grief, therapy, combating lies with Scripture, and what he calls “defiant joy” — the belief that joy can still exist alongside suffering. Andrew also reflects on how pain shaped his current work in comedy, entertainment, and ministry, believing that laughter can open the door for truth. Chapters 00:00 Dad Dies Suddenly 01:03 Meet Andrew Villapando 03:14 Early Faith and Loss 05:40 Disoriented by Grief 06:48 Learning to Lament 11:17 Why God Why 15:10 Carrying the Cross 19:06 Spiritual Warfare Lies 23:32 Suffering Boot Camp 28:02 Signs of Heaven 31:10 Hope After Death 31:26 Losses And Church Fractures 32:37 Betrayal By Mentor 35:19 Blessing Through Darkness 37:05 Joseph Journey Parallels 39:27 Church Fallout And Courage 42:53 Eternal Glory Perspective 45:20 Defiant Joy Explained 48:18 Grace In Weakness 58:00 Counting Trials As Joy 01:00:38 Comedy As Medicine 01:01:44 Platform Vision And Advocacy 01:04:03 Closing Skit And Farewell Resources and Links: Andrew's website Andrew'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.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lara Silverman, Christian Author, lawyer, comedian
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Isaiah 4320 Press, Lara Silverman
  • Show Website
    Singing Through Fire