Faith Over Fear

What happens when a respected Bible teacher’s hidden struggle finally comes to light? In this special feed drop episode from Love Life Sober, Carol McCracken shares the deeply personal story behind a season she hid for years: increasing dependence on alcohol while navigating parenting stress, marital strain, shame, and emotional exhaustion. From the outside, Carol appeared to have everything together. Inside, she was unraveling. After an arrest forced her secret into the open, Carol found herself confronting painful truths about control, identity, fear, and the parts of her heart she had never fully surrendered to God. What followed became a story of grace, healing, freedom from alcohol, and an unexpected journey of restoration. Whether or not alcohol has been part of your story, this conversation speaks to anyone who has: hidden struggles behind a polished image felt trapped by shame feared being “found out” tried to manage pain through unhealthy coping mechanisms wondered if God could still redeem what feels broken In this episode, Carol and Christy discuss: the emotional roots beneath destructive coping patterns the shame many Christians carry in silence surrendering control to God how healing often begins with honesty why freedom rarely happens overnight the difference between knowing truth in your head and believing it in your heart God’s ability to restore what once seemed beyond repair Connect with Christy Osborne: On the Love Life Sober Podcast On her website On Instagram Connect with Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Scripture Referenced Romans 8:38–39 Luke 10:38–42 Lamentations 3:22–23 If This Episode Encouraged You Share this episode with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to Faith Over Fear for more conversations that help you move from fear and striving toward freedom and deeper trust in Christ. For additional support, download this free resource: Freedom from numbing: Breaking Alcohol’s grip Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We've probably all walked into a room and felt unseen, out of place, or excluded. Those experiences can cut deep and leave us feeling alone in the very place where everyone else seems connected with friends. In this episode, Jennifer talks with Dr. Heather Holleman to explore how powerful truths in Ephesians helps us reframes those painful experiences and related insecurities. Together, they unpack what it means to be chosen, included, and seated with Christ and how those realities speak directly into anxiety, comparison, and loneliness. Drawing from Scripture and personal story, this conversation invites listeners to move from striving for belonging to resting in the secure place they already occupy with Jesus. They also discuss the impact of the narratives we carry, what Dr. Holleman calls “shadow stories”, and how replacing those with God’s biblical truth fosters healing and transformation. Through practices like expressive writing and sharing personal “Savior stories,” listeners will discover practical ways to process pain, renew their thinking, and step into their God-given purpose. This episode ultimately shifts the focus from isolation to mission, reminding us that we are not only included in Christ but also sent to reflect Him in a world longing for connection. Resources referenced: Included in Christ: Living A New Story from Ephesians (A Bible Study) by Dr. Heather Holleman "Embracing Your True Self: Living in Your Christ-Centered Identity" Bible reading plan (on the YouVersion Bible app) Connect with Dr. Heather Holleman: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when life takes a devastating turn and God doesn't seem to be helping you? In today’s episode of Faith Over Fear, Jennifer Slattery sits down with retired Air Force brigadier general, chaplain, pastor, and author Bob Page to talk about trusting God in seasons of hardship and uncertainty. Bob shares the powerful story of a life-threatening accident that left him in intensive care while his young family faced an uncertain future. To outside observers, it might have looked as if God had abandoned them. But as Bob reflects on that season, he now sees unmistakable evidence of God’s presence and provision—from a nurse who comforted his injured daughter to unexpected financial provision that sustained his family. Through decades of ministry and personal experience, Bob has learned a profound truth: even when we cannot see or understand God’s ways, we can trust His heart. In this conversation, Jennifer and Bob discuss: Why hardship does not mean God has abandoned us How to speak honestly with God about fear, anger, and confusion The importance of remembering God’s faithfulness in the past How God uses painful seasons to shape our purpose Practical steps to help retrain our minds to see God’s presence Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and insights from Bob’s book God Is Still for You: 10 Reasons You Can Be Sure When Life Is Hard, this episode offers encouragement for anyone walking through difficult circumstances and uncertainty. Key Scripture Mentioned Psalm 121:1–2 