There are seasons when you're not just tired.

You're emotionally stretched thin.
Running on fumes.
Trying to keep going while carrying pressure, responsibility, fear, trauma, and expectations all at once.

And sometimes faith feels tired too.

In this deeply honest conversation, Laura sits down with Atlanta-based alternative hip-hop artist Ashton Stevens to talk about emotional exhaustion, spiritual pressure, fatherhood, healing, identity, and the tension of trying to hold yourself together when life feels heavy. Inspired by his song Edge, Ashton shares how learning to name emotions, listen for God's voice, journal through difficult seasons, and embrace rest became part of his healing journey. The conversation explores emotional regulation, spiritual exhaustion, trauma, faith, and what it means to keep going when you're stretched thin. Based on his reflections, healing often begins by being honest about what you're carrying and learning not to let your circumstances define you.

In This Episode

• emotional exhaustion and overwhelm
• spiritual fatigue and burnout
• faith during difficult seasons
• emotional regulation and healing
• fatherhood, responsibility, and identity
• journaling and self-awareness
• learning to rest without guilt
• staying connected to God when life feels heavy

Counter Pause

Take a slow breath in...
and let it out gently.

If you can, rest your hand over your heart.

And simply notice:

Where do you feel stretched too thin right now?

Not where you should be stronger.
Not where you need to fix something.

Just where you're tired.

God is not absent in that place.

Even if it feels quiet.

Breath Prayer

Breathe in: I am held...

Breathe out: Even here.

Blessing

May you be honest about where you're tired.

May you release the pressure to hold everything together alone.

And may you discover that even at the edge,
you are still being held.

About Ashton

Ashton Stevens is an Atlanta-based alternative hip-hop artist originally from the Florida Panhandle. Known for his introspective style, Ashton creates music rooted in faith and real-life experiences. His work centers on emotional regulation, purpose, and personal growth, using music as a tool for healing, reflection, and truth.

Connect with Ashton

Website:
https://www.ashtonstevens.com/

Listen to "Edge":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-IrWD_RYo

Closing

Take a breath.

Notice what's in front of you.

And remember:

There's a difference between being at the edge...
and being alone there.

If this episode met you where you are, I’d love to hear from you. What stayed with you?

Support the show

The counter is always open.

If you’d like a quiet place to sit with what this stirred, A Seat at the Counter: A Soul Pause Journal is available here: https://amzn.to/4c4RSIv

*****

Considering being a guest on At the Counter With the Baking Pastor?
I invite you to listen to 1–2 recent episodes first to get a feel for the tone and heart of the conversations.

If it feels like a good fit, you’re welcome to reach out to me directly on PodMatch and share a bit about what you’d love to bring to the counter: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/atthecounterwiththebakingpastor

I’m especially drawn to conversations that are honest, reflective, and rooted in real-life experience.