Who Told You That? Breaking the Lies That Keep Us Spiritually Bound

Who Told You That? Breaking the Lies That Keep Us Spiritually Bound

HOW MANY OF THE THOUGHTS YOU BELIEVE ABOUT YOURSELF ACTUALLY CAME FROM GOD? In this powerful episode of Emunah, host Dr. Tamara Henry welcomes biblical counselor Dr. Luther Smith for an eye-opening conversation about mental strongholdsthe deeply rooted beliefs, fears, and false narratives that quietly shape our emotions, relationships, decisions, and spiritual lives. Many of us carry invisible chains forged by childhood experiences, painful relationships, cultural messages, trauma, disappointment, or repeated failures. Over time, these lies become so familiar that we mistake them for truth. But Scripture reminds us that lasting freedom begins with the renewal of our minds. Together, Dr. Henry and Dr. Smith examine how mental strongholds are formed, why every believer wrestles with them, and how God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and intentional spiritual disciplines can dismantle destructive thought patterns and replace them with biblical truth. The conversation also explores the work of developmental psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner, whose ecological systems theory explains how families, schools, churches, communities, culture, and life experiences shape the beliefs we carry into adulthood. While psychology helps us understand how unhealthy thought patterns develop, Scripture reveals how they can be transformed through Jesus Christ. If you've ever struggled with fear, shame, anxiety, self-condemnation, insecurity, people-pleasing, or the feeling that you're "stuck" despite your faith, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical guidance for walking in the freedom Christ promises. EPISODE TAKEAWAYS * Learn what mental strongholds are and how they differ from passing negative thoughts. * Discover how deeply rooted beliefs influence emotions, perceptions, choices, and behavior. * Understand how family, culture, relationships, trauma, and life experiences contribute to unhealthy thinking patterns. * Explore Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory and its connection to spiritual formation. * Learn why awareness and honest self-examination are the first steps toward freedom. * Discover how Scripture and the Holy Spirit work together to renew the mind. * Be encouraged that your identity is found in Christnot in your fears, failures, habits, or past. * Learn practical ways to replace lies with God's truth through prayer, biblical meditation, and healthy spiritual rhythms. * Understand why breaking mental strongholds is a lifelong journey of transformation rather than a one-time event. * Be reminded that lasting freedom comes as God's truth becomes louder than the lies we've believed for years. MEMORABLE QUOTES * "Lies are dangerous when we believe them." * "Your identity is not the stronghold." * "God defines who you are irrespective of your activity." * "God's Word is always for our welfare." * "Freedom begins when God's truth becomes louder than the lies we've carried for years." * "Mental strongholds often begin as statements we accept without questioning." SCRIPTURES FEATURED * Titus 2:11 * 2 Corinthians 10:35 * Romans 12:2 ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Luther Smith is the Lead Counselor and Owner of N(y)oo Mind Biblical Counseling Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He also serves as Dean of the College and Chair of the Department of Biblical Counseling at Calvary University. His passion is helping individuals experience lasting transformation by applying biblical truth to life's deepest struggles. To contact Dr. Smith, email lsmithnyoomind@gmail.com [lsmithnyoomind@gmail.com]. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU During this episode, we invite you to pause and reflect on questions such as: * What lie have you believed the longest? * Where did that belief begin? * What does God's Word say instead? * Which Scripture challenges that lie? Share your reflections, questions, or testimony with us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com [wordconsultingllc@gmail.com]. Visit Women of the Word for additional biblical resources, previous podcast episodes, Bible studies, and ministry updates: https://wordconsultingllc.com [https://wordconsultingllc.com/]. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be carrying unseen chains. You never know how God might use one conversation to help someone exchange a lifetime of lies for the liberating truth of His Word.

