FOP Church Womens Podcast

Thanks for joining us online! If you'd like additional information about FOP Church, visit our website at fopchurch.net and see all our upcoming events and services.❤️ Did you give your heart to Jesus today? fopchurch.net/infoform

Thanks for joining us online! If you'd like additional information about FOP Church, visit our website at fopchurch.net and see all our upcoming events and services.❤️ Did you give your heart to Jesus today? fopchurch.net/infoform

Thanks for joining us online! If you'd like additional information about FOP Church, visit our website at fopchurch.net and see all our upcoming events and services.❤️ Did you give your heart to Jesus today? fopchurch.net/infoform

Join us for the testimony of Kristen Wesler as she addresses the topic of "fear" in Session 2 from our FOP Ladies "Even If" Conference! If you have any questions, email Whitney Northern at ladies@fopchurch.net

Join us for the testimony of Valerie Tabar as she addresses the topic of "identity" in Session 1 from our FOP Ladies "Even If" Conference! If you have any questions, email Whitney Northern at ladies@fopchurch.net

This is the last part of this mini-series called "Battle on the Homefront" where Pastor Bobbi Morgan has been talking all about spiritual battle. In this last part of this series, Ms. Bobbi gives a word of encouragement to the women out there that are right in the middle of a serious spiritual battle and she says a prayer over those ladies as well. Be sure to share, share, share this series with any of the ladies in your life that are facing battles of their own!

We've got another episode in this mini-series called "Battle on the Homefront" with Pastor Bobbi Morgan where we're talking about spiritual battle. Today, Ms. Bobbi answers this question: what does the Bible say about spiritual battle?Click "share" and spread this message of hope to the other ladies in your life that could use some hope in the midst of their battles, and don't forget to come back tomorrow for the last part of this mini-series and a special prayer from Ms. Bobbi over the ladies that are right in the middle of their battle right now!

We're in the middle of a mini series titled "Battle on the Homefront" and we're talking about spiritual battle and what that looks like, how to prepare for it, etc. Pastor Bobbi Morgan is sharing so much wisdom with us regarding spiritual battle and in this episode we're talking about: how is battling for yourself different than battling for your family?Don't forget to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this episode with the ladies in your life that are "[wrestling] not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12 KJV)

Join us as we discuss spiritual warfare! As women, we are often seeing that battle in our homes in some way and in this short mini-series we're talking with Pastor Bobbi Morgan on this question: how do you know you're dealing with a spiritual battle and not just an issue or trial?Be sure to click "SHARE" now and spread this hope to the ladies in your life that are also going to battle on their homefront!!

Join us as we discuss spiritual warfare! As women, we are often seeing that battle in our homes in some way and in this short mini-series we're talking with Pastor Bobbi Morgan on this question: when you go into battle for your family, what does that look like and what strategies do you employ when you are warring for your family?Be sure to click "SHARE" now and spread this hope to the ladies in your life that are also going to battle on their homefront!!

When we are intentional about resting and taking time with the Lord, we will see our lives bearing good fruit! In this final episode of this series, Jana Mitten talks about the "so what" regarding rest. We talk about how to build an altar in our homes where we take time to acknowledge who God is in our lives and the significance of that for our families. We wrap this series up with some discussion on what this looks like moving forward for women who are planning to make a "full stop" part of their new normal. Be sure to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this episode with any of the women in your life that you know could benefit from this conversation on rest!

We're diving into the Word of God in this episode talking about what it means to really REST. Jana Mitten has been studying Hebraic culture and history for many years, and in this episode she brings amazing insight into what the Bible says about rest and... the part you've all been waiting for... practically speaking, how do we achieve rest when we have soooo much going on??? Buckle up for this episode because this is packed with incredible information, ladies!! Be sure to share this episode with any of the ladies in your life that you know could benefit from an honest conversation on REST.

Webster defines the action of "rest" as: to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. It's amazing how busy our lives can become, and seemingly without warning. Jana Mitten began studying rest over a decade ago and she quickly discovered that this was a huge Biblical principle that most Christians gloss over. She found that rest was not just something God commands, but it's something He even gave us specific instructions for. In this episode, Jana addresses the question "what is rest" and also the difference between "rest and taking time off". Get a notebook because you'll want to take notes on this knowledge packed episode!! Be sure to share this episode with any of the women you know that could use a reminder to REST!

