Hope for Right Now: A Walking with Purpose Podcast

We've moved! We'd love for you to help us build momentum. Subscribe to our new podcast: same launch day (Mondays), new launch location. Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast launched June 1. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to get notified. Apple Podcasts Spotify Podbean Our Website Psalm 46 + Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry In a world that rarely slows down, God invites us to be still. In this first season of Be Still: A Walking with Purpose Podcast, Lisa Brenninkmeyer explores six Scriptures that teach us how to stop striving, quiet our hearts, and trust Him in the middle of real life. Through the wisdom of the Bible and the companionship of great books, we’ll discover how God gently holds us steady and invites us to be still—right where we are. Today we’re going to slow down together with one of the most beloved verses in all of Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) We often picture this verse as soft and peaceful—but Psalm 46 was written in the middle of chaos. Mountains fall. Waters roar. Nations rage. And right there, God says: Be still. Stillness isn’t the absence of trouble. It’s the decision to trust God in the middle of it. In this episode, Lisa reflects on Psalm 46 alongside Wendell Berry’s novel Hannah Coulter, a quiet story about one woman’s faithful life of loving her family, tending her home, and staying rooted in one place. Together, Scripture and story remind us that holiness is often hidden in the ordinary. You don’t have to hold the world together.You don’t have to chase a bigger life.God is already present in the one you’ve been given. In this episode, we explore: What “be still” really means in Hebrew (stop striving, release your grip) Why stillness is trust, not passivity Wendell Berry’s vision of “membership” and belonging The sacredness of ordinary, everyday faithfulness How Mary at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10) models the same posture of presence Journaling Questions Where in my life am I striving or gripping tightly — and how might God be inviting me to release control and trust Him instead? What ordinary people or places has God already entrusted to me that I’m being called to love more faithfully this week? Key ScripturePsalm 46:10. Be still, and know that I am God. Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay in the know. Connect with us today. We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Encore Episode 1: Philippians 1 There’s an old Latin proverb that says, “Repetition is the mother of learning.” With that in mind, we are revisiting some of your favorite Hope for Right Now podcast episodes. Our prayer is that before you jump into the New Year you would take some time to look back, and reflect on the ways you’ve grown in your relationship with God. We will return on February 23, 2026, with a new series based on our brand new Lenten devotional, Desert Bloom: Discovering Unexpected Joy in the Wilderness. As women seeking joy but who often feel confined by our circumstances, this episode kicked off a series titled Grace and Glory, based on Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and boy, did it resonate! If you long for a life of joy that is not dependent on your current situation, this episode is definitely worth hitting replay! This is a special encore episode originally released in October 2025. Often called The Epistle of Joy, Saint Paul’s letter overflows with rejoicing, gratitude, and encouragement—amazing, when you consider that Paul wrote it from a prison cell. As women seeking joy but who often feel confined by our circumstances, what was Saint Paul’s secret? How do we rejoice in our suffering? How do we remain grateful when our situation is the opposite of what we were hoping for? In this first episode of Grace and Glory, Lisa and Laura unpack Saint Paul’s message and reveal how the same joy he wrote about can be yours—no matter what life throws your way. Open your Heart to our key Scripture.Philippians 1Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.Romans 3:23: Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.Luke 19:10: For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.Hebrews 12:14: Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.Acts 28:20: For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.Colossians 4:3–4: And pray for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.Colossians 4:18: Remember my chains.Ephesians 6:20: I am an ambassador in chains.1 Peter 5:10–11: And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Luke 7:47: Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven a little, loves a little.Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.Are you feeling stuck in some way or feeling chained to some hard or painful circumstance in your life? Who is observing you in that situation? What are they learning from the way in which you are responding to your suffering?Is there someone you are called to preach the gospel to using the indescribable power of unconditional love?Who are you called to tempt to hope? Show mentions.We will return on February 23 with a new series based on our brand new Lenten devotional, Desert Bloom: Discovering Unexpected Joy in the Wilderness. Hurry and grab your copy before they sell out.St. Thomas Aquinas, quoteEugene Peterson, The MessageScott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Old and New Testament, RSV: Second Catholic EditionJustin Taylor, TGC Blog, T4G 6: David Platt, “Divine Sovereignty: The Fuel of Death-Defying Missions” (Revelation 5:1-14), April 12, 2012, quoted Romanian Pastor Josef TsonPeter Kreeft, Wisdom of the Heart Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscrib

