In this vulnerable and wisdom-packed episode of Rooted, Josie and Simone welcome Josh Loy—licensed mental health counselor, founder of New Ground Counseling, and a pastor at Reach Church in Seattle. With over 2,000 clients served, Josh brings profound insights into mental health, healing from shame, sexual struggles, and the intersection of faith and counseling. Josh shares his personal journey—from a pastor in a high-demand church environment to experiencing burnout, deep shame, and ultimately healing through counseling. He talks candidly about why safe spaces matter, why many Christians carry secret shame (especially around sexuality), and how true transformation happens when we’re fully known and still fully loved. This episode offers life-giving truth for anyone feeling stuck in cycles of guilt, fear, or performance—and invites listeners to experience the grace of Jesus in their most vulnerable places.

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[02:00] – Growing up in a ministry family + early compassion for others

[07:00] – The unique safety of counseling vs. the church

[09:00] – Breaking myths about counseling & why men often avoid it

[12:00] – Integrating faith into mental health work

[16:00] – Learning to see clients the way Jesus does

[17:00] – Most common struggles today: anxiety, depression, and sexual shame

[19:00] – Shocking porn stats & why the church must talk about sexual sin

[21:00] – How safe spaces break the power of shame

[26:00] – Josh’s personal story of rejection, failure, and healing

[33:00] – Group therapy + being fully seen and fully loved

[36:00] – What true transformation looks like in counseling

[39:00] – Knowing God's love vs. experiencing His love

[48:00] – To be fully known and fully loved—that is the gospel.

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“To be fully known and fully loved—that’s the gospel.”

“Shame says, ‘You are uniquely broken.’ Grace says, ‘You are deeply loved.’”

“Jesus isn’t surprised by your struggle—He wants to meet you in it.”

“Healing begins when we bring the hardest things into the safest spaces.”

“We talk about grace, but many of us still live like we have to earn love.”

“Transformation happens in relationships—especially the safe ones.”

“So many Christians are drowning in shame and silence. We need to open the conversation.”

“People don’t just need theology—they need a lived experience of being loved.”

“Your sexual story is part of your human story—and it deserves grace too.”

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• https://www.newgroundcounseling.com/
• https://reachchurch.cc/

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper

Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Rooted, Josie and Symone welcome the ever-joyful and deeply wise Heather Flies—a seasoned junior high pastor, national speaker, and author with more than 30 years in youth ministry. Heather brings her signature honesty, humor, and biblical depth to this conversation about finding identity in Christ, healing from past wounds, and walking in joy regardless of circumstance. Heather opens up about growing up in a conservative church where women weren’t pastors, how she discovered her calling through youth ministry, and how abuse, bullying, and heartbreak shaped her—but never defined her. She speaks powerfully on how to walk through forgiveness, how to place Jesus at the center, and why the valley seasons often bring the most growth. Whether you’re a student, leader, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, Heather’s testimony is filled with laughter, authenticity, and life-changing truths.

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• [00:00] – Christmas music 12 months a year
• [03:00] – Heather’s dream job and passion for junior high ministry
• [06:00] – National speaking
• [10:00] – Longevity in ministry
• [14:00] – Struggles with bullying and who God made her to be
• [17:00] – What it means to have your identity rooted in Christ
• [21:00] – Keeping Jesus on the throne daily
• [25:00] – Boundaries, toxic friendships, and forgiveness
• [29:00] – Daily forgiveness and the cost of bitterness
• [35:00] – God using your pain for purpose
• [38:00] – Growth in the valleys
• [42:00] – Heather’s current season
• [44:00] – God has more than you can imagine

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1. “God doesn’t want to be number one in your life. He wants to be at the center.”
2. “The valleys are where the growth happens—don’t be afraid of them.”
3. “Your past affects you, but it doesn’t define you.”
4. “Forgiveness isn’t for them—it’s for you. Bitterness gives someone power they don’t deserve.”
5. “God is for you and has more than you could ask or imagine.”
6. “Celebrate how God made you—and give others permission to do the same.”
7. “Don’t settle for a counterfeit identity rooted in performance, appearance, or relationships.”
8. “The world lures us into false identities. Jesus invites us into freedom.”
9. “Sometimes God makes you lie down in green pastures for your good—rest is holy too.”

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• Scripture References: Psalm 23, Ephesians 3:20, Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, Philippians 3
• Website: wooddale.org
• Book: https://a.co/d/6j5yqC6
• Instagram: @heatherflies

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this unforgettable episode of Rooted, Josie and Simone sit down with Ruth Ann, an 84-year-old woman whose life story is woven with the unshakable power of prayer, radical forgiveness, and deep joy in the face of tragedy. From growing up in a Christian home during the 1940s to experiencing deep rebellion, grief, and loss—including being hit by a train just like her mother—Ruth Ann has seen God’s hand in every season. She shares how a foundation of daily prayer, Scripture, and God’s steadfast love helped her through devastating moments—like her mother’s sudden death, a broken marriage, and the painful loss of her daughter. Her words will make you laugh, cry, and pause in awe of God’s grace. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to finish the race with joy, this episode is a front-row seat to a life rooted in faith.

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• [01:00] — Holy jeans, humor, and growing up in the 1940s
• [03:00] — A Christian childhood marked by daily prayer
• [06:00] — Rebellion in high school, sneaking out, and early marriage at seventeen
• [08:00] — Tragic death of her mother in a train accident
• [10:00] — Becoming a young single mom, finding love again
• [14:00] — Struggling to forgive and learning to pray for enemies
• [17:00] — Her husband’s quiet transformation through prayer
• [18:00] — God’s protection during her own train accident
• [20:00] — Living each day with the mission to encourage someone
• [22:00] — How to start praying if you don’t know how
• [26:00] — Losing her husband and daughter—and still choosing joy
• [28:00] — Loving people without loving what they do
• [29:00] — Final encouragement: Stay rooted in God’s love and keep smiling

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1. "I thought I was going to see Jesus… and somehow I walked away from the train."
2. "Keep praying. You may not see it yet—but one day you will."
3. "I never stopped believing. Even through rebellion, grief, and loss—Jesus never left me."
4. "You don’t need long prayers. Just be consistent and keep talking to God."
5. "My mother’s prayers are why I’m still here."
6. "When you can’t forgive someone, start praying for them. The rest will come."
7. "Stay in the Word. That’s where the joy comes from."
8. "If anyone asks why I’m smiling—it’s because I have Jesus in my heart."

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• Psalm 91 – Ruth Ann often prays this chapter over others
• Scripture for prayer encouragement – "Call those things that be not as though they are" (Romans 4:17)
• Worship Prayer – "This is the day that the Lord has made…" (Psalm 118:24)
• Song Mentioned – Keep on Praying (artist not specified, but referenced by theme)

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Instagram: https://instagram.com/rootedtoprosper

YouTube: https://youtube.com/rootedtoprosper

Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.