The Sanity Closet: Forgiveness, Lightning Strikes & Letting Go

The Sanity Closet: Forgiveness, Lightning Strikes & Letting Go

🎙️ THE SANITY CLOSET: FORGIVENESS, LIGHTNING STRIKES & LETTING GO A heartfelt conversation with The Sanity Closet sisters. Warning: This episode contains late starts, turkey-chasing updates, a near-tarantula sighting, a golden doodle brain cell theory, and some of the most tender, hard-won wisdom you'll hear on forgiveness. The Sanity Closet is back — and this time, Michelle and six of her sisters gather for a conversation that's equal parts laughter and tears. After a chaotic start involving mini earthquakes, a missing Eileen, and Debbie skipping dinner, the sisters dive into one of the most important — and most challenging — topics a person of faith can tackle: forgiveness. This isn't a polished theology lecture. It's real women, with real hurts, sharing real journeys. From domestic abuse and shattered dreams to a falsely questioned college transcript and a cussing boss, the sisters get honest about the kinds of wounds that don't heal overnight — and the practices, prayers, and hard-won grace that have helped them begin to let go. If you're holding something that feels impossible to release, this episode is for you. You are not alone. The Sanity Closet Roll Call (Oldest to Youngest) * Dolly * Marianne * Eileen * Michelle * Therese * Jenny * Debbie 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS Forgiveness is not for the other person — it's for you. Unforgiveness keeps your cortisol high and your heart hard. Forgiveness is an act of healing, not an act of excusing. You don't have to invite them over. You just have to let go. Forgiveness doesn't mean restoring a relationship — it means trusting that God is big enough to deal with it. Forgiving yourself may be the hardest part. Self-forgiveness is real work, and it's holy work. God's mercy is bigger than your mistakes. Forgiveness isn't a one-time act — it's 70 times 7. Not 490 different people. The same wound, every time it surfaces. You make the act even when you don't feel it. Look at their brokenness. Seeing the other person through the lens of their own woundedness isn't excusing — it's a doorway to compassion. When you can't pray for someone, start here. "God, help them become the person you created them to be." A simple prayer for every day: "Father, you forgive them. I forgive them. I release them." Repeat as needed — for as many people as need it. Write the name down. There's real science behind writing by hand. Write their name. Pray for them daily. Even when it's hard — especially then. Unforgiveness is a lamp covered in soot. As you learn to release and forgive, the glass clears — and Christ can shine through you. To forgive is to live fearlessly. ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED 📻 Dr. Lee Warren — Neurosurgeon & host of [https://youtu.be/LjeigU1EazE?is=MHH0XNCdyH4LiuMd]Self Brain Surgery [https://youtu.be/LjeigU1EazE?is=MHH0XNCdyH4LiuMd] podcast [https://youtu.be/LjeigU1EazE?is=MHH0XNCdyH4LiuMd] 📘 The Shack [https://amzn.to/4p2RjoV] https://amzn.to/4p2RjoVby William P. Young — A deeply moving story about a father's journey toward forgiving the unforgivable; includes a powerful image of what true forgiveness means 📘 Spiritual Combat [https://amzn.to/4p7NMpp] https://amzn.to/4p7NMppby Fr. Lorenzo Scupoli — The sisters' current book study; includes the practice of praying and showing charity toward the people who are hardest to love 📘 Divine Intimacy [https://amzn.to/4eYfzDJ] by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen — Daily meditations following the Church calendar; includes a line about bearing "all my neighbor's defects" without surprise 🙏 Dr. Mike Hutchins — Speaker on PTSD healing and deliverance ministry; teaches the "Father, you forgive them / I forgive them / I release them" prayer; also shared how acts of forgiveness have been linked to physical and spiritual healings 📘 Five Keys to Freedom — Referenced for the role forgiveness plays in deliverance and healing ministry Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released bi-weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us [hello@livingfearlessly.us]

Giving Christ Our Messy Yes: Abiding, Serving, & Shining

🎙️ GIVING CHRIST OUR MESSY YES: ABIDING, SERVING, & SHINING In this heartfelt episode, Michelle Hillaert takes you along on a last-minute weekend away with her sister Eileen, a trip to Global Awakening's Voice of the Women conference that turned into so much more than she expected. Between a preaching workshop she had 10 minutes to prepare for, a powerful panel on hospitality and discipleship, and some honest moments with the Lord, Michelle came home with a fire in her heart she had to share. She opens up her own testimony - the tantrums, the rock band years, the $60,000 wire scam, and the 5 AM prayer appointments that slowly changed everything - and weaves it together with Scripture, stories from the conference, and a gentle but bold invitation: give Christ your messy yes. Not your perfect yes. Your real one. 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * You don't need a perfect house, a polished story, or a platform to share Christ. You just need to show up. * Bearing fruit flows from abiding; apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5) * Hospitality - inviting people in, feeding them, making them feel seen - is discipleship in action * The biggest reason we don't share our faith? Fear of rejection. Living fearlessly means doing it anyway * Christ isn't waiting for you to arrive. He's booking it to be with you - just give Him your yes * Your story matters. Someone needs to hear it 📖 SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: * John 15:5 & 15:7 — The vine and the branches; abiding in Christ * 1 Peter 2:21 — Following in the footsteps of Christ * John 4 — The Woman at the Well * Matthew 6:10 — "Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven" ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: * 🏛️ Global Awakening [https://globalawakening.com] — Voice of the Women Conference * 📘 Appointment With God — Fr. Michael Scanlan, TOR * 📘 Jesus and You, Woman [https://amzn.to/4erVQMs] — retreat and reflection on women in the Gospel * 🎙️ The Sanity Closet Podcast [https://heartfleur1.substack.com/podcast] — Michelle's podcast with her sisters Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released bi-weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us