Identity... just knowing who you are and why you're here has become a question too many women struggle with every day, especially women in the Body of Christ. By nature we are constantly comparing ourselves to others, criticizing ourselves for mistakes or perceived mistakes, and even struggling to feel comfortable in our own skin. In this episode Savannah Norris discusses how broken she was grappling with some of these questions and how she came to a place of confidence in knowing who she is according to God. She shares scriptures that have helped her through low seasons, and she shares how our culture both inside and outside the church played a role in her journey to breakthrough. Be sure to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this episode with any of the women in your life that you know could benefit from an honest conversation among Christian women! If you have a testimony to share with us (related or not related to this episode/ topic) be sure to share your story with us at fopchurch.net/testimony so that we can celebrate with you!!

"The big thing when you're splitting time with kids is to not be so selfish." When you're talking about single motherhood, there's really two parts to discuss: the single part (being without a partner), and the mother part (raising children). In this episode with Megan Britton, we're discussing specifically the "motherhood" portion of being a single mom. She talks about sharing your kids on holidays and other events, how she's worked through building a new dream for her family, and why she's always chosen to NOT be bitter. We're so thankful to have Megan sharing her story with us, and we hope that this episode brings some peace to a single mom who might still be dealing with "fear of the unknown" in their future. Spoiler alert: God's got you!! Be sure to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this episode with any of the women in your life that could use a little hope on the topic of being a single MOM.

"Motherhood is lonely in a weird way." When you're talking about single motherhood, there's really two parts to discuss: the single part (being without a partner), and the mother part (raising children). Megan Britton talks about her journey as a single mom in this episode where we really focus in on how she dealt with the "breakup aspect" of single motherhood, all while being a mom to four kids in various stages of life. She talks about processing moments of fear and abandonment, and when she realized she needed some additional help from a counselor to work through some of those feelings. Megan is so brave to share her story, and we hope that all the moms doing it on their own will find hope in her story!! Be sure to share this episode with your friends and family who could benefit from this conversation, and join us next week as we tackle: single MOM ... the motherhood aspect of being a single mom and handling all the things that come along with split households. Click share and join us again next week!!

When trust is lost, it's so hard to get back, especially in a marriage. Betrayal can come in so many different forms, but within a marriage relationship betrayal can be like a cancer. If not addressed, statistically most marriages that face betrayal end in divorce. Emily Gray shares how her marriage went through a difficult betrayal and God brought so much healing to their marriage to help them both to trust again. Her story brings hope to anyone who has struggled with trust in their relationship, and reminds us all that with God all things are possible! Be sure to share this episode with any of the women in your life that you know could benefit from this conversation on restoration and reconciliation.

You don't have to be alone. More than anything else on this episode, we hope that you walk away from listening to this and know that you do NOT have to be alone. In part two of this episode, Paula Gross talks about her biggest advice for any woman that is walking alongside a loved one with an addiction: don't isolate yourself. Withdrawing from others is a common reaction in a traumatic situation. This is often the way that a person naturally responds to process what's happened or happening, to regroup within themselves and to begin to cope. However, we know that God did not create us to be alone... "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..." (Psalm 68:5-6) With that in mind, Paula discusses how isolation negatively impacted her during the crisis of addiction she walked with her late husband. She also gives practical ways to get support and stay connected to others. If you are dealing with a loved one who is trapped in an addiction, Ms. Bobbi Morgan has requested that her email address be made available for anyone who is looking for additional support. You can contact her at bmorgan@fopchurch.net so that we can connect with you and be praying for you. Be sure to share this episode with any of the women in your life that you know could benefit from this honest conversation among Christian women. Be sure to tune in next month for more episodes!

"For better or worse, in sickness and in health..." Most women say these vows on their wedding day, but only some walk them out in the full meaning of these words. Paula Gross did just that. In this two-part episode, Paula shares her testimony of how her husband battled mental health issues and a severe substance addiction for 23 years of their marriage. Through it all, she held tight to God's promises and found comfort in worshipping Her Savior. Her story is one of God's mercy and faithfulness, and the truth of His Word that we will "never be forsaken" (Deuteronomy 31:8). If you are walking alongside a loved one who is battling addiction, we don't want you to do it alone!! Feel free to reach out to Bobbi Morgan at bmorgan@fopchurch.net so that we can connect with you, be praying for you, and provide you support when you need it most. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Be sure to share this episode with any of the women in your life that you know could benefit from this conversation. Join us next week for part two of this incredible story!!