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series, Elizabeth While Walking with Purpose founder Lisa takes time to write our next women’s Bible study, Laura is keeping the Hope for Right Now podcast going strong with a four-week series: Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series. Advent is meant to be a time of interior reflection—the weeks we prepare our hearts and homes to receive the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But with the secular world’s demands and distractions, keeping our eyes on what matters can be challenging, and the season of quiet we dream about feels impossible. What if this Advent, we said no to the overwhelm of the secular world and yes to the overshadowing of the Spirit? Each week, Laura introduces a Biblical figure from the gospel of Luke, whose story reveals the secret to a simple, peace-filled Advent—one where we yield to God’s will, respond in faith, and trust in the impossible. Today’s Biblical figure: Elizabeth. If you are in a season of painful waiting, allow Elizabeth to help you see your situation as an opportunity to grow in faith and glorify God. Open your Heart to our key Scripture.Luke 1:39–45 Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.John 9:2–3: And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in Him.”John 11:32: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”John 11:35: Jesus wept.John 11:36–37 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”John 11:40: Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”Luke 1:15: And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.Exodus 31:1–3: The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God.”Numbers 11:25: Then the Lord came down in a cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was upon him and put it upon the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did so no more.1 Samuel 10:10: When they came to Gib’e-ah, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the spirit of God came mightily upon him, and he prophesied among them.Matthew 5:3–12: The Beatitudes Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.Hide yourself in the quiet. Ask for the Holy Spirit to flood you and strengthen you in humility and faith. Ask for the help to see your waiting as an opportunity to grow in faith and glorify God. Show mentions.Transform hearts with us! Your year-end gift to Walking with Purpose fuels our mission to bring life-changing transformation to Catholic women and girls. You still have time to support our nonprofit apostolate. Donate before Wednesday, December 31.Father John Riccardo, Christmas homilySaint Francis de Sales Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today. We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series, Zechariah While Walking with Purpose founder Lisa takes time to write our next women’s Bible study, Laura is keeping the Hope for Right Now podcast going strong with a four-week series: Trust in the Impossible: An Advent Series. Advent is meant to be a time of interior reflection—the weeks we prepare our hearts and homes to receive the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But with the secular world’s demands and distractions, keeping our eyes on what matters can be challenging, and the season of quiet we dream about feels impossible. What if this Advent, we said no to the overwhelm of the secular world and yes to the overshadowing of the Spirit? Each week, Laura introduces a Biblical figure from the gospel of Luke, whose story reveals the secret to a simple, peace-filled Advent—one where we yield to God’s will, respond in faith, and trust in the impossible. Today’s Biblical figure: Zechariah. Discover how Jesus is so close to us, and that even when we give up on our impossible prayers, we can be assured that God never does. Open your Heart to our key Scripture.Luke 1:5–20 Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.Luke 1:35: And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.”Matthew 17:5: He was still speaking, when behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”Exodus 40:34–35: Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of the meeting, because the cloud abode upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.Exodus 25:20: The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings.Daniel 8:16–9:21Romans 8:24–25: Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we have hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (ESV) Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.What circumstance overwhelms you this time of year? Bring it to God in prayer, especially in the moments after you receive Him in the Eucharist. Do not rush out of Mass. If possible, stay for fifteen minutes in the