BRAVE with Raelynn Reimer

What happens when you feel the Lord leading you in one direction and it turns out completely differently than what you had expected? In today's episode, Lyndsay Raffield shares her incredible journey of following the Lord's leading into selling their home, moving into a camper, relocating states, facing closed doors, returning home, living with parents and eventually discovering that God's leading had far more to do with protection and provision that the adventure she had intially imagined. Her story is an honest reminder that God often gives us one step at a time and not the whole road map.   If this episode spoke to you, please share it with someone who needs encouragement to trust God, especially in confusing seasons. And don't forget to rate and review the BRAVE podcast so more women can find these conversations!   Click for more about BRAVE.

In this powerful and grounding episode, I welcome my longtime friend, life coach, speaker and now three-time author, Heather Boersma, to unpack what it really means to rest - even when life doesn't go unplanned - and how IMPORTANT it is. Heather's newest book, The Rest Revolution, explores the deep connection between rest, identity and faith. Together, we dive into how women, especially mothers and high-achievers, can begin to separate their woth from their productivity and rediscover true rest - not just naps and spa days, but thte kind that heals the soul and re-centers us in who God says we are.    Connect with Heather: The Rest Revolution - available wherever books are sold: Amazon, Chapters/ Indigo, Barnes&Noble, or your local bookstore. Website:heatherboersma.com Instagram: @heatherboersmacoach

In this deeply moving episode of Brave, I welcome my longtime friend, Sherianne Harder to share a raw and faith-filled story of longing, loss and the unwavering goodness of God - EVEN IF it does not feel good. Sherianne opens up about her five-year journey with infertility, recurrent eptopic pregnancies, and the devestating losses that came with them. She speaks honestly about sitting in the hospital rooms alone, wrestling with the goodness of God, and learning to breathe her prayers when words failed her. Together, we refect on what it means to trust God when the outcome doesn't match the prayer - and how His presence can still be the greatest comfort in the middle of heartbreak. This conversation is for anyone walking through loss, waiting or unanswered prayer - a reminder that you are not alone, and that God's love remaines constant, even if.    Learn more about Brave

In today's deeply moving episode of Brave, I sit down with one of my dear friends, Dayna Loewen, to talk about something raw, redemptive and profoundly brave - finding freedom after abuse.  Dayna's story begins in unimaginable pain, marked by childhood abuse that cast a shadow over her early life. But what unfolds next is a powerful testimony of healing, forgiveness, and the mercy of God that breaks chains. The conversation is honest and filled with hope. We talk about how shame, dear and even hidden hatred can quietly rule our hearts - until the Lord gently invites us to confront them and walk into the fullness of His freedom.  *If you or someone you know has been abused, please seek help.   Learn more about Brave.

This week marks the beginning of a new series that's been stirring in my heart;  EVEN IF. After a busy summer hiatus, Brave is returning with renewed clarity of the podcast's purpose: to reveal the goodness of God - not just through stories of transformation, but through honest conversations about faith when things don't go as planned. In this premiere, I welcome back my sister, Jenna Hildebrandt, host of The Something Sacred Podcast and a biblical theologian with deep insight into scripture. Together, we dive into one of the most powerful declarations of faith in the Bible - the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3 - and what it means to say "Even if He does not..." and still believe that God is good.  Scripture References: Daniel 3:16-18 - the foundation of "Even If" faith. Exodus 3:14-15- "I Am Who I Am": God's eternal name and nature Revelation 4-5 - The throne room of heaven and anchoring our worship. John 16:33 - "In this world you will have trouble but take heart..."   Resources: The Something Sacred Podcast - Jenna's 5 part series on covenant Connect with Raelynn on Instagram: @raelynnreimer Learn more about BRAVE    

