Women Behind the Words

Episode 104 - You Are the Mom God Chose: Faith, Mental Health, and Parenting with Purpose with Laurie Devernoe

Date: April 13, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Laurie Devernoe   Story Highlights: In this warm and deeply encouraging episode of The Women Behind the Words, Debbie Dufek welcomes back Laurie Devernoe for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like a breath of fresh air, honest, grounded, and full of grace. Laurie opens with a story that has become something of a legend in her household: the day she called 911 to report her seven-year-old son Caleb missing at the gym, only to find him moments later in the coach's office, deep in a conversation about Minecraft. Her teenagers dubbed her a "SWAT team mom," and the name stuck. But beneath the laughter is something genuinely important: Laurie's vigilance that day led her to speak a simple but powerful truth to the facility's manager. Children should never be alone in a closed room with an adult, no matter who that adult is. It is the kind of wisdom that flows naturally from a mother who pays attention. From there, the conversation turns to Laurie's extraordinary early years of motherhood, triplet daughters followed by a fourth baby just eighteen months later, and eventually a fifth child eight years after that. She describes managing her household the only way she knew how coming from a corporate background: with color-coded spreadsheets, matching outfits, and a schedule for everything. Beneath all that beautiful organization, however, Laurie was quietly battling what she now recognizes as high-functioning anxiety, a relentless internal scanning that, when pushed past its limits, came out as anger. She speaks with remarkable honesty about what it took to finally name that struggle and begin to address it. Debbie and Laurie explore the intersection of faith and mental health with particular tenderness. Drawing from the story of Elijah, who after calling down fire from heaven fled in despair and asked to die, Laurie reminds listeners that having a relationship with God is not an insurance policy against mental health struggles. It is the place we return to when those struggles come. She shares how her own mother suffered with clinical depression and seasonal affective disorder for years, never receiving the help she needed because seeking it was once considered a sign of weak faith. The church, Laurie notes with gratitude, is in a far better place today, embracing therapy, outside support, and even medication as gifts rather than failures. The episode also takes a practical turn toward screen time, technology, and the ever-present challenge of raising children in a digital world. Laurie and Debbie, referencing insights from a previous episode with Barb Winters, discuss the importance of parental controls, phone baskets during family time, and the power of modeling the behavior we hope to see in our children. Laurie shares how she leaned on her older children to help evaluate what her youngest was playing and watching, turning awareness into a family-wide effort rather than a solo burden. At the heart of everything Laurie shares is a concept she encountered early in her parenting journey through a cassette tape series called Spirit Beings, the idea that our children are not just physical beings to be fed and bathed and put to bed, but spiritual ones who need to be nourished in their souls. That conviction shaped how she raised her five children: with worship music in the home, age-appropriate Bibles, family devotional time even when it happened in two cars calling each other on the way home from sports, and a daily rhythm of prayer and Scripture that, decades later, her grown children carry with them still. This conversation is a reminder that the years that feel the most overwhelming often turn out to be the ones that leave the deepest mark, and that apart from Jesus, as Laurie and Debbie agree, we truly can do nothing. But with Him, we can do far more than we imagine.   About Our Guest: Laurie Devernoe is a Christian speaker and mental health coach known for bringing faith to life through engaging, down-to-earth teaching. She helps individuals and families move beyond surviving daily routines to living impactful, faith-centered lives that support mental health and strengthen families. As a mother of five, including triplets, Laurie understands real life and connects with others by blending Scripture with relatable stories and simple, doable practices that help faith take root in everyday moments. Laurie is the author of Coffee House Parenting, inspired by decades of conversations with other moms, and the award-winning memoir Seeing Through the Darkness: The Incredible Story of How Losing My Sight Taught Me to See [https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Through-Darkness-Incredible-Losing/dp/1737997622]. Her latest book, You Are the Mom, is a 40-day devotional written for anyone who has ever loved and raised a child, to replace exhaustion and self-doubt with Scripture, grace, and the quiet confidence that God equipped you exactly for this.   Book Spotlight: You Are the Mom [https://www.amazon.it/You-Are-Mom-40-Day-Devotional/dp/1737997649] by Laurie Devernoe Today's mothers are carrying more than any spreadsheet can track, and beneath the schedules, the meal plans, and the matching outfits, many are quietly wondering whether they are enough. You Are the Mom is a 40-day devotional that speaks directly into that exhaustion and self-doubt, offering Scripture, grace, and the gentle reassurance that God did not assign you your children by accident. He equipped you, exactly as you are, for exactly them. Drawing from her own journey through triplets, high-functioning anxiety, a mother's quiet suffering, and the slow, faithful work of building a Christ-centered home, Laurie writes with the warmth of someone who has sat in the hard places and found God faithful there. This devotional is for the mom who needs permission to stop striving and start abiding, and a reminder that everything she needs, she already has access to through Jesus.   Connect with Laurie: Website: https://lauriedevernoe.com [https://lauriedevernoe.com/] Facebook and Instagram: Coffee House Parenting Her Book: You Are the Mom: A 40-Day Devotional [https://www.amazon.it/You-Are-Mom-40-Day-Devotional/dp/1737997649]   Closing Thought: Parenting is not a performance. It is a daily returning, to grace, to Scripture, to the One who gives us everything we need for life and godliness. As Laurie reminds us, the legacy we leave is not found in perfectly matched outfits or color-coded spreadsheets. It is found in the quiet, faithful patterns we model for our children: where we go when we struggle, what we say when we are afraid, and how we return again and again to the heart of God.

