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Are you in a posture of striving or surrender right now? Please meet Women’s Leadership Coach Jeannette Cochran as she shares her parable journey of what God taught her through breast cancer. Jeannette has been a leader in ministry for over 30 years, including nearly two decades as an Executive Pastor of a thriving multicultural church. Now, as a certified leadership coach with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology, she equips Christian women leaders to break through barriers, strengthen their confidence, and elevate their leadership to expand their ministry impact.

She understands the unique challenges women face in ministry and is passionate about helping them lead with boldness, authenticity, and resilience. Jeannette believes the church needs passionate, gifted, and called women serving at every level of leadership. Her vision is to see traditional, hierarchical leadership models give way to service and collaboration—where every voice is valued regardless of gender, race, or economic status. Through her coaching, speaking, and training, she is empowering women to step fully into their calling and shape a future where ministry leadership reflects the inclusive and transformative nature of the gospel.

Reflection Questions

1. Journal about something that didn't define you but actually refined you.

2. Who can you reach out to today to encourage them that they are not alone.

Connect with Jeannette
Website | 5-Minute Reset Rituals | Instagram

Keywords: women's leadership, coaching, cancer journey, empowerment, faith, community, resilience, personal growth, storytelling, church leadership

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Do you wonder whether you are an introvert? Please meet my guest, professional speaker and massage therapist Sabrina Schottenhammel. She shares about her tendency to hide and her journey to overcome that mindset. The conversation delves into the significance of self-care practices, the role of faith in personal growth, and the power of building supportive communities for introverts. Sabrina emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards self-improvement and encourages listeners to embrace their unique strengths.

I loved Sabrina's perspective on how she uses her introverted-ness as an assest and how she overcome so much to get where she is today. Ultimately, if you're an introvert feeling uncertain about your season in life, remember Sabrina's story. Embrace your relationship with God and understand that every step in your personal growth matters.

Takeaways

• Self-care is essential for mental and physical well-being.
• Scheduling self-care activities increases the likelihood of following through.
• Overcoming shyness can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth.
• Public speaking can be a powerful tool for personal development.
• Finding a supportive community can help introverts thrive.
• Faith can guide us through moments of uncertainty and fear.
• It's important to recognize and celebrate personal growth.
• Small acts of self-care can accumulate to make a significant impact.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Embracing our introverted strengths can enhance our contributions.

Reflection Questions

1. How can you re-frame self-care for yourself in this season of your life?
2. What is your own story of overcoming that you want to remember today?

Connect with Sabrina

LinkedIn
Access Sabrina’s free resources here

Join her monthly Networking for Introverts (Meetings are the 3rd Wednesday at 12pm CST)

Keywords: self-care, personal growth, overcoming shyness, public speaking, community building, faith, introverts, self-discovery, perseverance, massage therapy

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever had a hard time comprehending the place of life you are in? Please meet Adult Ministry Leader Sharie Behnke as she shares about her parable journey of finding God while going through a challenging season.

Sherri reflects on her childhood in Oklahoma, how her faith has evolved through life's challenges and including the loss of her first husband, Dennis to cancer. She reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of God and her role as a young widow. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of seeking God in times of grief, the transformative power of silence and solitude, and the necessity of embracing life's challenges with passion and purpose. Sharie's story serves as an encouragement for others navigating similar paths, highlighting the beauty of vulnerability and the strength found in faith.

Takeaways

• Life's challenges can lead to profound faith experiences.
• Community support is crucial during difficult times.
• Sherri's faith journey began during a pivotal moment of crisis. Life is a gift and it's an honor to get older.
• Witnessing someone die young makes you appreciate life more.
• It's important to seek God in times of grief.
• Silence and solitude can be transformative practices.
• Crying out to God is a way to find comfort.
• Embracing passion can help honor lost loved ones.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some last words that have impacted you and why?
2. Set a timer for two minutes to practice silence with God.

Connect with Sharie

Email | Instagram

Keywords: The Parable Podcast, vulnerability, faith, story, overcoming challenges, community, purpose, growth, faith, loss, grief, widowhood, spirituality, silence, solitude, God, healing

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Our monthly theme episodes give us a chance to focus on a theme and then extend that as an opportunity to see how that can play out in our life and all the relationships that surround us. It is important for me that we dive into our story often to not only see where God has brought us but also continue learning and growing in empathy. In this episode, we are going to talk about listening and how I learned why that is so important, as I had the pleasure of chaperoning 45 High Schoolers, not just once but four different occasions. I can't wait for you to hear about it.

