Adoptees in Arms

Send us a textIn this episode of Adoptees in Arms, I open up about a deeply personal experience—one that almost silenced me. A Facebook post challenged my voice, my truth, and my purpose, leaving me questioning whether sharing my adoptee journey was worth the pain. But through faith, reflection, and the encouragement of those who believe in me, I found the courage to keep speaking.If you've ever faced negativity for sharing your truth, this episode is for you. Let's talk about resilience, purpose, and the power of our voices in the face of criticism.Plus, I'm excited to introduce the Faith Collective for Truth and Healing in Adoption, a space dedicated to faith-driven conversations about adoption. Learn more at adoptionfaithcollective.org.Let's keep this conversation going—send me a message or share your experiences. And if this episode resonates with you, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Connect with Iris Find Community at: Adoptees in ArmsFollow us on Instagram

The adoption reunion experience is complicated and brings with it its own set of challenges. Join me as I unpack key moments from the Kirk Franklin documentary, “Father's Day.” If you need help understanding the complexities of this journey and finding peace when you're missing pieces, this episode is for you.   Connect with Iris: Join our online community, Adoptees in Arms Instagram Facebook  

 What happens when you get too dependent or too attached to the opinions, the feedback, or expectations of others? I've often spoken of people pleasing, but what about when we take things personally? Welcome to this new season of Adoptees in Arms where we help adult adoptees find hope and peace in God's word. Join me in this episode where I simply encourage you to not take it personally.   Scripture Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremiah 17:5 NKJV   Other Resources: Our Website: AdopteesinArms.com Known and Loved - YouVersion Bible Reading Plan

How do we handle setbacks, disappointments, and unexpected losses? Let me tell you, I have had my share of all of the above. This journey is not easy, but I want to walk alongside you as you find the strength you need to trust God for whatever is next. The new season of Adoptees in Arms will provide you with the insight and biblical wisdom that you need to navigate any difficult season you may face. Episode 1 releases on Thursday, September 7th. Make sure to follow so you don't miss a single  episode. I am excited about finding hope and healing in God's word.

As we conclude the month of February, National Heart Health Month, I desire to encourage you with a message straight from my heart. If you have been hurt or wounded on this journey, don't expect your healing to come at the hands of those who wounded you. I want to invite you to lay your cares down at the feet of Jesus–all of your cares, those spoken and those tucked away in the crevices of your mind. Allow HIs perfect love to restore you and heal you everywhere you hurt. Trust me, He is well able to do that.  Scripture Resources: "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off." - Psalm 139:1-2 NKJV "The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV "Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.'" Matthew 13: 45-46 NKJV Let's Connect: Website | Instagram | Join our private Facebook Community Download this free resource: 10 Scriptures to Pray in the Face of Rejection

When I was prompted by Holy Spirit to shift the podcast from Hidden Jewels to Adoptees in Arms, one of the first people I talked to was my best friend since 4th grade, Debra Cheek. She made a statement that was also recently shared by a faithful listener, “Iris, we need to hear your story!” I pondered her statement for several weeks before I asked her if she would interview me as a way of kicking off the conversation through the Adoptees in Arms podcast. Without hesitation, she agreed.  In this episode with the Believing Wife, Debra Cheek, we share a candid conversation about my adoption story.    Connect with Iris: NEW Online Community, Adoptees in Arms Instagram Facebook Free Resource: Known and Loved, a 4-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Adult Adoptees  

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/34124-known-and-loved-a-4-day-devotional-for-adult"So, you're called to podcast, huh?" "Who's going to want to hear what you have to say?" "You're gonna talk about what?" These are the internal questions that I have battled for over a year and the answers to these questions have led me to this moment-- Welcome to the first episode of the newly relaunched Adoptees in Arms podcast. I am so excited that you are here! In this episode, I will share why we pivoted and made the change from Hidden Jewels to Adoptees in Arms.  Connect with Iris: NEW Online Community, Adoptees in Arms Instagram Facebook Finding Hope & Peace: Here are some of the things I talked about in this episode: The power of using our voice The importance of community Why advocacy is so important to me Here are some of the things I talked about in this episode: Quotes: "I was not given up for adoption because I did something wrong, but because there was a greater purpose God desired to fulfill in my life." - Iris P. Bryant "I finally know where my voice belongs, and that has made all the difference." - Iris P. Bryant Links and Resources: Sheryl Lee Ralph's Acceptance Speech Want to listen to my podcast episodes on people-pleasing? Check out Confessions of a Recovering People Pleaser and More Confessions of a Recovering People-Pleaser. Be sure to also check out my book How I Got Over:An Overcomer's Anthology Known and Loved: A 4-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Adult Adoptees