Episode 103 - Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed: Between Hope and Despair with Renee Rizzo Devore

Date: April 2, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Renée Rizzo Devore   Story Highlights: What does it look like to carry deep wounds into a life of profound purpose? In this meaningful and hope-filled episode of The Women Behind the Words, Deb sits down with Renée Rizzo Devore, counselor, chaplain, author, and lifelong advocate for the broken, for a conversation that is equal parts raw and redemptive. Their connection through mutual friend Bud Zegel quickly gives way to a shared passion: helping people find real, lasting hope in the hardest places of life. Renée opens up about her journey from 18 years as CEO of Hope Clinic for Women to her current double master's program at Denver Seminary, and how her calling has always been about more than meeting physical needs. She creates sacred spaces where brokenness is met with compassion and where hope can finally take root. Together, Deb and Renée explore how childhood pain can either hold us back or become a powerful part of our healing story. Renée introduces the concept of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and shares from her own trauma history, explaining how resilience and faith can transform deep wounds into genuine points of connection with others. Their conversation gently reminds us that while pain can shape us, it does not have to define us, and that true healing allows us to live as a reflection of the Gospel rather than feeling the need to defend it. A standout moment in their discussion is the distinction between earthly hope and eternal hope. Renée beautifully articulates how true hope flows from God through Jesus and is sustained by the Holy Spirit, while also making room for something the church often overlooks: lament. Deb and Renée speak honestly about grief, reminding listeners that sorrow is not a sign of weak faith but an invitation to draw closer to God. In a world that rushes people past their pain, this conversation is a refreshing reminder that hope and lament can and should coexist. The episode also dives into the challenge of waiting seasons and what it means to hold contentment and desire in the same open hand. Renée shares candidly from her own experience of waiting for marriage, encouraging listeners to remain active and engaged in life while trusting God with the outcome. Deb reflects on her own current season, including her upcoming book Lord, Take the Lead, and her continued trust in God's ability to bring clarity, peace, and purpose at every stage of life. Renée speaks with refreshing honesty about fear and faith, reminding us that obstacles are not always a sign that something has gone wrong. Sometimes they are simply invitations to a deeper trust. She shares her personal journey of learning to stop guarding her own heart through people-pleasing and over-serving, and what it looked like to surrender that role to God. This shift becomes a powerful picture of what it truly means to trust Him in every area of life. She also offers practical, grounded tools for cultivating hope in everyday life, drawing from her book All You Need Is a Mustard Seed: Between Hope and Despair [https://reneerizzo.coach/my-new-book-all-you-need-is-a-mustard-seed-between-hope-and-despair/]. From worship and movement to journaling, healthy rhythms, and the power of saying no, Renée provides simple yet impactful strategies for staying rooted in faith. One of the most memorable insights she shares: every no is a future yes, a reminder that boundaries are not walls but acts of intentional, faithful living. The episode closes with a conversation about navigating spiritual calling within marriage and the importance of unity, wisdom, and seeking wise counsel when needed. Renée offers a heartfelt word for anyone who has been hurt by the church, a gentle but firm encouragement to run toward God, not away from Him, and to trust Him to lead them to a safe and supportive community. This episode ends as a prayerful invitation to hope, to healing, and to renewed faith, leaving listeners seen, encouraged, and reminded that even in the hardest seasons, hope is always within reach.   About Our Guest: Renée Rizzo Devore is a counselor, chaplain, coach, author, and speaker with a lifelong passion for helping broken people find hope. She served for 18 years as CEO of Hope Clinic for Women before transitioning to finish a double master's degree at Denver Seminary in Biblical/Theological Studies and Pastoral Care/Counseling. She also serves as a part-time chaplain with Marketplace Chaplains and works as a fitness instructor and one-on-one coach, covering topics including trauma-informed care, boundaries, healthy relationships, caring for caregivers, and mission and strategy. A sought-after speaker throughout her region, Renée addresses topics like unplanned pregnancy, the effects of abortion, co-dependency, worthiness, singleness, and hope. She holds a BS in Finance and Economics and is certified in Circle Group Facilitation, Stephen Ministry, Level I and II Murray Method, and Barre Fitness. She was named to Nashville's Business Journal Women of Influence list and was a finalist for the CEO of the Year Award from the Center for Nonprofit Management. Renée was married for the first time in October 2025 at 57 years old, a beautiful testament to the very hope she writes and speaks about. Everything she does filters through her faith and the Lord's leading in her life.   