My words I shared with the students:

Every time I sat in the audience, I was mesmerized by the musicality of every note, your teamwork, effort, every dance move, and your commitment of so many countless hours. It was pure joy to watch everything come together. Even though the end is near on this inaugural season, don't give up on those remarkable gifts each of you have.

I am so proud of each one of you. Not just for your talents, but because of the amazing humans you are. The way you cheered each other on, were supportive friends, the laughter through crazy long bus rides, and extending kindness even when no one was looking.

Most importantly, I hope you know the impact you made each time you took the stage. You don't know who was in the audience that day or even standing next to you that needed to reminded of the hope in your words...to not give up ...and that you are loved. It made a difference.

Continue to take this whole experience with you and know you are more than enough just as you are right in this moment. And whenever you feel like your world is loosing it's mind, let us keep creating more moments like this one.

Signed a parent who lives vicariously through you,

Mrs. Edie's mom

• For the Lord watches over the righteous, and His ears are attuned to their prayers. (1 Peter 3:12).
• “In my time of need, I called to the Eternal; I begged my True God for help.He heard my voice echo up to His temple, and my cry came to His ears.(Psalm 18:6)

Reflection Questions
1. Who was someone that listened to you when you needed it the most?

2. Who is someone you know that maybe needs a listening ear - not to fix them but to just know they matter.

If this theme of listening made an impact on you, and you wish you had some basic tips to enhance your conversations and listen well. I have the perfect thing for you: 10 Simple tips to enhance first time conversations. Click here to grab your copy now.

Keywords: Listening, Story matters, Friendship, Relationship, Parenting, Conversations

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever experienced your worth as transactional? Please meet Executive Health coach Donna Thomas with over 30 years in the fitness industry as she shares about her parable journey embodying mental, physical, and spiritual health. In this episode, we discuss Donna's journey through her 60s, the challenges and joys of aging, and the importance of self-discovery and reflection. Donna shares her experiences with physical injuries, the impact of diet culture on body image, and how her faith has shaped her understanding of identity and worth. The conversation emphasizes the need for community and the freedom that comes with embracing aging as a gift.

Reflection Questions

1. Are there any areas in your life that have become transactional?
2. What 15-minute opportunity can you explore this week to become more present?

Takeaways

• Donna emphasizes the importance of self-discovery in your 60s.
• Aging can be a gift that brings freedom and purpose.
• Physical, mental, and spiritual health are interconnected.
• Community support is crucial during challenging times.
• Diet culture negatively impacts body image and self-worth.
• Faith can help navigate struggles with identity.
• It's important to have different conversations about health and wellness.
• Movement is essential for mental and physical well-being.
• Celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes is vital.
• The best work in life often comes later, not earlier.

Sound Bites

• "I was mad at my body, I was mad at God."
• "These are bodies to be celebrated."
• "Aging is a gift."
• "My best work is still ahead of me."

Connect with Donna

Instagram | FaceBook | Podcast

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever defined yourself how much you accomplish on your to-do list? Yes, I so resonate with this. Please meet Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Danni Smith Bullied as she shares her parable journey of understanding her worth. We discuss her journey of overcoming postpartum depression and the metaphor of carrying a 'bag of rocks' to describe the emotional burdens she faced. The conversation delves into circumstantial living and how faith can provide freedom and joy beyond life's ups and downs. In this conversation, Danni Smith-Bullied shares her self-acceptance journey, mental health challenges, and the importance of redefining success. She emphasizes the need for daily practices to grow in faith and the significance of communication in relationships. Danni's insights on embracing one's identity and the struggles of motherhood resonate deeply, offering practical advice for listeners.

Takeaways

• The metaphor of a 'bag of rocks' represents emotional burdens.
• Circumstantial living can lead to questioning one's worth.
• Faith can provide freedom from emotional struggles.
• Danni emphasizes the importance of daily provisions from God.
• Understanding God's love is crucial for personal growth. Letting go of the need to shrink oneself is crucial.
• Success should be redefined beyond task completion.
• Mental health awareness is essential, especially postpartum.
• Daily practices can lead to consistent growth in faith.
• Communication is key in managing expectations in relationships.
• Creating accountability systems can ease burdens in partnerships.
• Sharing burdens and expectations can lead to healthier relationships.