Bottom line: ABUSE IS NEVER OKAY. No matter when it happened, if you have experienced abuse, God wants you to be healed! In part two of this episode, Jennifer Hollingshead shares her story of how she went from victim to survivor to overcomer. Jennifer requested that her email address be made available so that anyone who might need to chat further about abuse would be able to reach her at jesusloverofmysoul03@yahoo.com

Abuse can happen mentally, sexually, physically, emotionally and even verbally. The World Health Organization reports that 30% of all women have experienced some kind of traumatic abuse in their lifetime. Many women don't even begin to identify and address the abuse until many years after the abuse has happened. In this two-part episode, Jennifer Hollingshead shares her story of how she went from victim to survivor to overcomer. God's Word makes clear that His desire for our lives is healing, so we hope that Jennifer's story will help someone begin the healing process from some kind of abuse. Jennifer requested that her email address be made available so that anyone who might need to chat further about abuse would be able to reach her at jesusloverofmysoul03@yahoo.com

Jesus warned us that rejection would come, and even told us that for His followers it would be inevitable. Nevertheless, it hurts when someone rejects us. Whether its a friend, family member, coworker, or the cashier at the grocery store-- rejection stings. In this episode, Barbie Abney discusses how she discovered she was dealing with a spirit of rejection, the events that lead to her deliverance from this crippling feeling, and how she walks in freedom daily on this side of healing. Rejection can come in so many ways, and one of the most common ways women deal with rejection daily is on social media. Barbie talks about the role social media played in her testimony, and what advice she gives to women who might be dealing with rejection now. Be sure to SHARE this episode with the women you know that might benefit from this conversation, and check back next month for more episodes on the FOP Church Womens Podcast!!

PART TWO IS HERE!! We're diving back in on the topics of love and marriage with Victoria Ellen in the second part of this episode. As we approach our XO Marriage Conference at FOP Church this weekend, this conversation is so relevant! Victoria talks about standards versus expectations, keeping the "spark" alive, and her best advice for anyone newly married or engaged. If you missed part one of this conversation, be sure to go back and listen on our app, website, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to SHARE this episode with anyone you know that could benefit from this conversation!

It seems the whole month of February is associated with love, so in this two-part episode, Victoria Ellen shares her love story! Having been through some really terrible relationships prior, today Victoria is in the marriage of her dreams and has so much insight and perspective to share about lessons she's learn on her journey to this place. She shares their proposal story, the first major obstacle of their marriage which was blending their families, and what she learned about self-care before approaching this marriage. Be sure to tune in for the conclusion of this episode in two weeks, and SHARE SHARE SHARE this episode with any of the Christian women you know that could benefit from this conversation about love and marriage!!

A new year is a clean slate and a good time to think about what you want the new year to hold! In this episode, we're talking about goals versus resolutions versus words to live by versus points of focus and everything in between! We discuss "goal fulfillers" and "goal killers" and how to keep our eyes fixed on the goal for the long run. We talk about what the Bible says about reaching for goals, and how to pick ourselves back up when we feel like we've failed on a goal. Be sure to share this episode with anyone you know that could use some encouragement as they begin tackling new goals in 2022, and tune in for our February episodes!!

Do you really, truly trust God with your life? This is a question Michele Stewart was faced with almost 15 years ago when she was facing the battle of her life against addiction. She had been to treatment facilities, prison, homeless and alienated from her kids and family. In 2008, she had an encounter with God that changed her life and in that moment she knew she had to "let God" heal her. Healing is hard work, and it's something that takes time. Michele's testimony is full of hope for anyone dealing with an addiction, and if you or a woman you know is working through healing and recovery from an addiction, Michele is leading a CARE Group starting Thursday, January 27 to provide support for those who are on their journey to healing! Sign up at fopchurch.net/fopgroups or email Michele directly at mstewart6708@gmail.com

