The Gifts of the Resurrection
Lifted to Hope
Many of us know the truths of our faith—terms like justification, sanctification, and the miracle of the resurrection. But knowing about them isn’t the same as experiencing them. For a long time, I lived with these truths in my head without feeling their power in my heart. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how the gifts of the resurrection move from concepts we understand to promises we trust—and experience—in daily life. As we continue celebrating the hope of Easter, join me as we reflect on the life-changing gifts Jesus accomplished for us, and how they invite us into deeper...
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The Gifts of the Cross
Lifted to Hope
In this Easter season, we pause to reflect on the heart of our faith—Jesus’s death and resurrection. This week’s episode invites us to sit with the profound gifts given to us through the cross: forgiveness, atonement, and redemption. These aren't just theological terms—they’re daily sources of strength, especially when we feel the weight of sin, fear, or shame. As I share how these gifts have shaped my own walk with Jesus, my hope is that you’ll be reminded that the power of the cross still meets us in our everyday moments. Tune in to be encouraged, renewed, and drawn closer to the...
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A Grace-Oriented Community Enables Spiritual Maturity with Bruce McNicol (Part 2)
Lifted to Hope
As believers, we are given a firm foundation in Christ. We are forgiven, justified, sanctified, redeemed, accepted, and valued. Shame prevents us from living in the daily reality of these spiritual blessings in Christ. We don’t feel worthy. We can believe the blessings are for others but not for us. Shame distorts our interpretation of reality. Without trusting what is true or standing on the firm foundation given to us, we cannot mature as believers. We remain stuck in the lies of shame and assume we are ineligible. Bruce McNicol,...
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Spiritual Maturity Includes Facing Shame with Bruce McNicol (Part 1)
Lifted to Hope
The road to spiritual maturity is often bumpy and full of unexpected turns. As we explore what it means to grow spiritually, we sometimes overlook how deeply personal shame can affect the journey. Yet, facing shame is a crucial step in real transformation. In this week’s episode, Bruce McNicol — founder and former president of Trueface ministry — shares his personal story of navigating shame and its impact on spiritual growth. Bruce’s insights, drawn from his own experience and years of guiding others, offer powerful wisdom for making faith real in everyday life. Links Mentioned: ...
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Shame’s Impact on Spiritual Growth
Lifted to Hope
Maturity isn’t just about age—it’s about growth, wisdom, and transformation. But what happens when life circumstances delay that process? In this episode, I share my personal journey of emotional and spiritual maturity, from struggling to trust God to experiencing His faithfulness in ways I never expected. If you’ve ever felt like a late bloomer in faith, you’re not alone. Join me as I reflect on the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in shaping my heart and life. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at
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Lifting the Obstacles to Experiencing God Through His Word with Sue Sawyer (Part 2)
Lifted to Hope
Not everyone finds it easy to connect with God’s Word. Maybe reading feels like a chore, studying Scripture feels overwhelming, or past experiences have left you feeling judged rather than loved. If you've ever struggled to experience the Bible as a source of joy and connection, you're not alone. This week, Sue Sawyer returns to the podcast with tender and gracious encouragement about the beauty of God’s heart as revealed in His Word. We tackle some of the most common struggles believers face when approaching Scripture and explore how shame, life experiences, and personal learning styles...
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Experiencing the Tenderness of God Through His Word with Sue Sawyer (Part 1)
Lifted to Hope
Have you ever felt like you’ve let God down by missing time with Him? Years ago, I would have feared His disappointment—but His grace has freed me from that self-condemnation. Now, when I forget, I simply return to His Word with gratitude, knowing His mercies are new every morning. This week, I’m joined by Sue Sawyer, a devoted student of God’s Word who has found strength and peace through regular communion with her Savior. Sue shares how spending time with God—both alone and with others—has shaped her life and deepened her faith. Her wisdom and warmth will remind you that God...
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God’s Word Offers Healing From Shame
Lifted to Hope
Have you ever avoided reading the Bible—not because you didn’t believe in its power, but because shame made it too painful to open? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share my personal journey of struggling to see God’s Word through anything other than a lens of shame. Even with access to countless Bible translations and study tools, I felt unworthy, convinced that Scripture only confirmed my deepest fears about myself. But God met me right there—in my doubt, in my fear, in my shame. His truth was stronger than my self-condemnation, and little by little, His love replaced shame...
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An Artist Experiences Healing through God’s Grace with Anna (Part 2)
Lifted to Hope
Do you ever feel like you have to perform to be accepted? That you need to fit into a mold—one created by others or even by yourself? Trying to live up to an artificial standard of perfection can leave us exhausted and stuck, robbing us of joy and purpose. This week, Anna joins me again to share how embracing God’s grace set her free from the weight of performance. As she stopped striving for perfection, she discovered true creativity and joy as a singer-songwriter. She even shares one of her original songs in this episode—a beautiful reflection of the freedom she’s found. If you’ve...
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A Misunderstood Artist Feels Devalued by God with Anna (Part 1)
Lifted to Hope
The world needs artists—those who give voice to emotions words can’t capture and bring beauty that stirs the soul. Yet, in a world that often values measurable outcomes over creativity, many artists feel overlooked and misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with Anna, a talented photographer and singer-songwriter, who shares her deeply personal journey of feeling unseen in a world—and a home—that didn’t understand her artistic spirit. Growing up with a father who didn’t value creativity shaped not only her identity but also how she viewed God. This moving conversation explores...
info_outlineHave you ever avoided reading the Bible—not because you didn’t believe in its power, but because shame made it too painful to open? You’re not alone.
In this episode, I share my personal journey of struggling to see God’s Word through anything other than a lens of shame. Even with access to countless Bible translations and study tools, I felt unworthy, convinced that Scripture only confirmed my deepest fears about myself.
But God met me right there—in my doubt, in my fear, in my shame. His truth was stronger than my self-condemnation, and little by little, His love replaced shame with confidence.
If you’ve ever felt distant from God because of shame, this episode is for you. Listen in for hope, healing, and the reminder that His grace is greater than your fear.
To inquire about counseling, email Louise at [email protected].