In this deeply personal episode of Perspectives into Practice, I sit down with my friend Anna, a strong and faith-filled mama of four, to walk through a journey no parent expects. Her youngest daughter, Josie, lives with complex medical needs, and Anna opens up about everything from the shock of prenatal diagnoses to navigating NICU life, surgeries, and the emotional weight of becoming a special needs parent. We talk about grief, surrender, and the surprising ways God's peace shows up in the middle of chaos. Anna shares how the truth of Genesis 39:2, “The Lord was with Joseph,” became her anchor during Josie’s surgeries and NICU stays. She also found comfort in the name El Roi from Genesis 16:13, which means “the God who sees me.” These scriptures, along with Philippians 4:7 and Psalm 139, helped her hold onto hope in moments when she felt completely undone. This episode is about more than just survival. It is about trust. It is about what happens when healing does not come the way we expected. Anna reminds us that God does not promise a certain type of life, but He does promise His presence. She encourages anyone walking through hardship to know they are not a victim of their circumstances. Instead, they are seen, known, and carried by a God who adds grace to even the hardest places. Scripture References: Genesis 39:2 – “The Lord was with Joseph” Genesis 16:13 – El Roi, “the God who sees me” Philippians 4:7 – “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” Psalm 139 – God’s intimate knowledge and care for us Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” Whether you are in a season of waiting, parenting through uncertainty, or simply trying to hold onto faith, Anna’s story will encourage you that you are never alone. God is right there, adding grace every step of the way.
In this episode of Perspectives Into Practice, I sit down with my friend Kelsey, host of the Lace with Grace podcast, to talk about what it really means to obey God when it’s uncomfortable. We talk about the tension of being led by the Holy Spirit to speak truth online, even when we know it won’t be popular. Kelsey shares how she’s learned to discern between conviction from God and criticism from people, and how obedience isn’t about us—it’s about the person on the other side who needs to hear it. We dig into the hard stuff like dealing with religious judgment, wrestling with our own self-doubt, and the courage it takes to share what God puts on our hearts. Kelsey also opens up about her passion for caring for our bodies as temples and why that message has been met with resistance, even in faith communities. Through it all, she reminds us that God sees our obedience and uses it in ways we may never fully understand. We talk through some powerful scriptures like Romans 8, Matthew 16:25, Jeremiah 29:11, and Luke 6, and how they’ve grounded her in the process. If you’ve ever struggled with fear of judgment, knowing when to speak up, or wondering if your obedience even matters, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m joined by my brave, joyful, and deeply resilient daughter, Hadassah. We’re sharing about a season that completely turned our world upside down. What started with sudden sickness led to hospital stays, seven blood transfusions, and a whole lot of fear I never expected to walk through as a mom. But even in that scary place, God showed up. He met us in the laughter, in the pain, in the long nights, and in the jokes Hadassah kept telling to every nurse, doctor, and tech who walked through the door. In this conversation, you’ll hear her side of the story. She’ll tell you what helped her feel brave, how she felt God's presence, and why bringing joy to others helped her get through the hardest moments. One of the most powerful things she says is this: “I think Jesus wants me to remember that I’ll be safe and trust Him in all things.” That simple faith anchored both of us when everything around us felt uncertain. If you’ve ever watched your child suffer, or if you're in the middle of a hard season right now, I pray this episode brings you comfort and hope. As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Verses to Hold Onto Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Lamentations 3:22–23 – Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. Matthew 18:3 – Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. May Hadassah’s childlike faith and contagious joy remind you that even in the hardest places, God is near. And sometimes, the loudest form of faith is a smile in the middle of a hospital room.
