The Complicated Heart Podcast with Sarah Mae

Today I'm going to talk to you about making a plan for that difficult family gathering you're heading into! Get your notebook and let's get to work! ... Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much! If you want to know more, check out sarahmae.com/thecomplicatedheartpodcast

Many of us have or are struggling with Pandemic depression, feeling unmotivated, and wondering, "What is wrong with me?" and, "Will I ever feel back to normal?" If you're struggling or if you've asked those questions, this show is for you. ... Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much! If you want to know more, check out sarahmae.com/thecomplicatedheartpodcast

Today on the show I have Lore Ferguson Wilber, author of the beautiful new book, Handle with Care. In this episode, we talk about sex and singleness, the power of touch, masturbation, and how to love the single person well. LINKS: Resources from Lore: Handle with Care: How Jesus Redeems the Power of Touch in Life and Ministry Sayable.net Fidelity Print (In our home: Fidelity to the Word of God and not to an outcome) Lore's Writing Mentorship Connect with Lore Online: Instagram @LoreWilbert Twitter @LoreWilbert Other Resources: The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts The Body Keeps the Score  

Today on the show I'm back with therapist Angie Durham talking about infidelity and trauma.  LINKS: You can find Angie at https://www.ntchristiancounseling.com/

Today on the show I have a conversation with a dear in-real-life friend of mine, Amanda Vargas. You may remember Amanda from Season 1, Episode 6 on discovering your husband is having an emotional affair. In today's episode, Amanda and I talk about what's been happening since that show and what she's been learning.  LINKS: Episode 6: When You Catch Your Husband in an Emotional Affair Amanda on Instagram at @mrsvargascrew Website Amanda recommends: Pure Desire Ministries Other Helpful Resources: https://jay-stringer.com/ https://www.authenticintimacy.com/ Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

On today's show, I have Jay Stringer joining me to talk about our unwanted sexual behavior and thoughts. Jay is a therapist who is particularly interested in helping people find healing from sexual brokenness, and even more specifically, by helping people to listen to their lust. He says that Sexual fantasies are roadmaps and they pinpoint the location of your past harm and highlight the current roadblocks that keep you from freedom. If we pay attention, our sexual brokenness will reveal the way to healing. I'd love YOUR Feedback on this series! As we're going through this series, The Sex Series, I would love to hear from you! Are you enjoying the series, is it helpful, is it raising more questions about topics you'd like me to expand on? If so, you can reach me on Instagram at sarahmaewrites, just DM me, or you can email me at podcast@sarahmae.com. LINKS: Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing Jay-Stringer.com Jay on Instagram The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts Sarah Mae on Instagram

Today on the show I bring you something you have been asking for, and that is an interview with an EMDR therapist! Not only do I interview her, but she is answering YOUR questions, the ones you submitted to me a while ago! Who am I interviewing? None other than the passionate Aundi Kolber, author of the new book, Try Softer. You all are going to love her and this interview! LINKS: Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode--and into a Life of Connection and Joy. The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts  Psychology Today (to find a Christian Trauma-informed, EMDR Therapist)   Questions to Ask an EMDR Therapist Before Working with Them: How often do you use EMDR? (Aundi doesn't recommend someone who doesn't use it often) Have you worked with people who have a similar issue as mine?  What does faith-integration look like for you? Questions to Ask Yourself Before Working with a Therapist: How do I feel talking to that therapist? (Is there chemistry?) Can I see myself being comfortable with this therapist? QUOTE: "Our bodies heal at the pace they're ready to heal." -Aundi Kolber

Today on the show I have therapist Angie Durham, who is a licensed professional counselor, licensed Marriage and family therapist, and a certified Biblical counselor. We are talking about trauma and the body. You can find Angie at North Texas Christian Counseling.  

Today on the show I'm talking with Dr. Juli Slattery, clinical psychologist, author, speaker and the president/co-founder of Authentic Intimacy. In this episode, we are taking a 50,000-foot view look at sex, intimacy, and spirituality, specifically diving into talking to your kids about sex, the fear under our sexual silence, sexual discipleship, and how sexuality in our home is a spiritual battleground.  LINKS: Juli's website: Authentic Intimacy  Rethinking Sexuality: God's Design and Why it Matters Passion Pursuit Bible Study Java with Juli Podcast ... If you like this podcast, if you've found it helpful, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so your review matters! Thank you so much! If you want to know more, check out https://www.sarahmae.com/thecomplicatedheartpodcast. 