At just 19 years old, artist and eldest of nine, Ellie Goettl has already walked through a journey most of us can't imagine. After moving from Canada to the US, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer during the immigration process. Since then, Ellie has faced treatment, remission and relapse with a courage rooted in faith and her deep trust in Jesus.  Ellie's bravery and honesty will leave you inspired to lean into Jesus no matter the trial and to reach out to those around you and receive the help and support you need. Click below for a sample of Ellie's beautiful artwork, mentioned within the podcast.  Ellie's Artwork:  https://www.raelynnreimer.com/brave-the-podcast  

In this episode of BRAVE, I sit down with my dear friends and former military spouse, Colleen Matthews, to talk about what 17 years of Army life taught her about loneliness, leadership and legacy.  We dive into the emotional toll of deployment, the courage it takes to keep showing up fro your family, and how God meets us in our most desperate moments. Colleen also shares how those hard years shaped her heart for hospitality, community, and leading with purpose. Whether you're walking through a hard season of isolation of looking to make deeper impact where you are, this conversation will encourage you to live BRAVE - even when it's hard.   To learn more about the concept of Unreasonable Hospitality, check out Will Guidara's book - Unreasonable Hospitality  

In this solo epsiode, Raelynn opens up about something deeply personal and timely: the choice we all have when faced with pain - to let it become our prison or our platform. Inspired by a quote from Carl Lentz, Raelynn reflects on her own past and present experiences with chronic health issues and her time in the modeling industry, and how God used these painful seasons to teach about His sovereignty, timing, and goodness.  She also unpacks a recurring theme in the Gospel of John - that Jesus "time had not yet come"  and shares how this truth is anchoring her heart in a current season of waiting and struggle.  This episode if raw, honest encouragement to those who feel stuck in a pain cycle, reminding us all that God is not done writing our stories.    Mentioned in this episode: The Daily Grace Co - Come and See Bible Study on the Gospel of John Restore Collective - a faith forward company and community of women walking in purpose.  Connect with Raelynn: IG - @raelynnreimer Subscribe to Brave wherever you listen to your podcasts Leave a review and share this episode with a friend who needs encouragment today.

In this deeply moving episode of BRAVE, Raelynn sits down with Lynnea Krupsky, who vulnerably shares the life-altering moment when she and her family received the devestating news that her daughter had a large brain tumor. What followed was a whirlwind of emergency surgeries, uncertainties and grief, but also, unmistakable evidence of God's nearness.  Lynnea recounts how God sheltered them in the storm, providing moments of intimacy and wrapping their family in a peace the surpassed all understanding.From hospital corridors to quiet moments of surrender, this conversation is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest valleys, miracles unfold, and faith becomes an anchor. 

In this episode of Brave, Raelynn introduces us to Carrie Calef who shares her personal testimony of resilience, faith and how God allowed her to use her life's many trials as building blocks for strength and to deepen her faith and trust in God. As she recounts memories of growing up in an unstable home and shares her most recent struggle with her husband's job loss and cancer diagnosis, she emphasizes the importance of keeping one's focus on Jesus to bring us through.  Carrie references Joel Muddamalle's book "The Hidden Peace" and it's subsequent study "Finding Peace through Humility."  They are both come highly recommended.         

In this episode of BRAVE, Raelynn interviews her Mom, Joy Bailey who shares about her personal journey through her daughter Jenna's battle with severe anorexia. They discuss the challenges Joy faced, the feeling of helplessness, the importance of faith even when all hope feels lost and the transformative role of Mercy Ministries. Joy encourages listeners to keep putting one step in front of the other, leaning on God's goodness and trusting that He has a plan while also giving practical advice for both concerned parents and friends looking to support loved ones in similar situations.  *Jenna was consulted before production and approved sharing part of her story.   If you are someone you love is in need of help with eating disorders, depression, anxiety or any other life-controlling issues and situations, please find the links to Mercy below: US: Mercy Multiplied  Canada: Mercy Canada    

Meet Deklan; an 11 year old, go-kart racer who inspired the BRAVE podcast as he endured life saving brain surgeries just one short year ago. He discusses his struggles with anxiety, the support he received from his family, and how his faith in God and power of prayer helped him persevere. Deklan and Raelynn highlight the siginificance of facing life's storms head on, symbolized by a stuffed bison named Courage, which became an emblem of bravery for Deklan. They reflect on how the experience reinforced their belief in God's ultimate presence and love, offering hope and encouragment to others facing difficult times. 

