Couch Conversations by Hummingbird Journeys

It's common for people to attach labels and titles to each other. These are often a reflection of how we see each other or the significance and social/ relational status we have ascribed to each other.  These days, it seems as if the introduction of new labels is increasing. Whether positive or negative, these labels have the potential to shape how we view ourselves and set expectations for ourselves and others. In the need to be accepted and recognised, many not only adopt these titles and labels, they live in pursuit of them. With life becoming almost a performance to be validated. The danger lurking here is that true identities can become blurred as individuals become engrossed in 'doing' and not 'being'. As believers, some of the fundamental questions to be pondered are: Are the labels and titles you're aspiring to, a reflection of your true identity? By adopting these titles, who are you giving authority to define you? What really is the meaning behind these titles? Do they have a Biblical reference? are they recognised by heaven?  Would God use these same titles to introduce you? ___ These are some of the questions we examined during this Couch Conversation with Pastor Valerie Charles Chike Nezianya, co-pastor of the Cornerstone African House of Praise, Singapore.  

Even When We Feel Invisible Or Forgotten...God Sees Us She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, “You're the God who sees me! [El Roi] “Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!”  (Genesis 16:13) It's the only time we see God referred to by this name in the Bible, which speaks to how profoundly intimate and personal the encounter was. Here it was that Hagar, a mere maidservant, despised and overwhelmed with despair, has an encounter with God that helps her recognise that no matter how invisible or insignificant she may be to the world, God still sees her.  Our guest this week, Ms. Joanna Hioe, has a conversation with our host - Kareem O J Lee, about her own intimate encounters with The God Who Sees Us. She highlights how, just as in the days of Hagar, God is still touched by our individual struggles, and intentionally comes alongside us with care and compassion, even in the obscure places. Joanna Hioe is a creative from Singapore, who has been uniquely crafted by the Creator. Having experienced God's transforming love, she seeks to express His wonders through words, songs, and videos. She is currently pursuing a PhD focused on disaster management. She loves a good adventure! ______________ Our mandate at Hummingbird Journeys is to create safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and are equipped and emboldened to live victorious, impactful, Christ-centered lives. This podcast is one of the platforms through which we accomplish our mandate. For more information,  visit our website: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com Stay connected with us on social media @hummingbirdjourneys @kareemojlee

In this episode of our Couch Conversations podcast, Ms. Shavonne Strachan joins our host, Kareem O J Lee, to share what's on her heart about embracing God's Definition of who we are. Shavonne is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who is making waves in the nonprofit sector and business community, but more importantly she is a woman of faith who is intentionally nurturing her personal relationship with God. Shavonne Strachan grew up in poverty in the inner cities of Grand Bahama and was considered a troubled youth, after many struggles and personal battles both mentally and emotionally, Shavonne has accepted that her experiences were not wasted and that God had a purpose for her all along. She now dedicates time to advancing inner city communities and transforming lives. Shavonne Strachan is the founder of the NPO WeLife Foundation and has a track record of making an impact wherever she is present. Connect with Shavonne and learn more about her here: Instagram/Facebook: Shavonne Strachan (Personal) WeLife Foundation (NGO) That's_So_Lazy (Clothing Business)   Websites: www.welifefoundation.org  www.thatssolazy.com ___________________________________________ Our mandate at Hummingbird Journeys is to create safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and are equipped and emboldened to live victorious, impactful, Christ-centered lives. This podcast is one of the platforms through which we fulfil our mandate. For more information visit our website: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com Stay connected with us on social media @hummingbirdjourneys @kareemojlee