This is an intro to The Sex Series, a series that deals with the complicated relationship many of us have with sex. Here is a preview of just some of the topics and guests that are featured in this series: Getting Curious with Our Unwanted Sexual Thoughts and Behaviors – Jay Stringer Sexual Trauma and EMDR Therapy – Aundi Kolber Sexual Honesty – Amanda Vargas Sexual Trauma with Infidelity - Angie Durham Sexuality as a Spiritual Battleground – Juli Slattery A Woman's Sexuality Sex and the Forgotten LINKS: The Complicated Heart by Sarah Mae Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much! Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com You can also listen on: iTunes Spotify Google Play!    

Hey friends! It's been a while, but I'm back! Enjoy this short update! LINKS: @JHCraftsman @sarahmaewrites  

On today's show, I interview Ruth Karthak, my doctor (she's really a physician's assistant but that's too much to say :) ) on her professional experiences treating myself and others when it comes to anxiety, depression, and the use of medication. This is a good one friends! Enjoy!   QUOTES: "There is a misconception that meds mask or cover something up."  "Sadness is not a bad emotion." "Where am I depending on myself too much?" "We need to know our limitations because they are given to us by God to protect us against burn-out."   LINKS: The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts The Get Free Morning Show (live Monday through Friday on Sarah's Instagram)

On today's show, I talk with Marie Acebo, Eating Disorder Specialist, on the complicated nature of eating disorders and what we can look for in ourselves, our loved ones, and our kids when it comes to disordered eating and eating disorders. LINKS: National Eating Disorders Association 

There is no music in this episode because technology wasn't being my friend! Hopefully, I'll have it all figured out for the next show! On today's show, I'm continuing in the series on gaslighting. Today's show is part 3: How do we stop generational gaslighting. If you want to go back and listen to parts 1 and 2, head to episodes 30 and 32, which describe gaslighting and what to do if you've been gaslit. LINKS: The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts Narcissistic Personality Disorder 

Today I'm talking about a topic I get asked about on the regular: Our schooling journey, from homeschooling to public school. Enjoy!   LINKS: TheComplicatedHeart.com The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts The Get Free Morning Show! Survey (thank you!) QVC.com Leave a Review on iTunes!  

Hey friends, today on the podcast you're going to get to listen to one of my live morning show episodes! Oh, did you know I have a morning show? I do! It's the Let's Get Free Morning Show and it's on Instagram live, each day, Monday through Friday, at 9:15 am EST!  Today's Let's Get Free Show was about mourning our losses, whether that's a death, a dream, a relationship, or whatever loss you've experienced or are experiencing. Mourning is all about facing the truth and then learning how to process and move forward through it. LINKS: Take the Listener Survey (please and THANK YOU): https://www.sarahmae.com/survey Book mentioned: Inside Out by Larry Crabb Get my new book: The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts      

Oh friends, today is a special show! Recently I was on the LifeToday show and I providentially met two wonderful men of God who have such an inspiring God story that I knew I wanted you all to hear it, so I asked them if they would come on the podcast and they said yes! Today you're going to hear from Michael Anthony Curtis, who is a Music Producer, Singer, Songwriter, and Artist, and he has written songs for Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Randy Travis, and Lee Ann Womack, just to name a few. He is joined by Morgan Parks, who is the Associate Pastor at Collierville Christian Church in Collierville, TN. Make sure you stay tuned through the show because there is a special song you're going to hear later. LINK: https://alawisentertainment.com/music-downloads

On today's episode, and in honor of The Complicated Heart Book Club (what? Yes!), I read to you the Intro and Chapters 1 and 2 of The Complicated Heart! I'm also giving you the details on the BOOK CLUB and livestream that begins next Monday, October 7th at 9am EST! Quick content note: The content in today's episode is mature and not for little ears, so stick your earbuds in or maybe even take a minute to decide if you're heart will be okay because some of what I talk about may bring up painful memories or images for you. Pray for protection over your heart and for the truth to be louder than any lies or shame. LINKS: Get The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts at AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, or CHRISTIAN AUDIO! ----> Join the book club and get the FREE Discussion Guide HERE! ----> Connect with @SarahMaeWrites on IG HERE!

SHOW NOTES!  Hi friends! This week is part two on gaslighting. Today we're going to talk about what to do if you've been gaslit. But first… This week's review winner is Steffenmom! Steffenmom, email me at podcast@sarahmae.com with your snail mail address! If you leave a review, I want to thank you by name and honor you with a little something, so every week I'm going to pick a new review to read on the show and then send you a little gift of thanks. If you'd be willing to leave a review, just head to iTunes, it will take 2 minutes, and under ratings and review you'll see where you can tap to rate and then under that in little purple words, it says, write a review. Just click that! If you find this show helpful, please give it a five-star rating. Thank you all so much for listening and passing this show along. Listen to Gaslighting Part 1 by heading HERE! LINKS: Read the first 3 chapters of The Complicated Heart right now for FREE: CLICK HERE! Get the book: Amazon  

It's book launch day! My new book, The Complicated Heart, is NOW IN THE WORLD! Yay! And so today's podcast is extra-fun because I interview my husband about the themes in the book! I can't wait for you to listen!   Links: Jesse: @jhcraftsman Get my new book, The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts by clicking HERE! Read the first three chapters for free at sarahmae.com/chapters123!