In the second half of this honest conversation, Kristina and I go deeper into the definition of unconditional love, the realities of trauma, and how to set godly boundaries with parents who’ve caused harm. Kristina asks me to reflect on what I hope my children learn about honor, and together they wrestle with what healing looks like through the lens of grace, not guilt. Topics we explore in Part Two: Defining unconditional love and how upbringing shapes it Scriptural examples of Jesus interacting with his parents When pleasing parents conflicts with honoring God Practical boundaries for adult children navigating painful dynamics Forgiveness when there is no repentance Moving toward healing without dismissing harm Scripture References in Part Two: John 2:1–11 — The wedding at Cana Luke 2:41–50 — Jesus at the temple Mark 3:20–35 — “Who are my mother and brothers?” 2 Timothy 3:1–5 — Avoiding abusive or unloving people Luke 17:3–4 — Forgiveness, even when it's hard Ephesians 6:4 — Parents not provoking children Philippians 4:8 — Meditating on the good (reiterated) If you’ve ever wondered how to love someone without losing yourself or how to forgive without enabling, part two offers wisdom, hope, and real tools for walking the hard road with your faith intact.
How do you honor your father and mother when that relationship has caused deep pain or even abuse? In part one of this powerful two-part conversation, I am joined by my friend Kristina to explore the tension between honoring parents and protecting your heart. We unpack the difference between Old and New Testament teachings, share vulnerable personal stories, and ask bold spiritual questions that don’t have easy answers. Topics we explore in Part One: What “honor your father and mother” meant in the Old Testament The transition to grace through the New Testament The impact of fear-based theology and legalism Enmeshment theory and emotional control What it means to honor parents as an adult child The tension between biblical honor and people-pleasing Scripture References in Part One: Exodus 20:12 — The fifth commandment Ephesians 6:1–3 — Children and obedience Psalm 23:4 — “Your rod and staff, they comfort me” Matthew 5:17 — Jesus fulfilling the law Deuteronomy context — Teaching children commandments Philippians 4:8 — Meditating on what is good If you’ve ever struggled with religious expectations, enmeshment, or the emotional weight of family, this episode will meet you right where you are with truth, curiosity, and grace.
In this episode of Perspectives into Practice, I sit down with my dear friend Ashley to talk about something so many of us carry quietly, miscarriage, loss, and the dry, aching seasons that often follow. Ashley vulnerably shares her journey through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss and the unexpected spiritual numbness that came with it. She opens up about how she struggled to feel God’s presence and how, in that silence, He was still near. He is providing small but powerful reminders of His love, including a devotional called Held and a yellow hummingbird that became a personal symbol of hope. Together, we talk about: What it means when Romans 8:26–27 says the Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. The comfort in Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Why feeling “nothing” can actually be God’s protection. The challenge of clinging to truth when our emotions fall short. How healing begins when we keep showing up, one quiet moment at a time. If you’ve ever felt far from God, or struggled to pray through pain, this episode is for you. Ashley’s story is a reminder that even in silence, God is not absent. He’s sitting with us in the sorrow, loving us through every unseen moment.
Have you ever grieved something so deeply that you didn’t know how to move forward? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Danielle, who shares how the sudden loss of her mom opened a door to something entirely new. What started as a pursuit of health and a faith-fueled fitness journey turned into writing a 30-day devotional on grief during one plane ride. Together, we talk about how grief shows up in ways we don’t always name. It can be the loss of a loved one, a move to a new place, a shift in motherhood, or changes in our identity. Danielle brings such a gentle wisdom and practical faith perspective to the conversation, reminding us that while grief is real, it doesn’t get the final say. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” You’ll be encouraged by her honesty, inspired by her obedience, and reminded that even in sorrow, God is still writing beautiful stories. Whether you’re grieving a person, a place, or a season, this conversation will help you feel seen and remind you that your pain has purpose. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If you are suffering with silent grief or feeling stuck in sadness, this episode will remind you that you are not alone and that healing is possible. Connect with Danielle and explore her resources: Facebook: Suit Up Sisterhood Group Instagram: @suitupsister2025 Website: www.suitupsisterhood.com Order the devotional Backpack of Grief on Amazon (You can also access it through the Suit Up Sisterhood website)
Gratitude is easy when life is going well, but what about when it’s not? In this vulnerable and hope-filled conversation, Alana returns to share how choosing gratitude in the hardest seasons has transformed her walk with God. From walking through an unexpected divorce to wrestling with eternal promises, she reminds us that thankfulness isn’t about ignoring pain, it’s about finding God’s presence in the midst of it. In this episode, we talk about: What it looks like to give thanks in everything (not for everything) Why our words matter in shaping our perspective and spiritual direction How gratitude shifts our focus from self to service, and bitterness to humility The link between gratitude, contentment, and spiritual maturity How to cultivate gratefulness even when life feels overwhelming Scriptures mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:1–5 – Ungratefulness listed among the traits to avoid in the last days Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace...” James 1:2–4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” Whether you're in a valley or on the mountaintop, this conversation is a reminder that gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a powerful perspective shift that opens the door to joy, healing, and deeper faith.