Middle School Memories & High School Dreams

Ask the Girls! Season Finale In this special season finale of Ask the Girls!, sisters Samara and Shylah from the Washington, D.C., area reflect on a season of growth, learning, and faith as they prepare for exciting new chapters in their lives. Samara has completed middle school and is preparing to enter high school this fall. At the same time, Shylah is looking ahead to her final year of middle school. Together, they discuss what it means to leave the familiar, embrace the unknown, and trust God through life's transitions. Drawing inspiration from biblical heroes and personal experiences, the sisters share lessons they've learned about faith, courage, leadership, friendship, and overcoming fear. Samara offers advice for students preparing for high school, while Shylah reflects on her goals and hopes for the coming school year. Whether you're a student facing a new challenge, a parent encouraging a child through change, or someone learning to trust God's direction, this episode offers practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for stepping confidently into a new season. Join us as we celebrate growth, honor God's faithfulness, and discover how faith can help us move forward with confidenceeven when the future feels uncertain. In This Episode * Transitioning from middle school to high school * Preparing for a successful final year of middle school * Overcoming fear and uncertainty through faith * Learning from biblical heroes * Developing leadership, confidence, and character * Trusting God's plan during life's transitions * Finding courage to step into new opportunities Key Takeaways * God equips us for every season and every challenge. * Faith helps us move forward even when we don't know what lies ahead. * Biblical role models can provide wisdom and encouragement for everyday life. * Growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones. * A positive attitude, strong character, and respectful behavior can make a significant difference in school and life. * Living in the present and trusting God with the future can help reduce anxiety and stress. * Change can be both exciting and intimidating, but God remains faithful through every transition. Biblical Heroes Discussed Doubting Thomas John 20:24-29 Thomas reminds us that questions and doubts do not disqualify us from faith. Jesus meets us where we are and strengthens our belief. Deborah: An Uncommon Leader Judges 45 Deborah's courage, wisdom, and obedience to God demonstrate that faithful leadership can make a powerful impact on others. Memorable Quotes * "Trust that God will only give you what you can handle." * "See the bigger picture and have faith." * "God will always be there waiting for you." Scriptures Featured * Joshua 1:9 * Isaiah 41:10 * Proverbs 3:5-6 * Philippians 1:6 Earlier Episodes:          Following God When its Hard (March 27, 2026)          Santa or Savior? The Question Kids are really asking ( December 19, 2025)          Overcoming Fear with Faith (October 3, 2025) Connect With Emunah We'd love to hear from you! What lessons have you learned during a season of transition? How has God helped you overcome fear and embrace change? Email us: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com [wordconsultingllc@gmail.com] Visit our Women of the Word ministry website: https://wordconsultingllc.com [https://wordconsultingllc.com/] Thank you for listening to Emunah, the podcast that explores the relevance of Scripture and encourages believers to live lives that honor Jesus Christ.

The Many Faces of Freedom

What does freedom really mean? As America celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, millions continue to wrestle with another kind of bondage. In this thought-provoking Independence Day episode of Emunah, host Dr. Tamara Henry welcomes Reverend Jamesina Greene, founder of A Mothers Cry, for a candid conversation about incarceration, redemption, and the many faces of freedom. Together they examine freedom through biblical, historical, and personal lenses, asking difficult but necessary questions: Is freedom merely the absence of prison bars? Can a person be spiritually free while physically incarcerated? What responsibility does the Black Church have in confronting mass incarceration, supporting affected families, and advocating for justice? Drawing from Reverend Greenes personal journey as the mother of an incarcerated son and her decades of ministry to families impacted by the criminal justice system, this episode offers hope, biblical wisdom, and practical insight for anyone seeking healing, restoration, and a deeper understanding of Gods liberating power. IN THIS EPISODE          Why freedom is far more than physical liberty.          How incarceration affects identity, dignity, and family relationships.          The emotional toll incarceration places on parents, spouses, children, and entire communities.          Why true freedom begins with transformation of the heart and mind.          The difference between physical freedom and spiritual freedom.          How repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation become pathways to lasting freedom.          Breaking generational cycles through faith, accountability, and community.          The Black Churchs unique opportunity to minister to incarcerated individuals and advocate for justice.          Why redemptionnot a persons worst mistakehas the final word. KEY TAKEAWAYS          Freedom is not simply the absence of physical confinement; it is the restoration of Gods image in every person.          Incarceration often strips people of their identity, reducing them to numbers rather than recognizing their God-given worth.          Genuine freedom begins when Christ transforms the heart, regardless of external circumstances.          Families of incarcerated loved ones need compassion, encouragement, and strong church communities.          The Church has both a spiritual and social responsibility to engage issues surrounding mass incarceration with truth, grace, and hope.          Breaking destructive cycles requires personal responsibility, faith, forgiveness, accountability, and supportive relationships.          Gods redemption is greater than any persons past mistakes. MEMORABLE QUOTES          The bars may keep him there, but not his soul.          Humanitys deepest bondage is to sin, not prison walls.          If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. SCRIPTURES FEATURED          Galatians 5:1, 13          Psalm 146:7          John 8:36          Isaiah 61:1          Romans 6:22; 8:1; 12:2          Philippians 4:78          2 Corinthians 5:1720 BIBLICAL EXAMPLES DISCUSSED          Josephs imprisonment in Egypt (Genesis 39)          Moses before his calling (Exodus 2)          Davids sin and repentance (2 Samuel 11)          Paul and Silas worshiping in prison (Acts 16:2534)          Peters imprisonment and miraculous release (Acts 12) ABOUT REVEREND JAMESINA GREENE Reverend Jamesina Greene of Salisbury, Maryland, is the founder and president of A Mothers Cry, a community-based outreach and advocacy organization that supports families affected by incarceration, social inequality, and injustice. Through ministry, writing, and community engagement, she encourages hope, healing, and restoration for families navigating the criminal justice system. She is the author of numerous books and articles and is a frequent contributor to the Afro-American newspaper. Learn more at www.amotherscry.org. Dont miss Reverend Greenes previous appearance on Emunah: Compassion Behind Bars (Originally released October 31, 2025). WED LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU What does freedom mean to you? Has this conversation challenged or encouraged your perspective on incarceration, faith, forgiveness, or the Churchs role in bringing hope to broken communities? Share your thoughts with us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com or visit www.wordconsultingllc.com. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: UOYCIVMO16MZLP0Z Music notes

