The Parable Podcast with Danielle Zapchenk Danielle Zapchenk

Have you ever wondered if you could forgive someone that has caused you pain?  Join me today as we hear from Author, Theresa Reiff as she shares about the pain from her childhood and how God is still there.  One thing that Theresa said was knowing whether we have actually forgiven.  We have all had to answer that at some point in our life.  Did we really forgive?  It is a challenge because forgiveness is a process.  Jesus is a part of the whole thing and we get to witness that.
It isn't just like, help me Jesus in the moment to fix it all. Yes, He will.  But we have to participate in that fixing...There is not just a magical potion or waving of the wand like we would like to think. - Theresa Reiff
Our Conversation Points:
Faith in GodChurch HurtTools to talk through childhood traumaWhy be a part of a church community?The feeling of being a broken personPaying attention to our emotions.Theresa reminds us God is within our stories and is always there with us every step of the way.  I hope you are so blessed by this conversation with Theresa Reiff.
Reflection Questions:
Sometimes we only see the mundane-ness of our life.  How can we look at the last few weeks and see how God showed up. Can find some moments where you can say, "But God..." and thank Him for being there every step of the way. 

How has God started to bring back some memories or repressed feelings that are coming through and who is someone safe you can work through these with?Connect with Theresa
Instagram | Facebook 
Overcoming Sexual Abuse: From the Inside Out
Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall 
How to support The Parable Podcast:
#1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together. #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Would you say that you're living your life glass half empty or glass half full? Can't wait for you to listen in from Jackie Glass. She is an energetic coach, magnetic leader, experienced communicator, and mama of 4, made to lead moments that spark transformation.  Jackie has experience as a licensed clinical professional therapist, health coach, pastor, and communicator, deeply desiring for people to give voice to their lives as they ignite purpose, deepen calling, and lean into talents. As you will hear, Jackie is passionate about seeing people live whole and full of wellness: heart, mind, soul, and strength.
As you get older you acquire more people in your life...The temptation can be, I don't have time for everybody. But, who is the person right in front of me. - Jackie Glass
Our Conversation Points:
Wholeness in our life (spiritually, physically, emotionally)What Shalom can offer usWhat's next when feeling overwhelmedHow do I work with my body, not against itPaying attention to the tension points in our lifeHow do we be the person right in front of you?I loved how Jackie reminded us that we don't have to take his spot as rescuers for ourselves or others.  Jesus is already the rescuer for us. And when we are learning to walk in wholeness, it allows us to truly be with people and allow others to discover Jesus in their own time.  I hope you are so blessed by this conversation on wholeness with Jackie Glass.
Reflection Questions:
Jackie said we need to pay attention to the tension in our life.  What area do you need to focus on this week as you continue to build wholeness?What questions can you put in your back pocket as you encounter people this week?  Some of mine are: Tell me more? and What are you passionate about? This opens up the conversation to connect deeper with other people to hear their stories.How to support The Parable Podcast:
#1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together. #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Dr. Daryl Merrill Jr. is the Lead Pastor of Christian Life Church and President-Elect of Christian Life College (formerly Chicago Bible College).  I met Daryl over 15 years ago when I was working in radio and he always has a special place in my heart because of his genuine care that is bigger than himself.  Daryl’s heart is to see people continually grow deeper in their relationship with God.  He and his wife Leslie have been married for almost 30 years and have three sons.  He honestly shares in this episode about what it is like to be a caregiver for aging parents, wondering if He has what it takes, mental health, and taking those never-ending lifelines when offered.
I didn't even realize what I was going through.  And I had so many friends afterwards call me and say, "I had know idea what you were going through. Why didn't you reach out?" But, when your in that moment and this is a good thing, don't beat up your friends that don't reach out to you because they don't even know what they are doing sometimes. And You be the one to reach out. - Dr. Daryl Merril Jr.
It was great to reconnect with Daryl and appreciated how he expressed He felt he didn't have what it takes to be a Pastor.  Most of us have had that moment of wondering do I have what it takes and desperately seeking after God along that road. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did and are encouraged to know God knows you have what it takes.
Our Conversation Points:
Aging Parents and Caregiving through Dementia and Alzheimer'sGrowing up as a Pastor's Kid in the '70sMental Health that unknowingly gripped himHis time on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and what it taught himWhat has Daryl been learning about chasing after GodReflection Questions:
Finish this statement for yourself: I didn't think I had what it takes to be a _________. What is that for you or how you have felt in the past?  How can you take that challenge, worry, and fear to God right now in prayer?How to support The Parable Podcast:
#1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together. #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever experienced burnout in your relationship with God?  Glad you found The Parable Podcast and joining me today is author, church advocate, and entrepreneur Ericka Andersen discusses faith burnout and how God is in the details of our lives.  She shares how she was shocked to see the statistics of what burnout looks like in the local church, especially for women.
