Freedom Diaries: The Untold, Unbreakable Stories of Hope to Unleash Identity, Purpose, Joy and Worth

Finding Identity in Christ Through Setbacks: April Foster on Rejection, Renewal, and 'The Unexpected Guest'

In this episode of The Freedom Diaries Podcast, April Foster opens up about the pain of being unexpectedly let go from her corporate job and how it led her to rediscover her identity in Christ. She shares the powerful lesson she learned that “setbacks are setups because we are set apart” (2 Peter) and how Jesus invites us to lean into Him during difficult times. April highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage and embrace you, especially during challenging times—reminding us that isolation and bitterness are never the answers. She also shares insights from her new children's book, The Unexpected Guest, and the transformative lesson she learned from a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, symbolizing her own journey of growth and renewal. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing life’s setbacks, trusting God’s plan, and finding true identity in Christ. Where to find April: April Foster is an author, speaker, and mentor passionate about equipping others to build strong foundations in marriage, family, and identity. She’s the founder of Fostering Foundations, area coordinator for T.R.A.C. Life—a mentoring program that empowers teens in foster care—and author of The Unexpected Guest. She has also coauthored The Joy-Full Entrepreneur, The Joyous Journey of Loss, and Before She Knew Jesus. A homeschooling veteran and best-selling author, she helps others reclaim joy, intimacy, and purpose—especially in marriage and faith. April co-hosts Bedroom and Bible with her husband of 29 years, diving into real and raw conversations often left unspoken. Whether through coaching, retreats, or writing, her mission is to inspire others to walk boldly in the joy God has for them. Youtube https://youtube.com/@lovecoloredtheway [https://youtube.com/@lovecoloredtheway] Website-www.lovecoloredtheway.com [www.lovecoloredtheway.com] Resources Mentioned: -The Unexpected Guest [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953822088?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_3JGNJJMYSSRYZ2C9KKXF&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_3JGNJJMYSSRYZ2C9KKXF&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_3JGNJJMYSSRYZ2C9KKXF&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true&newOGT=1] by April Foster -Bedroom and Bible Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bedroom-bible/id1778936152] Where to Find Rachel: -Instagram: @beautifuljoyrachel [@beautifuljoyrachel] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92 [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92] Website:  https://beautifuljoyrachel.com [https://beautifuljoyrachel.com] Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website.  Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence.  Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share. Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

Breaking the Chains: Amber Love's Journey from Sex Trafficking, Abuse, and Homelessness to Freedom in Christ

In this gripping episode of the Freedom Diaries Podcast, Amber Love shares her incredible journey from overcoming sex trafficking, abuse, and homelessness to finding freedom in Christ. Amber opens up about the deep trauma she endured, the challenges of escaping the sin cycle, and how her desperation to pursue Jesus led to her healing and restoration. This raw and inspiring interview reveals the importance of seeking God in the midst of sin and pain, breaking free from the past, and embracing the freedom that only Christ can provide.  Amber also highlights the vital role the church can play in supporting survivors and sheds light on the silent sexual struggles many face within the church. She reveals how true freedom isn't about escaping difficult circumstances, but about the transformation that comes from a deep, pursuit for Christ. Don’t miss Amber’s powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and the life-changing power of God’s love. Where to find Amber: Amber Love is a third-generation survivor of sex trafficking who transforms her personal journey into a beacon of hope and empowerment for others. With a powerful testimony of resilience and freedom, Amber dedicates her life to mentoring and inspiring those seeking liberation from similar experiences.  A passionate advocate, Amber speaks on various stages to address the effects of childhood sexual abuse and hyper-sexual behaviors, aiming to educate and empower both survivors and the general public. Expanding her influence further Amber's newly released co-authored book, Before She Knew Jesus, gives an insiders view of what her sanctification journey looked like. Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@groundzeroandabove  [https://www.youtube.com/@groundzeroandabove] Website-https://www.amberloveministries.com [https://www.amberloveministries.com] Resources Mentioned: -Before She Knew Jesus: A Devotional: The Raw and Refining Stories of a Woman's Stories to Redemption⁠ [⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737902265/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=⁠] by Tamra Andress -https://parentwithpurpose.ca/-Parenting [https://parentwithpurpose.ca/-Parenting] Resource led by Lynda Harlos Where to Find Rachel: -Instagram: @beautifuljoyrachel [@beautifuljoyrachel] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92 [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92] Website:  https://beautifuljoyrachel.com [https://beautifuljoyrachel.com] Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website.  Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence.  Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share. Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

Finding Strength and Hope After Loss: Overcoming Trauma & Healing Through Jesus with Shawna Foster

