In this episode, Stacee and Doug share a "kitchen table conversation" with friend and Biblical Counselor, Kaitlin Niles, on the topic of suffering and the often overlooked Biblical practice of lament. As Kaitlin shares, often her clients struggle with the "why" of their suffering, wondering if God has forgotten or abandoned them in the pain they are journeying through. Throughout the conversation, Kaitlin leans into her own experience of pushing God away due to the pain and trauma of her childhood and teenage years, thinking if God truly cared for, how could these bad things have happened to her. Through the steady and faithful love and encouragement of her fiance and his family, God began to soften her heart to both the love of God and the hope of the Gospel message. Kaitlin now shares this hope and message with those she counsels, helping them see suffering is not abnormal or a sign of rejection for those who believe in God. Jesus himself promised his followers trouble, but also told them to take heart because He has overcome the world and all the pain and suffering it contains. We are so thankful for Kaitlin joining us and for her vulnerability in this special conversation. Stacee and Doug also share of the hope they have discovered and experience despite Stacee's battles with chronic mental illness. More about today's guest, Kaitlin Niles: She is the founder and lead biblical counselor at Grace Upon Grace Biblical Counseling in Oklahoma City, OK. She earned a Master of Applied Theology in Biblical Counseling with honors from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, is certified with the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC), and is a Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider (CTHN). Kaitlin brings not only theological training but also deep personal experience with God’s grace. Her journey through anxiety, childhood trauma, shame, addiction, and spiritual confusion gives her unique empathy and insight into the struggles her clients face. She is passionate about helping women and teen girls connect the truth of God’s Word to real life with honesty, hope, and compassion. Kaitlin is married to her best friend, Landon, and lives in Yukon, Oklahoma. She loves all things Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, dogs, writing, good food, and—if given the chance—a crispy drink from Sonic. She believes stories matter because they remind us that God is near, attentive, and at work in our everyday lives. You can find Kaitlin online in the following places: ● www.graceupongracebc.com ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graceupongracecounseling ● Instagram: @graceupongracebc The mission of Speak Out Loud is to share hope and encouragement with those who struggle with mental health and for those who love and support them. To learn more about Speak Out Loud, the resources it offers, and to connect with Stacee, please visit Speakoutloud.me You can follow Speak Out Loud on Instagram and Facebook @speakoutloud.me You can find on Amazon both of Stacee's books, The Boat That Wouldn't Sink: A Memoir, and You Are Worth Saving, Letters of Hope from a Desperate Heart. You can also find Stacee and Doug's free devotional Reading Plans on the YouVersion Bible app under the Speak Out Loud page. Thank you for listening - let's experience hope together!