Budgeting, Priorities & Financial Freedom

🎙️ BUDGETING, PRIORITIES & FINANCIAL FREEDOM A heart-to-heart conversation with Melissa Gordon. Many of us carry fear, stress, or even shame around money. Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck, avoiding your bank account, or simply wondering where your money keeps disappearing, this conversation offers a different perspective: budgeting isn't about restriction, it's about freedom. In this episode, Michelle sits down with her longtime friend Melissa Gordon, whose journey from a young single mom earning $8 an hour to a financially secure executive was built not on luck or complicated strategies, but on intentional choices, consistent habits, and a simple budgeting system. Melissa shares how tracking her spending helped her avoid bankruptcy, pay off debt, build wealth, and create a life aligned with her values. Together, Michelle and Melissa discuss why budgets often feel intimidating, how taking agency over your finances can reduce anxiety, and why understanding where your money goes is one of the most empowering things you can do. They also dive into their family's tradition of "No Spend January," the importance of spending according to your priorities, and how budgeting can become a tool for living more fearlessly—not just financially, but in every area of life. Whether you're just getting started or looking to regain control of your finances, this episode will encourage you to take the first step. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: * Why budgeting creates freedom rather than restriction * How tracking your spending can reveal hidden "money leaks" * The difference between spending, saving, and investing * How to align your finances with your values and priorities * Why small, consistent changes often create lasting results * The concept behind "No Spend January" and financial resets * How budgeting can reduce stress and strengthen relationships * Practical first steps for anyone who feels overwhelmed by money 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Budgeting creates freedom, not restriction * Awareness helps you make intentional spending choices * “No Spend” months can reset spending habits * Spending naturally rises with income if you don’t control it * Allow yourself planned spending so budgeting is sustainable * Don’t wait for perfection—just start * Spend in alignment with your values RESOURCES MENTIONED * The Tightwad Gazette [https://amzn.to/4unfgrV] by Amy Dacyczyn — Practical, no-frills money-saving ideas focused on stretching resources and reducing waste. * The Millionaire Next Door [https://amzn.to/49KGwt5]by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko — Research-based insights into how everyday people quietly build wealth over time. * The Millionaire Mind [https://amzn.to/43PW0Zg] by Thomas J. Stanley — Explores the habits and thinking patterns behind long-term financial success. * Your Money or Your Life [https://amzn.to/4fPrar9] by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez — A framework for understanding the relationship between time, money, and life energy. Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 ABOUT MELISSA GORDON Melissa Gordon is an executive leader and mom of four who learned how to manage money in a very real-life way starting at about $8 an hour while raising a young child and working her way out of debt. During that season, she built a simple spreadsheet system to track every dollar, bringing structure and clarity to a very uncertain financial picture. What began as a survival tool gradually became a lifelong approach to budgeting and forecasting that she still uses today. Her system focuses on visibility, consistency, and intentional decision-making. Melissa’s approach is practical and grounded: know your numbers, stay consistent, and use budgeting as a tool for freedom - not restriction. STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us [hello@livingfearlessly.us].