For the past year, our church, Love and Faith Christian Fellowship, has been going through a preparation for new leadership. 2002 has been considered the year of shifting for us in ministry. I understood that and embraced it. However, it just dawned on me that it is also a time of shifting as it relates to the ministry assignment of Hidden Jewels.  This is the final episode of Hidden Jewels, but I will continue podcasting, just with a new name and a new mission. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged as you cross over into the new that God has prepared for you. 

We are still elevating the voices of adult adoptees in our series "Adopted and Healed." Today I have the opportunity to speak with Kristen Yates is a Transracial Afrolatina Adoptee. She loves to find ways of being creative, capture a moment in a photo and enjoy making memories with those I love. She has an extensive background with adolescents and a degree in Psychology. She has recently changed direction in her career by working with young adults where she coaches and mentors them through various life situations. She will be releasing a workshop in 2023, which is designed to equip adoptive parents and provide productive tools through a biblical worldview. She is passionate about educating Adoptive parents while seeing Adoptees spiritually healed from Adoption Trauma through the power of Holy Spirit. She is married with four kids and they currently reside in Tennessee.  This episode will bring healing and deliverance to those who desire a closer relationship with God or who just desire to have peace in their lives. It's not just for adoptees. It is for anyone who wants to know what real peace feels like. Connect with Kristen on Instagram Visit her website

Kristina R. Wise is a passionate speaker, educator & CEO & Founder of Spiritual Healing Sisterhood, Inc. Kristina is a fun and energetic Bible teacher who encourages women to flourish in their purpose. Most recent author of “Strength In Him” written from her daily quiet times with The Lord, Kristina wrote this book to encourage women to know where their strength comes from. Her educational background started her love for teaching God's Word and her desire to travel the world speaking His Word. She is the founder and CEO of Spiritual Healing Sisterhood, Inc. Where their mission is to see women healed, restored and become set free. To find their true freedom in Christ. Through mentoring and discipling in a small group setting, the sisterhood has a heart to see women grow, become empowered, and healed from past hurts and trauma.  Currently, Kristina is a seminary student at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX where she plans to use her degree to make an impact on women's ministry and Christian education. Kristina lives by Psalm 37:23, "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him," because she knows that God is the only one who can make her steps firm. Purchase her book here. Follow Kristina and her journey at www.kristinareneexo.com and on Instagram @kristinareneexo

We have entered the month of November, National Adoption Awareness Month, and we are celebrating this month with a special podcast series, Adopted and Healed.  Our special guest today is Sherry Jones of Sherry Speaks Life, who will tell us a bit of her adopted and heal journey. Sherry Jones believes in the power of speaking life! She is passionate about helping women transform their negative thoughts and words into positive ones rooted in the Word of God. She believes speaking life is a lifestyle we must embrace. Sherry is a certified Christian Life Coach, author, speaker, and podcast host. Her coaching program, Speak Up, Step Up, & Show Up empowers women to speak life, say yes to God, and show up as their authentic selves so they can walk out their God-given assignments. She has written two books: Trouble Don't Last Always and Speak Life Moments. In addition, Sherry hosts the Sherry Speaks Life Podcast, which broadcasts live on Facebook and YouTube. You can also listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Sherry is the founder of Glory Carriers Women's Network, a Facebook community for Christian women. The mission of GCWN is to uplift, support, and encourage Christian women to glorify God in every aspect of their lives. Connect with Sherry: Website Schedule a Coaching Session or Invite Sherry to speak to your church or organization Instagram Facebook Connect with Iris: NEW Online Community, Adoptees in Arms Instagram Facebook Finding Purpose: Here are some of the things Sherry and I talked about: The freedom of sharing our stories Finding our true identity in Jesus Gaining strength from God's word Being free from shame and fear Quotes: “I've come to a place where I can share my adoption story and be comfortable with it because it is a part of my journey.” –Sherry Jones “Being able to see myself through God's eyes has been so empowering.” –Sherry Jones

