Have you ever felt you were in a season of "steeping" while you waited?

In this special Mother's Day episode, Cynthia L Simmons invites you to grab a cup of hot tea and step back 1700 years into history to discover the life of one of the most resilient mothers who ever lived: St Monica. The world remembers her son, Augustine of Hippo, yet few people realize the thirty years of tears she shed before she saw the harvest of her prayers.

Maybe you are navigating a storm of your own or have a prodigal you long to see return. Just like a good cup of tea, the most profound impact takes time to develop. You'll enjoy the encouragement and comfort as you listen.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. I'm your hostess, Cynthia L Simmons, and I have been reflecting on navigating the storms of life.

Sometimes the best lessons in resilience and trust come from the most unexpected places. Today, that comes from the deck of a World War II battleship. I delight in finding fun stories, and I love this one. Can you imagine a cat caught in a shipwreck? Cats hate water, yet this sturdy cat survived three.

If you love history (like I do) or maybe you need a reminder about holding on during a storm, you will find this story fascinating. Let's look at the story told by sailors and find that anchor we all need.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podast. Join me and Author Pam Farrel as we dive into the life of Mercy Otis Warren, the woman who used her pen to spark the American Revolution. My dear friend, Pam, is also a best-selling author. We discussed how both women had the moral courage to speak truth to power, then and now. Don't miss this 'bridge' conversation as we head into a powerful season of Revolutionary history this April.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. This week we remember a Lioness, Paula Bonhoeffer. She loved her children well and educated them at home rather than entrust them to the Prussian government schools. She gave Dietrich the grit to stand up to a dictator.

This week, I sat down with a modern-day Paula, Mavian Arocha-Rowe, who also homeschools. We are bridging the gap between Paula's 1917 kitchen and our living rooms today. How do we raise kids who aren't afraid to stand alone?

Listen in for a conversation on faith, homeshool, and grit.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Sometimes our New Year's resolutions don't last because we try to live in isolation. Author Peggy Sue Wells suggested real growth happens through connection. Explore the gaps in your perspective through listening to someone else's story. When you do that, you don't just set goals, you change the way you see the world. Join us as we trade stories and fill in the blanks and find that 'aha' moment that happens when we listen.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. Today we're looking at a sensational story. It's Michelle Rickett's story. She's the woman behind She is Safe. Before she fought modern day slavery, she survived abuse and had every right to let bitterness consume her.

However, she chose a different path. She didn't just survive, she forgave and that action set her free That led her and her husband to build an organization that battles trafficking across the globe. Her mercy became a weapon for justice..

As we move into 2026, a milestone year of American libery, we have to ask a question. Is it possible that our greatest impact on the world is hidden behind the person we are most afraid to forgive?

I'm Cynthia L Simmons, and I write about the intersection of history and faith, and the moral courage that changes our world. Today, we are going behind the scenes of a true story that proves mercy isn't weakness. Let's dive in.

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio/Podcast. As we move into the Christmas season, we remember the hope we obtain because of the baby born in Bethlehem. That hope extends to the whole world, including women around the world who are in bondage. This week we chatted with Michelle Ricketts who is the founder of Sheissafe.org. She highlighted the plight of women around the world who are sold into slavery as mere children. Her organization enters parts of the world where girls are sold to offer freedom. Listen to her fascinating story and be encouraged!

Welcome to Heart of the Matter Radio Podcast. This week we are taking a historical view of being thankful by sharing a story from the past. In addition, we interviewed Donna Wyland. She has written a new book, Guided Gratitude Journal, and she testifies to the benefits of praising God. Join us for this interesting discussion.