In this episode of BRAVE, host Raelynn Reimer sits down with Shaaron Zach, a homeschooling Mom of four, farmer, Airbnb owner, and cancer survivor, to delve into her inspiring journey of faith and trusting the Lord's leading.  Shaaron shares her profound experiences of trusting God's guidance through her battle with breast cancer and reconstruction, and her family's life-changing decision to sell everything and travel with an RV. She discusses how her deep trust in God and coupling with His presence brought her through life's toughest challenges. Hear not only Shaaron's story, but God's story.  Find more about Shaaron's life and adventures via instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wanderzachs/ or https://www.instagram.com/wideopenspaces.farm/ For more information on Brave the Storm: https://www.raelynnreimer.com/bravethestorm

In this episode of BRAVE, host Raelynn Reimer shares an inspiring conversation with social media influencer Chelsea Bare, who bravely opens up about her lifelong struggle with fear and anxiety. Chelsea discusses her journey through intense health fears and how a medical crisis amplified her anxiety.  Through practical measures and a deepened faith in God, Chelsea found healing.  She shares key insights from her upcoming book, offering suggestions from both a practical and spiritual focus and how the two together are most effective in battling and overcoming fear.    We hope you are inspired by Chelsea's story and the importance of confronting fears head on, setting boundaries, and trusting in God's plan while serving others.    To follow Chelsea and keep updated on her book launch you can follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseabare/   For more information on BRAVE and how to Brave the Storm: https://www.raelynnreimer.com/bravethestorm

In this episode, Jenna Hildebrandt shares her powerful story of overcoming extreme burnout and anxiety through leaning on and trusting in Christ. She describes the physical, mental, and emotional toll it took on her and how she felt as if her nervous system was short-circuiting. Despite the overwhelming pain, Jenna found solace and strength in her faith, relying on the foundational truths she'd learned early on in her faith journey. She speaks about the deep sense of redemption she experienced and the transformative power of going through hardships with a strong spiritual foundation. Jenna's journey emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself, speaking truth instead of partnering with lies and trusting in God's timing for restoration and healing.    Continue to be encouraged through Jenna's podcast Something Sacred, found on all major streaming platforms. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LdGrF4fRIUiSSVdPrnvb1 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/something-sacred/id1673437069   Looking for valuable tools to Brave your own storm? Head to the link below for more info: https://www.raelynnreimer.com/bravethestorm    

From Fear to Bravery: Lessons from the Bison In this inaugral episode of BRAVE, host Raelynn Reimer, an entrepreneur and mother of three, delves into the essence of bravery by sharing personal stories of overcoming fear and adversity. Inspired by the resilience of bison facing a storm, Raelynn reflects on significant challenges in her life, such a battling mental illness, high-risk pregrnancies, job loss, and her son's life-threatening medical emergency. Through powerful anecdotes and introspection, she emphasizes that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the choice to confront it head-on with faith and trust in God. Raelynn's hope is for listeners to find encouragment in these stories and recognize their own capacity for bravery in navigating life's storms. 00:00 Introduction to BRAVE: Stories of Resilience and Courage 00:53 Defining Bravery: Facing Fear Head-On 2:37 Personal Journey: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety 7:15 The Bison Analogy: Facing Sotrms with Courage 9:13 A Family's Test of Bravery: Deklan's Story 13:50 Faith and Resilience: Trusting in God's Plan 16:19 Conclusion: Embracing Bravery in Everyday life   Learn more about Deklan's Story and why the Bison inspire us: https://www.raelynnreimer.com/bravethestorm