In this heartfelt episode of Faith Unfiltered, Amber reflects on the transformative journey of living for Jesus instead of conforming to worldly pressures. She shares personal experiences of shedding past identities tied to achievements, materialism, and societal expectations to embrace a faith-centered life. Amber discusses the importance of daily Bible reading, prayer, and discernment in building a relationship with Jesus. She emphasizes that true fulfillment stems from a spiritual connection with God, not from worldly accomplishments. Join Amber as she encourages listeners to seek wisdom, reject superficial goals, and focus on spiritual growth and the Great Commission.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 - 02:32] Amber's Personal Reflections and Updates

[02:33 - 05:00] The Importance of Reading the Bible

[05:01 - 07:31] Spiritual Insights from the Old and New Testaments

[07:32 - 12:34] The Trap of Worldly Values

[12:35 - 16:47] Striving for Intimacy with Jesus

[16:48 - 19:59] The Illusion of Success and Materialism

[20:00 - 20:17] The Inevitability of Death and Materialism

[20:18 - 20:47] The Spiritual Battle and Following Jesus

[20:48 - 21:22] Balancing Worldly Goals with Spiritual Mission

[21:23 - 22:45] Being an Apprentice of Jesus

[22:46 - 26:52] The Importance of Daily Surrender

[26:53 - 29:54] Seeking Wisdom and Discernment

[29:55 - 34:25] Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth

[34:26 - 35:42] Final Reflections and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“ There is light and there is dark, and there is a battle going on for our souls all the time.” - Ms. Amber

“ My life is yours no matter what.“ - Ms. Amber

“ the Bible is our beginning and our end of mankind.” - Ms. Amber

“ Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is the work of our lives, daily surrender over daily striving.” - Ms. Amber

“  We are saturated with voices, social media, news, influencers, experts, ,the word, the Bible is our filter. Without it, everything blurs.” - Ms. Amber

“ The world will always demand more from you, but Jesus simply asks of for you.” - Ms. Amber

Reflection Prompt:

“Lord, show me where I’ve been striving for the world’s approval instead of yours. Help me release what doesn’t align with Your kingdom and live fully for you.”

If you want, I can also create a free “Kingdom Over Culture” PDF guide to go with this episode — including daily scripture readings and reflection questions for listeners to download. That would make this episode even more actionable. Would you like me to do that next?

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Angela and Amber address a deeply resonant topic for many: the struggles of being the strong one. They share personal experiences, from Angela's challenges with her son Angelo's medical diagnosis to Amber's anxiety over her own health concerns. They discuss the emotional and spiritual burnout that can come from always being the encourager and provide practical advice on how to step back, rest, and seek God's grace. Key topics include the importance of honesty about one’s struggles, the necessity of rest, and the value of community support.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 -00:38] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 - 01:57] Today's Deep Dive: The Strong One's Struggle

[01:58 - 04:36] Angela's Update: Navigating Health Challenges

[04:37 - 08:03] Amber's Anxiety and Emotional Turmoil

[08:04 - 12:50] The Weight of Always Being the Strong One

[12:51 - 21:00] Struggling to Ask for Help

[21:01 - 21:55] Signs of Spiritual and Emotional Burnout

[21:56 - 22:39] Struggling with Numbness and Compassion

[22:40 - 24:02] The Ups and Downs of a Christian Walk

[24:03 - 26:25] Dealing with Grief and Anger

[26:26 - 37:00] The Importance of Rest and Renewal

[37:01 - 40:09] Practical Ways to Step Back and Rest

[40:10 - 40:51] Final Reflections and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“ Believing vulnerability equals weakness.” - Ms. Angela

“ God is with us through the whole process. We just may not feel him all the time. That is the human experience.” - Ms. Amber

“ God never called us to be everything for everyone.” - Ms. Amber

“ The enemy does not want us to have a close relationship with Jesus.” - Ms. Amber

“ To the woman holding everything together. You are not alone. Even cheerleaders need time on the bench.” - Ms. Angela

“ You are not less spiritual, less strong, or less faithful because you're tired. You are human and God never asked you to carry it all.” - Ms. Amber

Reflection Prompt:

“God, I feel tired of being the strong one. Help me to release the pressure, lean on You, and let others in. Remind me that even in weakness, I am deeply loved.”