In this episode of our Couch Conversations podcast, Mrs. Charmaine Wright Orr joins our host, Kareem O J Lee, to give insights into what it takes to live a LIFE OF FREEDOM AND FULLNESS. Charmaine helps us understand why discovering your true identity is a critical step in the journey to freedom and fullness. She also shares how an individual's true identity and divine purpose are intrinsically linked. Charmaine Wright Orr is an integrator, thought partner, strategic voice, and spiritual midwife. As an unapologetic and uncompromising woman of faith, her core belief is that foundation matters. In other words, having clarity about who you are, being synergistically engaged in the relationships with people you should be joined to, and developing the grit that it takes to execute a sound strategy is the formula for success. She is anointed in the marketplace as a trusted partner to women Visionaries who are stewarding God ideas that will have a transformative impact on the world, produce generational wealth, and leave a legacy of inspiration and empowerment. Beyond this, Charmaine is most passionate about her family. Her husband, seven children and extended family are the fuel of her inspiration and nucleus of her existence.  Connect with Charmaine via email: WBMpartner@gmaiI.com ___________________________________________ Our mandate at Hummingbird Journeys is to create safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and are equipped and emboldened to live victorious, impactful, Christ-centered lives. This podcast is one of the platforms through which we fulfil our mandate. For more information visit our website: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com Stay connected with us on social media @hummingbirdjourneys @kareemojlee

In this episode of our Couch Conversations podcast, Reverend Denise Hinkson Lawrence joins our host, Kareem Lee, to speak about the power of being naked and unashamed before God. Reverend Denise shares how women can tap into new dimensions of liberty and power by unmasking. What is unmasking? It's removing pretense and excuses and standing before God. By doing this, she dismantles the weight of human opinion, limiting beliefs, guilt, pride, and shame and allows Him to help her discover her true self. Reverend Denise H Lawrence is a Mindset-Shifter, with a passion for transforming lives. Her signature program 'ReBirth' allows women to overcome imposter syndrome, discover their identity, increase confidence, and eliminate comparison and perfectionism for a purposeful life. Denise is a Wife, Mother, Evangelist, Global Podcaster, Author, Writer, Conference Host, International Speaker, Coach, and Mentor with a mandate to empower women in personal, spiritual, and leadership development. Denise guides women in navigating difficult experiences, dismantle harmful messages about self-worth, pivot their pain to purpose, and become empowered. Reverend Denise strongly believes that "There is therapeutic value in shared stories". Connect with Reverend Denise via the following platforms: Facebook ___________________________________________ Our mandate at Hummingbird Journeys is to create safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and are equipped and emboldened to live victorious, impactful, Christ-centered lives. This podcast is one of the platforms through which we fulfil our mandate. For more information visit our website: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com Stay connected with us on social media @hummingbirdjourneys @kareemojlee

In this episode of our Couch Conversations podcast, our host, Kareem Lee speaks about how important it is for women to acknowledge and address the issues caused by absent fathers or unpleasant experiences with fathers. Using her own experience as a reference point, Kareem shares how a daughter's relationship with her father sets the tone for every other relationship she will engage. She highlights how social, professional and spiritual relationships are influenced by the residual effects of problematic or nonexistent father-daughter relationships and zeros in on how paying attention to reoccurring themes in relationships could lead women to begin the process of healing. Kareem is a woman of faith who is intent on seeing the Word of God come alive in her own life and in the lives of those she comes in contact with. She is spends time engrossed in studying the Word and welcomes opportunities to share its truth, especially with women. Kareem hosts the Couch Conversations podcast by Hummingbird Journeys. She is also a multi-passionate entrepreneur and published author/faith Writer. ___________________________________________ Our mandate at Hummingbird Journeys is to create safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and are equipped and emboldened to live victorious, impactful, Christ-centered lives. This podcast is one of the platforms through which we fulfil our mandate. For more information visit our website: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com Stay connected with us on social media @hummingbirdjourneys @kareemojlee  