In their new book Colorful Connections: 12 Questions About Race That Open Healthy Conversations, two women of different races, authors Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and Lori Stanley Roeleveld work together to open healthy conversations about race. Colorful Connections came about because of a question from one of Roeleveld' s blog readers, asking her to write about how to have a hard conversation about race. Even though they had only met in professional settings, and weren't friends, Dalton-Smith agreed to join Roeleveld on this journey. Readers will see a real-time process as Dalton-Smith and Roeleveld walk this journey of healing, knowledge, and faith. Written in a conversational style between the authors, they have also widened the circle to include influencers like Jo Saxton, Jamie Ivey, Dr. Derwin Gray and others. Readers will appreciate Dalton-Smith and Roeleveld' s authentic approach to the vital issue of skin color and race conversations in today's world. Connect with Dr. Dalton-Smith: ichoosemybestlife.com Connect with Lori Stanley Roeleveld: www.loriroeleveld.com

In this life, there will be troubles, trials, disappointments, and setbacks. There will be adversity, but how do you handle it all? Do you shrink back? Do you play small? Do you run? Or do you stand still and see the salvation of the Lord?  In today's episode, we're going to take a look into the life of Hagar and how she handled adversity. We will also examine how God responded to her in the midst of that adverse situation. Join me today as we are reminded that God sees us. Yes, even in our times of adversity. Connect with Iris: Email~~Website~~Facebook ~~Instagram

Today we have  Kia Stephens on the show and she is here with a timely and sincere message for our listeners. Kia is a wife, and mom of two who is literally in the trenches of motherhood.  She created The Father Swap Blog to help women exchange their father wounds for the love of God the Father. She is a contributor for iBelieve, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Beloved Women, and her writing has been featured on Ann Voskamp's Blog, Christianity Today, Crosswalk, and Incourage. After seeing the need for a community for Christian women communicators of color, she founded Entrusted Women. She faithfully serves in Bible Study Fellowship as a substitute teaching leader and in my local church as a Re:New mentor. She is an amazing woman with a passion for discovering the beauty, risk, and challenge of abundant living and about helping other women do the same. Her first book Overcoming Father Wounds (Revel Books) will release March 7, 2023. Grab a free mp3 download of Kia's teaching on Knowing God as Father here. Connect with Kia: Email~~Website~~Facebook~~Instagram~~Entrusted Women Connect with Iris: Email~~Website~~Hidden Jewels Facebook Group~~Instagram

Are you that person who always sees the glass as always half empty? Are we quick to offer negative comments to situations because things "have never worked out" for you? If so, it may be time for a spiritual eye examination. Reach out! Iris P. Bryant, Hidden Jewels Podcast Host Email: iris@irispbryant.com / Instagram: @irispbryant / Facebook: IrisPBryant

Do you believe there is a greater purpose on the other side of a test or a challenging situation? In this episode I share a personal experience from a recent worship service.  Will you share your testimony? Will you tell others what God has done for you? Are you ready to share what God has done in your life? The world is waiting to hear your testimony.  

Today we have Nylse Eshac as our special guest. Nysle is the author of “The Comfort of Night: How Jesus Makes Your Dark Times All Right, In this episode we take a look at one of the more poignant phrases in the Bible, at the end of John 13:30 – and it was night, Jesus begins to speak, illuminating His presence. Hereafter, as Jesus spoke, He removed the fear and foreboding surrounding His disciples. There was an urgency and a gentleness as He comforted His disciples. By His words, Jesus brought comfort to the darkness. Get to know Him, for He provides The Comfort of Night.   She's sharing nuggets from her book, The Comfort of Night: How Jesus Makes Your Day TImes All Right.  If you're trying to find purpose during your night season, this episode is for you.   Connect with Nylse on her website  Facebook Instagram Purchase her book Connect with Iris: Email~~Website~~Instagram