In this heartfelt solo episode of Faith Unfiltered, Amber hones in on the themes of free will, God's love, and letting go, especially as a parent. She emphasizes that, just as God grants us free will, parents need to let their children make their own decisions, face their own consequences, and ultimately learn and grow from their experiences. Amber shares her personal journey of faith, the emotions tied to her children leaving the nest, and the importance of placing trust in God's guidance and love. The episode is rich with scriptural references and personal anecdotes, serving to encourage and comfort listeners navigating similar life transitions.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 - 01:19] Amber Takes the Lead

[01:20 - 03:03] A Prayer for Guidance

[03:04 - 04:41] Let Them Fly: Free Will and Parenting

[04:42 - 06:59] The Role of Boundaries and Consequences

[07:00 - 09:02] The Challenges of Parenting Teenagers

[09:03 - 11:16] Free Will: The Hardest Kind of Love

[11:17 - 17:48] The Spiritual Realm and Human Choices

[17:49 - 19:33] Rediscovering Faith and Purpose

[19:34 - 19:48] Choosing Faith and Facing Judgment

[19:49 - 20:11] A Year of Spiritual Transformation

[20:12 - 20:36] Struggles and God's Presence

[20:37 - 23:28] Free Will and Consequences

[23:29 - 24:33] Lessons from the Prodigal Son

[24:34 - 25:11] Personal Journey and Redemption

[25:12 - 25:56] The Power of Community and Church

[25:57 - 26:39] Hearing God's Voice

[26:40 27:44] Embracing Missions and Opportunities

[27:45 - 32:18] Parenting and Letting Go

[32:19 - 33:24] Trusting God with Our Loved Ones

[33:25 - 34:15] Final Reflections and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“ Free will is a hard kind of love, but it's the kind God chooses for us.” - Ms. Amber

“ God will never stop chasing your heart.” - Ms. Amber

Journal this week:

“Lord, help me trust You with the people I love most. Even when I can’t protect them, remind me that You are with them. Help me release control and rest in Your love—just like You do for me.”

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Angela and Amber dive into the complexities of marriage, sharing personal experiences and lessons learned. They discuss the importance of unfiltered faith, honest communication, and the value of seeing a marriage coach. They also touch on dealing with stress, grief, chronic illness, and the importance of prayer in maintaining a healthy relationship. A special highlight of this episode includes practical advice on handling arguments, fostering emotional and physical intimacy, and the critical role of forgiveness. Additionally, the episode offers a free couple prayer guide, emphasizing the importance of praying over marriages daily. Whether you're newly married, in a tough season, or trying again after heartbreak, this episode provides numerous insights and encouragement.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 - 02:38] Real Talk About Marriage

[02:39 - 04:14] Personal Updates and Challenges

[04:15 - 05:54] Navigating Stress and Anxiety

[05:55 - 17:55] Communication and Expectations in Marriage

[17:56 - 19:50] God's Design for Marriage

[19:51 - 20:42] Healthy Ways to Argue in Relationships

[20:43 - 21:21] Teaching Marriage as a Covenant

[21:22 - 22:23] Open Conversations with Adult Children

[22:24 - 25:23] Apologizing and Setting Examples

[25:24 - 29:57] The Importance of Prayer in Marriage

[29:58 - 32:33] Physical and Emotional Intimacy

[32:34 - 34:25] Seeking Counseling and External Help

[34:26 - 37:55] Rebuilding After Hardship

[37:56 - 38:41] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“  Marriage isn't a fairytale, it's a Partnership that takes so much work.” - Ms. Amber

“ God uses marriage to grow us more into the image of Christ. “ - Ms. Angela

“ Just because you argue doesn't mean your marriage is broken. It means you're human.” - Ms. Angela

“ Normal healthy arguments in marriage is healthy.” - Ms. Amber

“ Life is a series of good stuff and really hard stuff.  And I think that is just part of the human experience.” - Ms. Amber