Book Spotlight: All You Need Is a Mustard Seed: Between Hope and Despair by Renée Rizzo Devore [https://reneerizzo.coach/my-new-book-all-you-need-is-a-mustard-seed-between-hope-and-despair/] Life is not made up of a single hard season. It is a series of them. And in each one, hope can feel just a little harder to hold onto. In All You Need Is a Mustard Seed [https://reneerizzo.coach/my-new-book-all-you-need-is-a-mustard-seed-between-hope-and-despair/], Renée draws from Scripture, her own story, and years of walking alongside hurting people to offer a frank, vulnerable, and deeply practical guide to choosing hope no matter what life throws at you. This is not a book for one kind of struggle or one kind of person. It is for anyone whose hope has quietly started to wane, whether they are firmly planted in the church, sitting on the fringe, or somewhere in between. Renée tackles the questions many of us are afraid to ask out loud: * What is the difference between eternal hope and earthly hope? * How do you hold onto hope when you are not happy? * How do you keep believing when you have been waiting for what feels like forever? * How do you face hope in the middle of obstacles, fear, and dead ends? * How do you guard your heart when things are actually going well? Weaving together Bible stories, personal experiences, and her own hope toolbox of practical strategies, Renée makes a compelling case that you do not need a mountain of faith to get through the hardest days. You just need a mustard seed.   Connect with Renée: * Website: reneerizzo.coach [https://reneerizzo.coach/] * Email: rizzo@reneerizzo.coach [rizzo@reneerizzo.coach] * Book: All You Need is a Mustard Seed: Between Hope and Despair [https://reneerizzo.coach/my-new-book-all-you-need-is-a-mustard-seed-between-hope-and-despair/]   Closing Thought: Renée's life is proof that hope is not wishful thinking. It is a daily, deliberate choice. Her story reminds us that waiting is not wasted, that wounds can become wisdom, and that even the smallest seed of faith, planted in the right soil, can grow into something extraordinary. If your hope needs renewing today, this episode is for you.

Episode 102 - Living Loved: Gentle Soul Care, Abiding in Christ, and Finding Healing with Jesus with Tammy Gerhard

Date: March 20, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Tammy Gerhard   Story Highlights: In this warm and spirit-filled episode of The Women Behind the Words, host Deb Dufek sits down with Tammy Gerhard, a Christian speaker, author, counselor, chaplain, and small-business owner whose life and ministry are rooted in one simple, powerful truth: that every person is deeply loved by Jesus. With over twenty-two years of experience as a trauma-informed school counselor and a master's degree in counseling, Tammy brings both professional wisdom and personal vulnerability to this conversation. Whether she is leading a retreat, writing a blog post, or serving a cup of coffee, her mission remains beautifully consistent: guiding people toward soul care so they can learn to live loved by Jesus and love others well. Tammy opens up about the heart behind Mindful Mondays: Time with Jesus, her weekly interactive blog designed to help people begin each week anchored in Scripture, not through striving or performance, but through gentleness, presence, and relationship. She speaks candidly about why tone matters when sharing God's Word, especially for those who have experienced harsh or conditional presentations of faith. For Tammy, Scripture is not a measuring stick. It is medicine, and it meets people right where they are. The conversation also explores Tammy's role as founder of Gather for Women, an after-hours community created to foster connection, soul care, and growth among women from diverse backgrounds and denominations. With a heart for unity over comparison, Tammy has built a space where women can share their stories, grow as emerging speakers and leaders, and experience God's love together, not in isolation, but in community. Tammy also shares the story behind her specialty coffee shop in Connecticut, which has become an unexpected gathering place for interdenominational connection and healing. Through both her physical storefront and her growing