In The Seams

In this episode, David interviews Lara Silverman, the author of the newly released memoir, Singing Through the Fire. Lara was a high-power attorney just entering the best and most exciting time of her life when she was struck with severe vertigo, nausea, and pain.This mysterious illness eventually claimed her career and left her bedbound. But God was still at work in Lara's life. As she gained some of her mobility back, God brought a love story into her life with Matt Silverman. The only problem was that Matt was ill, too, very ill. Matt had terminal cancer. Her story is one of faithful lament and resilience as she and Matt fought to experience joy every day and everything that God gave them.The interview focuses specifically on a theology of suffering and living with eternity in view. If you are suffering or struggling with grief or both, this interview will encourage you to hold on to hope.Singing Through Fire: A Memoir of Finding Surprising Joy in Life's Darkest Trials: Silverman, Lara: 9798218714994: Amazon.com: BooksLara's YouTube channel: The SILVERMAN show - YouTubeLara's other social media links: https://www.facebook.com/lara.palanjian.silverman/InstagramBroken and Mended Conference Registration: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025In The Seams interview with fellow Armenians and mutual friends (and Broken and Mended conference speakers!) Aren and Trina Bahadourian: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956Broken & Mended Chronic Pain Support MinistryClip From The Chosen mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthAHost: David Heflin

In this episode, David shares his personal story, starting with injuries to both hips and culminating in diagnoses of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Crohn's disease. David shares how disorientation marked the first few years, but with God's help, he eventually made his way to acceptance and renewed purpose. David shares how this renewed purpose resulted in Broken and Mended and its different resources, including this podcast show. If you can help Broken and Mended financially or just want to get connected to its ministries, go to brokenandmended.org. Register for the free virtual conference on 10/18 here: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025. Short explainer video on AS: Areas of Inflammation in Ankylosing SpondylitisInformation on Crohn's Disease: Mayo Clinic Explains Crohn’s DiseaseHost: David HeflinEdited by John Shields

Broken and Mended board member and fundraising consultant, Glenn Newton, talks about his long battle with severe back pain. Not many years after finding relief through a successful back surgery, Glenn was faced with an even more painful disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia. Glenn shares how it impacted his life, ministry, and relationship with God. Glenn's story is one of persistence and hope, even when it appears all hope is gone.Trigger Warning: Suicide is discussed in this episode. If you need help, please call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 (for U.S. Residents). Website about T.N. and why it is linked to suicide, but also why there is hope: https://arizonapain.com/trigeminal-neuralgia-suicide-disease/Book by Glenn Newton: Conversations With GodEvent page for Broken and Mended Seminar at Agape Church of Christ in St. Johns, Fl.Broken and Mended Free Virtual Conference Registration PageBroken and Mended Donation PageEpisode Host: David HeflinEdited by John ShieldsProduced by Broken and Mended Incorporated

In this episode, Broken and Mended Executive Director, David Heflin, shares four ways from Scripture that Jesus identifies with sinners to fulfill his promise to be with us. Even on the days we suffer the most, Jesus is with us. Sometimes our experience may confirm this, and sometimes that experience proves elusive. That's why we start with Jesus' promise (Matt. 28:20) and not our experience. Still, a greater experience of that promise is likely to follow when we commit ourselves to believing it.Scriptures Referenced in the podcast:Matt. 1:22-23Matt. 28:20John 1:1, 141 Pet. 3:18Rom. 6:23John 1:29Matt. 3:13-16Matt. 4:1-11Heb. 4:15Phil. 2:5-11John 14:23David also announces a virtual conference hosted by Broken and Mended on 10/18 with speakers: Dave Furman, Vaneetha Risner, Shannon Cramer, and Aren and Trina Bahadourian! More details will be announced soon.Host; David HeflinEditor: John Shields

Lauren Watt has dealt with devastating chronic illnesses and pain since her early teenage years. After experiencing a massive disruption in her life, she graduated from high school at the age of 23. Lauren still struggles with some chronic conditions, but her life is greatly improved. She has been helped through a therapy called "brain rewiring." In this episode, Lauren shares her heartbreaking story, but also how God walked with her through her darkest days, and how lament helped her (and can help us) stay connected to God. Lauren shares how scripture has helped her stay rooted in God's promises and His character, and how we can continue to follow Jesus, regardless of our circumstances. Lauren's Substack; https://laurenspen.substack.com/Dr. Lee Warren's podcast (brain rewiring and neuroplasticity): https://www.wleewarrenmd.com/podcast/Sermon by Tim Keller mentioned by Lauren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulmaUtbayGY&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tDBooks recommended by Lauren: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-When-Hurts-reflections-suffering/dp/1784980730https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Gospel-Devotional-Connecting-Scripture/dp/1433593483Host: David HeflinProducer: Andres RuizEditor: John Shields