As the song says, "it's the most wonderful time of the year"! But for many women, it's also the most busy time of the year. Sports schedules, holiday work hours, Christmas Parties, Christmas programs at school, visiting multiple families, figuring out gifts for kids and grandkids and friends and family, wrapping all those gifts, making a side dish for this party and a dessert for that party and a $10 gift for another party... these are just a few of the stressors that can complicate the celebration of Christmas. The mother-daughter team of Shelly Stroud and Jani Uhrig give practical advice and tips on how to manage all "the things" at Christmas time while still being "present" for the most special moments. This episode is all about keeping the PEACE in Christmas! They talk about keeping a perspective of what's important, giving grace to those around you, and even how to handle family conflict at the holidays. If you've found yourself feeling extra busy as Christmas approaches this year, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU!! We hope you'll take away some peace of mind and just a sense of calm as you head into Christmas this weekend. This is our last episode of 2021, so we're wishing you a Merry Christmas from the FOP Church Womens Podcast team and we are excited about so many awesome things coming to this podcast in 2022 so be sure to stay tuned in the new year! Also, don't forget to SHARE SHARE SHARE this episode with anyone you know that might need a little help keeping the peace in Christmas this year!!

For 12 years, she suffered. She tried everything to get breakthrough, but still her condition remained. Finally, she heard about a man named Jesus who could heal her. She pushed through a crowd of people, struggling through her shame and condemnation, just to touch the hem of His garment because she knew that just a touch would make her well. In Mark 5, we read the story of a woman whose faith brought her deliverance and in today's episode we hear a similar story unfold in the life of someone in our church family: Terri Spradlin. Like the woman in the Bible, Terri battled an issue for 12 years. However, Terri's battle was addiction to alcohol and even though she wanted deliverance, it wasn't until she had a supernatural encounter with God that she found true freedom. Like the woman in Mark 5, Terri had to take the first step and participate in her deliverance by seeking out an accountability and prayer partner who could help her along this journey. In this episode, Terri shares her story of radical healing and how this healing has changed her life. Be sure to share this episode with anyone you know that's battling an addiction or someone who is walking alongside someone who is struggling with an addiction. We're celebrating this miracle with Terri as she tells the world that she is an "overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of her testimony" (Revelation 12:11)!!

In 1 Kings 3, we see a story of King Solomon making a wise judgment to determine the "real mother" of a child after some question of his custody. Ultimately, the "real mother" was deemed to be the woman who sought to preserve and protect the child and his wellbeing, even though it might have required sacrifice on her part. In this podcast episode, we're talking all about being a stepmom and the two amazing ladies sharing their wisdom on this episode really echo the same sentiment of the "real mother" in this story from 1 Kings: it's all about what's best for the kids. Michelle Woodyard and Lauren Stroud coparent two of their children, and in this episode they discuss their relationship with one another and how they came to a place of mutual understanding that they wanted to work together in relationship for the sake of their children. No step-parenting situation is ideal and every relationship takes work, but these ladies offer incredible advice for "what's the goal" in step-parenting and discuss why coparents must work together for the best outcome for the kids. Don't let the title fool you; this podcast isn't just for stepmoms... this is for every "real mother" out there working through a step-family situation who just wants whatever is best for the kids, whether as the stepmom or as the biological mom. Be sure to SHARE this episode with any woman you know that could benefit from an honest conversation on this topic!

"You don't have to have an active eating disorder to be in bondage to food..." Lisa Frye was 19 years old, a freshman in college, and taking up to 90 diuretics per day. After the loss of her father, Lisa came to realize that her collegiate dance career had to end so that she could get healthy. In this episode, Lisa talks about her struggle with bulimia, how she overcame this issue, and the victory she's had on this side of healing. If you struggle with food in some way, or you have a friend or loved one that struggles, you don't want to miss this incredible testimony. FREEDOM IS AVAILABLE!! Lisa addresses some of the biggest triggers and symptoms for eating disorders, as well as ways that friends and loved ones can best support someone as they walk through their healing journey with an eating disorder. Be sure to share this episode with anyone you know that could benefit from an honest conversation among Christian women regarding struggles with self-esteem and eating disorders!

"[For a long time] I didn't even want to hear the word [widow]... it was too hard." Losing a spouse after more than fifty years of marriage is devastating. Bev Nunley and Rheada Brown talk with us about how they've discovered the faithfulness of God in new ways since their husbands passed away, and the hope they have for the future. They share practical advice for what life looks like after the loss of a spouse, including where to eat lunch and how to make big decisions. We're so blessed to have an incredible Widows Ministry at FOP Church lead by Rheada Brown. This group of women of all ages meet every Wednesday for lunch. If you'd like to meet with them as well, feel free to call Rheada for details at (937) 725-2975 Be sure to SHARE THIS EPISODE with any of the women you know that could use some encouragement as they walk through grieving the loss of their husband.

