Friends, I’m so excited to welcome back a repeat guest to the podcast—Scarlet Hiltibidal! Scarlet first joined me back in 2022 (Episode 43), and today she’s here again to talk about her brand-new book releasing this week: Hopeful-ish: Sadness, Weariness, Donkey Attacks, More Sadness, and Other Stuff You Need the Gospel For.

So much has happened in Scarlet’s life since the last time we talked—moves, family changes, heartbreaking loss, and even unexpected joy. In this conversation, Scarlet shares honestly about walking through tragedy, wrestling with hopelessness, and clinging to the promises of God when life feels heavy. She talks about what it means to be “pressed but not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9), why Romans 15:13 has anchored her heart, and how the Lord shows up even when we feel distracted or weak.

We even dive into the story behind the donkey attack (yes, really!) and how something so wild points us back to the truth that staying close to Jesus is the only way to experience peace and joy in this world.

If you’ve been feeling weary, sad, or just weighed down by the last few years—you’re not alone. Scarlet’s story will remind you that God is faithful, His presence is real, and hope is a gift that comes from Him.

📖 Don’t forget to grab Scarlet’s new book Hopeful-ish when it releases this Wednesday!

Bio:

Scarlet Hiltibidal is the author of “Afraid of All the Things,” “You’re the Worst Person in the World,” “He Numbered the Pores on My Face,” and the “Anxious and Ashamed” Bible studies. She writes regularly for ParentLife Magazine, HomeLife Magazine, and She Reads Truth. Scarlet enjoys speaking to women around the country about the freedom and rest available in Jesus. She loves hanging out with her husband and four kids, eating nachos by herself, writing for her friends, and studying stand-up comedy with a passion that should be reserved for more important pursuits.

Anchor Verses:

2 Corinthians 4: 8-9

Romans 15:13

Connect with Scarlet:

Website: https://www.scarlethiltibidal.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/scarlethiltibidal/

First Podcast Episode with Scarlet:

Episode 43: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hT2v8oZboQq8FZ1t1RQyj

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