Rachel Lundy has lived with various chronic medical conditions--all under the umbrella term, dysautonomia--since she was a teenager, robbing her of a normal teenage life and a promising athletic career as a swimmer. Rachel began her website and blog in 2007. Today, it is a hopeful collection of blog posts, book recommendations, and other resources for people with chronic health conditions.Rachel is now a wife and mother of four. She still struggles immensely with chronic illnesses, chronic fatigue, and disability. Yet, her story and witness to God's faithfulness in her struggles are very inspirational and encouraging to our own painful journeys.Rachel has written two books (Hope For The Hard Days and Chronic Illness and Friendship), both of which have free PDF versions available here: https://www.cranberryteatime.com/p/books.html.Paperback and Kindle versions of Hope For the Hard Days can be found on Amazon.Rachel's two favorite books: When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty: Tada, Joni Eareckson, Estes, Steve: 9780310238355: Amazon.com: BooksHeaven by Randy AlcornAlso mentioned by Rachel: Together Through the Storms: Sarah Walton, Jeff Walton: 9781784984724: Amazon.com: BooksRachel is also a regular Diamonds Conference speaker.Host: David HeflinEditor: John Shields

Dr. Timothy Gunnells, professor, preacher, and president of Broken and Mended Incorporated, shares from his struggles with the changes and stresses brought on by chronic illness in his Diamonds Conference 2025 talk. Diamond's Conference all-access pass to the 2025 Diamonds Conference and other past events can be purchased here: https://diamondsconference.org/past-events.Past blog post from Tim: https://brokenandmended.org/traveling-together-on-the-path-of-chronic-illness-by-timothy-gunnells/Past podcast interview with Tim: https://brokenandmended.org/episode/chronic-pain-career-and-family-life-a-conversation-with-timothy-gunnells/Intro: David HeflinEditor: John Shields

Professor, counselor, and author Nate Brooks shares about his new book, Disrupted Journey: Walking With Your Loved One Through Chronic Pain and Illness..Nate shares what he has discovered on his journey in supporting his wife, Kate, through her chronic health conditions. We cover the importance of faithful lament, finding ways to still have fun together as families, creating an atmosphere of accountability and confession, rebuilding a more meaningful community that you lost, and more! Links mentioned in the show: Nate's faculty page: Nate Brooks - Southeastern Baptist Theological SeminaryNate's two blog posts that led to him writing the book: https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2022/11/21/when-your-spouse-suffers-from-chronic-pain-or-illness-part-one/https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2022/11/23/when-your-spouse-suffers-from-chronic-pain-or-illness-part-two/I'm Exhausted by David Powlison Emily Maurits page for "Watchers" (those supporting loved ones through chronic health problems).Emily Maurits Interview on In The SeamsInterview with two husbands of spouses living with chronic pain and illness Nate and Kate's websiteCounseling Website1 John 1:8-9 NIV - If we claim to be without sin, we - Bible GatewayQueen - Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video) on VimeoHost: David Heflin, Producer: Andres Ruiz, Editor: John Shield

This is the talk David gave for the Diamonds Conference on 1/24/25. How do you have joy in the midst of pain? Is happiness the same thing as biblical joy? How has the prosperity gospel harmed our ability to experience joy? How can Tolkien's vision of fellowship help us find courage and experience joy? David tackles these questions and more in this session. Here's the link for the all-access pass to listen to all the sessions from the conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diamonds-2025-courage-in-chronic-illness-tickets-1217186089359?aff=oddtdtcreatorEdited by John Shields

In our final episode of 2024, we review the interviews and themes from all the episodes of 2024. Some of the dominant themes that emerge throughout all the conversations: embracing weakness as knowing the power of God, the overlap between chronic illness and mental illness, the need for the church to re-imagine its theology of suffering, practical resources for addressing chronic conditions (mental or physical), and God raising up people to help people who are hurting. Please see previous episode show notes to find links or resource mentioned.I did say I would like to Let's Start Talking (a missions ministry I was involved in) and Terry Powell's recent post about dealing with depression that was recently published on our website.Donate to Broken and MendedScripture discussed in the episode: 2 Cor. 12:1-10Diamond's Conference registrations 2025We will see you in 2025 with more interviews and episodes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (And please subscribe/follow and review!)

Mandy comes on In The Seams and shares her story of battling chronic pain for the past 13 years and how God has used her as an author to help others on this journey. Her children's book Soft Hugs For Mommy and her upcoming devotional book take unique approaches to help parents talk to their children about their chronic health issues and using music in a unique way to help us focus on God in the midst of our pain. Scriptures referenced: Ps. 119, 2 Cor. 12:6-10Blessings By Laura Story(on stage with Joni Eareckson Tada)www.mandyandmichele.com - Women's health, my journey with pain, book reviews, devotions, and more www.mandyfarmer.com - S.O.F.T. H.U.G.S. - Tips and resources for the chronically ill, plus updates on new books coming. Soft Hugs For Mommy www.softhugsformommy.com Holly the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows. Holly has a farm club online at www.thefarmersplace.com. Sign up for free downloadable coloring pages, farm jokes, and more. There is farm swag available on Mandy's Etsy account. (puzzles, shirts, cups, etc) https://legacygiftscreations.etsy.com