In this powerful episode, we sit down with author Shawna Foster to explore her heart-wrenching journey of overcoming trauma and finding strength through Jesus. Shawna opens up about the unimaginable pain of losing two children who are still alive, the painful struggles of parental alienation, and the emotional toll these experiences took on her life. . Shawna walks us through how unanswered prayers, the constant uncertainty of what comes next, and these trials led her to a place of complete dependence on God. Shawna reflects on the raw moments of her life—where pieces of her were ripped away, leaving her unrecognizable, but she learned even in the darkest, loneliest times, God can use our brokenness to creat something beautiful. She also discusses the powerful truth behind Bob Marley's quote, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have,” and how it resonated deeply as she navigated the toughest seasons of her life. In this inspiring conversation, Shawna reveals how she found hope, healing, and strength through Jesus, and how surrendering everything to Him brought renewal and restoration. Her story is a reminder that no matter how broken we may feel, God can transform our deepest pain  to create a new beginning. 🎧Tune for a powerful message of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of God’s love—how God can turn our darkest moments into a testimony of hope. Where to find Shawna: Shawna is the author of her newly released bestselling book Faith in the Flames: Transforming Trauma into Hope and Healing and the host of the podcast Faith in the Flames. She inspires women to transform their trauma into hope and healing, drawing from her own journey through brokenness and grief. Shawna empowers women to move beyond survival, rediscover joy, and embrace a restored, purposeful life aligned with God's love. Instagram @shawnamariafoster [https://www.instagram.com/shawnamariefoster/] Podcast - Faith in the Flames [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-in-the-flames-transforming-trauma-into-hope/id1785010985] Resources Mentioned: •Faith in the Flames: : Transforming Trauma into Hope and Healing and the host of the podcast Faith in the Flames [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737902257/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&dplnkId=79263f9c-8e36-4efc-9d0c-b461f2aed414] by Shawna Foster Where to Find Rachel: -Instagram: @beautifuljoyrachel [https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92 [ https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92] -Grab free scripture affirmation cards, a copy of Rachel's newest book, or signup for encouragment on her website: https://beautifuljoyrachel.com [https://beautifuljoyrachel.com] Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website.  Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence.  Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share. Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

From Despair to Hope: Kess Scharff on Suicide Struggles, Mental Pain, and Healing Through Jesus

In this raw and inspiring episode of The Freedom Diaries Podcast, Kess Scharff opens up about her deeply personal journey from despair to hope. She shares her experience with sanctification in Jesus, a failed suicide attempt, and the intense mental pain and anguish she faced during her darkest moments. Kess talks about battling random suicidal thoughts, struggling with a lack of peace and control, and the challenge of trusting God in the midst of pain. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and offers valuable advice for those who are close to someone dealing with suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is facing mental health struggles, this episode is a must-listen packed with valuable insights, encouragement, and the reminder that healing and hope are possible through Jesus.  🎧Don’t miss this powerful conversation about faith, healing, and transformation. Where to find Kess: Kess is a writer, author, change activation speaker, and transformational life coach. She has led national and international trainings where she shares insights from her professional and personal experiences with pain and trauma. Her mission is to share the love of Jesus and the transformative gifts He offers, helping people move through pain and break the cycle of generational sin. http://www.kessscharff.com [http://www.kessscharff.com] https://www.instagram.com/kess.scharff_/ [https://www.instagram.com/kess.scharff_/] Resources Mentioned: •Before She Knew Jesus: A Devotional: The Raw and Refining Stories of a Woman's Stories to Redemption by Tamra Andress Where to find Rachel: Are we Facebook or Insta📸 friends? It's where I hang out the most https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/ [https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/] https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92 [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92] Website:  https://beautifuljoyrachel.com [https://beautifuljoyrachel.com] Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website.  Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence.  Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share. Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

I Am More Than My Gift – Finding Your Purpose with Jori O'Neale

I Am More Than My Gift – Finding Your Purpose with Jori O'Neale In this powerful episode of the Freedom Diaries Podcast, host Rachel Rector sits down with Jori O'Neale to explore the journey of discovering your true purpose in life. Jori opens up about the importance of recognizing that we are more than our gifts and how our walk with God is not solely about us—it’s about serving others and living out our purpose with obedience and faith. Through candid conversations, Jori shares her personal story of overcoming adversity, including navigating a crumbling marriage and learning how to fail forward. She emphasizes the significance of walking in faith, understanding that our struggles and triumphs shape our testimony. With deep wisdom and vulnerability, Jori reminds us that our stories and histories hold power, and by embracing them, we can better align with God’s plan for us. 🎧Tune in to hear how you can find clarity in your purpose, walk in obedience, and step into a life of service to others. Don’t miss this inspiring episode that encourages you to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Listen now and be inspired to take the next step in your own journey of purpose and faith. Where to find Jori: Jori is a best-selling author, speaker, and productivity coach who is passionate about helping others deepen their relationship with God through faith and intentional living.  She is also the host of the podcast Thirty Minutes of Power [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thirty-minutes-of-power/id1619345730], where she challenges her listeners to embrace the power God has given them to uplift and empower others and encourages believers to align their lives with God’s purpose. Resources Mentioned: • More than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity by Tamra Andress [https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Enough-Struggle-Identity/dp/1636984363] • ⁠Unleash Your God Given Gift by Jori O'Neale [https://jorioneale.com/product-details/product/clarity-compass-toolkit] Where to find Rachel: Are we Facebook or Insta📸 friends? It's where I hang out the most https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/ [https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/] https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92 [https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92] Website:  https://beautifuljoyrachel.com [https://beautifuljoyrachel.com] Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website.  Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence.  Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share. Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!