Connect with Danni

Website | Instagram | Email

Reflection Questions

1. Is it time to look through that bag of rocks you've been carrying around. If you are a more tactile person, go get some rocks or gravel and use that to name what is being dragged around with you.
2. How can you look at accomplishment differently this week?

Keywords: integrative nutrition, health coach, worship, self-care, motherhood, faith journey, personal growth, emotional health, circumstantial living, mental wellness, self-acceptance, mental health, faith, communication, success, postpartum, perfectionism, identity

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever felt like you were the first to break the cycle? This is our final collaboration with The Baton Pass as we celebrate their Spring Event season called Illuminate when Light Reveals. If you haven’t heard about the Baton Pass before, they believe when stories are shared chains will break and divine connections will be made. Grateful to be a part of their advising team and honored to hear another parable story from Shequan Palmer.

**Just as a trigger warning or for those listening with little ears around, we discuss Domestic Violence and Murder in this episode (Timestamp 17:43 - 24:10). Today Shequan shares with us about healing from heartbreak and walking into freedom.

In this conversation, she shares her journey of overcoming generational trauma and abuse, highlighting the importance of family support, faith, and personal growth. She reflects on her experiences with domestic violence, the influence of her grandmother, and the strength it took to break the cycle of abuse. Through her story, Shequan emphasizes the power of resilience and the freedom found in faith.

Takeaways

• Shequan aims to empower other women through her experiences.
• She faced challenges as a teen parent but found support in her grandmother.
• She broke the cycle of abuse by leaving an unhealthy relationship.
• Generational trauma impacted her family deeply.
• Faith became a pivotal part of her healing journey.
• Understanding her grandmother's past helped her forgive.
• She emphasizes the importance of breaking generational patterns.
• She encourages others to embrace their gifts and share their stories.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BATON PASS

Reflection Questions

1. What cycle has God finally broken through in your family or can see the light peeking through?
2. If you feel like you are underutilizing the gifts God gave you, what is one way you can embrace them more fully?

Connect with the Baton Pass

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Our Baton Pass Collaboration Playlist

Connect with Shequan | Instagram

keywords
The Baton Pass, community engagement, overcoming challenges, joy of life, loss, resilience, empowerment, abuse, family support, generational trauma, faith, resilience, mental health, domestic violence, empowerment, healing

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Send The Parable Podcast a Text

Have you ever felt like you lost your direction? We are collaborating with The Baton Pass as they kick off their Spring Event season called Illuminate: When Light Reveals. I happen to be one of their advisors and I truly love this team and what this organization is all about. If you haven’t heard about the Baton Pass before they exist to empower women to overcome through the use of story. So I am thrilled for us to hear another parable story from Ana who shares her own story of loss and God’s hand on her life.

In this heartfelt conversation, Ana shares her profound journey of loss, grief, and learning to heal after the death of her husband. She reflects on the challenges of single motherhood and how she found hope and support through her faith and community. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence in times of despair and the ongoing nature of healing. Her story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of love and faith.

Takeaways

• She experienced profound grief and anger towards God after losing her husband.
• Ana found healing through her faith and the support of her community.
• She emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's fingerprints in our lives.
• Healing is a personal journey that varies for everyone.
• Ana's story highlights the significance of vulnerability in community.
• She encourages others to seek God's presence in their struggles.
• Grief is an ongoing process that can resurface at milestones.
• Ana's new beginning came through obedience to her husband's last wishes.

Sound Bites

• "I felt like I had lost everything."
• "I felt completely hopeless and lost in this season."
• "Healing looks different for everyone."

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BATON PASS

Reflection Questions

1. What is happening right now in your life that you need to pause and allow yourself to seek God and trust in his timing?
2. How have you God showcased himself through the people of your life?

Connect with the Baton Pass

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Our Baton Pass Collaboration Playlist

Connect with Ana | Instagram

keywords: loss, grief, hope, faith, healing, identity, community, support, widow, resilience

Ways to Support The Parable Podcast

#1 Subscribe or Follow the podcast to ensure you catch every episode of The Parable Podcast on your preferred podcast platform (such as iTunes, Spotify).

#2 Recommend this podcast to a friend, providing a great chance to begin your own Parable Conversation.

#3 Looking for a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.