What does it really look like to care for others well – and how do you do it without becoming overwhelmed?

In this episode, Haley and Dustin unpack the biblical foundations of effective care and counsel – and why every believer is called to help in some capacity. They address common barriers that hold people back – fear, self-doubt, and feeling unqualified – and share 10 biblical principles for helping others well.

This conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone who wants to walk alongside others with confidence, reflect God’s heart, and trust Him with the outcome.

Be sure to listen through to the end because they share a special 30% discount on Hope for the Heart’s Foundations of Care course, The Care and Counsel Handbook, and their summer Called to Care training event (details in the show notes).

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more

1. [0:05:00] God Is the Ultimate Counselor and Caregiver
2. [0:10:00] God’s Correction Flows From Care, Not Condemnation
3. [0:13:09] Common Barriers: Feeling Unequipped, Pride, and Over‑Identification
4. [0:18:20] Know Your Role: Help People, Don’t Try to Fix Them

Hope for the Heart resources

Use code HOPETALKS30 to save 30% on the following resources:

Foundations of Care video course: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/store/foundations-of-care

The Care and Counsel Handbook: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Called to Care training event on Saturday, June 13, 2026: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/called-to-care

Other Hope for the Heart Resources

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON

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Bible verses mentioned in this episode

Isaiah 46:4 (NLT) – “I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”

When you care for someone, you reflect the heart of God who “cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

When you help someone, you reflect the heart of Go,d who is called “my helper” (Psalm 54:4 NLT).

When you help someone who has fallen, you reflect the heart of God who “upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14).

When you offer a gentle touch or supportive hand, you reflect the heart of God who “takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).

When you listen to someone tell their story or share a memory, you reflect the heart of God who “turns his ear to me” (Psalm 116:2 NIV), “bends down to listen” (NLT).

When you provide wise counsel to someone, you reflect the heart of God who “counsel[s] you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).

When you sympathize with someone grieving or crying in pain, you reflect the heart of God who promises to “wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4).

When you simply sit with someone and keep them company, you reflect the heart of God who says, “I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).

Trauma. It seems like we hear about it everywhere these days. But what does the Bible say about it?

In this episode, Haley and Dustin provide a biblical and lay-level understanding of the basics of trauma – what it is, what it is not, and how it’s different from everyday stress and pain. They also explore how trauma can impact us in different ways and also highlight biblical characters and stories where trauma played a significant role—reminding us that pain and suffering are not foreign to the story of God’s people. They offer a helpful framework from Dr. Marcus Warner* on how to bring God into your pain.

Whether you’re walking through trauma yourself or seeking to better understand and support others, this episode offers a biblical perspective on making sense of our pain with encouragement to find healing through God’s Word.

*See episode 78 with Dr. Marcus Warner, “Understanding the Wounded Heart" for more helpful discussion on trauma.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means

everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more

[0:00:00] Identity Is Not Your Trauma

[0:01:28] Trauma: A Big Cultural & Church Conversation

[0:03:45] God’s Presence in Global and Personal Crises

[0:17:28] Big T vs Little t: Defining Trauma Clearly

[0:54:57] REAL Prayer: A Simple Framework for Healing

Hope for the Heart resources

Book – Crisis & Trauma: Healing the Wounded Heart – https://www.hopefortheheart.org/store/product/crisis-truama

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON

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Bible verses mentioned in this episode

Psalm 31:9-16 – “Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends—those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.”

Bible characters who had traumatic experiences:

Adam & Eve – loss of fellowship with God; Cain kill Abel (their sons)

Noah – saw the whole world destroyed

Hagar -- Abused, exploited, abandoned while pregnant, fled to the wilderness

Joseph – Betrayed by family, abandoned, enslaved, falsely accused

Job – Lost everything, faced immense suffering

Naomi – Lost husband and sons, displaced

David – hunted by Saul, betrayal, and loss of family and friends, lament in the Psalms

Mary, mother of Jesus – Witnessed her son’s crucifixion

Paul – Beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked

Jesus – Rejected, abandoned, tortured, crucified

Rebekah Lyons shares her powerful hope story of navigating a difficult childbirth and learning that her firstborn son had Down syndrome. In that tender, uncertain season, she discovered what it truly meant to surrender control and trust God with her whole heart.

Together, we explore how adversity can strengthen our faith, why risk is an essential part of spiritual growth, and how resilience helps us face both courageously. Rebekah also shares five practical principles from her book Building a Resilient Life, offering encouragement and wisdom for anyone learning to walk boldly with God through life’s hardest moments.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more

• [0:00] Let Go of Life’s Blueprint—Embrace the Journey You Didn’t Plan
• [0:27] Hope Isn’t Optional—It’s Everything
• [5:00] When Life is Interrupted—Discovering Purpose in the Unexpected
• [9:33] Grieving Dreams, Gaining Joy—The Unexpected Gifts of Special Needs Parenting
• [10:00] Risk as Rescue—How Taking Leaps Builds Unshakeable Resilience

Rebekah Lyons Resources

Learn more about Rebekah Lyons, her books, and her ministry – https://www.rebekahlyons.com/

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON

Katherine Wolf shares her remarkable story of surviving a life-changing stroke and later navigating a high-risk pregnancy that resulted in the miraculous birth of her second son. With honesty and grace, she reflects on the “collateral blessings” God has brought from what once felt like only loss, and the unexpected ways He has redeemed her suffering. Katherine also shares how these experiences shaped her ministry, Hope Heals, and her heart to serve and advocate for the disabled community.

