A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is introducing you to voices that inspire us to love Jesus more deeply. Today, I’m honored to share Natalie Runion with you—a pastor, author, and founder of Raised to Stay, a ministry that encourages weary and wounded leaders to remain faithful to their calling. Natalie’s newest book, I Don’t Even Like Women, is a powerful and vulnerable exploration of female relationships in the church, filled with honesty, humor, and hope. Through her story, Natalie reminds us that even in seasons of disappointment, God is faithful to heal our hearts, redeem our relationships, and invite us into deeper community with one another.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is introducing you to voices that inspire us to love Jesus more deeply. Today, I’m honored to share Jenny Randle with you—an Emmy® award-winning creative, ordained minister, and author whose newest book, The Promised Presence, is a Bible study through Luke and Acts on the power of the Holy Spirit. Jenny’s journey has taken her from Hollywood video editing to ministry leadership, where she now equips believers to experience the Spirit’s presence, power, and purpose. Her story reminds us that God not only redeems our past but empowers us to live with joy and strength today.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that stir the soul and point us back to the heart of God. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Carole Leathem—speaker, author of Are You Ready to Find Joy when Life Get’s Messy?, and a woman whose story radiates hope and authenticity. With raw honesty and contagious faith, Carole shares her journey of navigating mental illness in her family, discovering God’s presence in unexpected places, and learning to embrace joy even in life’s messiest seasons. Her testimony reminds us that we serve a God who meets us in the middle of our struggles and transforms them into opportunities for deeper trust and abiding joy.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that stir the soul and point us back to the heart of God. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Kristen Strong—author of Desperate Woman Seeks Friends, a heartfelt and hope-filled guide for building meaningful connections in a lonely world. A gifted storyteller and encourager, Kristen draws from her own life to remind us that friendship is both a gift and a calling. With grace, warmth, and authenticity, she points us to the Friend who will never leave us, and inspires us to cultivate relationships that reflect His love in tangible, lasting ways.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that stir the soul and point us back to the heart of God. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Brooke Kehl—the Marketing Director for Eastern European Mission (EEM), a storyteller, speaker, and advocate for the life‑transforming power of God’s Word. With sincere humility and unwavering faith, Brooke reminds us that every testimony has redemptive potential, and every encounter with Scripture is a seed of hope. Her journey inspires us to value the narrative of others, to trust in God’s faithfulness, and to see how God’s Word can spark transformation even in the most unexpected places.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that stir the soul and point us back to the heart of God. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Noelle Borgia—a worship leader, speaker, and courageous survivor whose story is marked by healing, redemption, and powerful hope. With raw honesty and unwavering faith, Noelle reminds us that God is faithful in the darkest valleys, and that His truth always has the final word. Her journey will inspire you to walk in your God-given identity and to trust His love—even in the midst of brokenness.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that stir the soul and awaken purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Michelle Ule—an author and historian who brings faith-filled stories from the past to life. Through her writing, Michelle reminds us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Her reflections on legacy, obedience, and joy will inspire you to live your faith with purpose and hope.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that stir the soul and awaken purpose with wisdom, grace, and unwavering faith. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Mary Marantz—an acclaimed author, speaker, and storyteller whose words reach deep into the heart. Mary carries a unique anointing to speak truth with tenderness, inviting women to trade striving for stillness and shame for grace. Whether she’s writing bestselling books, sharing her story of redemption from a West Virginia trailer to Yale Law, or reminding us that we are already enough in Christ, Mary’s message is clear: your story matters, and God is not finished with you yet. Her life is a beautiful testimony of transformation, and her voice will encourage you to step into your God-given identity with quiet strength and bold hope.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that ignite faith and courage with unmistakable passion and purpose. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Rachel Faulkner Brown—a powerful communicator, author, and woman of fearless conviction. Rachel carries a mantle of revival, calling women to live with boldness, freedom, and deep surrender to the Holy Spirit. Whether she’s ministering to widows, mentoring leaders, or rallying believers to pray with power, Rachel’s message is clear: God still heals, restores, and calls His daughters to rise. Her life is a testimony of beauty from ashes, and her voice will awaken something fresh in your walk with Jesus.

Recently, I was presented with a very interesting question by a dear friend. This question has been boiling in the crevices of my heart for weeks, and I am not sure if I am qualified to answer this amazing, complicated question. The friend who posed it is a deep thinker, a true disciple and is on a passionate journey to follow Jesus in all seasons of life. Although she is younger than I am – I want to be more like her. This is the question that has simmered in my soul …  

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Laine Lawson Craft—a dynamic speaker, author, and woman of unshakable faith. Laine has an incredible gift for reaching hearts with her authenticity, boldness, and deep trust in God’s power to redeem and restore. Whether she’s speaking life over prodigals or encouraging women in the trenches of faith, Laine delivers hope with every word. Her story is one of transformation, and her message will stir your spirit, strengthen your faith, and remind you that with God, nothing is ever too far gone.

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Arlene Pellicane—a gifted author, podcaster, and a tireless champion for families. Arlene shares her heart with us this week on how to make your marriage easier. You can learn to love (and like) your spouse for life!

In case you have forgotten this important piece of information about my life or have somehow missed it – my daily walks are nothing if not legendary.  I have had numerous divine appointments with needy, hurting people as I saunter along my 3-mile route in the neighborhoods near my home. God has spoken to me through clouds … and through geese … and through the change of seasons … and through my aging body as I trudge along! 

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Jen Thompson—a gifted speaker, writer, and woman of unwavering faith. Jen has a remarkable way of connecting with hearts through her honesty, wisdom, and deep love for Jesus. Whether she’s teaching from Scripture or sharing her personal story, Jen brings clarity, courage, and compassion to every conversation. Her words don’t just inform—they breathe life, spark hope, and draw us closer to the heart of God.