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”. Psalm 147:3 Welcome to Season 2 of The Complicated Heart Podcast! Today I'm talking about gaslighting.  Why am talking about gaslighting? I think most people don't know what it is or understand much about it, but it's a really important concept that when people understand it, they will finally have a word to use for what happened to them or someone they know, and when they have that word, when they are empowered with a way to communicate the truth of their reality, they can name what happened to them with specificity and begin, or continue on, in the healing process, and that's why I want to talk about it. The word gaslighting has become popular in politics, especially recently, but I didn't understand it, and I for sure had no idea that it related to trauma and the experience I had with my mom. I never had words for what my mom did to me, and it wasn't until I learned this term that it gave a voice to why I felt crazy for so many years. Some of you are listening and you are going to find yourself nodding up and down and perhaps having a revelation of your own as you recognize yourself as someone who was or is being gaslit. Or maybe you're going to recognize it for someone you know, and you'll pass this episode along, and maybe the book too, and hope and healing can begin. … Get The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts by clicking HERE. When you preorder, you get the audiobook for FREE! Head here for details: thecomplicatedheart.com Read the first three chapters for free by heading here: Sarahmae.com/chapters123 Come celebrate with me at my book launch party: Sarahmae.com/launchparty  

On today's show, I am interviewing my mother-in-law on boundaries between mothers and daughters in law! I always tell people I have the most normal in-laws! They don't cross boundaries or try to manipulate us, and while we still have things to work out and let grace cover, I am so thankful they are my people now. The reason I decided to interview my MIL is that we learned early on the importance of setting boundaries in order to respect each other and love each other well. One of the stories you're going to hear is about my wedding veil, and how my MIL Susan crossed a boundary, thankfully early on so we could deal with it, and how she so wisely and kindly acknowledged it and asked forgiveness. I am sure I have crossed many boundaries, but Susan has let grace cover so much of my immaturity, and I know I've grown (and am growing – I have so much to go!) in wisdom and maturity because of her example. I encourage you to listen to it with your husband, if you have one, and send it along to family and friends. You're going to enjoy it, and Susan and I both pray it encourages you. ... Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com. Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

Today on the podcast I'm talking about boundaries, specifically setting them with someone who you are tangled up within a messy, manipulative kind of way. I'm going to tell you how I learned to set boundaries with my alcoholic, verbally abusive mother, and I'll start that off by reading you an excerpt from my new book The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When It Hurts, which you can pre-order now, and then I'm going to share a few practical tips on setting boundaries that you can begin to put in place right away. Next week we're going to talk about setting boundaries with our in-laws! I'm interviewing my mother-in-law, so make sure you subscribe to this podcast because you're not going to want to miss it!   Pre-order The Complicated Heart by clicking HERE!    Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

Today on the podcast I'm talking with Nathan Clarkson, who is an actor, best-selling author, filmmaker, mental illness struggler, and real-life friend of mine. He is also the son of Sally Clarkson, is not only a friend and mentor of mine, but we co-wrote the book, Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe. I asked Nathan to come on the show because I love how willing he is to talk about his mental illnesses, which include depression, anxiety, OCD, ODD, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, which he shares in-depth about in his memoir, Different. Today we're going to talk about how he has seen God in his “differences”, but we're also going to talk about something that Nathan has been thinking a lot about lately, something in fact that he's currently writing a book on, and that is the struggle that many men have with acknowledging and facing their failures, frailty, and brokenness. Before we get into our conversation, here's just a little bit more about Nathan: He has appeared in national commercials, TV-shows, and major feature films. He starred in the hit faith-based feature-film Confessions of a Prodigal Son which he also wrote and produced, in conjunction with his production company Lighting Dark. Nathan lives in New York City but can often be found in Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, or adventuring around the country and world speaking and sharing his passion for helping people better know their Creator and the story He has for them to tell.   LINKS: http://www.nathanclarkson.me/ https://www.facebook.com/Nathanclarkson https://www.instagram.com/nathanjclarkson/ Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him … Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!  

