Shattered Expecations a Conversation with Deb McQuilkin

Studies show that the loss of a spouse, whether through divorce or death is one of the most devastating losses a human can experience. Our podcast guest, Deb McQuilkin, knows the unspeakable grief of the loss of a husband through an unwanted divorce and the sorrow of losing a beloved husband through death. Perhaps these losses are why Deb feels such a kinship with Naomi whose story we find in the Bible in the book of Ruth. In this conversation with Sharon Betters, Deb invites us to consider our own shattered dreams, difficult relationships, and practical needs and learn through Naomi’s responses to loss.

Deb knows all about long distance grandparenting as she travels from her home in Australia to the US to spend time with grandchildren on both continents. Deb is not only an author, but before retirement and her move to Australia, she was an Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina in Health Systems Administration focusing on capacity building in global health. Before her husband, Robertson’s death, she ministered with him worldwide.

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A Case for Forgiveness a Conversation with Anthony Thompson - Part 2

On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof, a young white man, attended the Wednesday evening Bible study at the predominantly black Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. An hour later, Roof pulled a concealed weapon and killed nine African-Americans as they prayed, including Myra Thompson, the wife of Reverend Anthony Thompson. Myra's murder devastated Anthony, yet he chose to privately and publicly forgive the shooter.

Many in the church and community still struggle to understand Reverend Thompson's deliberate choice to forgive the racist murderer. But as Charlestonians witnessed this incredible act of forgiveness, something significant happened within the community. Instead of the expected racial riots in the aftermath of the shooting, black and white leaders and residents united, coming together peaceably and even showing acts of selfless love.

In this candid conversation, Anthony Thompson candidly shares the details of that awful night, the grief he experienced, and the radical choice to forgive the killer. But beyond that, Reverend Thompson shares a compelling vision of the power of forgiveness to transform our lives--personally, in our communities, and even in our nation.

Be inspired by this remarkable story and discover how the difficult decision to forgive can become the key to radical change.

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Called to Forgive a Conversation with Anthony Thompson - Part 1

On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof, a young white man, attended the Wednesday evening Bible study at the predominantly black Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. An hour later, Roof pulled a concealed weapon and killed nine African-Americans as they prayed, including Myra Thompson, the wife of Reverend Anthony Thompson. Myra's murder devastated Anthony, yet he chose to privately and publicly forgive the shooter.

Many in the church and community still struggle to understand Reverend Thompson's deliberate choice to forgive the racist murderer. But as Charlestonians witnessed this incredible act of forgiveness, something significant happened within the community. Instead of the expected racial riots in the aftermath of the shooting, black and white leaders and residents united, coming together peaceably and even showing acts of selfless love.

In this candid conversation, Anthony Thompson candidly shares the details of that awful night, the grief he experienced, and the radical choice to forgive the killer. But beyond that, Reverend Thompson shares a compelling vision of the power of forgiveness to transform our lives--personally, in our communities, and even in our nation.

Be inspired by this remarkable story and discover how the difficult decision to forgive can become the key to radical change.

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Married to an Alcoholic a Conversation with Julie Sanford

Julie Sanford is a Recovery Mentor for wives of alcoholics. She is a wife and mom of three who found herself in a situation she never wanted to be in as the wife of an alcoholic. After several years of living in chaos, feeling alone, and unseen, she is now using her journey to help other wives of alcoholics navigate their husband’s addiction. She came to realize that it was not only her husband that needed recovery, but she also needed support. In this conversation with Sharon Betters, Julie shares not only her story but hope and encouragement for those in a similar, broken place. Julie offers programs and coaching that equip women with the tools and strength needed to navigate their husband’s addiction without losing themselves in the process.

Podcast: https://marriedtoaddiction.com/podcast

Website: Marriedtoaddiction.com

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Marital Betrayal and Reconciliation a Conversation with Stephanie Broersma

Stephanie Broersma lived a charmed life until the day she discovered a deleted online conversation between her husband and another woman. When confronted, he confessed to a ten-year addiction to pornography and multiple affairs.

In this conversation with Sharon Betters Stephanie shares the story of moving through anger, betrayal, fear, and finally redemption. Her remarkable story brings hope to one of the darkest places in a marriage. Stephanie helps those whose lives have been turned upside down to take a raw and honest look at the emotions, decisions and difficulties women face in marital betrayal. She wants other women to know they are not alone and you can find healing from the shame, anger, and brokenness that overwhelms you.

Take a walk with Stephanie and Sharon and listen in on their transparent and hope-filled conversation.

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Help! I'm Married to the Pastor a Conversation with Jani Ortlund

In this candid and fun interview, Jani Ortlund and Sharon Betters talk about what it’s like to be married to their pastor. Jani and Sharon have been married to their pastors for over fifty years – that’s 100 years of experience between them! Using Jani’s book, Help! I’m Married to My Pastor as a springboard, they cover such topics as how to help pastor husbands deal with depression, create a home where the “PKs” feel safe and unaffected by congregational expectations, cultivate romance in their marriages, deal with gossip and prioritizing personal intimacy with Jesus.

Pastor’s wives – whether young or old, will benefit from this candid conversation.

Check out Jani Ortlund’s books!

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Enough About Me a Conversation with Jen Oshman

“Who am I? What is my purpose? I thought I could have it all and I do. But I am restless, I feel like I’m missing something.”

Statistics show many American women are weary, struggle with depression, and self-medicate with alcohol, flattery, and more. Suicide rates for women are on the rise. What’s happening? More importantly, what’s the resolution?

In this conversation, Jen Oshman, author of Enough About Me and Help & Hope host Sharon Betters talk about the problem, the diagnosis, and the treatment for this low-grade anxiety that often disrupts our thinking, whether in joyful or sorrowful seasons.

In her book, Jen says, “We 21st century women have been running on ourselves, rather than on our God. We've been running on self-help, self-empowerment, and self-actualization. The fuel of self has run out, and that's why we're tired, discouraged, and even in crisis. Enough about me. And enough about you. If we want to keep running, we need to run on the fuel we're made for - God himself. We will indeed be restless until then.” (Enough About Me, Find Lasting Joy in the Age of Self, Jen Oshman, Page 48)


Friends, join Jen and Sharon as they talk frankly about the reasons for the restlessness and dissatisfaction in a culture that demands we “do it all” and how do we find our way back to God’s purpose for each of us.

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Schizophrenia - Through a Mother’s Eyes a Conversation with Simonetta Carr

When a son, sister, or grandchild begins to behave in unexpected and disturbing ways, family members hope it is simply a phase. For some, it is instead a life-time illness – schizophrenia.

The diagnosis of schizophrenia can bring shock, fear, and worry to everyone involved. But in the midst of the numerous challenges, hope doesn’t have to die. (Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them by Simonetta Carr)

In this conversation with Sharon Betters, Simonetta Carr shares the story of her beloved son, Jonathan, and her experience of caring for him as he struggled with schizophrenia. Simonetta doesn’t sugarcoat the enormous challenges and emotions that were non-stop. She talks about how she fervently prayed for Jonathan, the fears she had to confront, and how the church came alongside Jonathan and her in this battle. You may not have a loved one with schizophrenia but Simonetta and Jonathan’s story will give you insight into the enormous battle facing families with such a diagnosis.

You can learn more about schizophrenia and find numerous helpful resources in Simonetta’s book, Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them, Schizophrenia Through a Mother’s Eyes.

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