By Words: Honest Faith Talks to Encourage Everyday Christian Women

Shame wants to keep you stuck in cycles of shame. Jesus is inviting you into the fullness of freedom.
In today’s conversation, I’m sitting down with Heather O’Brien to talk about something so many Christian women carry quietly: shame that was never meant to be ours to hold.
We’re getting honest about how shame gets passed down in subtle ways, how it keeps us silent, and why it can make hearing God feel confusing or distant.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 
Heather shares what it looks like to invite Jesus into those deeper emotional wounds — not with pressure, but with gentleness — and how true healing leads to clarity, confidence, and a restored voice.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, small, or unsure if God is really speaking to you, this episode is for you.

To connect with Heather, head over to @healwithgodpodcast on IG!
Heal with God podcast: https://heatherobrien.net/podcast 
My interview on Heal with God podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/217-in-a-hidden-season-this-christmas-hearing-god/id1151250243?i=1000741814807
Join Heather’s FREE live prophetic healing workshop every 3rd Monday of the month: https://heatherobrien.net/workshop 

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:
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https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

I used to be obsessed with personal development and self-help books and resources. I thought reading and learning more would make my faith stronger, but instead of feeling closer to Jesus, I just felt exhausted.
In today’s episode, we’re chatting with author Kelsey McGinnis about the subtle weight of Christian self-help culture and how something meant to help us grow can quietly turn into pressure to perform.
If you’ve ever felt spiritually exhausted while doing all the “right things,” you’re not alone. I’ve been there too — trying to manage my faith instead of actually abiding in Jesus.
Galatians 3:3 (ESV) says, “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” That one hits.
This conversation is an invitation to lay down the spiritual to-do list and return to something deeper, rooted, and relational.
Today is the day we come back to Jesus, not as a project to perfect, but a Savior to rest in.

To connect with Kelsey, head over to @kelseykmcginnis on IG or https://kkramermcginnis.substack.com!
Self-Help Me, God article on Kelsey’s substack: https://substack.com/@kelseykramermcginnis/p-183162193 

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

The word theology can feel intimidating. Like something reserved for pastors, scholars, or seminary classrooms.
But here’s the truth: if you love God and want to understand His Word, you’re already stepping into theology.
In today’s episode, we’re talking about what theology actually is and why it matters for everyday Christian women. You don’t need a degree to grow deep roots in your faith. You simply need curiosity, humility, and a willingness to open your Bible and ask honest questions.
Scripture reminds us: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
Theology isn’t about becoming the smartest person in the room. It’s about knowing God more deeply and learning to handle His Word with care in your daily life.
In this episode we talk about:
• What theology really means
• Why every believer already has theology (whether we realize it or not)
• Why understanding God’s character shapes how we walk through hard seasons
• 3 simple ways to start learning theology right where you are
Friend, you don’t need a seminary classroom to study God. Sometimes theology looks like opening your Bible at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and a hungry heart.

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Have you ever wondered, “How do I really know the Bible is true?”
In today’s episode, we’re stepping into that honest, sacred space together.
I’m joined by biblical archaeologist and author Amanda Hope Haley, whose newest book, Stones Still Speak, reveals how ancient discoveries actually deepen our confidence in Scripture. These aren’t dusty relics, they’re reminders that God’s Word is rooted in real history, real places, real promises.
We talk about:
Why archaeology doesn’t challenge our faith, but strengthens it
Surprising discoveries that illuminate familiar Bible stories
How historical context can anchor us in seasons of doubt or waiting
Practical ways to read Scripture with curiosity and confidence
If you’ve ever felt the tension between faith and questions, this conversation is for you. Grab your coffee and settle in. Today is the day to get real and get rooted a little more deeply in God’s truth.

To connect with Amanda, head over to @amandahopehaley on IG!
Get Amanda’s book: https://amzn.to/47A87fG

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes

Can women be pastors? That’s the question we’re talking about today,  not as a hot take, not as a debate, but as an honest, Scripture-rooted conversation.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Preston Sprinkle to talk about his new book From Genesis to Junia and what the Bible really says about women in leadership. We talk about where he started personally, what surprised him in his research, and why this conversation feels so personal for so many women.
We also gently step into topics like submission, headship, and how to hold biblical authority alongside compassion and context.
If you’ve ever wondered about God’s heart for women and their role in the Church, I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation.

To connect with Preston, head over to https://www.prestonsprinkle.com or @preston.sprinkle on IG!
Get Preston’s new book here: https://amzn.to/4r8U4nL 
Preston’s podcast, Theology in the Raw: https://theologyintheraw.com/podcasts 

Submit a question for “Ask Han” here: https://forms.gle/qWGxyy9M5Q5N2tMz9 

SUPPORT BY WORDS: https://buymeacoffee.com/bywords

My favorite Bible studies + devotionals - HANNAHHUGHES10  for 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=300773 

CONNECT:
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/thehannahhughes