In this episode of Perspectives Into Practice, I get to sit down once again with my dear friend Tiffany, and we’re diving into one of my favorite topics—how God shows Himself through creation. Tiffany and her family have visited 48 of the 63 national parks, and their journey is more than just scenic—it’s deeply spiritual. We talk about what it’s like to experience God’s majesty through mountains, deserts, and glaciers, and how even a simple hike can open your heart to His presence. Tiffany shares how national park adventures have shaped her view of God's creativity, beauty, and power, and how these trips—though sometimes chaotic and exhausting—have drawn her family closer and revealed profound truths about God's character. Whether it was Glacier National Park moving her to tears or the unexpected peace of a wheat field in North Dakota, these awe-inspiring places have become sacred spaces of reflection and connection with the Lord. We also talk about the character of God that’s revealed in these moments—His creativity, His care, His power—and how being in nature reminds us that if He took so much care creating this beautiful world, how much more care did He take in creating us? As we reflect on scripture like Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,” and the reminder from Genesis 1:31 that “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good,” we are reminded that nature itself points us back to our Creator. Tiffany also reminds us of a powerful truth from the Westminster Catechism: "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever," and we talk about how enjoying His creation is part of that worship. If you’ve ever needed a reason to pause, step outside, and look up, this episode is your invitation. Whether you’re on the open road or sitting quietly in your backyard, I pray this conversation helps you see God’s presence and goodness all around you—and reminds you that even small moments outside can bring big shifts in perspective.
In today’s episode, I sit down with my wise and witty friend Kristina to explore a perspective we don’t often hear in church, what it means to be a faithful woman who doesn’t have children by choice. Kristina opens up about the discernment behind her decision, the assumptions she’s faced, and the freedom she’s found to serve God and others in powerful ways. We talk about how identity in Christ (Galatians 3:28) transcends traditional roles, how community can grow when we move beyond assumptions (Romans 12:4–5), and how God’s calling looks beautifully different for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). Kristina's story is a gentle challenge to choose curiosity over judgment and to trust that every life path, when surrendered to God, can bear fruit. Whether you’re a parent, child-free, or still discerning your path, I believe this episode will leave you encouraged, seen, and reminded that you are fully known and loved by God.
In this tender and deeply personal solo episode, I open up about a season of life marked by medical challenges, emotional weight, and spiritual silence. I share what it’s been like to walk through my daughter’s rare anemia diagnosis while facing my own ongoing health issues. Through real-time vulnerability and raw faith, I invite you into the sacred space of struggle, where prayers sometimes feel dry, but God’s presence still lingers. You’ll hear how peace often shows up quietly, even when circumstances make no sense. This episode is for anyone feeling weary, unseen, or held together by threads of hope. If you’ve ever whispered, “How long, Lord?” or wondered if God is still near in the silence, this conversation will remind you: peace is possible, even in the fog. Scripture shared: Psalm 13, Romans 8, Psalm 34:18, 1 Kings 19, Lamentations 3 Practical faith rhythms for heavy seasons Encouragement for those feeling like they’re being held in the dark Tune in and be gently reminded: even when everything feels like too much, you are not alone, and God is still good.
