Mamas in Spirit
"We often gain spiritual maturity through the hard times, the rough seasons of our lives.” Shantel Dudley is a mother to 18 children: four biological kids, three stepchildren, and 11 children with special medical needs from foster care. Shantel is no stranger to tough times. She has “rocked six children into heaven.” At her lowest point, Shantel lay in bed, afraid of what might happen next. She started watching videos of inspiring Christian women who faced the hardest losses, remained honest and faithful, and continued to be used by God. Shantel is one...
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At only 21, Anne Gabanelle and her new husband each packed a suitcase, took the little money they had, and left France. Over the years, Anne wondered why God had led her away from her family and friends to America. Anne now has grown children and owns a French bakery with her husband in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Looking back, Anne can clearly see how God’s will has unfolded in her and her husband’s life together. “French Memories Bakery” is their ministry. In this week’s “mini retreat in a podcast,” hear how Anne and her husband minister to their employees...
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Saint Maximilian Kolbe stepped forward to die in place of another Auschwitz prisoner. It is at this moment that the film Triumph of the Heart begins. This week’s “mini retreat in a podcast” features Cecilia Stevenson, the producer of this Catholic film. Hear how Cecilia’s "yes" to making this film has changed her. Cecilia shares the challenges she faced during the production of the film, how she has developed a relationship with Our Blessed Mother, and how Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s life inspires her to live her faith more fully. Listen and learn how you can also step...
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Michele Sagarino, President of Cross Catholic Outreach, had a clear plan for her life. She was determined to make it happen. Yet, when it was time for Michele to have children, she wasn’t getting pregnant. God began opening Michele’s heart to His will for her life. Michele and her husband were blessed to start a family through the gift of adoption. Soon after, Michele went on a mission trip with Cross Catholic Outreach. Michele knew where God wanted her—to work in developing countries. She now works with the best people, transforming—by the grace of God—the worst circumstances....
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“I radiate the hope of the Holy Spirit, instead of the fear of condemnation.” Rose Folsom, a Lay Dominican, received God's transformative healing. After growing up in a home affected by alcoholism, Rose dated a young man who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. In her journal, Rose compared herself to a “shattered mirror.” She experienced intense anxiety and looked for others’ approval to build her sense of identity. When Rose started attending Al-Anon, she began to experience the healing and transformation she longed for. “Al-Anon is a mutual support program...
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Host Lindy Wynne and her husband, Brian, said “yes” to the Sacrament of Marriage 25 years ago. They have said a million tiny yes’s to each other ever since. By God’s grace, Brian and Lindy have been blessed with the gifts of loyalty and steadfast love. In this “mini retreat in a podcast,” listen to Brian and Lindy share what they have learned through both the joyful and challenging seasons of their marriage. Discover how God has helped them open their hearts to each other again and again. Hear personal stories and insights to support your marriage or other...
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“That whole sense of loss reverberated again.” Judy Orr, CEO of Catholic Charities Nashville, lost both of her parents before turning 20. She then faced a different kind of loss when Judy found out she was pregnant with the man she believed she would marry. However, he told her he wasn’t ready. Judy sought wise counsel from her parish priest. He recommended she see a counselor at Catholic Charities. Judy followed his advice. Judy’s beloved son is now grown. As a single mom, she met and married her husband. They have been married for 39 years and have two...
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Katy Lane was raised Catholic, but her passion for God was sparked when she was baptized in the Holy Spirit. At that very moment, Katy was healed of the deep trauma she had suffered from abuse as a girl. Miraculously, she was able to forgive. It was then that Katy truly began to live her faith. Before this, Katy was hesitant to share her faith. In this “Women of Wisdom” series, Katy shares how she learned, “Your mess is your message.” Listen and discover how, “Your test is your testimony.” Katy shares her message of healing and hope in small groups and her...
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“So many times transitions involve pain and tears.” Mary Dolan has remained deeply engaged in her relationship with Christ throughout times of change in her life. Recently, Mary faced retirement and wondered, “Does one truly retire from loving and serving the Lord? In this series, “Women of Wisdom,” Mary explores the vulnerability of change. She shares how she has learned to sit in silence, listen to God, and respond to Him calling her into new seasons of love and service. Listen and learn how to navigate difficult times of transition. Discover how to embrace change, trust...
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“My whole life burned down to the ground.” When she was six, Joelle Maryn narrowly escaped a house fire. That day, she lost her beloved sister. Adding to her sorrow, Joelle also felt as though she had lost her parents to the heartbreak of losing their child. Joelle became an actress and model, attempting to rebuild her life with worldly pursuits. What appeared to be a peak of success—her image displayed on a billboard in Times Square—highlighted her achievements. Yet, as Joelle became more recognizable to the public, she felt increasingly lost and less...
info_outlineKevin Wells had a failed brain surgery. Then his wife, Krista secretly started binge drinking red wine to cover her hidden shame.
This began years of a long, dark night in Kevin and Krista’s home and marriage.
At first Kevin’s spiritual practices left him frustrated-until Kevin learned to grip onto Christ in a way he had never before and completely surrender his wife, marriage and family to God.
Hear this profound story of redemption and how one man--by the grace of God--goes to the ends of the earth for his wife and children. Be blessed with a sacred blueprint of how to let God save when everything seems lost.
Kevin Wells is the author of “The Hermit: The Priest Who Saved a Soul, a Marriage, and a Family.”