Bianca is a phenomenal woman with a huge heart for helping others. She is a motivational speaker, author, business owner, travel agent, social worker, Air Force veteran and wife. Bianca obtained her Associate of Arts (2012), Bachelor of Social Work (2015), where she graduated with honors and as a member of Phi Alpha, her Master of Business Administration- Healthcare Management (2020), and a Ph.D. in living her best life! She is an avid traveler who calls herself a xenophile and can always be found loving on or helping children, whether it's at an orphanage somewhere around the world or home with a collection of kids, somewhere with animals such as swimming with the dolphins or on one of the world's beaches'! Bianca has proven that her purpose and passion for helping people worldwide through empowerment, mission work, mentoring, and leadership are needed, and God sent her on assignment to deliver. Today she speaks to us from a place of experience, reminding us we are required to intentionally own our healing journey when it comes to matters of mental and emotional health.  Follow Bianca on all social platforms @allthingspositive and also be sure to support her new book. More details here: https://www.iambiancashante.com/ ___________________________________________ Our mandate at Hummingbird Journeys is to create safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and are equipped and emboldened to live victorious, impactful, Christ-centered lives. This podcast is one of the platforms through which we fulfil our mandate. For more information visit our website: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com Stay connected with us via social media @hummingbirdjourneys @kareemojlee  

It is often thought that being strong means not needing help and that, if a person does reach out for help, they may be considered weak. This notion is also present amongst Believers who consider that seeking help, especially when it relates to matters of a mental or emotional challenge, could mean that the person is weak in their faith or is lacking in spiritual discipline. Mindsets like these cause mental health concerns to often go unaddressed in faith communities. Our guest today, Mrs. Feona Charles-Richards, is simply a lover of people. That love has pushed her into seeking ways to make lives better. She is passionate about issues concerning Mental Wellness and Neurodevelopmental challenges. Feona is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, who holds a BSc in Psychology with Sociology and an MSc in Clinical Psychology. She is also a trained Neurolinguistic and Mental Emotional Release practitioner. Feona believes strongly that thoughts become actions and in order to have extraordinary outcomes there must be a shift in thinking. She continues to seek opportunities to educate the community about Mental Health challenges across various platforms. ___________________________________________ Our mandate at Hummingbird Journeys is to create safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and are equipped and emboldened to live victorious, impactful, Christ-centered lives. This podcast is one of the platforms through which we fulfill our mandate. For more information, visit our website: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com Stay connected with us via social media @hummingbirdjourneys @kareemojlee  

Reshaping the narrative about mental and emotional health in our faith communities The topic of mental and emotional health is generally an uncomfortable one to address. Within our faith communities, the conversation does not become less challenging. The topic is however an unavoidable and highly critical one, especially in the season that we are in. Our guest today is a woman of faith who is passionate about engaging persons at different levels to help clarify misconceptions, raise awareness, change the narrative, and ensure that structures are in place to provide the support persons may need to better care for their mental and emotional health. Kimmil Hollis is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist who enjoys working with children, teens, and adults who experience depression, anxiety, psychosis, and crisis. She is passionate about seeing Believers experience emotional healing and freedom through therapuetic techniques and God's Word. Kimmil loves talking about Jesus and sharing mental health care tips that help Christian women live a better life. For faith and mental care tips, follow Kimmil's IG page @freedom_awaits_4_you ___________________________________________ About Hummingbird Journeys Our mandate at Hummingbird Journeys is to create safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and are equipped and emboldened to live victorious, impactful, Christ-centered lives. This podcast is one of the platforms through which we fulfil our mandate. For more information, visit our website: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com Stay connected with us via social media @hummingbirdjourneys @kareemojlee   Remember to bless someone else by sharing this podcast with them. 

Are you really ready for marriage?  Relationship experts say that all problems in relationships, marriages included, stem from unmet expectations. Sadly, even within our Christian circles, such expectations are often unrealistic or have origins outside of the Word of God. The question, "are you really ready for marriage?" is treated lightly by some. But, others know all too well the heartache, disappointment, and regret that results when readiness for marriage is not properly addressed before making a commitment. _ This faith couple, the Bumhiras, opened their hearts in a transparent conversation, to be a blessing to those who may be considering marriage or the "idea of marriage".    ps. this series on relationships has been added to our agenda based on the opportunity we have had to see the experiences of women who have been hurt by broken relationships.  