A Prayer to Speak Over Your Marriage

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Angela and Amber dive into the transformative power of gratitude, especially during life's toughest moments. They share personal stories, from dealing with health issues to facing anxiety, and emphasize that gratitude can be a grounding force. The episode includes practical tips like starting a gratitude journal, daily gratitude practices, and leveraging the power of expressing thankfulness out loud. The sisters discuss the importance of surrendering control to God and trusting in His providence, highlighting that even in the midst of storms, there are always reasons to be grateful. They also talk about the scientific benefits of gratitude and provide scripture references that encourage thankfulness in all circumstances. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation about how embracing gratitude can lead to peace and presence in daily life.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:44] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:45 - 01:08] Today's Topic: The Power of Gratitude

[01:09 - 02:14] New Format and Personal Updates

[02:15 - 03:02] Angela's Health Update

[03:03 - 06:06] Amber's Anxiety and Health Concerns

[06:07 - 12:45] The Importance of Gratitude in Hard Times

[12:46 - 16:45] Faith, Fear, and Trust in Jesus

[16:46 - 18:53] Surrendering Control and Finding Peace

[18:54 - 19:12] Scientific Benefits of Gratitude

[19:13 - 19:26] The Power of Positivity and Gratitude

[19:27 - 19:52] Health Benefits of Gratitude

[19:53 - 20:10] Starting Your Day with Gratitude

[20:11 - 21:11] Overcoming Negativity

[21:12 - 25:01] Personal Stories of Gratitude

[25:02 - 25:33] The Importance of Gratitude Journals

[25:34 - 27:37] Biblical References on Gratitude

[27:38 - 34:14] Practical Tips for Practicing Gratitude

[34:15 - 35:40] Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Tweetable Quotes:

“   Gratitude in the heart. Acknowledge life is messy, unfair, and painful sometimes.” - Ms. Amber

“ Fear is natural. But we're not made to fear. We're made as followers of Christ. We are taught to put our faith and trust in him.” - Ms. Angela

“ I am who I am and where I am because of Christ and His love for me and him, carrying me through the difficult times.” - Ms. Angela

“ Things happen and God is there to carry us through them.” - Ms. Amber

“ If we're truly giving Jesus our life, then no matter what happens, I'm giving you my life.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, the hosts tackle the heavy yet crucial topic of anxiety, depression, and the silent struggles many face, including Christians. The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the stigma around mental health within the Christian community. Insights include what the Bible says about mental health, how Jesus meets us in our lowest moments, and practical steps to start healing. The conversation also covers the societal impact of social media, the importance of therapy, and creating a culture of connection and support to combat loneliness and mental illness.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:39] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:38 - 02:22] The Reality of Anxiety and Depression

[02:23 - 04:44] Personal Struggles and Dark Times

[04:45 - 10:38] The Impact of Social Media

[10:39 - 15:37] Navigating Mental Health as Christians

[15:38 - 17:25] The Importance of Therapy

[17:26 - 20:04] Biblical Figures and Mental Struggles

[20:05 - 21:33] Creating Safe Spaces for Open Conversations

[21:34 - 22:46] The Power of Prayer and Honest Emotions

[22:47 - 31:29] The Healing Benefits of Physical Activity

[31:30 - 34:43] Building Community and Limiting Social Media

[34:44 - 38:46] Addressing the Crisis of Suicide

[38:47 - 39:51] The Importance of Therapy and Seeking Help

[39:52 - 40:20] Final Thoughts on Healing and Support

Tweetable Quotes:

“   God designed our bodies to work with our healing.” - Ms. Angela

“ Don't rush to fix them.  Love them just as they are.” - Ms. Amber

“ There is always something. To be grateful for. There's always something, but if we hyper always think of all the negative, we don't have room for the beautiful.” - Ms. Amber

“ Show up for people even in the small ways. And raise warriors, not performers.” - Ms. Amber