What do you do when you encounter a situation  or a person  that challenges what you know, to be true? Have you ever been in a situation or have you ever had to face someone who was challenging your truth? It could be something major where you are  in a setting with other people, or maybe a very small situation that no one witnesses, but you. It may seem insignificant, but you have to rely on what God has told you or what he has invested in you. In this episode, Iris shares a personal experience that reminded her of the power of allowing the evidence to speak for itself. If you are tired of being combative or striving to prove your worth to others, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with The Believing Wife, Debra Cheek, as she shares the importance of our mindsets. She challenges us to forsake limited mindsets and  embrace community as we walk into a changed life. Connect with Debra Cheek: IG: @thebelievingwife FB: Believing Wives Website: www.believingwives.com

In this episode, I share the importance of a year end reflection activity and highlighting the top 5 episodes of Hidden Jewels in 2021. I will share nuggets from these episodes and encouragement as we move into 2022. If you need to catch up on previous episodes or want to test or projections for the top 5, this episode is just for you!   Show Links: Check out TL Henness' Guide to Year End Reflection End me an email: iris@irispbryant.com Join the Hidden Jewels Facebook Group    

Today we have Denise Defoe in the last episode of the "This is My Adoption Story" series. In the second part of her interview, Denise dives deep into the topic of forgiveness and what she learned as she connected with members of her biological family. Reach out Denise Defoe Email~~Website~~Instagram Purchase They Chose Me: An Adoption Story Hidden Jewels Email~~Instagram~~Facebook Group

Born in San Diego, Denise Defoe has lived in Maryland for most of her life. She is a licensed social worker who is currently working as a psychotherapist. Denise obtained her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Oakwood University in 2003. After college, Denise matriculated at the University of Alabama under the prestigious, full ride, Daniel Scholarship and earned her Masters Degree in Social Work in 2004. Her crowning achievement to date has been the completion and release of her memoir,  They Chose Me: An Adoption Story released in June 2019. This book chronicles her journey as an adoptee. The readers are taken on a decades-long odyssey filled with a variety of emotions stemming from her sense of abandonment. From grief, anger, and resentment, Denise was able to come to a place of acceptance, forgiveness, and peace. She is now able to speak about this journey and serve as a consultant and advocate for adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents. Sharing her story has empowered others to stand strong within their own story. Her greatest personal joy and fulfillment come from her life as a wife and mother. She is married to Dr. David I. Defoe and together they are the proud parents of their daughter Dayna Imara. Connect with Her Online:  Website // Email // Instragram // Purchase They Chose Me: An Adoption Story

Today we have Sana Cotten as our guest on the special series, “This is My Adoption Story.”  Sana Latrease Cotten is the Founder of Unashamed, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that fosters emotional health in disadvantaged families that have experienced incarceration, foster care, and teen pregnancy. Through various initiatives, Unashamed, Inc. is equipping families with the tools they need to dismantle unhealthy generational patterns and transition from surviving to thriving.At the tender age of 4, Sana and her twin brother were removed from the care of their drug-addicted mother and grandmother and put into the foster care system. Despite these early setbacks and emotional traumas in her life, Sana has emerged as a whole woman, unashamed of her past and boldly sharing her story. By the grace of God, Sana has impacted hundreds of women all over the United States by sharing her personal journey of denouncing shame and becoming healed and whole in Christ. In 2020, Sana published her debut book entitled, “Everyone Will Know It Was God,” a memoir which chronicles her life story of early childhood molestation and sexual abuse, and growing up in the foster care system, to who she is today—a powerful, anointed, healed and whole woman of God. Sana is the wife of Reverend Joshua E. Cotten and the mother of her two greatest gifts, Jamir and Janai. She currently resides in Middletown Connecticut. To book Sana as a guest speaker for your next event, conference or podcast, or for information on one-on-one coaching sessions with Sana, visit sanalatrease.com or reach out via email at sanalatrease@gmail.com or connect with her on social media.