Near the end of high school, and as a new Christian, I came across a book called, And The Bride Wore White that was an eye-opener for me when it came to sex and purity. I had never been told or known that there were people who waited to have sex until marriage, and when I learned this, I gravitated to it, because for the first time I felt a deep value in sexuality, that there was something sacred with sex and intimacy and that God wanted something better for me, for my body and my heart and my soul and my mind. I was so grateful for that book because it changed my paradigm, my belief that everyone was having sex outside of marriage. It wasn't true, that everyone was having sex, and there were good and beautiful reasons why they weren't. I read more books by Dannah Gresh, the author of And The Bride Wore White, and I later found out that we lived in the same town and had mutual friends and acquaintances. Over the years, Dannah and I have run into each other a few times, but we've never really talked. Until now. I recently had the privilege to interview Dannah for this show, and it was so good and such a delight and I can't wait for you to listen in. Okay, so who is Dannah Gresh? Aside from someone who has mentored me from afar, she a best-selling author, speaker, and founder of True Girl (formerly Secret Keeper Girl), America's most popular Christian tween event. She has authored over 20 books that have been translated into 12 languages, including And the Bride Wore White, and Lies Girls Believe. Considered one of the leading experts on the subjects of sexual theology and parenting tweens and teens, her resources have equipped over one million moms and leaders as they seek to raise their girls in confidence and Truth. Over 400,000 have attended her live events. Dannah is a frequent co-host for Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth's Revive Our Hearts as well as a popular guest on programs like Focus on the Family and Family Life. She has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and the TEDx stage. She lives on a hobby farm in State College, Pennsylvania with her husband, Bob, and over 20 animals. LINKS: DannahGresh.com MyTrueGirl.com  Dannah's newest book: Lies Girls Believe  ... Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com. Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

I've had a lot of requests to talk about anxiety and depression and why I choose to take medication, so in today's episode, I talk about my anxiety journey and what I've learned through it. If you struggle with anxiety, or you know someone who does, you'll want to make sure to listen! ... Questions? Comments? Email Sarah at podcast@sarahmae.com. Get Sarah's new book, The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts  … Scriptures in this Podcast:   “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3   “For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin.” Psalm 38:18   “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things…” Luke 10:41   “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25   “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:27    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7   Studies Mentioned: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950   https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/anxiety_and_physical_illness   You can also listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play!   Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

In today's podcast Serena Woods, author of Grace is For Sinners answers your questions about her affair. You can get Serena's book here: https://amzn.to/2HjFHKU  If you haven't listened to the original 3-part series with Serena, they are episodes 8, 9, and 10. ... Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

Today on the podcast I'm talking with Erin Davis, the author of an article you may have read that has made its way through the interwebs, called 3 "gospels" that are pressuring young women. It's an excellent article that I have shared not just online but with my youth group girls and my own 13-year-old daughter. Today we're going to talk about the themes in that article, which are anxiety and depression and the debilitating theology of pulling yourself up by the bootstraps, being perfect, having to perform, and this idea of reverse providence – you choose your path, you take care of you, you must make it happen. Links: 3 "gospels" that are pressuring young women (original article) ErinDavis.org Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eringraffiti/ Connected: Curing the Pandemic of Everyone Feeling Alone Together My Name is Erin Series (for girls aged 10-14) ... Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!  

On today's podcast I'm talking with Alia Joy, author of the book Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack. We talk about depression, abuse, weight, weakness, poverty, and more. Key Quote: "In the middle of that deep depression, when I was laying in bed for six weeks, I'm still beloved by God. I'm no less useful to the Kingdom of God in my weakness and sickness than I am if I was at a conference speaking to thousands of people or writing a book that tons of people read." -Alia Links: Get Alia's book by clicking HERE! ... Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

Today I'm talking with Adam Young, counselor and host of the podcast, The Place We Find Ourselves. In this episode we discuss trauma, healing, therapy, and steps to take if you're ready to move toward freedom. Links: Adam Young Counseling The Place We Find Ourselves (Adam's podcast) The Body Keeps the Score   You can also listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play!   Encouraged by the this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much! Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com   