“ Failing and failure is part of life.” - Ms. Amber

“ You're not alone. Jesus isn't scared of your mess, your pain, or your tears. He wants to walk with you through it, not just fix it, but be with you in it.” - Ms. Amber

“ You are not broken beyond repair. You are not too far gone.  And this world needs your light.” - Ms. Amber

In this heart-wrenching yet hopeful episode of Faith Unfiltered, Angela and Amber discuss the deeply personal story of Angela's son, Angelo, and his recent diagnosis with severe ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). From early symptoms and a sudden health decline during a mission trip to Mexico, to navigating a complex medical journey involving multiple hospital stays and procedures, Angela shares the emotional and spiritual rollercoaster her family has faced. The episode highlights the importance of community and family support, the power of prayer, and the struggle to maintain faith in the midst of ongoing medical challenges. Drawing on their experiences, Angela emphasizes the need for clear communication with healthcare providers and the critical role of family and friends in providing practical and emotional support. The episode closes with a message of hope and trust in God's sovereignty, even when life takes unexpected and difficult turns.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:44] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:45 - 01:11] A Personal Story: Angela's Son's Diagnosis

[01:12 - 05:27] The Journey Begins: Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis

[05:28 - 15:37] A Mother's Struggle: Coping with the Diagnosis

[15:38 - 16:39] Seeking Help: Family and Community Support

[16:40 - 29:36] Hospitalization and Further Complications

[29:37 - 30:12] Sharing Meals and Support

[30:13 - 31:26] Coping with Stress and Family Dynamics

[31:27 - 33:42] Navigating Life After Diagnosis

[33:43 - 34:33] Prioritizing Self-Care and Relationships

[34:34 - 35:38] Finding a New Church Community

[35:39 - 36:45] Embracing Organic Living

[36:46 - 39:47] Support Groups and Community

[39:48 - 47:37] Faith and Trust in Difficult Times

[47:38 - 52:35] Gratitude and Acknowledgements

[52:36 - 52:59] Closing Remarks and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“  Life is pivoting to a different direction that you weren't expecting.” - Ms. Amber

“ The Lord does give us more than we can handle, and he does it so that he can show us that we don't need to handle it because he can handle it for us.” - Ms. Angela

“ The trials that the Lord puts us through because he does allow them to happen.  It's 100% for his glory.” - Ms. Angela

Book Mention:

Little Pilgrim's Progress

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Amber discusses the power and freedom in asking questions about one's faith. With Angela taking a brief break, Amber reflects on her own journey back to Christianity after 20 years, emphasizing the importance of exploring doubts and seeking a deeper understanding of religious teachings. She stresses that faith and doubt can coexist and encourages listeners to be apprentices of Jesus, embracing curiosity and continual learning. Amber shares personal experiences, mentions influential scholars, and provides scriptural references, all while fostering an environment where asking questions is not only accepted but encouraged.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Welcome to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 -00:56] Angela's Break and Today's Topic

[00:57 - 01:35] Embracing Questions in Faith

[01:36 - 02:30] Exploring Biblical Texts and Historians

[02:31 - 05:42] Personal Faith Journey and Questions

[05:43 - 06:03] Encouragement for Questioning Faith

[06:04 - 07:50] Deep Dive into Bible Stories

[07:51 - 18:05] The Role of Doubt in Strengthening Faith

[18:06 - 27:34] Scriptural Encouragement for Questioning

[27:35 - 27:58] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

[27:59 - 28:23] Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Tweetable Quotes:

“   It's my relationship with Jesus. It's not my parents' relationship on me, it's not the church. I grew up in a relationship. It's my relationship and it's so freaking beautiful.” - Ms. Amber

“ Doubt doesn't cancel belief. It deepens it.” - Ms. Amber

“ Asking questions means your faith is real and it's not robotic.” - Ms. Amber

“ If your faith has questions, you're in the right place. God is not intimidated by your curiosity. In fact, he welcomes it.” - Ms. Amber

“Keep seeking, keep asking. Keep showing up. That's faith, too.” - Ms. Amber

Journal Prompts:

Faith_Unfiltered_10_Honest_Questions_to_Ask_God.pdf