Welcome to the 'How Does Healing Happen' Intermission!

Today, I wrestle through the very human struggle of trying to balance both hope for the future and acceptance of the present. I admit, I have not figured this topic out!

I'm posting this episode not to share a victory or a finding. But rather to invite you into forming your own thoughts and to spark conversation surrounding this topic.

Dare to tread the depths with me!

Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA!

My Reading: "The Weary Gardener" and "Weakness and Stillness" by Elizabeth Hayashi

Scripture References:

• When I say "The Gentle Shepherd that makes me lay down," I am referencing Psalm 23:2
• When I say, "You call me to rejoice in my suffering," I'm referencing Romans 5:3 and James 1:2

In a hurting world, we all need healing from something. So, it's important for everyone to know how healing happens.

In this podcast, I explore the answers that many people have given to this question. I grew up in the church, and have heard a lot of different answers to how healing happens. I think the church is beautiful, but the church is for imperfect people. Which means sometimes, we give imperfect answers to important questions, like 'how does healing happen.'

But I have found that every answer can only lead in one of two directions: trusting in myself or trusting in God. Which is it? And how do we define trust and faith? Listen to find out.

Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA!

My Reading: "Beautiful Faith" by Elizabeth Hayashi

Scripture References:

• Psalm 103:1-4
• Passage about no more tears, pain, or suffering − Revelation 21:4
• Passage about meeting with the elders to pray − James 5:14-15
• The promise that if you ask, seek, and knock you will find − Matthew 7:7-8

So, I forgot to mention in this episode that when I got married, I moved. Keep that in mind because it helps explain what I talk about today!

Today is all about embracing new seasons. Each season has its unique beauty. And let's be real. Sometimes, it's really hard to see that beauty. Sometimes, that's because the season we're in is really hard. But sometimes it's because the season we just left was so amazing, we wish we could go back. To be perfectly honest, that's been me recently. But I want to live fully in the now! So, join me as I explore this concept, wrestle through it, and apply it to my own life.

Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA!

My Reading: "Eyes of Gold" and "Still the Same Prayer" by Elizabeth Hayashi

Scripture References:

(I don't directly quote any Scripture in this episode, but some of my ideas in this episode are inspired by Biblical concepts. I'm leaving the references for those in case you want to explore them more!)

• When I say God wants us to live abundantly, I'm thinking about this passage − John 10:10
• When I say everything good in our lives is from God, I'm thinking about this passage − James 1:17
• From "Eyes of Gold"
  • "Sweet as honey, rich as gold" − Psalm 19:10
  • "If spit and mud must get me there" − John 9:1-6
  • "Scaly eyes" − Acts 9:18

Why do I believe we can find light in the dark places? And why do I believe we can find beauty in pain?

Today, I touch the core of my approach to suffering. I have been talking a lot about chronic pain, searching for beauty and hope in the experience of it all. I believe hope can be found. But what is the source of that hope? Find out with me as I share a raw moment of my life, and a writing I created in that moment.

Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA!

My Reading: "Pain and the Eternal Investment" by Elizabeth Hayashi

Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:21-27

When was the last time you sat and did nothing? Ok, so I know we are all very busy people. We don't have time just to sit. Especially when we have a career to achieve, kids to care for, health issues to tend to.... You get the picture.

But I believe that slowing down and being in the moment is vital to actually living. And ok, I know this is crazy. But I believe we can still choose the moment even when it's busy.

Today, I share a story about trying to live in the moment, despite crippling back pain. I also share a poem I wrote just for you!

Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA!

Scripture Reference:

This is the passage about God as "I AM": Exodus 3:7-10, 13-14

My brother's college sports career came interrupted by a severe sports injury. Only two years later, he experienced disk herniation in his lower back. But his story is not just about sports injuries and chronic pain. It's a story of identity, leaning on others, and the development of inner strength.

Find out with me what happened when Jonny's passion, running track, was taken from his life for years. Could the loss of a good thing end up leading to something even better?

Today I talk about my struggle with depression in the midst of chronic pain. I personally think I am a pretty passionate person, but this kind of pain kept me from feeling much passion at all. Have you ever felt the same way?

Depression is real and not a topic I want to toss around lightly, but I'm also not afraid to talk about it either. If you're ready to brave these topics, let's dive in together!

Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA!

Readings: The Unending Flight by Elizabeth Hayashi; and A Wasteland Where Flowers Grow by Elizabeth Hayashi

References:

• "Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)." Mayo Clinic. October 14, 2022. Accessed September 24, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007.

A good vantage point allows us to see more clearly. We become aware of beauty we hadn't noticed before. We get a better perspective of the world. Can suffering become a vantage point? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA!

Reading: Vantage Points by Elizabeth Hayashi

References:

• Anne Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts (Eugene Oregon: W Publishing Group, 2010), pp. 131-132