Single, Saved, Satisfied? Most times we focus on how the single woman is preparing herself for marriage, giving little focus, if any, to what her male counterpart is doing to prepare. How deep are we really willing to go when speaking about singleness in Christian circles? Can we be honest about what our hearts desire, the unspoken urges, and the internal and external pressure that comes with desiring a life partner?  Our guest this week, Deji Fatiregun, candidly shares about the experience of navigating singleness as a Christian man. He also gives us insight into the male value system and approach to relationships that are not often disclosed.  Deji is a single Christian man who is intentional about pursuing God's heart and about fulfilling his Kingdom mandate and making an impact wherever he is present.   ___________ Remember to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a comment, and bless others by sharing it with them. Also, stay connected with us @hummingbirdjourneys

Managing Life's Transitions Change happens, it's inevitable. Whether we like it or not, whether we've planned for it or not, at some point we are required to face the uncertainty of what it means to move from one state of reality to another. What better reference is there to draw upon than the current season in which we live where every aspect of life, every sector of society, in every part of the globe has been thrusted into unprecedented experiences; forcing us to deal with the dynamics of change. Our guest, Mrs. Jiselle Alleyne-Clement, joins host Kareem Lee for this week's conversation, to help us understand the dynamics of change, from a Kingdom perspective, and how to manage life's transitions when they come upon us. ___________ About Our Guest Jiselle Alleyne-Clement is a professional of many hats. She is an Academic Librarian, Educator and Researcher. She received her MLIS in Library Science from Dalhousie University, Canada. She also holds an MA in Leadership Studies from the University of Guelph, Canada and is currently reading for her PhD in Gender Studies at the University of the West Indies with focus on Female Leadership Development in Caribbean Organisations. Jiselle is the lead Empowerment Speaker, Vision Coach and Mentor at her consultancy, Pearls of Great Price. You may connect with Jiselle on Facebook or via Email Pearls of Great Price Empowerment Services, through its empowerment sessions undertakes to empower, educate and enlighten women. Teaching women to celebrate who they are and live the more abundant life.   ___________ Remember to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a comment, and bless others by sharing it with them

Loving vs Being In Love -- About Our Guest Oghenovo (Tsola) Uwhuba is a Beloved Daughter of Yahweh God and an avid believer in, and follower of, His Son Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ). She is a prolific writer of Christian content, authoring over 300 articles that expose God's Father Heart of Stupendous Love for all and passionately urges others to receive, bask in, be directed by and radiate God's Love from the place of an intimate relationship with God.

Owning Your God-given identity Crystal Daye joins our host, Kareem Lee, for this week's conversation. Together, they examine the concept of God-given identity vs. identity derived from other sources. Highlighting how past experiences and wrong teachings can cause women to hold on to an identity that is contrary to what God intended, the conversation touches on the need to break free from past experiences. Emphasising that it is possible to overcome limiting beliefs and mindsets, to confidently fulfil God's purpose. -- About Crystal Daye Known to captivate and connect with people as a relevant, transparent, and transformational speaker, Crystal Daye propels her audience to action by challenging them to never settle for less than God's best.  Crystal Daye is an Award-Winning Best-Selling Author of 6 books, International Certified Christian Life Coach, Corporate Trainer, Publisher and sought-after Inspirational Speaker.  As a woman of faith, she believes in servant leadership and she unselfishly uses the platforms God has given her to positively influence and impact lives globally.   Crystal is a Book Coach and COO of DayeLight Publishers, a Faith-Based Publishing and Consultancy Company that helps aspiring authors to write, brand, publish and market the books God has placed on their heart.  As a Brand Strategist, she helps women of faith to use their experiences to launch an Empowerment-Based business so they can maximize their message and increase their income and impact. You may connect with Crystal Daye and her ministry via: Social handles/links: @CrystalSDaye Website: www.crystaldaye.com    