This conversation is one that’s been on my heart for a while. So many of us wonder, does God really speak to us? And if He does, how can we tell it’s Him and not just our own thoughts or emotions? In this episode, my sweet friend Alana is back, and we’re diving deep into her journey of learning to hear God’s voice. We discuss how He speaks uniquely to each of us, whether through sight, hearing, knowledge, or feeling, and how she learned to discern His voice amidst everyday life. We also talk about: What it looks like to recognize God's voice beyond the pages of Scripture How emotions can actually be a gateway to hearing from Him (yes, even the messy ones!) The importance of practicing discernment and being in community with others What to do when you feel overwhelmed, and how to steward what God shares with you If you’re in a season where you’re seeking clarity, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical wisdom. Resources & Scriptures we mentioned: Prophetic Personalities study by Havilah Cunnington at Truth to Table Five Love Languages Romans 12:1–2 – Presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice 1 Corinthians 13 – Using love as a filter for discernment Genesis 37–50 – Joseph’s story of divine direction Book of Job – Learning to hear God through pain Ephesians 6:10–18 – Putting on the armor of God YouVersion Bible App – A helpful tool for daily reading and reminders If this episode speaks to you, I’d love it if you shared it with a friend and joined our community! You can always message me on Instagram @Jessdeyoung, or find our Facebook group, Made Whole. I’d love to walk this journey with you.
What do you do when everything you’ve built suddenly disappears? In this deeply moving episode of Perspectives into Practice, I sit down with my friend Tiffany, who shares her powerful testimony of walking through the unimaginable, the total loss of her brand-new home in a house fire. But this isn’t just a story about devastation. It’s a testimony of faith, community, and the unexpected ways God meets us in the ashes. Tiffany opens up about the morning her home exploded, how her family miraculously escaped, and the grace that carried them through the chaos. With raw honesty, she reflects on what it means to lose everything and still count it all as gain because of Christ. You’ll hear how her family found strength in scripture, healing in their community, and even humor in the rebuilding process. If you’ve ever faced a season of loss or uncertainty, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone and that God is working, even in the fire. Scriptures Mentioned in the Episode: Philippians 3:8–10 – “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” Job 1:21 – “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 2:10 – “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Genesis 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” For Further Reflection: Read the full story of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37–50 Explore the full journey of Job in The Book of Job
Today’s episode of Perspectives Into Practice is all about the little things! I’m joined again by my sister Bryanna, and together we’re talking about what it really means to be faithful in the small, everyday moments. Sometimes, the quiet choices and unseen acts of obedience are what matter most in our walk with Jesus. We’ll dig into: ✨ Why the small stuff actually matters to God ✨ Staying faithful even when no one is watching ✨ How little acts of obedience can lead to big growth ✨ Encouragement for anyone feeling like their efforts go unseen This conversation will remind you that every small step of faithfulness matters—and that God sees it all. Scriptures: Luke 16:10, Colossians 3:23, Zechariah 4:10
How do you build a faith-filled marriage in a world that’s always redefining love, commitment, and relationships? Today on Perspectives Into Practice, I’m joined by my sweet friend Shannan—new grandma, marriage mentor, and co-founder of 24/7 Marriage! Shannan and her husband have dedicated their lives to helping couples center their marriages on Christ, redeem broken stories, and build strong, lasting love. We’ll chat about: ✨ The foundation of a Christ-centered marriage ✨ The difference between worldly and biblical relationships ✨ Real-life challenges and cultural pressures ✨ Practical ways to keep Christ at the center—no matter your season ✨ Encouragement for anyone longing for a faith-filled marriage If you want to strengthen your marriage or prepare your heart for one in the future, this episode will fill you with hope and wisdom. Share with a friend who needs encouragement today, and don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode!
