What do you do when you walk into a church out of sheer desperation - not really knowing what you're looking for, just knowing you need something to change? You might just find exactly what you didn't know you needed.

In this episode, recorded in April of 2026, Ashley sits down with her friend, PTA partner, and co-worker Jen Carlsen for a raw and honest conversation about what it looks like when God writes a story you never could have planned. Jen shares how she found her way to Risen King pregnant, exhausted, and quietly ready to file for divorce — and how a group of women with an unexplainable peace changed the trajectory of everything.

From her husband's sobriety journey to a women's retreat that finally broke something open, from leading a small group she felt completely unqualified for to stepping into EmpowerOne, to walking through the doors of her own church as the Children's Director - Jen's story is a testimony to what happens when you stop white-knuckling it alone and say yes to what God has been preparing for you all along.

Because the calling on your life isn't waiting for you to feel ready. It's waiting for you to be faithful.

EmpowerOne is a nine-month journey for women who are ready to grow - in their faith, in their leadership, and in who God created them to be. Through real community, deep curriculum, and coaching that actually goes somewhere, EmpowerOne equips women to step into the calling that has always had their name on it.

Click here to learn more!

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