When someone’s words hit that tender spot…ouch! Criticism can sting — even when it seems small, unintentional, or wrapped in a tone we don’t prefer. And if we’re honest, our knee-jerk reactions usually tell the truth long before our heart catches up.

In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on what really happens inside us when we feel judged or criticized. We talk about the things we wish didn’t bother us — but do. We look at what Scripture says about guarding our hearts without hardening them. And we wrestle with the tricky balance: how to receive feedback without letting it define us and how to make sure we’re not becoming the very critical spirit we dislike in others.

This is a grace-filled, honest, sometimes funny, and deeply practical conversation about emotional maturity, spiritual growth, and what it looks like to stay steady when the sting is real.

Keepin’ It Real Question:
What is your knee-jerk reaction when you feel criticized? And why do you think that shows up the way it does?

If you’ve ever battled people-pleasing, defensiveness, overthinking, or the deep desire to crawl into a cave and not come out — this one's for you.

Lean in. Let God speak. Let your confidence settle in Him again.

Maybe it’s time to put away the cape — the one with the supersized “S” — and remember that strength isn’t in doing it all, it’s in depending on the One who already did it all.

We all know her, that woman who seems to do it all and make it look effortless. Somewhere along the way, many of us started believing we had to be her, too. But behind the cape, the smile, and the color-coded calendar is often a heart running on empty.

In this Keepin’ It Real episode, we unpack the myth that we have to be all things to all people. Through honest reflection and a little laughter, we talk about the idea that God never asked us to be Superwoman — just faithful women who know when to show up, when to rest, and when to hand it back to Him.

💭 Keepin’ It Real Question:
Are there areas in your life where you feel like you have to be all things to all people?
We’d love to hear your story and what topics you’d like us to dig into next on Keepin’ It Real.

We live in a world that applauds hustle, but hustle without boundaries leads to burnout. In this episode of Keepin’ It Real, we discuss the importance of balance, including knowing when to say yes, when to say no, and setting healthy guardrails that protect your energy, time, and peace. Boundaries aren’t barriers to keep people out; they’re bridges to keep you strong enough to stay in the game for the long haul.

From practical strategies to spiritual wisdom, we’ll look at how creating balance helps you avoid exhaustion and actually enjoy the life God has given you. If you’ve been running on empty, this one’s for you.

Our Keepin' It Real question: Is there something you love doing that takes up too much of your time?