Are you trying to become the perfect woman? Is there an image in your mind of what the perfect woman should be? The quest for perfection is a burden and a form of bondage for many women. But, true perfection is as God defines, not as we might have been conditioned to perceive perfection to be. During this week's conversation we candidly discuss issues of jealousy, imposter syndrome, insecurity, comparative positioning, and limiting mindsets which many women struggle with. Our guest, Mrs. Cynthia Kike Ajeigbe, a certified coach, provides practical guidance on moving beyond the barriers of circumstance, culture, past experiences, and the labels of others, to recognize our worth in Christ and become the women He has called us to be. As she shares, she urges us to value ourselves as God values us and to rise with confidence into all that He has purposed. ___________   About Our Guest Cynthia Kike Ajeigbe considers herself to be a purpose driven strategic leader with a track record of enhancing the delivery of business outcomes through people. She is a woman who is blessed to be a blessing, and is pressing unto the mark of the high calling by the grace of God. This is a woman who knows, without a shadow of doubt, that her help and her strength come from the Lord. As a coach, Cynthia Kike Ajeigbe is certified by the International Coaching Federation. You can view her full profile and access her contact details here.

True Worship Unlocks Heaven True worship has little to do with outward demonstrations and everything to do with the posture of a person's heart.  It goes far beyond the songs that we sing when we gather corporately. True worship is a lifestyle which is shaped by our personal commune with God.  When a woman understands this, and understands that she was created for the purpose of bringing God pleasure, then everything that she does flows out of a heart a worship.  Our guest this week, Mrs. Ogochukwu Bishop Felix, shares intimately about her life as a worshipper. She also challenges us to recognise that God expects us all (even those of us who can't sing) to be worshippers who worship Him in spirit and in truth.  ___________

How is your prayer life? The place of prayer is a place of power. In the place of prayer, destinies are shaped, battles are won, visions are birthed, lives are transformed. In the place of prayer, in those intimate moments with God, we are refreshed, strengthened, and rejuvenated. In the place of prayer, we see our lives from God's perspective and discover what is important. Here, God illuminates our minds as He reveals truth to us. Here we understand Who it is we belong to and believe in; we hear His heart and are drawn into His will. It is in the place of prayer that God reveals secret things to us and equips us to live as women who are truly victorious. Our guest this week, Pastor Dr. Esther Rex Fubara Manuel, shows up in true form to teach about the discipline of prayer. You will be sure to be blessed and stirred up as you listen. Because of the depth of the teaching on this episode, we have prepared a summary to specifically address some of the questions many women have been asking about prayer: http://bit.ly/HBJVWPray ___________   About Our Guest In Pastor Dr. Esther Rex's words:   " I am Pastor Dr Esther Rex Fubara-manuel, A privileged CHILD of God, A student of the Holy Ghost, WIFE of the general overseer of Revelation ministries, A blessed MOTHER of three ministers of the gospel, Mission Director of Children of Promise Christian schools and Prayer Palace & Family Resort.   The Lord has helped me write a few books and Bible games.   I am still a student of the Bible and candidate of heaven."   You may connect with Pastor Dr. Esther Rex on FB and  IG: @esther.rex 

Are you authentic? are you living an authentic life? Our guest this week, Mrs. Tasha Glover, asked us some tough questions when she sat with us for a couch conversation. We spoke about identity and authenticity and how to live a life that remains true to both of these. Tasha highlighted that we need to have a revelation of Who God is, for us to truly know who we are! Quite importantly, this woman of faith reminded us that our purpose in life is to please God by staying tuned in to what He is saying and walking in alignment with His greater plan. We are not made to fit into other people's molds! This episode challenges us to ask and answer some tough questions. Discovering the answers is truly liberating though! ___________   About Our Guest In Tasha's words: "I'm a wife of 11 years and a homeschooling Mom of 3 kiddos. I simply operate in whatever authority my Father releases to me. It looks different in each season of my life. In this season, I am CEO of Tech with Tasha a branding and digital marketing agency where I get to lead a team of spirit-led creatives and introduce the world to the results of branding and marketing with Grace and Excellence. I am Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur Certified and facilitate experiences that lead to encounters with Holy Spirit through training, mentoring, and strategy as a Wisdom in Business Strategist. I support the entrepreneur who feels a faith tug into something so big it takes the wisdom of God and Kingdom collaboration to get it done. God has given me wisdom to partner in helping point His people to His heart and to remind them of the access they have to His wisdom." Follow Tasha on IG and Facebook: @TechwithTasha