“Choose freedom.” -Cathy Bowman Today I'm talking with Cathy Bowman, wise woman, mentor, and wife and co-leader to Dave Bowman, the Navigator Collegiate Mission Director for the campuses in and around Atlanta, GA. We talk about how to deal with our lies so we don't put them on our children. Quotes from Cathy  Our worth and value is only dependent on how Christ sees us, and that is as righteous. You, right now, will never be more righteous in Jesus' eyes then you were when you accepted Christ. Every day, choose freedom Our lies and our goals are slavery.    Links The Road Back to You The Bridge Illustration Larry Crabb Disney's The Kid   Scriptures Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Galatians 5:1 (NIV) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.   More About Cathy Cathy is wife to Dave Bowman who is the Navigator Collegiate Mission Director for the campuses in and around Atlanta. They are also Navigator Trainer Coaches for the BlueRidge Region (6 states) which means they visit each of the 10 campuses in the Region and help with training of younger staff. Dave co-leads their local Collegiate National Training as well. They have 4 grandchildren: 7, 6, 4 and 5 months and live in Woodstock, GA near Atlanta, and love it. You can also listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play!   Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much! Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com  

Today I'm talking with my dear friend Logan Wolfram on what it felt like to lose a dream and what she's learning in the process of it all. You can also listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play! Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

“No one leaves home unless home is in the mouth of a shark.“ Warsan Shire, from the poem Home Today I'm talking with Shawn Smucker, who is a dear friend and the author of the book, Once We Were Strangers: What Friendship with a Syrian Refugee Taught Me about Loving My Neighbor. I loved Shawn's book and I had lot's of questions for him about refugees and what he has learned through getting to know a Syrian refugee. I think, if you're like me and you have questions, you're going to love this conversation. Links: ShawnSmucker.com Once We Were Strangers Find all of Shawn's Books HERE Whole: Restoring What Is Broken in Me, You, and The Entire World by Steve Wiens You can also listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play! Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!  

“It's so important for me that when my kids go to bed they know that they are loved and that I have time for them.” Today I'm talking with Jessica Turner about how to thrive as a working mom. In our conversation you'll hear us talking about her book, Stretched Too Thin (which you can get for only $1.99 this month by heading HERE), guilt, freedom, and the power of understanding rubber and glass balls (you'll love this). Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Links: Stretched Too Thin - Only $1.99! Get it HERE before the sale ends! Connect with Jessica on Instagram HERE! You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Google Play! Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!  

Today I'm talking with Tam Hodge, a friend of mine and the author of the book, And Now I choose, and she's joined by her daughter, Kass. Tam is here to tell her abortion story and how she told her daughter Kass about it. Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com Links: Tam's book: And Now I Choose: A Story for Those Who Believe They Have No Choice Connect with Tam: Website Instagram Facebook You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Google Play! Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

In today's podcast, I interview Ann Gale, my post-abortion counselor. Some of the Questions I ask Ann: What is a post-abortion counselor? What have you learned in why it is that women struggle after they have an abortion? What do you say to the women who says, “How could God forgive me? I don't even forgive me!” What can women expect when they walk into a clinic to get post-abortion counseling? What can you tell women when someone, a daughter particularly, comes to them and says, “I'm pregnant” and it's an unexpected situation? Have you ever counseled women who have been pregnant due to rape and chose not to abort? How can a friend respond when their friend tells them they had an abortion? What do you want to say to the woman who is listening is on the verge of having an abortion? What do you want to say to the woman who has had an abortion and has never told anybody? Links: Find a pregnancy resource clinic near you by clicking HERE. Contact Ann through email at ann (at) scprc.com You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Google Play!   Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much! Stay in Touch with Sarah! Enter your email to receive news and updates from Sarah Mae! Email Address Get it! (I only email once or twice a month, so you don't worry about getting too many emails from me!) Thank you!  

On today's podcast, my abortion story, part 2. Next week on the podcast you'll hear from my post-abortion counselor, Ann. Links/Resources: The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts Find a crisis pregnancy clinic near you: https://www.care-net.org/find-a-pregnancy-center Forgiven and Set Free: A Post-Abortion Bible Study for Women   Questions or comments? Email podcast@sarahmae.com   You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Google Play!   Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!

Today on the podcast I'm beginning a series on the complicated nature of women and abortion. I'm going to talk about abortion and teen pregnancy and post-abortion counseling and telling our kids about our abortion. I'm talking about this because sometimes the church doesn't...at least not in ways so many women may need to hear about it and know they aren't alone. It's good and honest and real and you don't have to put up walls or be afraid to listen. I know that nearly 1 in 4 of you have had an abortions, and most of you have never told or talked about it. This podcast series is a safe way to start your own journey of healing, or continue on it. You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Google Play! Link: The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts Encouraged by this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much!  

