Christian Writing & Speaking (CWS) with Jacqui Wilson

Katrina Robertson: More Than We Can Bear

In this interview, Author Katrina Robertson dives into the struggles Christians face because many falsely believe they should be able to handle whatever life throws at them. However, if we could handle everything, what would be the point of God? In her award-winning book Juror #11, she explores the difficulty of navigating a broken justice system and how she maintained her faith. She wants people to understand that some situations are beyond our ability to manage, but not God’s. She encourages Christians to stop pretending they are "fine," honestly assess and express where they are, and look to God for help. Tune in.

Ahmard Vital: Live Your Best Life and Give It All Away

The week Ahmard Vital released his first book, his father passed away, changing his spiritual life permanently. Though he pleaded with God to save his father, it was not a part of the plan. He was angry with God. He felt unprepared. However, God reassured him that he was with him and challenged him to leave the hospital representing heaven and all the good his earthly father had poured into him. He took that challenge. Later, he realized that he was spiritually arrogant and learned to lean into his faith more deeply, becoming humble and fully embracing his father’s teaching -- live your best life and give it all away.

Donny Abbott: Press on Toward Jesus

Even when we don’t know what will happen, Jesus knows, and remembering the truth and anchor of God’s word is crucial to making it through the storm. This is what art lover and author Donny Abbott emphasizes. Struggles in our faith are natural and provide pivotal junctures where we can choose to grow. Writing the book Christ in the Storm: Keeping Faith in the Face of the Unknown, Donny understands well how those challenges pull at us, e.g., the death of his mother to COVID-19 and depression as a pastor, but if we choose to allow the situations to push us closer to Jesus rather than pull away, we will have a greater faith walk.

John Jarman: Humble at the Cross

Marine Corps veteran and author John Jarman took control of his life at the age of twelve. That’s when his father, who was an abusive alcoholic, left the family. Every life decision he made kept him in the driver’s seat until he realized how broken and in need of redemption he was. He didn't grow up in a Christian home. Initially, he used attending church to get away from his drill sergeant. A seed was planted, and gradually, he came into the knowledge of Christ. Eventually, he surrendered his life completely, recognizing his need for humility. Now, you can read a bit about his story in his award-winning book, Broken & Redeemed. Tune in.

Shannon Rhodes: The Joy of Walking in Purpose

CEO, coach, and national best-selling author Shannon Rhodes desires to see people, especially women, walk in their purpose. Not only does she cheer them toward their purpose, but she also exemplifies what living in your purpose looks like. For example, her company, Pure Rhodes, ladens every one of their soap bars with a scripture. Often, you will find her in deep conversation with someone as she coaches them through difficulty and navigates them toward greater. She expounds rays of joy wherever she goes. An encounter with her will cause you to wear your sunglasses because she radiates brightly. Special offer available for listeners of this episode. Tune In to hear more.

Elizabeth Louis: Increase Impact, Influence, and Income

If you want to increase your impact, influence, and income as a Christian executive, you must shift your mind. Former producer Elizabeth Louis felt mentally tortured as she sought ways to move past her childhood trauma. Then, she heard about positive psychology emphasizing coaching and decided that was what she needed to learn to help herself. So, she reenrolled in school. One day, while reading the bible, she realized positive psychology was laid out in the scriptures. After transforming her thinking, she shifted to helping others. Now, she helps Christian executives increase their impact, influence, and income.

Sharon Hughes: Who Would You Be if You Let Go of Your Past?

Sharon Huges is a confidence coach and the award-winning author of "The Girl in the Garage: 3 Steps to Letting Go of Your Past," a faith-based book for breaking free from a lack of confidence, self-worth issues, and a painful past. Growing up, she suffered abuse, emotional neglect, and a barrage of negative incidents, including date rape, which left her believing she was not good enough. However, an encounter with a book started her journey to discovering who she was meant to be, and now, she is using her experiences to ignite confidence in those she meets. Learn more about her and her story in this podcast episode.
 
#confidence #confidencebuilding #overcome #christianpodcast #thecwspod

Aaron Smith: Look for the Pink Flags Before You Say I Do

Everyone looks forward to the wedding date, the beautiful decorations, flowers, cake, the groom in his tux, and the first appearance of the bride in her dress, but let’s back it up. That’s only the wedding date. Do you know the questions you and your fiancé should ask before you say I do? Are you only looking for the red flags, or have you noticed some pink flags? Wedding officiant Aaron Smith shares insights about what couples should ask and do before they say I do, as well as what they should consider doing long after the wedding date is over. Tune in.
 
#wedding #engagement #christiancouples #christianpodcast #thecwspod

Brigitta Hoeferle: Listen Deeper

She had the education, the charisma, and the perfect model, but she still struggled to communicate as she executed God's plan for her life. She stepped back, pointed the finger at herself, and dove into communication methodology. She realized that communication was more than the words she said, and it included purpose, tonality, mindset, and body language. A better understanding of communication caused her to listen on a deeper level, thus making her more effective with people. Now, she is helping others do the same. How we communicate will determine whether someone will receive the message we desire to give.

Carrie Pierce: Be the Light

Have you ever started reading a story to a child but paused because there was something more to the story? Carrie Pierce, children's author, reminisces about a time when children's books were free of agenda, pure, only providing essential lessons a child needed to learn. Recognizing a need for that, she delved into writing children's books focused on overcoming and taking leaps of faith. She urges other Christian writers to take up this mantle too. If we ever needed light, we need it now. She furthers this message as she works with authors through her publishing company.