She wasn't even 30 years old yet... how could "widow" be part of her testimony?? Alexandra Craig walked beside her husband, John, through a terminal and extremely rare diagnosis along with their 4 year old son, Johnny. Today, she's sharing her inspiring story of how the Lord has given her beauty for ashes and revealed His goodness in the midst of heartache. She talks about grief and loss, how she's moving forward today as a mommy and widow, and how the Body of Christ can best support women who are facing this loss so early in marriage. If you know someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, whether it's their husband or someone else, this podcast gives so much hope to the person who is walking through that loss... so we hope you'll SHARE this podcast with them and anyone else that you think could benefit from an honest conversation among Christian women.

The enemy wants you to feel insignificant, incapable, and UNWORTHY. That word-- unworthy-- is what Angie Backer remembers screaming so loudly in her mind when she decided to take her own life. Hear her story of how the Lord literally saved her from suicide and delivered her from despair. Angie is currently hosting a CARE Group for women who have struggled with depression, anxiety and suicide on Mondays at 6:30pm and you can sign up at fopchurch.net/fopgroups There is HOPE in her testimony, and if you know someone who feels like they're at the end of their rope, be sure to share this episode with them!

High school sports, discipleship even as they leave home, parenting an adult child who still lives at home, and standing with your child in faith... we're tackling these topics and more in part two of this episode!! Ms. Bobbi Morgan, Susan Billingsley and Lisa Greely provide great insight about how to walk the tight rope between "making your kid go to church" and "helping them developing a real relationship with Christ". They discuss things they wish they had done differently, and their best advice to a mom who is walking through this age group now. The truth is: we're ALL still trying to figure it out, but we're NOT alone!! Be sure to share this episode with any moms that could benefit from hearing honest conversation among Christian women, and check back on the 4th Wednesday of the month for another episode!

Navigating new romantic relationships, figuring out independence and responsibility, the ills of social media, and bringing "inlaws" into the family... these are topics moms face in the high school/ young adult stage of parenting, and we're talking about them ALL!! Ms. Bobbi Morgan, Susan Billingsley and Lisa Greely share their wisdom with us on how to take every new obstacle in stride, things they wish they had done differently, and the importance of recognizing the unique parenting-needs of each child. We hope you'll dive in with us as we open up this honest conversation! Don't forget to share this episode with any of the women you know that are parenting this age group... remind them that they are NOT ALONE! Moms-- we're all in this together!

Oh, those preteen years! They can feel like some of the busiest year, the moodiest years, and the most critical years. In part two of this episode, we're talking with RaSheena Barnes and Diana Brothers about balancing extra curricular activities with family and church, what discipleship looks like for this age group, and how to just get started with a plan for discipleship if you don't already have one. If you missed part one, go back and listen!! Don't forget to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this episode with anyone you know that could benefit from this conversation!

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs anyone can do. Especially when you're dealing with big emotions, big changes, and big developing personalities in the preteen years, parenting the elementary/ middle school age group can leave you exhausted and confused. We talk with Diana Brothers and RaSheena Barnes about the challenges parents face in this age range, and how we can overcome those obstacles as followers of Christ. Today we're tackling some pretty big topics including media choices, cell phones, discipline and even a funny parenting story about Santa Claus. Join us tomorrow for part two of this episode where we dive into managing extra curricular activities and what discipleship looks like for this age group!! Be sure to SHARE this episode with any of your friends that you think can benefit from this conversation!

With the start of a new school year only days away, we had several women request a parenting series... so here it is!! If you missed part one of this episode, go back and listen!! SO GOOD! Here we are diving in on the topics of "mom-shaming", discipleship and best words of encouragement for parenting this age group. Be sure to share this episode, and join us for our next episode tackling the elementary and middle school age group!!