Today I'm talking with author, pastor, and speaker John Lynch, who has deeply affected my view of grace and how God views me, even at my worst. Find John at TrueFace.org. Subscribe to The Complicated Heart Podcast on iTunes by heading HERE!  You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play! Links: TrueFace.org Two Roads Message: Original (the one I watched way back) Short VersionIf you want to know more, check out sarahmae.com/thecomplicatedheartpodcast. Books: On My Worst Day (John's Story) Trust for Today (devotional) The Cure The Cure for Parents Bo's Café: A Novel Media: Instagram: @truefacelife Facebook: @Truefacecommunity Loved this episode? Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much! The Mug Letter from Sarah Mae Every other Tuesday (give or take) I send out a short letter sharing my recent blog posts, podcast episodes, updates, sneak peeks, surprise giveaways, and things I'm enjoying. Email Address Sign Up! Thank you!

Today is part 3 of my conversation with Serena Woods, author of Grace is For Sinners. You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play!

Today is part 2 of my conversation with Serena Woods, author of the book, Grace is For Sinners (which I highly recommend). If you have questions for Serena, please email podcast@sarahmae.com. To listen, click below. You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play! Subscribe Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates from me! Email Address Sign Up We respect your privacy. Thank you!

Today on the show I'm talking with Grace is for Sinners author Serena Woods. This is a three-part interview. Listen below. Serena's story takes us through three acts, if you will. Act one, part 1, is today, and I'm talking with Serena about her “bad beginning” as she calls it in her book. This episode is not appropriate for children. I also want to give you a heads up that the content in this episode deals with childhood sexual and physical abuse, as well as rape. Below I tell you exactly where those hard parts are so if you'd like, you can skip over them and still be able to hear the rest of the podcast. Skip the Hard Parts Serena talks about her childhood sexual abuse between 12:41 - 14:10 Serena talks about the physical abuse by her stepdad 15:18 - 18:22 Serena briefly mentions her rape at 31:12 - 31:50 You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play!

Here's a little update about where I've been and what's been going on! Listen below! Link: The Complicated Heart: Loving Even When it Hurts (now on Amazon!)   Loved this episode? Head over to iTunes to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Reviews are how people know if they should listen or not, so please if you like the show, take a minute and give it a review. Thank you so much! If you want to know more, check out sarahmae.com/thecomplicatedheartpodcast.    You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play!

Today on the show is Justin and Trisha Davis, founders of Refine Us Ministries, a ministry that focuses on helping to build healthy marriages and families. Today we're going to hear their story. We're going to hear what led to Justin having an affair, how Trisha forgave him, and where they are today. Show Notes Coming Soon!   You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play!

Today I'm talking with my friends Carlos and Amanda Vargas about the “hell” season of their marriage (her words), and how they had to come to terms with unresolved sexual sin in their marriage and what it looked like to get on the path to healing. I've known Amanda and Carlos for years, we are in-real-life friends, and I am inspired and grateful for their humility and honesty about their marriage and what they've gone through, and where they are now. To listen, click below. Show Notes! Highlights: An emotional affair [15:55] Carlos on growing up with a dad in prison [19:00] Why did Amanda stay in the relationship? [22:50] Why did Carlos turn back to Amanda? [26:10] The dangers of pornography [32:00] Working towards a healthy marriage [34:40] Counseling advice [38:10] What to do if you struggle with pornography [39:21] How to find an accountability group [44:05] What does marriage look like now? [47:20] Protecting your marriage [50:22] Advice from Amanda and Carlos on affairs [54:15] Key Scripture: “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
 It shall not return to Me void,
 But it shall accomplish what I please,
 And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
 
 Isaiah 55:11 Books: Every Man's Battle by Stephen by Arterburn, Fred Stoeker and Mike Yorkey Quotes: “I have got to find my identity in God. I have got to stop trying to find my identity in my husband and I need to start looking at my own life and say, “What are areas that I need to grow in?” [24:53] “Turning from focusing on him and the things that he was doing wrong, accepting that it is out of my control to change him and that only the Holy Spirit can do that. And starting to focus on what God wanted to change, in my self, and my relationship and identity in God, is really what made me realize that I can stay and that God can work through me and through Carlos, and He can bring about redemption in our marriage. ” [25:40] “When God says children are a blessing, they really are a blessing.” [28:50] “I think that, pornography is one of the biggest leading causes to affairs.” [33:30] “Be the person you are looking for, for somebody else.” [44:45] “Let's be honest about everything. If there is something that we aren't telling each other, then that is something the enemy can use against us, to start something else. So we are really big on honesty, communication and boundaries.” [53:03] “If you are finding your identity and putting your trust in God, then ultimately the outcome is up to Him.” [56:50] “Do the hard work, and trust God to do the rest of it.” [57:08]   Related: What I Know About Cheating and Consequences Listen to Episode 1 - Susan's Story (an intro to The Complicated Heart Podcast) HERE. You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play! Get it! Every other Tuesday I send out a fun letter to let you know what's going on, what I'm loving, and what I think you'd like to know! To get it, just enter your email below! Email Address Sign Up Thank you!