Don’t Mix the Play-Doh: Motherhood, Memories & Letting Go

🎙️ DON’T MIX THE PLAY-DOH: MOTHERHOOD, MEMORIES & LETTING GO A heartfelt conversation with Jacki Ascough. What if the very chaos you’re trying to survive today becomes the thing you miss the most tomorrow? In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with new friend and fellow mama Jacki Ascough — a Texas native who spent over 30 years raising her family in Ireland before returning to the United States. Together, they share an honest conversation about motherhood, memories, grief, family culture, launching children into adulthood, screen-time struggles, perfectionism, faith, and learning how to hold each season of life with open hands. From mixed-up Play-Doh and overflowing laundry baskets to adult children returning home with guitars, grandbabies, and new memories to make, this episode is a beautiful reminder that love matters more than perfection, and that the little moments we rush through today often become the moments we treasure most later. Michelle and Jacki reflect on: * The bittersweet transition from raising children to launching them * Why moms often cling to perfectionism and control * Creating a home your children actually want to come back to * The grief that comes when kids leave home - and the beauty that follows * Raising children in a screen-saturated world * The importance of apologizing to your children * Letting go of shame and embracing growth * Why discipline, warmth, faith, and fun all matter in family culture * Learning to savor every season before it changes If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood, discouraged by your imperfections, or afraid you’re “getting it wrong,” this conversation will remind you that love covers far more than you think. Because someday, you may just miss the noise, the mess, the socks on the floor… and even the mixed-up Play-Doh. 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * The seasons of family life change faster than we realize * Your children won’t remember perfection - they’ll remember love * A peaceful home is built through connection, not control * It’s okay to apologize to your children and model humility * Creating warm memories matters more than maintaining perfect order * Social media and screens require intentional boundaries * Grieving changing seasons is healthy and normal * The goal is to create a home your children want to return to * God can redeem every imperfect part of our parenting journey * Living fearlessly means surrendering our children - and ourselves - to God RESOURCES MENTIONED * The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People [https://amzn.to/4u32hM4] by Stephen Covey * Brené Brown [https://amzn.to/4f4YMkk] and her work on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted living * The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena [https://amzn.to/4ds5bF1] * Spirit Radio [https://www.spiritradio.ie/] Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. 💛 ABOUT JACKI Radio Presenter/Consultant at Mother of Divine Grace School Jacki met her husband, Tom,  over a game of volleyball in Houston, Texas.  Her “yes” to Tom that day led to her conversion to Catholicism, moving to Ireland, 27+ years of marriage, ten children, and (so far) six grandchildren.  Jacki divides her time between teaching NFP (Natural Family Planning), presenting Saturday Magazine on Spirit Radio, and home-educating their children.  She is also a private consultant supporting Irish families who are enrolled in Mother of Divine Grace School, a Catholic online Classical Curriculum. Jacki speaks publicly on Catholic issues, and has appeared on KTRK-TV Houston, RTÉ, Virgin Media, BBC, and various American, Irish and UK radio programs and podcasts. You can find Jacki on Instagram at: @jackilinn67 [https://www.instagram.com/jackilinn67/] STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us [hello@livingfearlessly.us].

Hiding in the Sanity Closet: Practicing Delight, Hot Flashes, & Holy Joy

🎙️ HIDING IN THE SANITY CLOSET: PRACTICING DELIGHT, HOT FLASHES, & HOLY JOY A heartfelt conversation with The Sanity Closet sisters. What if joy isn’t something we stumble upon… but something we practice? Warning: This episode contains sister chaos, ADHD tangents, accidental theology, hot flash commentary, and a whole lot of laughter. In this laughter-filled and deeply honest episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle and her sisters gather for one of their signature “Sanity Closet” conversations — full of hilarious rabbit trails, heartfelt vulnerability, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of joy that shows up in ordinary moments. From roadside sunflowers and sourdough bread to ducks at stoplights, baby snuggles, laundry monster stories, and conversations about anxiety, hormones, and hard seasons of life, the sisters explore what it means to practice delight — especially when life feels overwhelming. Inspired by previous podcast guests discussing “practicing delight” and “playful curiosity,” this conversation dives into how intentionally noticing beauty, wonder, humor, and gratitude can slowly bring healing to weary hearts. THE SANITY CLOSET ROLL CALL: * Marianne * Eileen * Theresa * Michelle * Jenny * Debbie 💬 KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Practicing Delight Is a Skill You Can Build Delight isn't something that just happens — it's something you actively practice. Like any habit, the more you look for small moments of joy (flowers on the roadside, a baby's tiny feet, a good meal), the more naturally it comes. * Intentionality Matters Delight doesn't find you; you have to choose it. Being mindful and deliberate about noticing good things — especially when life is hard — is what keeps joy alive. * You Are Not Alone in the Hard Stuff Whether it's job loss, perimenopause, anxiety, depression, or just the weight of everyday life — many women are going through it. Don't isolate. Find your people. * Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help Whether that's hormone therapy, therapy, supplements, or medication — getting the right support isn't weakness. It's like calling a plumber when you don't know how to fix the water heater. * Laughter Itself Is Delight The episode modeled its own message: an infectious laugh, a silly joke about apoplexy, talking to ducks — these are all delight in action. Don't underestimate the healing power of a good laugh with people you love. RESOURCES PODCASTS & CONVERSATIONS * Katherine Sigmon Wadsworth [https://player.captivate.fm/episode/16fa5a4a-48e2-486c-ab13-dc162e30d35f/] on practicing delight * Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak [https://player.captivate.fm/episode/adc06f22-6418-4fa4-98e0-8c0f1d536a58/] on playful curiosity * The newly launched The [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-sanity-closet-deborah-nDgaqI2rVRN/] https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-sanity-closet-deborah-nDgaqI2rVRN/Sanity Closet Podcast [https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-sanity-closet-deborah-nDgaqI2rVRN/] BOOKS MENTIONED * The Power of Vulnerability [https://amzn.to/4dyKmHU] by Brené Brown * The New Menopause [https://amzn.to/4tpqvzG] by Mary Claire Haver * The New Perimenopause [https://amzn.to/4nogD83] by Mary Claire Haver Some links in these show notes are affiliate links.This means a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you. STAY CONNECTED WITH LIVING FEARLESSLY 🎧 New episodes released bi-weekly. ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement. ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.