Missionary Stories They Don’t Tell You: Faith, Sacrifice & Spiritual Warfare

Jesus Never Asked You To Carry All Of This

Have you ever felt like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Anxiety, comparison, worry, fear, unmet expectations - sometimes the burdens we carry become so familiar that we forget we were never meant to bear them alone.  In this episode of The Shieldmaidens, we sit down with author Brenda Phegley to talk about what it truly means to surrender our burdens to Christ. Drawing from her book, Bid Your Burdens Goodbye: An A-to-Z Guide to Letting Go of What Weighs You Down, Brenda shares practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for releasing the things that weigh us down and embracing the true freedom that only God offers.  Together, we discuss:  ✨ Anxiety, worry, and the burdens we often carry in secret  ✨ The trap of comparison and how it steals our peace  ✨ Why surrender can be difficult... even when we know it's what we need  ✨ What Scripture teaches about giving our burdens to Jesus  ✨ The freedom and joy found on the other side of letting go  If you've been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or weighed down by life's pressures, this conversation is a reminder that Jesus never asked you to carry all of this alone.  📖 Guest: Brenda Phegley https://brendaphegley.com/ Grab her book here: https://a.co/d/04dIUPq2   #TheShieldmaidens #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #AnxietyAndFaith #TrustGod #ChristianWomen #SurrenderToGod #BiblicalEncouragement #FaithOverFear #ChristianLiving #JesusChrist #SpiritualGrowth #LetGoAndLetGod #HopeInChrist #BrendaPhegley  Check out our website and shop our latest merchandise here:  https://beashieldmaiden.com/  Connect with us on socials:  https://www.facebook.com/theshieldmaidens  https://www.instagram.com/theshieldmaidenspodcast/  Production by Hitchcock Visuals

“Sunday Is for Jesus, Not Moms” - Let’s Talk About It

A recent post online claimed churches shouldn’t celebrate Mother’s Day because “Sunday is for Jesus, not moms.” 👀 So… should churches avoid honoring individuals altogether? Can we celebrate people without taking the focus off Christ? And why does this conversation stir up such strong opinions among Christians?  In this episode, we lovingly unpack the tension between being Christ-centered and honoring people well. We talk about Mother’s Day in church, criticism within the Body of Christ, compassion, discernment, and why making people feel seen actually matters more than we may realize.  Our heart in this conversation isn’t division; it’s understanding, grace, and truth. 💛  We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments: How do you think churches should approach honoring its members?  Check out our website and shop our latest merchandise here:  https://beashieldmaiden.com/  Connect with us on socials:  https://www.facebook.com/theshieldmaidens  https://www.instagram.com/theshieldmaidenspodcast/  Production by Hitchcock Visuals

The Enemy Doesn’t Fight Fair | Darren’s Story of Freedom in Christ

What happens when the battle is deeper than what can be seen?  In this powerful episode of The Shieldmaidens, we sit down with Darren Ricketts as he shares his testimony of finding true freedom in Christ. From spiritual warfare and deliverance to discovering his identity as a son of the King, this conversation is raw, honest, and full of hope.  One statement from Darren deeply impacted us: “The enemy is under no obligation to play fair.”  We talk about the reality of spiritual battles, the lies the enemy uses to keep people bound, and the freedom that comes through Jesus. But this episode doesn’t end in darkness... it ends in victory, identity, and the reminder that we are sons and daughters of God.  If you’ve ever struggled with fear, shame, confusion, or feeling spiritually attacked, we pray this conversation encourages you and points you back to the truth of who you are in Christ.   Follow Darren here: https://www.darrenricketts.com/ Check out Darren's book (To Those Who Would Be King) here:  https://a.co/d/0fyAWcMU  #TheShieldmaidens #FreedomInChrist #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianPodcast #Deliverance #IdentityInChrist #JesusChangesEverything #FaithPodcast #ChristianTestimony #kingdomidentity  Check out our website and shop our latest merchandise here:  https://beashieldmaiden.com/  Connect with us on socials:  https://www.facebook.com/theshieldmaidens  https://www.instagram.com/theshieldmaidenspodcast/  Production by Hitchcock Visuals

Don’t Let Critics Steal Your Calling

Some words sting longer than we’d like to admit. In this episode of The Shieldmaidens, we’re opening up about the reality of harsh criticism, online hate, and the cruelty that can live in the comment section. We read real comments, share honest reactions, and talk about what it means to keep following Jesus when the opinions of others get loud.  How do you stay rooted in your calling when people misunderstand you, judge you, or try to tear you down? As Christian women, we believe God never called us to be controlled by applause… or criticism. Our mission is bigger than the comment section.  If you’ve ever struggled with people’s opinions, felt discouraged by criticism, or questioned whether you should keep showing up, this conversation is for you.  ✨ In this episode:  * Reading some real comments  * Handling criticism as Christians  * Guarding your heart online  * Staying focused on God’s calling  * Choosing grace instead of bitterness  * Why your identity can’t come from the internet  💬 We’d love to hear from you: How do you handle criticism while staying faithful to what God has called you to do?  Check out our website and shop our latest merchandise here:  https://beashieldmaiden.com/  Connect with us on socials:  https://www.facebook.com/theshieldmaidens  https://www.instagram.com/theshieldmaidenspodcast/  Production by Hitchcock Visuals

From Infertility to Impact: The Story Behind Waiting for Baby Bird

In this episode of The Shieldmaidens, we sit down with Elisha, the heart behind Waiting for Baby Bird, to hear her powerful and deeply personal story. What began as a blog documenting her journey through infertility has grown into a beautiful ministry that now supports and encourages other women walking the same road. Through seasons of waiting, grief, and unwavering faith, Elisha shares how God gave her a promise - that she would have a son - and how she continues to trust Him in the waiting. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wrestled with unanswered prayers, held onto hope in the unknown, or needed a reminder that God is still working—even when the story isn’t finished.  We are believing for Josiah.  ✨ In this episode:  • Elisha’s infertility journey and the birth of Waiting for Baby Bird  • How God’s promise shaped her faith  • Finding purpose in the waiting  • Encouragement for women walking through infertility If this story speaks to you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who may need this encouragement today. 🤍 Find out more about Elisha and Waiting For Baby Bird Ministries here: https://waitingforbabybird.com/ Check out our website and shop our latest merchandise here:  https://beashieldmaiden.com/  Connect with us on socials:  https://www.facebook.com/theshieldmaidens  https://www.instagram.com/theshieldmaidenspodcast/  Production by Hitchcock Visuals