In today's episode, which is part 1 in a new series on marriage, you're going to hear from Allison Fallon, a woman who made the decision to leave her abusive husband. Read more below in the show notes. Highlights An overview of Allison's marriage [4:35] When our bodies carry shame our brains don't know how to communicate [8:00] When marriage feels like a prison [12:28] The lies we tell ourselves [17:40] The moment Allison left [23:50] The fears of leaving the relationship [31:09] How do you know if a relationship is emotionally abusive? [36:00] Allison's relationship with God [51:50] Allison's transformational moment [55:56] The slow pace of healing [58:55] What to do if you are in an abusive relationship [1:03:00] Books: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook—What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing By Bruce Perry + Maia Szalavitz Own Your Life: Living with Deep Intention, Bold Faith, and Generous Love By Sally Clarkson Black and White Bible, Black and Blue Wife: My Story of Finding Hope after Domestic Abuse By Ruth A. Tucker Key Scripture: “…God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance...” Romans 2:4 Quotes: “Writing is such an incredible powerful way for people to transform their own stories in their lives, I think it is valuable for anyone to try.” [3:43] “The power of shame is that it doesn't have words attached to it. It's one of the most powerful things we feel. It dictates our behavior more then just about anything else.” [8:12] “Our bodies hold truths our minds can't yet understand” [11:30] “Relationships are mirrors, they are reflecting us back to ourselves.” [16:10] “Being honest with ourselves takes a ton of resilience to shame. Because, we have to look at our selves really honestly. It takes a lot of emotional heavy lifting. We've got to actually be willing to do our own work. To get over our selfs and to let our ego be crushed again and again. To face embarrassment and to learn what it feels like to be really lonely and not try to fill the space with just anything that's there.” [18:17] “Little girls will transfer all their power and identity to someone else and will hand the keys over to someone else really quickly and hop in the passengers seat. A woman has to sit in the drivers seat of her own life and you have to decide which direction you are going. You have to own your mistakes.” [20:10] “The truth hurts, yes, but it is our only way to freedom, because its the only think that puts us back in touch with the reality of what is actually happening.” [24:50] “No matter where you are, or what you are doing, or what kind of relationship you are in, you need to know that you have a choice. The minute you know you have choices, is the minute that find all freedom and power you have been looking for and waiting for.” [28:17] “Anytime you are in a situation with someone who makes you feel like they are the answer to all your problems, they have the access, the money, the power, the whatever, to get you where you are trying to go. You know that you are being manipulated. You just know, it's not true.” [33:13] “Isolation and privacy are the absolutely enemy of growth” [38:35] “If you are being physically abused, you need to make an exit plan ASAP.” [45:12] “The most loving thing we can do for anyone is to give them their process. It's about making space for someone to be in process” [52:33] “The pain that we are trying so hard to avoid is the medicine. It's here to teach us and to heal us, if we can let it move through us.” [54:24] “When you fall apart, you finally don't have to hold it together anymore." [58:27] “We have two choices, we can hold on and be miserable or surrender to the fire that purifies.” [58:37] “The call of the human heart is to come back home to the father.” [1:02:43] The Blessing: [1:04:48] May you grow every day in the knowledge of Gods love for you. May that knowledge bring you great healing. And through that healing, may you become all you were intended to be. Resources Onsite - Onsite provides a safe, loving, family environment where guests can break the cycles that hold them back and rediscover themselves and their relationships.  Find Allison You can find Allison at AllisonFallon.com and IndestructableBook.com. Want to connect with her on social media? Check out her Instagram page here. Pre-order Allison's book, Indestructible, at Amazon HERE. Listen to Episode 1 - Susan's Story (an intro to The Complicated Heart Podcast) HERE. You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play! Get The Mug Letter Every two weeks, on a Tuesday (Tuesday is such a sweet day, isn't it? Monday has passed and Tuesday feels like…yes, I'd like an email from Sarah Mae on this day), I'm going to share with you some things I want to share with you. Just because, you're my long-distance friends, and if you were my close-up friend, we'd have some coffee or tea together, in our favorite mugs of course, and we'd share the things we're digging right now. Email Address Get it! We respect your privacy. Thank you!

In today's episode I share my stories and thoughts on grief. Show Notes Scripture to Encourage: “Jesus wept.” John 11:35 “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 “...There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:4-5 Quotes: “This is the gift of grief: The healing comfort experienced through the tender intimacy of shared vulnerability.” (Tweet that) [11:17] Related: Jewish Mourning Tradition How Are You? Life is Painful and Weird (blog post) You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play!