online presence, she regularly walks alongside those who have experienced church hurt, gently reminding them that God's love is inclusive, pursuing, and patient, and that it never runs out. One of the most powerful threads woven throughout this episode is Tammy's exploration of attunement, the calming, regulating presence of God in our lives. Drawing from her counseling background and her personal faith walk, she describes how learning to abide in Christ through humility and surrender has transformed her approach to spiritual growth. True transformation, she reminds us, is not something we manufacture through effort. It is something that happens when we open ourselves to God's presence in the everyday. Tammy also tenderly honors the legacy of her mentor, Cindy McDowell, whose teachings on spiritual healing and God's love continue to shape her ministry. Inspired by Cindy's unexpected passing, Tammy committed to capturing and sharing those life-giving messages through blogs, recordings, and creative projects, trusting that God would use them to help others hear His voice and experience healing through Scripture. This episode is a beautiful reminder that healing is rarely loud or rushed. It happens slowly, gently, and in relationship, and that Jesus meets us not with condemnation, but with a love that restores the soul.   About Our Guest: Tammy Gerhard is a Christian speaker, author, counselor, and coach with a deep desire to help people experience the love of Jesus in practical and life-giving ways. She holds an MA in Counseling and has spent more than twenty-two years serving as a school counselor with a trauma-informed focus. As a licensed and ordained chaplain, she walks alongside individuals in seasons of challenge, healing, and growth. Tammy is also the founder of Gather for Women and the owner of a specialty coffee shop in Connecticut. In every area of her ministry and work, her passion remains the same: guiding others toward soul care so they can learn to live loved by Jesus and love others well.   Book Spotlight: Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs [https://www.amazon.com/Cocoa-Hugs-Coffee-Tammy-Gerhard-ebook/dp/B0CT725R64?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Jb9WWUABEBrE-e8A_Vo-xnV4z0YwGRVj5LJ3jGEBA9pIW0uvxEKUHhrAdwXC4zvKM325JGTdVGENoGpQhP3frg.1vIYIu0FHYbtYmFpfwr9gnQE8fbR4-tCyjwP2ZK0CJ8&dib_tag=AUTHOR] and I Love My Community: A Kids Activity Book [https://www.amazon.com/Love-Community-Kids-Activity-Book/dp/B0FF57M978?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Jb9WWUABEBrE-e8A_Vo-xnV4z0YwGRVj5LJ3jGEBA9pIW0uvxEKUHhrAdwXC4zvKM325JGTdVGENoGpQhP3frg.1vIYIu0FHYbtYmFpfwr9gnQE8fbR4-tCyjwP2ZK0CJ8&dib_tag=AUTHOR] These warm and engaging children's books from Tammy Gerhard are more than just a fun read. They are gentle guides that help young hearts navigate the world around them with kindness and courage. Through simple, relatable stories, kids learn to identify and understand their emotions, build meaningful friendships, and discover the incredible power that small acts of kindness have to create stronger, more caring communities. Written with empathy at the center, these books plant seeds of compassion early and give children a language for love that will stay with them for years to come. Perfect for home, classrooms, and community settings, they are an ideal gift for any child ready to learn what it means to truly care for others. Soul Care for All Ages [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CT8YZ877/allbooks?ccs_id=9c50b7d6-aedf-4e93-a834-6008fee875c3] (Coming Soon) Tammy's upcoming book, Soul Care for All Ages, invites readers of every season of life into simple, sustainable spiritual rhythms designed to help them remain close to Jesus so that His life and love can grow within them and flow naturally into the world around them. Rooted in the same message that shapes her Mindful Mondays blog and the retreats she leads, this book offers practical, accessible ways to nurture the soul and live loved in the everyday. Whether you are just beginning your faith journey or looking to go deeper, Soul Care for All Ages will meet you right where you are.   Connect with Tammy: Instagram: @tammygerhard [https://www.instagram.com/tammygerhard] and @tammygerharauthor [https://www.instagram.com/tammygerharauthor] Facebook: @tammygerhard [https://www.facebook.com/tammygerhard] and @tammygerhard-author [https://www.facebook.com/tammygerhard-author] All Links: linktr.ee/tammygerhard [https://linktr.ee/tammygerhard]   Closing Thought: Tammy's story reminds us that the most powerful ministry often happens in the quietest moments, over a warm cup of coffee, in the pages of a weekly blog, or in a room full of women choosing community over competition. God does not wait until we have it all together. He meets us in the middle of our mess, our doubt, and our healing, and He calls it all holy.