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” Psalm 9:10 “Those who know your name trust in you…” Lamentations 3:21–23 “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed…” In This Episode You'll Learn: Why feeling abandoned by God is a common experience during hardship How honest prayer can deepen your relationship with God Why remembering God’s faithfulness strengthens faith How God often prepares us through experiences that seem like detours Practical ways to speak truth to fear Resource referenced: God Is Still For You: Ten Reasons You Can Be Sure Even When Life Is Hard by Bob Page Additional (free) resource you might find helpful: When Fear Strikes: a 7-Day Reset for Anxious Hearts Discussion/Reflective Questions: Have you ever experienced a season when circumstances made you feel as if God had abandoned you? What emotions surfaced during that time? Looking back, can you identify ways God may have been present in that situation—even if you didn’t recognize it at the time? Bob talked about the importance of remembering God’s past faithfulness.What are two or three moments in your life when you clearly saw God provide or guide you? When fear or uncertainty rises, what truths from Scripture help anchor your heart? Bob encouraged listeners to speak honestly with God about their emotions.What might it look like for you to bring your fears or frustrations openly before Him? Is there a situation in your life right now where you’re struggling to trust God’s purposes? How might your perspective shift if you asked God to help you see that situation through the eyes of faith? Connect with Bob Page On his website Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you lie awake replaying conversations… wishing you’d said no instead of yes?Do you feel responsible for everyone else’s happiness and so bogged down by other's expectations that you've lost your sense of self? Are your relationships filled with more takers than givers? Do friendships tend to bring you more anxiety than joy? If so, Jennifer Slattery's conversation with author and podcast host Jennifer Renee Watson will encourage you. In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and speaker Jennifer Renee Watson to unpack the emotional roots of people-pleasing, codependency, and the deep fear of not being “enough” or "doing enough." Together, they explore how trauma, anxiety, and unhealthy relationship patterns can shape our identity—and how God leads us toward healing, clarity, and freedom. Jennifer Watson shares her personal story of growing up in instability, navigating ministry pressures, and learning—one fumbling step at a time—how to set boundaries, recognize harmful patterns, and rediscover her voice. This conversation offers practical encouragement for anyone struggling with approval-seeking, emotional exhaustion, relational confusion, or the pressure to always keep others happy. You’ll learn why people-pleasing often grows from survival patterns, how resentment can signal deeper wounds, and why healing takes time, support, and truth. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that your worth isn’t defined by others’ approval—but by God’s steady love and presence. This episode is for you if you: Struggle to say no without guilt Feel drained by relationships or expectations Carry anxiety about disappointing others Want healthier boundaries rooted in faith Long to rediscover your identity and confidence in Christ Resource referenced: What If You're Doing Better Than You Think?: Finding Courage and Confidence When Life Gets Messy  Additional (free) resource you might find helpful: When Fear Strikes: a 7-Day Reset for Anxious Hearts Key truth to hold onto: [God] is your constant source of stability; he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom (Isaiah 33:6, NET) Next step: Pay attention to your yeses and nos this week. Notice what drives them—and invite God into the healing process. Discussion/Reflective Questions: When do you feel the strongest pressure to please others—and what fears tend to drive that response? How has your past (family, church, relationships, or trauma) shaped your current boundaries or lack of them? What lies about your identity or worth have fueled anxiety or people-pleasing in your life? Where might resentment or emotional exhaustion be signaling a need for healthier limits? What would it look like to anchor your sense of safety and worth in God rather than others’ approval? What is one small, practical step you can take this week to honor your emotional and spiritual health (a boundary, a conversation, a pause before saying yes)? Who are the safe people in your life that can support your healing and growth? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Jennifer Renee Watson: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Follow her writing on Amazon Check out the podcast she cohosts with two other speakers, "More Than Small Talk" Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When headlines, social media, and everyday stress collide, anxiety can easily take over. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and Carol McCracken explore why our minds and bodies respond so strongly to cultural chaos—and how God gently leads us back to peace. Download the free companion guide for this episode here: Finding Peace in a Chaotic World: A Faith-Based Guide to Quieting Anxiety and Re-centering Your Heart Additional (free) resource you might find helpful: When Fear Strikes: a 7-Day Reset for Anxious Hearts You’ll hear: how stress and overstimulation affect the brain why anxious thoughts spiral so quickly practical grounding tools rooted in faith how Jesus modeled withdrawal and reconnection with the Father why joy, Scripture, and community strengthen emotional resilience If you’ve felt overwhelmed lately, this conversation will remind you: you’re not broken—and you’re not alone. God meets us right where we are and leads us toward calm, clarity, and renewed trust. Scripture referenced in this episode: Proverbs 3:5–6“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Isaiah 26:3–4“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You… The Lord Himself is the Rock eternal.” Psalm 46:1–2“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” Psalm 91:1–4God as refuge, shelter, and covering. Isaiah 41:10“Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Colossians 3:15“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Gospel accounts of Jesus withdrawing to pray(Mark 1:35-39; Luke 5:15-16; Luke 6:12) Reflective Questions: Use these for journaling, small groups, or personal reflection. When I feel overwhelmed, what tends to trigger my anxiety most—noise, conflict, social media, uncertainty, or something else? What physical signs tell me I’m becoming dysregulated or stressed (sleep disruption, tension, racing thoughts, irritability)? Which grounding practice helps me reconnect with God most easily—breathing, Scripture, silence, journaling, nature, prayer, or community? Where might God be inviting me to “withdraw” from input right now so I can hear His voice more clearly? What truth from Scripture do I need to return to when my thoughts begin to spiral? What is one small step I can take this week to pursue peace intentionally instead of waiting for my circumstances to change? If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who may be feeling overwhelmed. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others find hope and practical help when they need it most. Find Carol McCracken: On her website  On Facebook On Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you lie awake at night worried about money?If financial stress has left you feeling anxious, ashamed, or trapped, this episode will encourage you and help alleviate some of your fear.  In today’s Faith Over Fear conversation, host Jennifer Slattery sits down with Todd Moore, Director of Education at Trinity Debt Management, to talk honestly about financial fear, scarcity mindsets, and the emotional weight money struggles carry—especially in today’s economy. Todd shares his powerful story of growing up with scarcity, accumulating debt as a first-generation college student, and eventually discovering that financial hardship doesn’t define your future. Together, Jennifer and Todd explore why money anxiety impacts our sense of safety, how past trauma can intensify present fear, and why struggling financially is far more common—and far less shameful—than many realize. You’ll also hear practical, grace-filled encouragement for anyone who feels overwhelmed or stuck, including: Why financial hardship doesn’t mean you’ve failed How fear affects the brain—and why support matters Small, doable steps you can take right now to regain clarity How God’s compassion meets us in seasons of financial uncertainty Why asking for help can be the turning point toward freedom If you’re facing job loss, debt, rising expenses, or lingering fear rooted in past instability, this episode offers both biblical reassurance and practical hope. Resources Mentioned: Trinity Debt Management: https://www.trinitycredit.org Free companion resource You are not alone. You are not stuck. And God is still leading you toward freedom. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. “Whether we’re helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548. https://trinitycredit.org/  Reflective Questions (For Show Notes, Companion Guide, or Journaling) What emotions surface when you think about your finances right now—fear, shame, exhaustion, or uncertainty?How might God be inviting you to bring those emotions honestly to Him? Can you identify any past experiences (childhood scarcity, instability, job loss, homelessness, or debt) that may be fueling your current financial anxiety?How does recognizing this change the way you view yourself? Where have you been tempted to believe that your financial situation defines your worth, faith, or future?What truth from Scripture counters that belief? What would it look like to stop facing financial stress alone?Who might God be inviting you to reach out to for support, guidance, or education? What is one small, manageable step you could take this week to move toward clarity rather than avoidance?