"I don't want to see this to happen because, I see what happens when people leave their faith. And it is not going to be good for our society, our community, and its not going to be good for the world" - Ericka Andersen
16 million women left the church in the last decade and Ericka was intrigued and concerned by that number and it has increased exponentially.  There is something going on there and she dives into why this number affected her and chose to write a book on it to encourage others.
Our Conversation Points:
Faith Burnout is RealCreating space to share authentically in all church spacesExtending faith legacy to our kidsHow are we able to see the details of God in our life?Do you have support in the church?Spiritually absent or uninvested in the churchReflection Questions:
Who is someone in your life that you can pray for that may be in a season of wondering if they should return to church or struggling with their faith?Maybe that person is you and you're going to church and feeling complacent, stuck, or unsure.  What can you do or pray to him about so you could draw back to the desire of Him?Connect with Ericka
Instagram | Website
Reason to Return: Why Women need the church and the church needs women
Jude 1:22 
How to support The Parable Podcast:
#1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together. #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Can you remember a moment in your life when God showed up?  Today you will meet Ashley Cochrane Olson who is the Founder & Executive Director of Crowned for Ashes, a dream she formed along with her husband Chris in 2014. Ashley will share on today's episode that she spent 5 years as Chris’s caregiver following a series of medical issues arising from a 2013 deployment before his unexpected passing in 2018. By trade, Ashley is a lifestyle and branding photographer based in Florida and believes in choosing joy regardless of the circumstances your life with bring.  I can't wait for you to hear this beautiful story about how God continued to show up in Ashley's life.
"I am remarried now, but that does not heal the fact that I lost Chris. Aaron does not take Chris' place in my heart. I am not whole again because of Aaron.  I am whole because of Jesus. And I need Him as much on my best day as I did on my worst day. He will never stop inviting me into more healing. " 
- Ashley Cochrane Olson
Ashley has one of the most beautiful stories I have ever heard. Does it have pain, beauty, and loss. Absolutely, what story of ours doesn't?  But, the good news is that God was with Ashley through it all and he continued to show up for her in ways only He could.  My prayer as you listen to Ashley's story you see not only the love story in her life but the overarching love story God has for each one of us.
Our Conversation Points:
I am not a professional widowGod showing off with Rainbows and Bald EaglesWhat is Crowned for Ashes and how did it come to be?Losing your husband and being angry with GodWidowhood isn't your identity, Christ is your identityThe journey of finding love after lossHow God is using Ashley today because of her late Husband ChrisReflection Questions:
Make some time to talk with God and allow Him into your daily life so you can see all of the ways He is consistently showing up for you.Is there someone in your life that you need to completely surrender to God? Maybe you need to build up your willingness to surrender.Connect with Ashley
Instagram | Website
Connect with Crowned for Ashes
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Donate  
Brooke Talley's Episode 
Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
How to support The Parable Podcast:
#1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together. #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever looked at your life and wondered how did I get here? It has definitely happened more than a few times. Today you are going to meet my friend Kelsey Brooks. I met her 17 years ago as a high school student who lit up the room with her smile and now is an amazing woman.  
"It was more just me realizing I don't know a lot about myself.  And That was the catalyst for my relationship with Christ really changing. Because that is when I was like, 'why am I so sad and broken.' So Lord, can we talk." - Kelsey Brooks
Learning about yourself is hard work and Kesley knows first hand. Transitions are hard and God wants us to shape us.  I am so proud of Kelsey and the tough work she put in too.  Her desire to be dependent on Him through the comfortable and uneasy is something that is admirable.  I hope you can continue to trust the curveballs in your life and enjoy this conversation with Kelsey Brooks. 
Our Conversation Points:
Single - is there something wrong with me?Dealing with the Divorce of your parentsSpending time in reflectionGrace within the season of divorceHow to lovingly have boundaries with your parentsReflection Questions:
It is just about talking with God and it doesn't have to be formal.  He is the one that is going to  Just talk to him.Journal about a time when you were in a tough transition and you can see where God was at work.Connect with Kelsey Brooks
E-mail 
How to support The Parable Podcast:
#1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher). #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together. #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.