Amber has a multi-faceted ministry to help people with their mental health struggles as well as people living with chronic health conditions. Her website is here. Check out her resources and dance ministry (Light in the Darkness).In this conversation Amber shares her own painful struggle with mental and physical challenges and how God uses her pain to touch the lives of other struggling people. We also talk about how the church and Christians can be more helpful, instead of harmful, in serving those with mental illnesses. Amber also shares about her struggle with endometriosis.Other resources mentioned in the podcast: Mental Health Education & Certification resources: AACCMental Health First Aid USA National Council For Mental WellbeingBCCTR-IBCCBook Amber discussed: I Love Jesus But I Want to DieDiamonds ConferenceHost: David Heflin, Producer: Andres Ruiz, Editor: John Shields

Aren and Trina talk with us about their struggle with chronic Lyme disease and the loss of their son, Ori, after a life-limiting diagnosis. Remainwithus.orgPodcast: Remain | Podcast on SpotifyPodcast (Honey and Gold): Honey & Gold (Vol 1-3) | Podcast on SpotifyMinistry referenced in the interview that helps families who are pregnant with a baby with a life-limiting diagnosis: Abelspeaks.org

Author and speaker Shannon Cramer shares about her journey with chronic illness (Narcolepsy and POTS), and why many chronic illness sufferers struggle with the question, "Is God Punishing Me?" Shannon's website.Shannon's book: How To Keep Believing When You're SufferingHost: David HeflinProducer: Andres RuizEditor: John Shields

Terry shares his journey from childhood depression to developing an impactful ministry to those who struggle with depression. Depression occurs at a higher rate amongst those with chronic illness and pain than the general population It is why we continue to speak out about mental health issues. Through his humility and by his radical dependence on God, Terry shows the church better ways to talk about depression and how God can use in powerful ways what he doesn't take away. Terry's website dedicated to helping Christians navigate depression can be found here: Home - Penetrating the Darkness.You can also email Terry at terry.powell@ciu.edu for a reference sheet of resources addressing depression. The books we discuss in the episode can be found here: Serve Strong - Penetrating the DarknessAnd here: Amazon.com: Can You See The Cross From There?: Grace and Grit For Sufferers and Sinners eBook : Powell, Terry: Kindle Store.Terry also mentions two other book recommendations, which can be found here:Amazon.com : david murray christians get depressed tooSpurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression: Eswine, Zack: 9781781915387: Amazon.com: Books

Dr. Timothy Gunnells shares his own experience with chronic pain in a vulnerable and gentle way. He teaches us that weakness is to be embraced as a way of experiencing the power of Christ (2 Cor. 12:9). This episode contains the Q&A that followed Tim's presentation, hosted by Sara Willoughby, Diamonds Conference founder. Here's the link to the all-access pass (hear from nearly twenty different speakers and sessions for only $54.00) Diamonds 2024: Journeying Tickets, Fri, Mar 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

David Heflin's presentation for the 2024 Diamonds Conference. Here's the link for the all-access pass: Diamonds 2024: Journeying Tickets, Fri, Mar 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

Pierce Taylor Hibbs is the author of over twenty books and other works. Pierce has a unique perspective on anxiety and why getting rid of whatever ails you may not be the solution you need. How can God walk with us through our mental and physical condition? David and Pierce explore these questions and more in this important interview that explores relationship between chronic illness and mental health through a biblical theology of suffering.Pierce's website:https://www.piercetaylorhibbs.com/Pierce's YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@piercetaylorhibbs2263Richard Gaffin article referenced by Pierce:https://www.newhopefairfax.org/images/Gaffin_Usefulness_of_the_Cross.pdfTimothy Keller book referenced by David:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=walking+through+pain+and+suffering&hvadid=580629419466&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9026448&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6225375699090442662&hvtargid=kwd-392143720726&hydadcr=8295_13500824&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_38j3luori5_e

Chronic health conditions are often more than just annoyance. They can alter the course of your entire life. How do you pick up the pieces of shattered dreams and meaningfully move forward. In this episode, Bethany Honaker acknowledges the real losses she has experienced along the way and the surprising ways that God has given her purpose to move forward.Show links: general information on https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/Counseling service mentioned by Bethany: https://www.betterhelp.com/David mentions "Faithful Counseling," but their website redirects to their parent company Better Help. You can find a Christian Counselor through their services, even though it is not an exclusively Christian business.

Timothy Gunnells and David Heflin co-host this episode on the specific struggle of men and chronic pain. Why are men so less likely than women to talk about it? Why do they avoid doctors or connecting with other men who have similar struggles? And how can we change the dangerous downward spiral of mental health amidst chronic pain isolation in men? Tim and David explore these issues and more in this episode of "In The Seams." Trigger Warning: We discuss mental health and suicide in this episode at length. Here is a suicide hotline number if you need to reach out for help: 988 (Calling from U.S.) or visit their website: https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=oneboxSources mentioned in this episode:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8405105/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5845507/https://www.pathways.health/the-male-stigma-in-chronic-pain/https://livethepain.org/men-in-pain-how-ideals-of-masculinity-harm-men-with-chronic-pain/David can be reached at David@brokenandmended.orgTim can be reached at Tim@brokenandmended.org