quiet, thanking God and praying for the impossible. Show mentions.Our presenting sponsor is CB Jewelry. Faith is beautiful—and it's your best accessory. CB Jewelry’s stunning and stylish pieces are not your grandma’s jewelry. These pieces are modern, beautiful, and the perfect way to share your faith. Whether you're looking for a meaningful Christmas gift or a new way to express your faith, CB Jewelry has you covered. Use the code Hopefornow, (all one word at checkout) for free shipping and a portion of your purchase will go to Walking with Purpose. Offer ends December 25, 2025! Shop CB Jewelry today at cbjewelryfaith.com. Saint Elizabeth of the TrinityCatechism of the Catholic Church 1377Elizabeth Scalia, The Word on Fire Bible Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today. We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Grace and Glory: Philippians 3 Join Lisa and Laura for our four-week podcast series—Grace and Glory, based on Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Often called The Epistle of Joy, Saint Paul’s letter overflows with rejoicing, gratitude, and encouragement—amazing, when you consider that Paul wrote it from a prison cell. As women seeking joy but who often feel confined by our circumstances, what was Saint Paul’s secret? How do we rejoice in our suffering? How do we remain grateful when our situation is the opposite of what we were hoping for? In this third episode of Grace and Glory, Lisa and Laura talk about wasting time, letting go of expectations, and the secret to knowing Christ. Open your Heart to our key Scripture.Philippians 3 Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.Matthew 13:45–46: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.In what/whom do you look to find yourself? What keeps you from truly knowing Jesus? This week, “waste time” with Jesus. Let go of the activity and rest at His feet. Show mentions.We've got inspired Christmas gifts for all the special women and girls on your list. Use the code CHRISTMAS20 to get 20% off these beloved devotionals and books, just in time for gift giving. Shop now! Offer ends November 17, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.Johnny Brenninkmeyer, “Good Good Father”Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene, Divine IntimacyDan and Stephanie Burke, Avila InstituteT.J. Jackson Lears, “All history is the history of unintended consequences.” Let’s stay connected. Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today. We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Grace and Glory: Philippians 1 Lisa and Laura are back and launching a brand-new four-week podcast series—Grace and Glory, based on Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Often called The Epistle of Joy, Saint Paul’s letter overflows with rejoicing, gratitude, and encouragement—amazing, when you consider that Paul wrote it from a prison cell. As women seeking joy but who often feel confined by our circumstances, what was Saint Paul’s secret? How do we rejoice in our suffering? How do we remain grateful when our situation is the opposite of what we were hoping for? In this first episode of Grace and Glory, Lisa and Laura unpack Saint Paul’s message and reveal how the same joy he wrote about can be yours—no matter what life throws your way. Open your Heart to our key Scripture.Philippians 1Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.Romans 3:23: Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.Luke 19:10: For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.Hebrews 12:14: Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.Acts 28:20: For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.Colossians 4:3–4: And pray for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak.Colossians 4:18: Remember my chains.Ephesians 6:20: I am an ambassador in chains.1 Peter 5:10–11: And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Luke 7:47: Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven a little, loves a little.Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.Are you feeling stuck in some way or feeling chained to some hard or painful circumstance in your life? Who is observing you in that situation? What are they learning from the way in which you are responding to your suffering?Is there someone you are called to preach the gospel to using the indescribable power of unconditional love?Who are you called to tempt to hope? Show mentions.Just in! The first-ever Walking with Purpose Advent devotional, House of Gold: A Journey into Advent by Caitlin Bean and Laura Phelps is in our shop. House of Gold invites you to reflect on five beautiful Marian titles, each revealing the Blessed Mother’s sacred role in drawing us closer to Jesus and making His love known. St. Thomas Aquinas, quoteEugene Peterson, The MessageScott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Old and New Testament, RSV: Second Catholic EditionJustin Taylor, TGC Blog, T4G 6: David Platt, “Divine Sovereignty: The Fuel of Death-Defying Missions” (Revelation 5:1-14), April 12, 2012, quoted Romanian Pastor Josef TsonPeter Kreeft, Wisdom of the Heart Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today. We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Truth with Handles: Do You Believe God Can Heal You? When you’re navigating life’s challenges, you don’t need truth dumped all over you or shouted at you all at once; you need practical, faith-filled wisdom and Bible verses for everyday struggles. At Walking with Purpose, we call this “truth with handles”—biblical truths you can actually hold onto and provide relief from your pressure points. Each week during our six-week series, Truth with Handles, Laura shares a new topic with a corresponding Scripture passage, breaking it down into actionable, hope-filled steps to strengthen your faith and bring peace to your daily life. Today's topic: Do You Believe God Can Heal You? Everyone is in need of healing, but how often do we run to the wrong doctors to find relief? If you have been searching for a cure, only to find yourself at the end of your resources, today’s episode is a must listen! Open your Heart to our key Scripture.Mark 5:24-34 Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.Romans 8:28: We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.James 5:16: Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for another, that you may be healed.2 Corinthians 5:7: For we walk by faith, not by sight.1 Peter 1:7: So that the genuineness of our faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.Matthew 9:28-29: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be done to you.”Luke 7:50: Your faith has saved you; go in peace. Mark 10:52: Go your way; your faith has made you well.Mark 2:5: And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”Mark 9:24: I believe; help my unbelief. Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.Throughout the week, slowly read Mark 5:24-34, focusing on a word or phrase you can sit with. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal: What part of me needs healing? Be honest with God. Invite Him into your heart and pray for an increase of faith. Show mentions.WWP LIVE! with Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Between Heartbreak and Hallelujah, October 23, 2025, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Charlton, MA. Register now.Flourish 2026: Spiritual Motherhood, The Transforming Power of the Feminine Genius, St. Louis, MO, April 17-19, 2026. Early bird registration through September 30.Father John Riccardo, ACTS XXIXSister Miriam James Heidland, SOLTDr. Bob Schuchts, Ph.D., John Paul II Healing CenterFather Gabriel of St.Mary Magdalene, Divine Intimacy Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today. We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Hope for Right Now Podcast – Truth with Handles: What to Do with Regret When you’re navigating life’s challenges, you don’t need truth dumped all over you or shouted at you all at once; you need practical, faith-filled wisdom and Bible verses for everyday struggles. At Walking with Purpose, we call this “truth with handles”—biblical truths you can actually hold onto and provide relief from your pressure points. Each week during our six-week series, Truth with Handles, Laura shares a new topic with a corresponding Scripture passage, breaking it down into actionable, hope-filled steps to strengthen your faith and bring peace to your daily life. Today's topic: What to Do with Regret. Have you ever asked, “If only I could go back and do things over again”? Does a past mistake, word, or action keep you up at night? Are you haunted by past sin? If you are nodding your head “yes,” you are not alone. But did you know that there’s a benefit to your regret and that God can use it? If you’re tired of living in the past and ready to move forward, this episode is for you! Open your Heart to our key Scripture.Isaiah 43:18-19: Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.Genesis 19:26: But Lot’s wife behind him looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.Luke 17:32: Remember Lot’s wife.Philippians 3:13-14: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.What do you need to forgive yourself for? What regret has you stuck in the past? What do you continue to look back at? REPENT! (If you missed the episode on how to make a good confession, go back and listen.) Show mentions.Flourish 2026: Spiritual Motherhood, The Transforming Power of the Feminine Genius, St. Louis, MO, April 17-19, 2026. Early bird registration through September 30.Join us for Youth Program Webinar: A Learn about Leading Event. During this relaxed yet insightful 30-minute session, we'll explore the beauty of leading tween and teen girls through the Walking with Purpose BLAZE and Sisters of Strength programs.Father Mike Schmitz, https://media.ascensionpress.com/video/regret-vs-repentance/ Let’s stay connected.Don’t miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform. Want to keep the conversation going? Join our private Facebook community. Stay in the know. Connect with us today. We are committed to creating content that is free and easily accessible to every woman—especially the one looking for answers but unsure of where to go. If you've enjoyed this podcast, prayerfully consider making a donation to support it and other WWP outreach programs that bring women closer to Christ. Learn more about WWP on our website.Our shop. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.