Episode 101 - Keeping it Real with Amarelee Quintanilla

Date: March 5, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Amarelee Quintanilla   Story Highlights: In this honest and deeply thought provoking episode of The Women Behind the Words, Debbie Dufek welcomes author and journalist Amarelee Quintanilla for a meaningful conversation about a topic many believers quietly wrestle with but rarely discuss openly: hypocrisy within the Christian life. Raised in a strict Christian denomination that placed strong emphasis on moral living and adherence to the Ten Commandments, Amarelee grew up with a clear understanding of right and wrong. Yet beneath that structure, she began to wrestle with deeper questions about grace, mercy, and the difference between outward obedience and true heart transformation. After experiencing disappointment and spiritual hurt within the church, Amarelee found herself questioning whether she even wanted to remain part of the Christian community. The gap between what people professed and how they lived created deep disillusionment. For a time, it nearly led her to walk away from faith altogether. But God was not finished with her story. Through a season of conviction and reflection, the Lord began revealing something unexpected. While hypocrisy around her had been painful, He also began exposing hidden pride, fear of people’s opinions, and a subtle focus on appearing righteous rather than being transformed from the inside out. That painful but freeing process ultimately became the foundation for Amarelee’s devotional book, Keeping It Real: Daily Devotions for Those Tired of Pretending. Writing became a pathway to healing, honesty, and deeper spiritual growth. Together, Debbie and Amarelee explore how writing, prayer, and self examination can become powerful tools for spiritual and emotional restoration when guided by the Holy Spirit. They also discuss why hypocrisy can be especially damaging to those outside the church, particularly young people and seekers who may reject Christianity not because of Christ, but because of the behavior they see in believers. Amarelee offers an encouraging reminder that while none of us will be completely free from hypocrisy this side of heaven, we can become more aware of it, more honest about it, and quicker to repent when God reveals it in our hearts. Her message is both simple and powerful: when God convicts us, it is not condemnation. It is an invitation to healing. Through humility, honesty, and a deep love for Jesus, we can continue removing the hidden weeds in our hearts and walk in greater freedom, authenticity, and grace.   About Our Guest: Amarelee Quintanilla is an author and journalist who writes both nonfiction and fiction, blending storytelling with insights drawn from real life. With a graduate degree in Journalism and years of experience in broadcasting and documentary production, she has spent much of her career exploring meaningful human stories through words and images. Her faith plays a central role in her work as she examines topics such as psychology, spiritual growth, and the Christian life with honesty and depth. Her goal is always to encourage readers to grow in faith, self awareness, and authentic relationship with God. Her devotional book Keeping It Real: Daily Devotions for Those Tired of Pretending was nominated for the prestigious Golden Scroll Award. When she is not writing, Amarelee enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures around the world. She currently lives in Colorado where she continues writing and creating projects that encourage deeper faith and personal reflection.   Book Spotlight: Keeping It Real: Daily Devotions for Those Tired of Pretending by Amarelee Quintanilla [https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Real-Daily-Devotions-Pretending/dp/1617156175] What does authentic Christianity actually look like beneath the surface? In a culture where appearances often matter more than honesty, many believers quietly feel pressure to present a polished spiritual image. But beneath that surface, many struggle with doubts, insecurities, pride, and hidden struggles they feel unable to talk about. Keeping It Real was written for those who are exhausted from trying to appear spiritually perfect. This powerful 40 day devotional invites readers into a deeply personal journey of reflection, honesty, and renewal. Each devotional encourages believers to move beyond outward appearances and instead cultivate a genuine relationship with Christ rooted in humility, repentance, and grace. Through Scripture, thoughtful reflection, and practical spiritual insight, the book helps readers examine their hearts, confront hidden struggles, and rediscover the freedom that comes from living authentically before God. Rather than offering quick fixes or surface level encouragement, Keeping It Real creates space for believers to step away from performance based faith and experience a quieter, deeper transformation led by the Holy Spirit. It is a devotional designed for weary believers who long to live out their faith in a way that is sincere, relatable, and rooted in the example of Jesus Himself.   Connect with Amarelee: Website: https://www.amarelyq.com [https://www.amarelyq.com/]

Episode 100 - Navigating High-Stakes Conversations with Grace and Truth with Angela Mackey