Suddenly, God changed my story - from barren to a mother of two What do you do when the doctors have said that it is medically impossible? When friends and family have given up hope, where do you turn? When men and women of God begin to suggest that your situation is dead and it's time to let it go, where do you find the encouragement to go on? Pastor Mrs. Valerie Charles Chike Nezianya joins us this week to share her own experience of being childless for almost 8 years after marriage. She recounts enduring the shame of being called barren and the physical pain for which doctors could not identify the cause. Until, suddenly, God changed her story. Psalm 113:9 says "He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the LORD!" Our prayer is that your faith will be stirred as you listen, and that you will be encouraged to trust the God who is able to make the impossible, possible.   About Our Guest: Pastor Valerie is an ordained minister of the gospel. She has an evangelistic calling over her life and a burden for raising godly women, marriages and children. She is a certified accountant, by profession, and a published author. She is also the visionary  of the Chosen To Give Life Ministries, an inter-denominational ministry dedicated to stirring the hearts of women back to the Lord.   Pastor Valerie is the wife of Pastor Charles Chike Nezianya. Together, they pastor The Cornerstone African House of Praise in Singapore. Their marriage is blessed with their double-portion children, Zachary and Juanita, who actively support them in ministry.   Pastor Valerie has a special burden to stand with and support women who are waiting on the fruit of the womb. To avail such support, you may connect with her via chosentogivelife@gmail.com Stay Connected with Us Do subscribe to this show, Couch Conversations, leave a review and be a blessing by sharing with others. You can also connect with us on Instagram and Facebook @hummingbirdjourneys and via our website www.hummingbirdjourneys.com

Healing After Heartbreak When women love, we love hard. Understandable, because we were created to nurture and care. We give all of our self into the relationships we engage, and when these relationships break, it hurts us to the very core. In this episode we speak about the effect failed relationships have on women. We examine the emotional trauma a women experiences on account of a failed relationship and how she is deeply changed by this. Reverend Doctor Marisha Stewart joins us this week to discuss Healing after Heartbreak. Using the benefit of her own experience and the Word of God as a guide, we examine the healing journey and its different stages. Listen as we examine why it is important for a woman to rediscover herself and learn to live again; exploring how she can be liberated from the bondage of guilt, regret and shame. Our prayer is that this episode will help you to foster courage and overcome fear, that you will be stirred to begin birthing new desires, reclaim purpose, and begin to live again.   About Our Guest: Dr. Stewart received her Master's degree in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Gallaudet University and in 2011 her PhD in Human Services with specialization in Counseling from Capella University. In 2019, Dr. Stewart became a licensed minister at Cornerstone Peaceful Bible Baptist Church while at the same time God was doing an inner work on the ministry she wanted to birth called “Lioness Queen.” The ministry's mission is to help encourage women who are stuck and still struggle with the emotional trauma of separation and/or divorce. Her goal is to help women become “residue free.” Rev. Dr. Marisha Stewart is determined to help women realize that the separation/divorce had a purpose and it is the quality of their thinking that dictates whether the divorce is a blessing or a curse.   Follow Rev. Dr. Marisha Stewart and her ministry “The Lioness Queen” Instagram and Facebook: @lionessqueen/@revdrlionessqueen   Stay Connected with Us Do subscribe to this show, Couch Conversations, leave a review and be a blessing by sharing with others. Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook @hummingbirdjourneys and www.hummingbirdjourneys.com

There are many voices which seek to define us as women. The pressure to live up to the standards imposed on us can be overwhelming and, for some, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity which in turn give way to a negative self- image and low self-esteem.   In this episode, we treat the issue of low self-esteem. Our guests, a panel of women from the Cornerstone African House of Praise in Singapore, discuss the causes and effects of low self-esteem. In heartfelt dialogue, we examine how our self-image can be influenced by painful experiences which have left deep seated wounds. Listen to these women share how low self-esteem is the inability to see ourselves the way God sees us, and how God desires to restore our understanding of who we are in Him.   By the end of this episode, you will appreciate that it is possible to overcome Low Self-Esteem by aligning our lives to God's truth.   Episode Highlights:   (3:30) What is self-esteem (5:20) If my perceptions of myself are negative, can this still be considered an honest feeling? (7:20) Why do we see our self the way we do? What influences our thoughts about our self? (8:45) Who is setting your standards? (9:50) Who told you that you were anything other than what God has called you to be as His child? (13:10) We have allowed people and situations to define us, but it is up to us to reject anything that contradicts what God has said concerning us. (15:50) How to unearth things that may have happened in childhood and overcome the negatives. (29:00) Consequences of low self-esteem. (39:45) Why being confident is not just an option for a godly woman, but a necessity.

"Wisdom Is The Principal Thing"  A Godly woman is mandated by God to build and to give life. To do this she requires wisdom and insight that can only come from God himself. A woman of wisdom understands why King Solomon said, wisdom is the principal thing. Our featured guest on this episode of Couch Conversations, Fainorah Bosibori, speaks to us about relying on God's divine wisdom to ensure uncompromised success.   Episode Highlights: (0:00 - 2:00) Intro   (2:00) The heart behind the Keys of the Kingdom series   (3:30) Get to know our guest, Fainorah Bosibori   (6:00) What is  wisdom and what does being wise really entail?   (9:15) The difference between knowledge and wisdom in general, and how should each be treated by a godly women.   (11:28) Understanding the shunning of evil in the pursuit of wisdom. Wisdom leads to reward, as in the story of Ruth. Wisdom gives the power to disarm the enemy and overcome opposition.   (15:15) Characteristics of a wise woman.     (25:00) As women, how do we come to a place where our emotions are kept in check so that we do not respond in a way that is not wise. The importance of Mentors.   (29:00) How do I remain silent, be discerning, and not feel weak in times of unfairness.   (31:00) Can everyone woman be a woman of wisdom?   (34:53) Distinguishing between the wisdom of the world, and the wisdom of God.   (35:30) Wisdom is the principal thing.   (36:44) Women of wisdom examples in the bible to study further.   (44:00) The consequences of not walking in wisdom.   (49:00) A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish…   (50:00) Practical steps to ensure you are cultivating/nurturing a spirit of a wisdom.   Stay connected with us: Couch Conversations is brought to you by Hummingbird Journeys, a faith-based counselling and emotional support agency. You may connect with us via the following: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com www.facebook.com/hummingbirdjourneys www.instagram.com/hummingbirdjourneys/ Or email us directly at: couchconversations@hummingbirdjourneys.com

"The Word of God is a Woman's Sword and Shield" A woman of the word does not trust in her own intelligence or abilities. She understands that the Word of God is the final authority on all matters and she finds comfort, security and strength in this Word. By filling her bosom with the Word, she is always ready to bless or to strike, as the Lord leads.  Our featured guest on this episode of Couch Conversations is Samantha Uwazuruonye. She shares how our language changes as we feed on the Word of God and how she relies on the Word to fight for her.   Couch Conversations is brought to you by Hummingbird Journeys, a faith-based counselling and emotional support agency. You may connect with us via the following: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com www.facebook.com/hummingbirdjourneys www.instagram.com/hummingbirdjourneys/ Or email us directly at: hello@hummingbirdjourneys.com

"God Is Able" A woman of faith knows how to use the key of faith to unlock the desires of her heart and live out the abundant promises of God. This woman battles disappointments, hurts and confusion; and she experiences many losses over the course of her life. Nonetheless, she confidently embraces one foundational truth "God is able and everything He does is for my good."   Our featured guest on this episode of Couch Conversations is Samantha Uwazuruonye. Samantha's life story has God's hand prints all over it! Listen and be encouraged as she shares how she's learnt to be a woman of faith.   Couch Conversations is brought to you by Hummingbird Journeys, a faith-based counselling and emotional support agency. You may connect with us via the following: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com www.facebook.com/hummingbirdjourneys www.instagram.com/hummingbirdjourneys/ Or email us directly at: hello@hummingbirdjourneys.com