Today we have Amanda McKinstry on the show! Amanda, a transracial adult adoptee is here to talk about how using her voice led her to find her purpose. As an adult Transracial adoptee, she indicates that sharing my story made a huge impact on her healing. She has used her voice to inspire other adoptees and also use to let white adoptive parents know the challenges they will face when adopting a black child. Connect with Amanda:  Website~~Instagram Coaching Sessions Connect with Iris: Email ~~Website~~Hidden Jewels Facebook Group~~Instagram  

Welcome to the first episode of My Adoption Story with my special guest, Patrice Martin. Patrice, an adult adoptee, was featured on TLC's Long Lost Family and joins us today to share an amazing testimony of God's grace and forgiveness. Here's what we talk about.  Everyone is given a mother at birth, but some children are given another mother to help them with the rest of their lives. Forgiveness is perpetual. Tupac Shakur's song, Brenda's Got a Baby sheds light on problems faced by young women in poverty-stricken communities. Patrice's appearance on Long Lost Family  Connect with Patrice Martin: Email | Twitter Connect with Iris: Email~~Website~~Hidden Jewels Facebook Group~~Instagram Register for Say Goodbye to Shame eCourse  

Did you know adoptees are four times more likely to commit suicide than non-adoptees? Neither did I until October 30, 2020 when I learned about Adoption Remembrance Day.   Join me as I introduce this special series where I speak with four other adult adoptees and hear how they were able to find purpose in the midst of their pain. The first episode releases Tueday, November 2nd!

Have you ever felt hindered because of shame, guilt, or condemnation? If so, you are not alone and freedom is available to you! Today we have Doris Cush as our guest. She is  Equipped with a godly passion to reach the silent sufferers, Doris  Cush shares her tough and tender messages weaved out of her true life musings. Her transparent and authentic approach remains constant: God is faithful in our frailty; God is a comfort in our chaos;  God is trustworthy in our trials, and God is an anchor in our storms.  Along with serving alongside her husband, Dan as a worship leader  and church planter in Southwest Pennsylvania, Doris self-published  three books: “Pieces: Choosing Peace in the Rebuilding of Our  Lives,” its companion book, “Pieces: Journey Journal” and “Word  Twist: Imagining God's Word in New Ways.” Connect with Doris Cush: Email  | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon Connect with Iris:Email~~Website~~Hidden Jewels Facebook Group~~Instagram The Virtual Mentorship Academy Say Goodbye to Shame Course  

Today we have Nylse Eshac as our special guest. She is a Christian wife and a mother of four who currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Originally from the Bahamas, Nylse lived in New York for many years before relocating to the West Coast. The stories of her life provide a Godly landscape for writing to encourage others. When she's not busy with her family, writing, or speaking she is actively involved in the Women's Ministry at her church while also being a Technology Consultant. She's sharing nuggets from her testimony, “In the Middle of a Storm.”  If you're trying to find purpose during your night season, this episode is for you. Connect with Nylse on her website : Facebook Instagram Purchase her book Connect with Iris: Email~~Website~~Hidden Jewels Facebook Group~~Instagram

Today we have an inspirational work and life coach on the show! Marva Smith is a Caribbean-based management & leadership consultant, work and life strategist, and co-author of She Writes for Him: Black Voices of Wisdom. She joins us here to talk about lessons she learned while she and her family lived through the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017.  She's sharing nuggets from her testimony, “In the Middle of a Storm.”  If you're trying to gain footing after a physical or spiritual storm, this episode is for you. Take the Thrive Assessment Connect with Marva on her website  Facebook Instagram Twitter  Pinterest.  Subscribe to her YouTube channel where she hosts How She Does It – an interview series showcasing real women sharing real hope about how to thrive in work, life and faith.   Connect with Iris: Email~~Website~~Hidden Jewels Facebook Group~~Instagram