With the start of a new school year only days away, we had several women request a parenting series dealing with issues like discipline, discipleship, extracurricular activities and overcoming unique obstacles for this age group. WE HEARD YOU, LADIES!! We're diving into this Parenting Panel Series with the first age group: babies and toddlers. Megan, Heather and Jaiden all have multiple kids in this age range, and they each bring a unique perspective to this episode. From potty training to tantrums, these moms have "been there, done that, and got the T-shirt" and they are bringing you their best Godly advice to all the moms who are newly encountering this phase of parenting. Part two of this episode will release tomorrow, so be sure to tune in for the conclusion where we tackle the topic of "mom-shaming". Also, don't forget to SHARE, SHARE, SHARE this episode with any of the women in your life that you feel could benefit from this honest conversation about what Christian parenting looks like for babies and toddlers!

According to the CDC, 1 in 3 women have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their lifetime. That means that 1 in 3 women in our church, in our community, in our friend groups, in our schools, at our places of work, and in our families are actively healing or have had to process that attack and go through the healing process regarding some situation where they were violated sexually. In this episode, we talk with Rachael Hogan who bravely shared part of her own need for healing, how that healing began and what role forgiveness played in the journey. We also noted that sexual assault doesn't only happen physically as the term "rape" is defined. Many women are assaulted mentally, emotionally, verbally, over text message, within the walls of a relationship, by violation of privacy, or violation of trust. No matter the situation, God cares about our brokenness and He desires to heal our hearts. We hope you'll share this podcast with any of the women in your life that you think might benefit from hearing this conversation and be sure to tune in next month for a new, exciting series on parenting!

Sometimes your summers can be so busy and full, that you just need to take a break!! So here's our little "summer break" with the ladies where we're discussing some of our best "life hacks". The whole room recommended "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers as a favorite summer read. Some other recommendations are Bar Keeper's Friend, Dose & Co. Collagen coffee creamer, playing video games on your phone, and Oil of Olay. Take a listen and find out why each of these things were recommended and hopefully you'll share with us some of your life hacks, and take a little summer break yourself to talk with your girlfriends about some of their favorite "Target finds"!! Be sure to stay tuned for some really awesome episodes coming up!

"If I had just immediately taken it to the Lord..." We can't always instantly control our hurt feelings toward an offense, but we CAN control how we respond to it!! In part two of this podcast episode, we're wrapping up our conversation with Alex Elliott regarding "church hurt". We discuss the best way to begin moving forward and what boundaries are important to consider in moving forward. If you haven't heard part one of this episode, be sure to go back and listen, and then share this episode with anyone you know that might be struggling to connect with the Body of Christ due to "church hurt"... it's time to reconnect!

"Eventually I just kind of stopped going..." This is an all too common phrase among people who have been hurt in a church setting. The hurt might have come from a person, a circumstance, or just change. No matter how the hurt occurred, it's very real and it's devastating to the Body of Christ when it makes a member of the body feel isolated and alone. In this two-part episode, we talk with Alex Elliott who experienced "church hurt" in a church setting many years ago and has since found healing, forgiveness, and a better understanding that the church is made up of "imperfect people". We discuss what church hurt really is and how the Bible says we should deal with it. We also get the unique perspective of how hurt among members impacts church leadership from Pastor Bobbi Morgan. Our prayer in this episode is that our listeners might hear something encouraging and uplifting that inspires them to take some steps forward toward restoration and reconnection with the Body of Christ. Part two of this episode will be released tomorrow!

According to the US Census Bureau, as of 2020 there are 18.3 million kids in this country who are living in a "fatherless home". That means 1 in 4 kids this Father's Day won't have a dad to celebrate with, for whatever reason. In this episode, we're talking with Feather Farler about her experience with a distant father for many years of her life, how she came to a place of reconciliation with him, and how the Lord is still working on her through this situation. Above all else, we know that each one of us has a Heavenly Father that loves us without condition, He will never let us down, He will never leave us stranded, He will always be available to us, He will always comfort our brokenness, and He will "set the lonely in families" (Psalm 68:6) If you or someone you know is struggling to celebrate Father's Day this year because of a broken relationship with an earthly dad, we want to encourage you to lean into the Lord for guidance and wisdom and comfort and grace, and also lean into your church family!! Click the "share" button now to spread this message of hope and grace!!