This deeply meaningful conversation explores the reality of suffering, how to maintain hope, and see God’s goodness in every season.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more

[0:03:01] The Miracle of Her Second Child

[0:06:59] Building Hope Heals Ministry Through Crisis

[0:14:40] Redefining “Good” and the Practice of Hope

[0:27:01] Gratitude and Praise as a Response to Suffering

Katherine Wolf Resources

Learn more about Katherine Wolf and her ministry, Hope Heals – https://hopeheals.com/

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart:https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON

When Bethany Murdock learned she and her husband wouldn’t be able to have children, her world felt shattered. Yet in that deep place of pain, God invited her into an even deeper relationship with Him.

In this encouraging conversation, Bethany—Christian Life Coach, author, and trainer with ICCI—shares her story of hope, healing, and spiritual growth. Drawing from her book Into the Deep, she unpacks what it means to truly know Jesus, overcome fear, and grow deeper in faith even when life doesn’t go as planned.

If you’re longing to take the next step in your walk with God, this episode will stir your heart to trust Him—no matter what season you’re in.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more

[05:02]: Hope Through Infertility and Disappointment

[10:09]: The Role of Community, Honesty, and Reframing Expectations

[20:02]: Metaphors of Depth and Fire for Relationship with God

[40:05]: Barriers to Deeper Relationship and the Cost of Discipleship

Bethany Murdock Resources

Learn more about Bethany Murdock, her book Into the Deep, and her coaching practice: http://www.bethanylentzmurdock.com/

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON

Happy New Year!

In this episode, Haley and Dustin sit down with Cynthia Baker, life coach and author of Still Stuck. They discuss why we often get stuck accomplishing our goals — and how we can experience real, lasting change.

Cynthia opens with her hope story of overcoming an eating disorder in seminary and how changing her mindset became the turning point toward healing. She walks through four key principles of changing your mindset, offering biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you approach goals and resolutions with clarity and hope. This is biblically-rich, encouraging conversation to start the New Year with fresh perspective and hope.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means

everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more

(02:53) Digging Deeper—Mindset Change Over Behavior Change

(16:48) The Power of Small, Consistent Steps—Not All or Nothing

(21:35) Identify and Rewire Limiting Beliefs

(41:35) Four Principles to Getting Unstuck and the Role of Action

Cynthia Baker Resources

Learn more about Cynthia Baker and her life coaching resources: https://cynthiabaker.com/

Hope for the Heart resources

Blog: When God’s Truth Silences the Enemy’s Lies – https://www.hopefortheheart.org/explore/blog/i-dont-even-remember

Blog: How to Control Anxious Thoughts - An Exercise from Philippians 4:8 – https://www.hopefortheheart.org/explore/blog/8-ways-to-control-anxious-thoughts

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON

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Bible verses mentioned in this episode

Lamentations 3:40 – “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.”

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

Philippians 4:8-9 – Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Merry Christmas!

In this special Christmas episode, Haley and Dustin fix their eyes on Jesus – the hope of the world. They explore solid historical and biblical evidence for His deity, reflect on His titles (Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, and more), and conclude with reflection questions to stir your heart to worship the Savior this Christmas season.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life, because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more

(02:00) : Christmas Is About Jesus—Past, Present, and Future (07:30) : Jesus Is the Source of Real Hope (21:00) : Faith Is Grounded in History, Not Blind Belief (42:00) : Your Personal Testimony Matters as Much as the Evidence (1:07:00) : Jesus Is Still Present and Active Today

Hope for the Heart resources :

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON

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Bible verses mentioned in this episode

Matthew 12:18-21 – after healing a man’s hand on the Sabbath … “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.”

John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Luke 24:40-43 – When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

1 Timothy 1:1 – Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.

Titus 2:11-13 – For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This week on Hope Talks, we welcome singer, songwriter, comedian, and storyteller Mark Lowry—best known for writing the beloved Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know?” and for his years with the Gaither Vocal Band.

In this warm and funny Christmas conversation, Mark shares his hope story, beginning with a devastating car accident that left him with multiple broken bones and unexpectedly launched his journey as a songwriter. Forced into stillness, he encountered God’s presence in a fresh way.

Mark reflects on how he stepped into music and comedy, how “Mary, Did You Know?” was born, and why joy and humor matter so deeply in the Christian life. He also tells the stories behind several songs on his latest album, There Is Hope, offering an encouraging reminder that God is near, faithful, and working even when life feels broken.

Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.

So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.

Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.

Listen in to learn more:

(10:30): Joy Isn’t the Absence of Pain—It’s the Presence of Jesus (17:45): You Don’t Have to Understand the “Mortgage” to Belong in God’s House (32:40): Humor Opens Hearts: If They’re Laughing, They’re Listening (1:24:30): Stuck This Christmas? Serve Someone—It’ll Pull You Out of the Funk

Mark Lowry Resources

Learn more about Mark Lowry, his music and ministry: https://marklowry.com/

Check out his latest album, There is Hope: https://marklowry.myshopify.com/products/there-is-hope-cd-mark-lowry

Hope for the Heart resources

Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance 100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart

Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night

God’s plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/

Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON