There is a saying “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”, but it that really true? Going through a life-altering trauma or suffering from many smaller traumas affects our brain and healing is possible but not promised. Our guest, Lisa Saruga, knows firsthand about the effects of trauma as a survivor and a therapist. She offers insight and practical tools for understanding, recovering, and thriving after trauma, along with her new book The Trauma Tree. Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Teacher, Legal and Ethical Specialist, College Student Personnel Professional and Survivor. Her education, training, and experience allow her to speak from a unique perspective. Her passion in life is to provide hope and healing for victims of violent crime, as well as to advocate for legislation that will champion victims and hold criminals accountable. Key Takeaways: Understanding Trauma: • The difference between Big T trauma (major, life-altering events like abuse, accidents, or loss) and little t trauma (smaller, cumulative experiences like rejection, criticism, or minor setbacks). Trauma as a Brain Injury: • Trauma isn’t just emotional; it affects the brain's wiring, altering how we think, feel, and react. Healing from Trauma: • Practical ways to begin recovery: therapy, mindfulness, and building a support system. Post-Traumatic Growth: • A powerful concept that highlights how individuals can emerge stronger, more resilient, and more purpose-driven after facing and processing trauma. To connect with Lisa Saruga: https://lisasaruga.com/ • Social: @LisaSaruga • Book: https://a.co/d/5CZ99G0 To connect with Lisa Granger: www.lisagranger.com

In this heartfelt conversation, we dive into the journey of waiting—whether it’s singleness, unanswered prayers, or seasons of uncertainty. Cally Logan shares her wisdom on stewarding this time well, trusting God’s plan, and encouraging parents to pray faithfully for their children. Cally Logan is an author, writer, and history teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Story telling is her passion. She believes each and every one us hold a unique, valuable, and hand-written story by God, and together we are part of the Grand Story He has written. Her books are available everywhere books are sold and you can connect with her online at CallyLogan.com , Crosswalk.com , The Rooted Truth, and Instagram @CallyLogan. Key Points Discussed: 1. Stewarding the Waiting Well: Every season of waiting has purpose, and it’s an opportunity to grow, deepen faith, and prepare for what’s ahead. 2. Encouragement for Singleness on Valentine’s Day: Singleness is not a lesser season; it’s a gift in its own way. 3. Praying with Hope and Persistence: Don’t give up on God, even when answers seem delayed or unclear. His timing is always perfect. Takeaway: No matter where you find yourself—in waiting, in singleness, or in prayer—know that God is working behind the scenes. Use this time to steward well, grow deeper, and trust His promises.

In this episode, Lisa shares a personal story about her horse, Gemma, and the powerful lesson God taught her about healing. Just as Gemma’s wound needed to heal from the inside out, we too must allow God to work through our wounds—whether they stem from past trauma, insecurities, or offenses. Lisa explores the spiritual process of healing by soaking in God’s Word, wrapping our hearts in His love, and repeating the process until full restoration is achieved. Key Takeaways: • Healing Requires Time and Process: Just like physical wounds, emotional and spiritual wounds need time and intentional care to heal properly. • Soak in God’s Word: Immerse yourself in scripture, allowing it to penetrate your heart and mind for true transformation. • Wrap Yourself in Protection: Guard your heart and mind with God’s peace, wise counsel, and a supportive community. • Repeat for Lasting Healing: True change requires repetition. Continually soaking and wrapping ensures deep-rooted healing and transformation. Scriptures Mentioned: • Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth.” • Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” • Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” • Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • Ephesians 6:13-17 – The full armor of God for spiritual protection. Reflection Questions: 1. What wounds in your life need God’s healing touch? 2. How can you intentionally soak in God’s Word each day? 3. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind? Resources & Next Steps: • Connect with Lisa: lisagranger.com • Suggested reading: o The Love Your Life Project: 40 days to Prioritize your Passions, Cultivate Productive Habits and Refuel with Times of Rest by Karen Ehman & Ruth Schwenk. o Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture by Alicia Michelle

Life can throw us a curve ball and if we don’t have the help or skills, depression can knock us out. In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Carol McLeod, who shares her powerful story of battling depression and how she found hope and healing. Carol opens up about her darkest days, her journey to developing a deep reliance on the Word of God, and the practical steps she took to combat depression. Carol McLeod is a best-selling author, dynamic speaker, and podcast host who is passionate about inspiring women to live with joy and purpose. She is the host of The Significant Women Podcast with Carol McLeod, and the author of several books, including her latest devotional, Today Is a Verb. She teaches monthly via Zoom to rural villages in Pakistan. In addition, her vibrant prison ministry brings hope and transformation to incarcerated women. Carol’s compassionate heart and vibrant storytelling encourage women to embrace their God-given significance and find hope in every season of life. https://www.carolmcleodministries.com/ Key takeaways: The events that led to struggles with depression. How memorizing Scripture became a game changer. Difference between normal ups and downs and depression. When to seek help and other tips to combat depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, remember you are not alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals for support. Dive into the Word of God for strength and encouragement.