Today’s episode is extra special because I’m joined by my sister, Bryanna! She has such a powerful testimony of God’s redemption and grace, and I know her story will encourage you. So many of us struggle with the lie that our past mistakes, failures, or circumstances define who we are. But the truth? In Christ, we are made new! Bryanna shares her journey of breaking free from shame, walking in God’s redemption, and learning to embrace the future He has for her. In this episode, we’re talking about:✨ The lie that says your past defines you—and how to reject it (2 Corinthians 5:17)✨ What it looks like to actually walk in freedom (Romans 8:1)✨ Practical ways to let go of the past and step into God’s purpose (Isaiah 43:18-19) If you’ve ever felt like your past disqualifies you from God’s love or plan, this episode is for you!
A few episodes back, my friend Amanda shared her powerful journey of learning to hear God’s voice and step out in obedience—even when it didn’t make sense. But here’s the thing: hearing God is just the beginning. Because once we recognize His voice, He often calls us to surrender in ways we never expected. That’s what we’re diving into today—what it really means to surrender control and trust God, even when the process is hard, even when the outcome isn’t immediate blessing, and even when it feels like we’re being pruned instead of rewarded. In this episode, Amanda and I talk about:✨ The ongoing journey of trusting God beyond the first ‘yes.’✨ What happens when surrender feels like loss instead of gain.✨ How God uses pruning seasons to grow deeper faith and produce more fruit.✨ Practical ways to trust God when surrender feels scary or painful. If you’ve ever felt like letting go is the hardest part of following Jesus, this episode is for you. Amanda shares wisdom, encouragement, and personal stories to remind us that surrender isn’t about losing—it’s about making room for something greater.
If you’ve ever felt completely drained—like you’re pouring from an empty cup—you are not alone. But what if we could shift from overwhelmed to overflowing? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking today with my friend, Alana! In this episode, we talk about:✨ A season when Alana felt completely overwhelmed and how she got through it.✨ What helped her shift from empty to overflowing with God’s presence?✨ Simple, practical ways to make space for renewal and rest in daily life.✨ One small change you can make today to move toward a life of overflow. If you’re feeling exhausted or stretched thin, this conversation will remind you that God has more for you than just survival—He wants you to thrive!
Uncertainty is something we all face. Whether it’s a big life decision, an unexpected challenge, or simply the unknowns of the future, fear has a way of creeping in. But the Bible tells us to choose faith over fear—so how do we actually do that when everything feels shaky? In this episode of Perspectives Into Practice, I’m joined again by my friend Alyx, and we’re diving deep into what it means to trust God in uncertain seasons. Alyx shares her personal story of learning to lean on God when life didn’t go as planned and what it looked like to release control and walk in faith. We talk about:✨ The hardest part about choosing faith over fear in real-life situations.✨ How to trust God even when doubt and fear feel overwhelming.✨ What it means to take action in faith before we see the full picture.✨ Practical ways to stand on God’s truth and fight fear with faith. If you’ve ever struggled with fear, doubt, or the unknown, this conversation will encourage and equip you to trust God no matter what comes your way.
Have you ever wondered how to truly hear God’s voice—and more importantly, how to follow it when He speaks? It’s one thing to desire His guidance, but stepping out in obedience can feel scary, uncertain, or even confusing. In today’s episode of Perspectives Into Practice, I’m joined by my dear friend Amanda, who has such a powerful heart for the Lord. (Oh, and fun fact—you might not know this, but she was once a figure skater! ⛸) Amanda shares her journey of learning to recognize God’s voice, including a moment when the Holy Spirit prompted her to clean a parking lot—a seemingly small act of obedience that led to something much bigger. We talk about: ✨ The first time she truly recognized God speaking to her.✨ What it felt like to obey when it didn’t make sense.✨ The amazing ways God moved as a result of that obedience.✨ Practical ways you can grow in hearing and following His voice. If you’ve ever struggled with knowing whether it’s really God speaking or wondered how to move from just hearing to actually following, this conversation is for you. And don’t forget—this is just Part 1 of our conversation! Be sure to tune in next time, when Amanda and I talk about what happens after obedience—how surrendering control leads to true freedom.