Join me as I talk with Monique Johnson and Daryl Jones during last year's Hidden Jewels Virtual Retreat. During this conversation, we focus on how we react when God gives an assignment to us that seems overwhelming. Monique and Daryl both experienced major pivotal moments during 2020 and they share nuggets with attendees on ways to respond in faith as opposed to fear.  Register to attend Hidden Jewels Virtual Retreat Connect with Monique here: Email~~Website~~Facebook~~Instagram Connect with Daryl Jones for Bible Study Connect with Iris: Email~~Website~~Hidden Jewels Facebook Group~~Instagram

Today we have  Kia Stephens on the show and she is here with a timely and sincere message for our listeners. Kia is a wife, and homeschooling mom of two who is literally in the trenches of motherhood.  She created The Father Swap Blog to help women exchange their father wounds for the love of God the Father. She is a contributor for iBelieve, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Beloved Women, and her writing has been featured on Ann Voskamp's Blog, Christianity Today, Crosswalk, and Incourage. After seeing the need for a community for Christian women communicators of color, she founded Entrusted Women. She faithfully serves in Bible Study Fellowship as a substitute teaching leader and in my local church as a Re:New mentor. She is an amazing woman with a passion for discovering the beauty, risk, and challenge of abundant living and about helping other women do the same. Grab a free mp3 download of Kia's teaching on Knowing God as Father here. Connect with KIa: Email~~Website~~Facebook~~Instagram~~Entrusted Women Connect with Iris:   Email~~Website~~Hidden Jewels Facebook Group~~Instagram

Today we have an amazing, blogger, speaker, virtual cheerleader, and maternal health researcher on the show! Dr. Quantrilla Ard is here to share her wisdom and insight as we close out Mental Health Awareness Month.  She's sharing startling statistics, practical takeaways, and encouragement for those who may be experiencing grief and loss.  Dr. Quanny hopes that her work will ultimately deconstruct systemic and widespread racism in the medical field at large and specifically for Black and Brown mamas and babies. Mentioned on the episode: Chicken Soup for the Soup Giveaway Black Maternal Health Resources Grief and Loss (CDC) Other Grief and Loss ResourcesMental Health and Wellness Connect with Dr. Ard Website: https://www.thephdmamma.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quantrilla.ard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quannyboo/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/qyard08 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/quannyboo/_saved/

Today we have Dr. Katrina Boykin on the show! Dr. Boykin is a licensed counselor and she is here to talk about ways to find strength and share joy with others when Mother's Day is painful. She shares how her ministry When Mom is Gone, was birth during one of the most difficult times in her life.    Purchase a copy of When Mom is Gone Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church, Elizabethtown, NC Reach out: Dr. Katrina Boykin Email: wmig927@gmail.com

Have you ever called yourself by a name or answered to a name that was not designed for you? Have you ever made yourself small to fit in a space that wasn't created for you?  In today's episode, we are celebrating Hidden Jewels' first birthday and discussing what happens when we bring our identity to the King!  Mentioned in the episode: The Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For by Jo Saxton Esther 8 Reach out! Iris P. Bryant, Hidden Jewels Podcast Host Email: iris@irispbryant.com / Instagram: @irispbryant / Facebook: IrisPBryant

Have you ever encountered a situation that you knew was going to have a great ending, but in the middle of the process you found yourself growing weary and wanting to give up?   There are times we encounter uncomfortable life situations. In today's episode,  I will challenge you to look at the situation not as a hindrance to your growth, but as a necessary part of the growth process.     Mentioned in the episode: It is Not Supposed to Be This Way, Lysa TerKeurst My Chat with Latasha Ferguson   Reach out! Iris P. Bryant, Hidden Jewels Podcast Host Email: iris@irispbryant.com / Instagram: @irispbryant / Facebook: IrisPBryant

My Chat with Latasha Ferguson Host of Overcome to Become Podcast and We are Stronger Together Facebook Group   Today we have a fire-lighting speaker, writer, and ministry leader on the show! Latasha Ferguson, host of Overcome to Become podcast, and the Facebook group, We Are Stronger Together is here to talk about the freedom we experience when we share our testimony. Latasha is dropping gems this entire episode and I know you will be blessed by her message.  She's sharing about one of the most pivotal moments of her life and how it frees her to minister to other women.  If you're trying to walk in the freedom God has given you and move past the shame and guilt of your past, this episode is for you. Mentioned in this episode: PodcastHer with Alana Dawson: equips and supports women on their podcast journey. Entrusted Women equips Christian women communicators of color Reach Out! Latasha Ferguson - Overcome to Become Podcast Email: latasha@latashaferguson.com  | Instagram: @latashaferguson | Facebook Group: We Are Stronger Together  Website Hidden Jewels Email: iris@irispbryant.com | Instagram: @irispbryant| Facebook