Is My Lifestyle Sinful? Understanding Biblical Repentance (Teshuvah)

Originally aired March 15, 2024 | Updated Episode What does it really mean to repent? Is repentance simply saying "I'm sorry," or is it something much deeper? In this thought-provoking episode of the Emunah Podcast, host Dr. Tamara Henry and her daughter Charisse explore one of the most importantand often misunderstoodconcepts in the Christian faith: repentance. Many people associate repentance with guilt, shame, or punishment. But the Bible presents repentance as a gift from God that opens the door to forgiveness, restoration, and spiritual transformation. In Hebrew, the word Teshuvah means "to return"to turn away from sin and return to a right relationship with God. Together, Tamara and Charisse discuss what repentance is, why it matters, how believers should practice it, and how it serves as a cornerstone of God's redemptive plan for humanity. They also address difficult questions many people ask, including: Is my lifestyle sinful? How do I know when I need to repent? Can God forgive me after repeated failures? Whether you are a longtime believer, a new Christian, or someone seeking answers about faith, this episode offers biblical insight and practical guidance for experiencing God's grace and mercy. In This Episode * What repentance means from a biblical perspective * The Hebrew concept of Teshuvahreturning to God * Why repentance is more than feeling sorry for sin * The New Testament call to change direction and pursue God's will * How repentance leads to spiritual growth and transformation * The relationship between confession, forgiveness, and restoration * Steps for beginning a personal relationship with Jesus Christ * Why God's mercy is available to everyone who turns to Him Key Scriptures Discussed Joel 2:12-13 "Return to Me with all your heart..." 2 Timothy 2:25 Repentance as a gift granted by God. 2 Samuel 12:9 David's confrontation with sin and accountability before God. Romans 10:9-10 Confessing Jesus Christ as Lord and believing in His resurrection. 1 John 1:9 God's promise to forgive and cleanse those who confess their sins. How to Begin Your Journey of Faith If you have never placed your trust in Jesus Christ, the Bible teaches that salvation begins with faith and repentance. Four Foundational Steps 1. Recognize Your Need for God Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of God's forgiveness and transforming grace. 2. Believe in Jesus Christ Accept that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins and rose again to provide salvation and eternal life. 3. Pray in Faith Invite Jesus Christ to become Lord and Savior of your life, trusting in His finished work on the cross. 4. Commit to Following Him Recognize that there is no greater name than Jesus and begin walking in obedience to His Word. Key Takeaways * Repentance is not merely remorse; it is a change of heart that results in a change of direction. * God's desire is restoration, not condemnation. * Genuine repentance brings freedom, healing, and renewed fellowship with God. * No one is beyond the reach of God's grace. * Teshuvah reminds us that God continually invites us to return to Him. Connect With Us We'd love to hear your thoughts about this episode and your own faith journey. Email: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com [wordconsultingllc@gmail.com] Women of the Word Ministry: Women of the Word [https://wordconsultingllc.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Thank you for listening to the Emunah Podcast, where we demonstrate the relevance of Scripture and encourage listeners to live lives that honor Jesus Christ.