"Speak It and See It"   A woman of authority understands who she is In Christ. She is fully aware of the right she has been given to legislate her affairs and to call to order the things which affect her and her household. Her confessions shift atmospheres and call the desires of her heart into being. Our featured guest on this episode of Couch Conversations is Mrs Crystal Bumhira. Using her own personal experiences as a reference point, Crystal shares how a woman's tongue is powerful and how her confessions are used to shape her life.   Couch Conversations is brought to you by Hummingbird Journeys, a faith-based counselling and emotional support agency. You may connect with us via the following: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com www.facebook.com/hummingbirdjourneys www.instagram.com/hummingbirdjourneys/ Or email us directly at: hello@hummingbirdjourneys.com  

In this release, our host - Kareem Lee shares the heart behind Couch Conversations. Kareem highlights the importance of creating safe spaces where women heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and receive information and support which emboldens them to live victorious lives in Christ. She discusses the gap in Christian dialogue and how safe spaces and transparent conversations are tools to dismantle the enemy's strategy of leveraging guilt and shame.   Kareem also gives a preview of two upcoming series that are soon to be launched here on the Couch Conversations podcast: Series One, Keys to the Kingdom; an educational series which encourages women to understand the authority they have been given in Christ, complete with practical teachings to make it easier to apply to daily life. Series Two, In HIS Eyes; a three-part inspirational series which stirs women to see themselves the way God sees them. This series examines matters of self-esteem, overcoming inferiority complexes, breaking cycles of failure, and recognising and addressing toxic relationships.   Couch Conversations is brought to you by Hummingbird Journeys, a faith-based counselling and emotional support agency. You may connect with us via the following: www.hummingbirdjourneys.com www.facebook.com/hummingbirdjourneys www.instagram.com/hummingbirdjourneys/ Or email us directly at: hello@hummingbirdjourneys.com    

"We can overcome. The power belongs to us to overcome. At some point we need to make a conscious decision not to surrender that power to the enemy and his lies." ~Pastor Hazeil R. Miñoza In this episode, Pastor Hazeil R. Miñoza speaks about overcoming shame, guilt and regret; leaving the past behind and moving forward in God. Pastor Hazeil is a visionary servant leader who has a heart to reach the lost and respond to the needs of the poor and downtrodden. She leads the Filipino Congregation of the Cornerstone Community Church Singapore in a dynamic way and is passionate about seeing every Filipino be on fire for God.

Living in the full knowledge of God's ordained purpose for our lives is the greatest sense of fulfillment that we could ever have as Christians. Otherwise, life is meaningless and has no eternal value. I have learnt that to live in my purpose is to live each day of my life completely focused on doing those things God created and equipped me for and daily enables me to accomplish, by His grace. It is primarily about impacting lives with the good news of Our Lord Jesus Christ through a channel God has entrusted you to use and becoming a God's vessel for the divine purpose of demonstrating His unconditional love. This is not self-ambition, but rather living selflessly for the purposes of God. This is an unmerited favour of God, a huge privilege, and a level in life to be greatly desired.   I therefore invite you to join us for this first episode of Couch Conversations by Hummingbird Journeys as we share our hearts and journeys with you. We trust that by God's grace, you too will shortly begin your own journey to discovering and fulfilling God's purpose and will for your life, in Jesus' name we pray, Amen. ~ Valerie Nezianya   Pastor (Mrs.) Valerie Charles Chike Nezianya is our podcast guest this week, speaking to us about what it means for a woman to Intentionally Pursue Purpose.   Pastor Valerie is recklessly and wholeheartedly in love with Jesus! And has been called to nations and separated for an end-time purpose. She is passionate about proclaiming the good news of the Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, and about her ministry to women and families. She currently co-pastors the Cornerstone African House of Praise in Singapore with her beloved husband, Charles. She is an author, a banker, and a highly blessed mother of two double-portion children, Zachary and Juanita.   If you're a woman who is looking for more resources and support to help you navigate life through the lens of faith, you can connect with Hummingbird Journeys via www.hummingbirdjourneys or Instagram and Facebook @hummingbirdjourneys. Also, remember to subscribe to this Couch Conversations podcast for fortnightly heart to heart conversations with real women of faith that are sure to encourage and inspire.