Join me in this solo episode as I provide a glimpse into the mindset of a recovering people pleaser. I share snippets of a continuation from Episode 8 of Hidden Jewels. If you: desire to please God more than you desire to please man need to find truths to replace the lies the enemy has told you  have spent time replaying mistakes and reimagining outcomes in your life Then,  this episode is for you.  

Debra Cheek: Are You Living an Undivided Life? Today we have a special guest on the show! Debra Cheek, author, blogger, The Believing Wife is here to talk about her newly released book, Undivided. Pastor Cheek challenges the listeners to take inventory of our lives to see if we are giving God our undivided attention.     She's sharing the truth of God's words and challenges us to overcome distractions so our lives can be aligned to His plan for us. If you desire to unite your heart with God as you sit in His presence to hear His thoughts, this episode is for you. About Debra Cheek: Debra Cheek is a wife, mother, and ordained elder who believes in the transforming power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. She loves God's example of covenant relationship through marriage and, with her husband John, began Covenant Keepers Marriage Ministry at her home church in 2014. In March of 2017, God allowed her love for His design for marriage to lead to writing The Believing Wife which in turn led to a bible study of the same name (Believing Wives). This ministry seeks to empower wives to change their homes, their lives, and their marriages through the truth and application of God's word.  Connect with Debra: Instagram | Facebook | Website | Purchase Undivided ENTER GIVEAWAY Hidden Jewels  Podcast  Connect with Iris: Email | Instagram | Facebook

Horace Williams Jr - The Furnace of Affliction: How God Uses Our Pain and Suffering for His Purpose Today we have an award-winning author on the show! Horace Williams, Jr. is here to talk about his book, The Furnace of Affliction: How God Uses our Pain and Suffering for His Purpose. Horace shares candidly about painful experiences in his life and how God used them to mold and shape him into the man he is today.    He's sharing why he started writing and how God has used his testimony to offer hope and encouragement to those who are seeking to know their purpose. He also shares a special message for moms raising and praying for teenage/young adult sons. Here's what we talk about: How God uses pain and suffering to develop our faith How God uses pain and suffering to demonstrate His grace How God uses pain and suffering to display his love   Resources from Today's Episode: Purchase a copy of Furnace of Affliction Purchase the ebook for .99 (Special Discount for this podcast release, sale ends Sunday, February 7, 2021)   Kristi Woods' blog:  Five Christians of Color who will Inspire Your Faith Walk Joni:An Unforgettable Story Enter the giveaway for an opportunity to win a copy of The Furnace of Affliction   Connect with Horace: Website | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Iris: Website | Instagram | Join the Hidden Jewels Community

Today as we say goodbye to 2020 and move into 2021, I don't want us to skip the practice of reflecting on this year. What a year this has been. People have  constantly and correctly described 2020 as “an unprecedented year.”  A year of challenges, conflicts, confusion, and chaos – yet it has been a year of creativity, confidence, clarity, and compassion. I am sure most of you will agree with that. As believers, we must continue to hold steadfast – with every aspect of darkness, there is light; with weakness, there is strength; with sorrow, there is peace; and with defeat, there is victory!    Here are 5 questions for your private reflection time: What did you accomplish this year? In 2020, how did you challenge yourself to grow? In spite of this challenging year, what new opportunities were you afforded? What should you let go of that didn't serve you? Name a goal you set for yourself & reached in 2020.   Hidden Jewels Podcast Email: iris@irispbryant.com | Follow Me on Instagram Join Hidden Jewels Private Facebook Group