Date: February 24, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Angela Mackey   Story Highlights: In this thoughtful and timely episode of The Women Behind the Words, Debbie Dufek welcomes author, nurse, and Bible teacher Angela Mackey for a practical and spiritually grounded conversation about navigating high stakes conversations in today’s emotionally charged culture. From family conflict and church hurt to politically sensitive topics and parenting challenges, Angela speaks directly to believers who want to communicate in a way that reflects Christ, even when discussions feel tense, personal, or divisive. Drawing from biblical principles and insights from the leadership classic Crucial Conversations, she explains that the most important preparation for any difficult conversation begins long before words are spoken. High stakes conversations begin in the heart. Angela encourages listeners to examine their internal dialogue before addressing someone else’s behavior. What fears are driving your reaction? What assumptions are you making? What story are you telling yourself about the other person’s motives? Many conversations escalate not because of facts, but because of unchecked emotion and misinterpreted intent. Throughout the episode, Deb and Angela explore how Scripture calls believers to hold both truth and grace in tension. Too much truth without grace can wound. Too much grace without truth can compromise integrity. Loving well requires both. Angela shares personal insights from her experience as a nurse during the COVID 19 pandemic and from her own journey through infertility and pregnancy loss, which later inspired her book Difficult to Conceive. These seasons refined her understanding of humility, compassion, and the necessity of gentleness when engaging people who see the world differently. Together, Deb and Angela discuss: • How to pause, pray, and clarify your purpose before entering a difficult conversation • Why curiosity disarms defensiveness and builds trust • Creating safe spaces in families and churches where honest dialogue can happen • Addressing church hurt with courage, kindness, and biblical wisdom • The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation • Why communication strategies must be guided by the Holy Spirit Angela reminds us that the goal of hard conversations is not control, victory, or proving a point. The goal is Christlikeness. When we surrender our tone, motives, and responses to the Holy Spirit, even difficult discussions can become opportunities for growth, healing, and deeper unity. This episode offers practical communication tools grounded in Scripture for anyone who desires to honor God, protect relationships, and reflect His love in a divided world.   Key Takeaways: • High stakes conversations begin in the heart before they happen out loud • Examine your fears and assumptions before addressing someone else’s behavior • Approach difficult discussions with curiosity rather than a need to win • Balance truth and grace because leaning too far in either direction damages communication • Create safe spaces for honest dialogue, especially within families and church communities • Forgiveness may be necessary even when reconciliation is not possible • Communication tools are helpful, but they must be guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in Scripture   About Our Guest: Angela Mackey is a follower of Christ who is passionate about helping believers rethink their thinking in light of Scripture so they can live transformed lives. She holds a Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies and serves as an author, podcaster, and speaker. Angela is the host of the Life as Worship podcast, a member of the Maxwell Certified Leadership Team, and a retreat and conference speaker. In addition to her ministry work, she is a nurse whose real world experiences have shaped her perspective on humility, compassion, and loving well when we disagree. Angela lives in Arkansas with her family and their dogs. Angela’s Areas of Expertise • Infertility, pregnancy loss, and infertility treatments • Lamenting and overcoming seasons of spiritual darkness • Finding joy in all circumstances • Living a life of worship • Renewing the mind through Scripture • Loving well in disagreement   Book Spotlight: Difficult to Conceive by Angela Mackey [https://www.amazon.com/Difficult-Conceive-Godly-Perspective-Ahead/dp/1646455258] When Angela Mackey lost two babies in early pregnancy and later her fallopian tubes, she walked through one of the darkest seasons of her life. In that grief, God met her through His Word and began reshaping how she viewed suffering, identity, and hope. Difficult to Conceive is more than a personal testimony about infertility and pregnancy loss. It is a biblically grounded guide for couples navigating infertility, offering theological clarity, spiritual encouragement, and practical tools for renewing the mind during prolonged disappointment. Angela walks readers through: • Processing grief through lament rooted in Scripture • Reframing identity when dreams are shattered • Strengthening marriage in the midst of infertility treatments • Learning to worship God even when prayers seem unanswered • Finding joy and purpose in seasons that feel barren This book offers compassionate understanding while consistently pointing readers back to God’s character, sovereignty, and faithfulness. It is especially helpful for individuals and couples seeking a Christ centered perspective on infertility, pregnancy loss, and enduring hope.   Connect with Angela: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AAP4zGYWc/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1AAP4zGYWc/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rethinking_my_thinking   Closing Thought: Difficult conversations are inevitable. Division does not have to be. When we examine our hearts, surrender our motives, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our words, even the hardest discussions can reflect the grace and truth of Christ.