The Complicated Heart Podcast releases every Tuesday! In today's podcast, listen in as counselor Melanie Harding invites to understand the grieving process more fully and how we can find healing and wisdom through it. (Listen to Episode 1 HERE and Episode 2 HERE) Show Notes Highlights: How Melanie helped me with my anxiety recently [4:05] What is grief? [6:32] Why is it so hard for so many of us to face reality? [9:30] How do we know if we've made anxiety our God? [13:27] Why is it important to mourn our losses? [15:45] The question we ask every day, whether we know we do or not [24:33] Where is the goodness of God when terrible things happen? [38:25] What happens when we don't grief? [43:16] Unresolved Childhood Pain [45:45] How to grief and mourn a loss. [48:15] Books Mentioned: Experiencing God Bible Study by Henry & Richard Blackaby Where is God When it Hurts? by Philip Yancey Key Scriptures: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Quotes: “Grief is the process of letting go of our expectations.” [7:00] “Grief is the process of facing reality.” [9:06] “Our dreams are not necessarily Gods dreams for us.” [10:52] “When we make our dreams into gods, we get into trouble.” [11:26] “The adventure is to look with anticipation for where God is taking us, even it if takes us away from what we thought our dream would look like. That God's goodness will lead us into something even better, then when we first thought.” [11:40] “In Gods economy, grieving leads to wisdom.” [19:31] “When you can say, “my identity is unchanging, because of who God has created me to be and my relationship with God, through Christ,” then it makes it easier to let go of situations.” [21:38]  “Part of the process of growing and maturing, is learning to tolerate that emotions won't kill you.” [26:20] “Life is suppose to be about the process of growing in the wisdom of the Lord.” [40:55] “Tim Keller- defines wisdom in a great way. He says, “It's the competence to deal with the complex realities of life.'” [41:25] You can also listen on: iTunes Stitcher Soundcoud Google Play!

Show Notes Special Guest Amy Smoker: A pastor's wife for 15 years and a mother to 5, Amy Smoker believes in encouraging women. She's a speaker, a lover of words and the Word, an avid reader, and a writer of actual letters with actual stamps. She'd like to say that she has a degree, but Hurricane Katrina washed away her college in her last semester. She's no stranger to hard or sudden change; she moved nine times in the first ten years of her marriage, has stood on the foundation of her own hurricane-devastated house, and has known untimely loss. She understands that suffering and joy can run side-by-side like rails on the same train track and hopes that her words hold the hands of those who are aching. She counts it a great privilege to inspire and help women recognize the touch of the divine in the ordinary, in the easy, or in the difficult—wherever they might be. For right where we are, there He is. Highlights: Amy's first loss and the devastating way she handled it, not knowing what else to do [5:55] Amy's second big loss [8:00] Amy's third traumatic loss [13:05] Amy's fourth crisis [17:12] Amy's fifth loss [18:43] What Amy has learned through grief and lament [23:08] The pathway to the Lord's heart [24:30] What Amy has to say to the woman who has suffered great devastation in her life. [39:02] Key Scripture: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…” Isaiah 66:13 Quotes: “A key to knowing Jesus, is needing Jesus.” [5:00] “Grief is letting go of something you once had and that you can no longer have.” [23:25] “We are not only taught to lament in the scriptures, we are invited to do it, because the Lord knows it is a pathway to His heart.” [24:30] “Our emotions are the voice of our heart.” [29:54] “I have never been low enough, that I didn't have something I knew to be true of the Lord.” [34:18] “When we experience the Lord through hard times, we come to know Him on a level that we can't get by reading a book, or listening to a sermon or going to a conference.” [36:13] Free Resource: Get the free mini-study on Lament Just enter your email below and the study will come right to your inbox! Email Address Get it “Healing comes through lament.” Thank you! Head here to get your free study: Lament: A Mini-Study

This is the first episode of The Complicated Heart Podcast! Episode Description: Why is this podcast called The Complicated Heart, and what's it about? In this episode, you'll hear the story of a complicated woman and how the thread of her life wove the lining of this podcast. Just a heads up: this podcast isn't for little ears, so make sure you aren't playing it out loud around your kiddos! Want to listen to The Complicated Heart Podcast on a different platform? Just click one below (if they're not linked they're in review)! iTunes Soundcloud Google Play Stitcher (coming soon) Listen to Episode 2 HERE! Get The Mug Letter to Your Inbox! Yep, I finally have a shiny, new, newsletter, sent to you every two weeks! Email Address Get it! Good things are coming your way… Thank you! I can't wait to connect with you every two weeks!