Quiet is something difficult to find in our modern world. We are bombarded with crowded schedules, constant availability through screens and information overload. The noise can be deafening. We think “quiet” is a luxury we can’t afford and yet it’s necessary for our souls to thrive. Sarah Clarkson delves into the transformative power of quiet. Drawing inspiration from her own journey and her latest book, Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention, Sarah reflects on the profound connection between stillness, healing, and spiritual renewal. She explores why quiet is vital for both the body and soul and how embracing small, quiet moments can lead to a more peaceful life. She also shares practical ways to find and embrace moments of quiet in daily life. Sarah Clarkson is an author and blogger who writes regularly about literature, faith and beauty. She studied theology at Oxford and is the author and co-author of six books, including This Beautiful Truth. She has an active following on Instagram where she hosts regular live read-alouds from the poems, novels, or essays that bring her courage. She can often be found with a good cup of tea and a book in hand in her old English vicarage home in Oxford, where she lives with her Anglican vicar husband, Thomas, and their 4 children. www.sarahclarkson.com Instagram @SarahWanders

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, stressed or down? Do you wish you could go through this crazy life with some more calm? Life is always going to happen, but our mindset and thought patterns determine how we perceive what goes on around us. If we can have healthy habits, it can make a world of difference in how we navigate life and come out with resilience, peace and joy. Diane Arnold has gone through some difficult seasons and knows first hand how some of these habits can help you keep going, even when you don’t feel like it. Diane Arnold is a licensed family and marriage counselor. Through her study of relationship attachment, she has spoken and written extensively on overcoming trauma and betrayal. Diane is also one of the founders of The Grace Center, an emotional healing center located in South Carolina. Diane and Neal have been married for 43 years and have three adult boys, three wonderful daughter-in-law’s and five grandchildren. Together they formed The Family Collective. For more about Diane and her resources: www.thefamilycollective.co

Would you say “Yes” to God if you knew you might lose your home, your job and your kid? We are called to sacrifice in our lives, but it’s not easy and some sacrifices are more painful than others. Valerie Juillerat knew God had some special assignments for her and when she was warned of the price she may pay, she said yes. Valerie boldly tells her story of a hard season and how her foundation in faith anchored her during the storm and enabled her to come out stronger. Valerie Juillerat is the founder of Lessons of the Heart Ministries; a platform in which she shares her testimony and insights as a speaker, author and artist. Her recently released book is Finding Hope When Storms Don’t Cease. Valerie is co-owner and Vice President of EPCO Accounting & Tax Services. A trip to Africa and her love for the African people have led her to serve as a Director of the Board for Chandelle Global Education. Valerie has two sons and lives with her husband, Tim, in Indiana. To connect with Valerie: www.valeriejuillerat.com

We often have big goals for the New Year but give out of steam quickly and are left disappointed and frustrated. In this empowering episode, we welcome Marnie Swedberg, an international leadership mentor, speaker, and author, to discuss some of the challenges and some solutions so you can navigate your purpose in today’s fast-paced world. Marnie shares practical tips on setting meaningful goals, managing time wisely, and developing a mindset rooted in joy and flexibility. Whether you’re striving to balance personal and professional commitments or looking for inspiration to step into your God-given purpose, this episode offers a wealth of encouragement and actionable steps. Marnie Swedberg embodies faith-in-action while generating "aha" moments of perspective transformation. This author of 14 books, mentor to millions, and host of the largest online directory of its kind in the world, brings joy, energy, and insights to every conversation. Fun and fast-paced, yet peaceful and approachable, her history includes fires, floods, a tornado, car wrecks, business set-backs, a burglary, lightning strike, sudden death in the family, and more. She models come-back behavior, possibility thinking, and profound faith. Connect with Marnie Swedberg • Website: www.marnie.com • Instagram: @MarnieSwedberg • Facebook: Marnie Swedberg Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com