The CDC reports that 1 in 8 women suffer from postpartum depression in the wake of childbirth. However only about 50% of those women are actually diagnosed and treated for postpartum depression, and a big reason for that is simply not knowing enough about postpartum depression to recognize and understand the signs and symptoms. Kristen Wesler courageously shares her story about how she discovered that she was dealing with postpartum depression after the birth of her second baby, and how she found victory in what some might call a "perfect storm" of circumstances. If you think you might be dealing with postpartum depression, we want to encourage you to reach out to your doctor, spouse or a friend immediately for some help and accountability. You are not alone! Be sure to share this episode with those in your life that you think could benefit from hearing this testimony.

What do you do on Mother's Day when your relationship with your biological mom feels like it's not worth celebrating? Mary Dixon tells us about how her mom was only 14 years old when she was born, she became a raging alcoholic, and lost custody of her and her sisters for part of their childhood. When tragedy brought her mom back into her life, Mary discovered just how mighty God is when you lean into Him with your prayers and petitions. No matter what the reason for the difficult relationship, we hope this episode brings some hope and healing to your heart and as we approach this Mother's Day weekend, we're praying for supernatural healing over broken relationships! Be sure to share this episode with anyone you think needs to hear a story of healing and grace, and tune in again for more amazing episodes coming up soon!

Year after year, she prayed for a baby and year after year, her arms remained empty. She was devastated, desperate and downcast. The women all around her had babies without issue and each month that came and went without a pregnancy in her womb, she wondered: "Why not me?" In 1 Samuel, we read about Hannah's struggles to conceive and how that even her prayers seemed despondent, so much so that the priest, Eli, even thought she was drunk when she was crying out to God to give her a child. One of the most difficult things a woman can face in life is an issue with fertility, and that struggle can make celebrating Mother's Day feel like nails against a chalkboard. In this episode, Pastor Lisa Lewin from Wilson Praise and Worship in Wilson, North Carolina shares her story of walking through fertility struggles for seven years, only to hear over and over again that it was impossible for her to conceive. In the end, we'll hear what God can do with the "impossible" and how deeply He cares for and comforts those still waiting to become "mommy". We hope that you'll SHARE this episode with any woman in your life that just needs some hope around this issue as we're going into Mother's Day weekend, and we encourage those women to lean into God and lean into the body of Christ when they are hurting. If you would like our staff to join you in praying for a miracle in your life, you can submit your request at fopchurch.net/prayer-request. If you'd like to contact Lisa to talk more about her story, email office@fopchurch.net and we will connect you with her.

While Mother's Day is a celebrated holiday among most people, there are many women who struggle to celebrate Mother's Day because of personal battles... one of those issues is that they have lost their mother and cannot celebrate with her on Mother's Day. In this episode, we hear from Brenda Cox and Sherrie Banks who have both lost their mothers in recent years. They share how they have coped with this loss and how they spent their difficult Mother's Days without their moms. We hope you'll share this episode with anyone you think needs to hear this, and be on the look out for some other special episodes around the Mother's Day holiday!!

ALL THE SINGLE LADIES!!! Listen up! This is for you!! God uses our singleness for specific purpose, and in this episode we talk to Karan Keiter about how God used her time of singleness into her 30s to bring growth, establish faith strength and prepare her for her future. She talks about how frustrating it was to watch her friends in their 20s getting married and having kids and how she dealt with feeling "passed up". If you're the one living in that singleness and you're frustrated waiting on God's timing, grab some popcorn and your favorite movie candy because you're going to want to lock in on every second of this episode!

The COVID-19 pandemic hit everyone hard, but small business owners were experiencing a different kind of crisis. With state-wide shutdowns, business capacity restrictions, mask requirements and additional safety regulations in place, many small businesses couldn't manage without their steady income. We saw some of our most beloved hometown businesses shutting their doors or dramatically reducing staff and operating hours. We spoke with Rhonda Grote, the owner of Lebanon's well-known Royce Cafe that shut down as a result of the pandemic, and she shared some of her experience as a business owner facing this difficult time. Don't forget to SHOP LOCAL and keep all our business owners in your prayers as they are still trying to recuperate from 2020. Be sure to share this episode with anyone you think might benefit from hearing this episode!

One of the more common issues women are facing right now is becoming a caretaker for their aging parents. In this sort of "sandwich generation", women are finding themselves needing to help care for their parents while still caring for children at home. Taking on such a responsibility can put a strain on the family dynamic for the caretaker, their marriage, sibling relationships, and so many other areas of family life. We discuss how Angie Golden took on the role of caretaker for her parents and some of the advice she has for anyone considering taking this step.