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. 1d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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out of 5
4 Ratings

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
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Isaiah 4320 Press, Lara Silverman
  • Show Website
    Singing Through Fire

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