Today we are celebrating a book launch on the show! Author Lillyan Jiles is here to talk about her new book, Going Though. It is the author's heartfelt prayer that through reading her life story and applying to your own life the principles she discovered, you will be healed.Author Lillyan Jiles's childhood was full of trauma, but instead of facing her pain head on, she tried to hide it behind a picture-perfect adult life and move on. Unfortunately, when the picture broke the trauma resurfaced because in her words, “The things we don't confront will never change and will continue to confront us.” She's sharing the importance of being patient during the healing process.  If you're tired of being stuck and you desire to embrace the blessing that awaits you on the other side of a traumatic experience, this episode is for you. Connect with Lillyan Jiles Email: lillyanjiles@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillyandthevalley/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lillyan.jiles Purchase Going Through   Let's Connect Email: iris@irispbryant  Instagram  Facebook

Are we living for the applause of people or the applause of our Heavenly Father? It is important to put our desire to please in the hands of God instead of the hands of people.  In this episode, Iris Peterson Bryant reveals what she learned when she made the decision to “skip church” in order to hang out with her cousins. If you have ever been torn between doing what was popular or doing what was right, this episode is for you.   Mentioned in this episode: Galatians 1:10 Proverbs 3:5-6 “I feel God's pleasure, when I run.” Eric Liddell “While you're trying to please everyone, you are missing the opportunity to please the Only One!” Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer Grit and Grace Girls Let's Connect! Email: iris@irispbryant  Instagram  Facebook

How do you respond to the question of identity? When someone asks “Who Are You?” do you feel challenged or empowered? In this episode, Iris Peterson Bryant reveals what she learned on the other side of the question. If you wonder if there will ever be purpose on the other side of your pain, or if you have allowed a negative situation to define your identity, this episode is for you. Let's Connect Email: iris@irispbryant  Instagram Facebook

Today we have Keisha Montfleury, the Confidence Coach for Girls, on the show! Keisha is here to talk about how she found purpose on the other side of her pain. She is sharing nuggets this entire episode.  She's sharing the foundation of her ministry to young girls, and we are making the connection to our lives as women. If you're navigating a hard season in your life--especially as it relates to self-esteem and worth, this episode is for you.   Connect with Keisha Montfleury Email Keisha: keishamontfleury@gmail.com Instagram Facebook Blue Prints to Self Esteem   Stay Connected to Hidden Jewels Podcast Email Iris Instagram Hidden Jewels Facebook Group    

Today podcast host, Iris Bryant shares the impact of monumental moments. She challenges us to reflect on those landmark moments that reveal, this is the place where healing occurred.     She shares the raw truth about her struggle with rejection and how God healed her and brought her to a place of personal reflection and growth. Please leave a comment or send a private email if this episode resonates with you. Join the Private Facebook Group Email me Comment on the blog

Today we have The Believing Wife on the show! Debra Cheek, author, speaker and founder of the Believing Wives is here to talk about peace! . Debra is dropping gems this entire episode as she shares from a recent blog post, Peacemaking isn't Always Peaceful. She's sharing about the importance of peace and prayer--which is what we have been discussing here since Episode 1. If you're trying to verbalize or even understand the role you play in light of recent current events,  this episode is for you.  Resources from today's episode  Register for Hidden Jewels Virtual Retreat (Debra Cheek is one of the speakers) Purchase a copy of The Believing Wife Read the blog post “Peacemaking Isn't Always Peaceful” Reach Out! Debra Cheek Email: debracheek@yahoo.com | Instagram: @thebelievingwife | Facebook: @DebraCheek Hidden Jewels Email: iris@irispbryant.com| Instagram: @irispbryant  | Facebook:@IrisPBryant  

How do you handle a storm? In this episode of Hidden Jewels, Iris challenges us trust God during our trials, knowing He has the sovereign power to calm every storm we encounter.

In today's podcast, Iris Bryant encourages the listeners to cast their cares on Jesus and find peace and contentment in His presence. This is the second of a four part series on The Cultivation of Peace.

In today's podcast, Iris Bryant encourages you to find a way to rediscover peace and quiet reflection. This is the first of a four part series on The Cultivation of Peace.

Welcome to the newly launched podcast, Adoptees in Arms!