Healing from Church Hurt: A Journey to Restoration (Part 2)

Church hurt can leave deep emotional and spiritual wounds, causing some people to question their faith, withdraw from community, or struggle to trust again. In Part II of our special series on church hurt, Dr. Tamara Henry welcomes back Minister Eugene Howie of First Baptist Church of Glenarden for a thoughtful conversation about healing, restoration, and hope. Together, they explore the realities of pain within faith communities, the role of misunderstanding and miscommunication, and why church hurt often cuts so deeply. Minister Howie explains how healing begins with acknowledging the wound, understanding the impact on the soul, and creating safe spaces where people can be heard without judgment. The discussion also examines trust, shame, forgiveness, and the responsibilities of church leaders in caring for wounded believers. Listeners will be encouraged to separate God's character from human failures, reconnect with their identity in Christ, and embrace the possibility of restoration. Whether you are carrying wounds from a recent church experience or pain that has lingered for years, this episode offers biblical wisdom, practical insight, and hope for the journey toward healing. Be sure to listen to Part I, 'Church HurtWhat It Is,' where we explore the causes, characteristics, and impact of church hurt. In This Episode * Why church hurt is a deeply personal and often subjective experience * How misunderstandings and miscommunication can contribute to pain * The importance of vulnerability in authentic Christian community * Why anger can be a signal that something important needs attention * Understanding the soul's role in emotional and spiritual healing * The difference between simply passing time and true healing * How safe spaces promote restoration and healthy dialogue * Rebuilding trust after betrayal or disappointment * The impact of shame on worship and spiritual growth * Distinguishing God's faithfulness from human failure * The role of pastors and church leaders in caring for wounded believers * Why forgiveness and healing are often community processes, not solitary ones Key Takeaways Healing Begins with Acknowledgment You cannot heal what you refuse to acknowledge. Recognizing the injury is often the first step toward restoration. Trust Takes Time to Rebuild Trust is far easier to break than to restore. Healing requires patience, consistency, and intentional effort from all involved. Safe Spaces Matter People heal best when they are heard, valued, and allowed to express their pain without fear of dismissal or judgment. Your Identity Is Not Defined by Your Hurt Church hurt may be part of your story, but it does not have to become your identity. God invites believers to find their worth in Him. God Is Not the Same as Human Failure Disappointment with people should not be confused with disappointment in God. His faithfulness remains constant even when people fall short. No One Heals Alone Healthy relationships, wise counsel, and supportive communities play an important role in the healing process. Memorable Quotes "Hurt isn't just a trendy phrase." "The deeper you go in, the deeper the hurt." "You cannot heal what you do not acknowledge." "Anger is an alarm system for us." "Creating a safe environment is essential for healing." "A safe space is where a person can be heard." "Time doesn't just heal all wounds." "You don't have to do this alone." "Believe what God believes about you." "Shame is a man-made thing." "Trust is not as easily restored as it is broken." "You are not in ownership. You're in stewardship." "Don't let the hurt be the final chapter of the story." About Our Guest Minister Eugene Howie serves in multiple leadership capacities at First Baptist Church of Glenarden. He is also host of The Second Shift, a podcast that offers biblical encouragement and practical guidance to state, local, and federal government employees navigating layoffs, workplace uncertainty, and career transitions during a challenging political climate. Minister Howie is a familiar voice to Emunah listeners and has previously appeared on: Forgiveness with Brother Domonic and Minister Eugene Howie (April 18, 2025) Forgiveness Reframed: Clearing Up the Confusion (July 9, 2025) The Awakening (May 5, 2023) Join the Conversation Have you experienced church hurt? What helped you begin the journey toward healing? We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Email: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com [wordconsultingllc@gmail.com] Website: https://wordconsultingllc.com [https://wordconsultingllc.com] If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need hope and healing today.