(Tracking expenses, making a call, praying honestly, or asking for help.) How does this conversation reshape your understanding of God’s compassion and provision—not just for today, but for the future He sees and prepares you for? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many people know God is loving and kind—but struggle to feel or trust that love in their most wounded places. For those impacted by trauma, religious abuse, legalism, or deep loss, God can feel distant, harsh, or unsafe. In this moving conversation, host Jennifer Slattery sits down with author Sherri Hughes Gregg to explore how Jesus consistently reveals Himself as tender, compassionate, and near to the brokenhearted. Drawing from Sherri’s book The Compassionate Christ, her personal journey through divorce and cancer, and powerful Gospel narratives—including the leper, the grieving widow, and the Samaritan woman—this episode gently challenges fear-based views of God and invites listeners into healing truth. Together, Jennifer and Sherri model how we can wrestle respectfully with Scripture, release shame-laden interpretations, and encounter Christ as He truly is: the One who comforts, restores dignity, and brings beauty from ashes. Download this episode's free companion guide with Scripture and journal prompts here. Resource referenced: The Compassionate Christ: Draw Near to the Risen Savior (A 31-Day Devotional Retelling of Stories from the Life of Jesus)  Discussion/Reflective Questions: When you think about God’s posture toward you, what emotions surface most easily—fear, comfort, suspicion, hope? Why do you think that is? How have past experiences (family, church culture, trauma, or suffering) shaped the way you interpret Jesus’ actions and words in Scripture? Which Gospel story mentioned in this episode—the leper, the widow, or the Samaritan woman—do you most relate to right now? What about it resonates with your current season? Are there moments when suffering or disappointment has caused old fears or shame-based beliefs about God to resurface? How have you responded to those thoughts? What would it look like to intentionally observe how Jesus interacts with wounded people in the Gospels, without filtering His actions through fear or self-condemnation? Where might God be inviting you to receive comfort before resolution—to trust His nearness even while you wait for healing or answers? What is one lie about God’s character you feel prompted to gently release—and one truth about His compassion you want to sit with this week? Connect with Sherri Hughes Gregg: On Instagram On Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When anxiety tightens your chest and fear whispers that you’re alone, knowing who God is can steady your heart. In this deeply comforting conversation, Jennifer Slattery sits down with author and ministry leader Grace Fox to explore how the names of God reveal His nearness, power, and peace—especially in seasons of uncertainty, trauma, and unanswered prayer. Grace shares how understanding God as Yahweh Shalom, Abba Father, Yahweh Roi (the Lord my Shepherd), and the God who is Light can reshape how we walk through hardship. From cultivating daily time with God in busy seasons to experiencing supernatural peace in the middle of a medical crisis, this episode gently reminds listeners that fear is not a sign of failed faith—but often a signal that we were never meant to carry our burdens alone. In this episode, guest Grace Fox shares practical tools to quiet anxious thoughts, anchor themselves in truth, and learn how God often reveals His heart most clearly in life’s darkest caves. (Scroll down to download a free companion guide designed to help you process this episodes content more deeply and for more information on today's guest, Grace Fox.) Key Topics Covered in today's episode: Why fear doesn’t mean you’ve disappointed God How the names of God reveal His character and care Finding peace while still “in process” God as Father for those wounded by earthly relationships How God brings light and beauty even in dark seasons Practical steps to experience peace amid chaos Resource Referenced: Names of God: Knowing Peace: Devotional Study with Video Access (Names of God Devotional Studies Book 2) by Grace Fox Download this episodes free companion guide HERE. Discussion/Reflective Questions: When anxiety rises, what does your first response tend to be—problem-solving, worrying, withdrawing, or turning toward God? Which name of God discussed in this episode resonates most deeply with your current season, and why? How might viewing God as a perfect Father challenge or heal wounds shaped by imperfect human relationships? Where do you feel like you’re “in process” right now, tempted to believe you should be further along? What would it look like to ask, “God, what do You want to teach me here?” instead of “Why is this happening?” Are there areas of chaos in your life where you need to invite God’s light to bring clarity or order? How might intentionally renewing your mind change the way you experience fear or uncertainty this week? Connect with Grace Fox:   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.