Michelle’s life was upended by a series of heartbreaks she never expected—abuse, addiction, the devastation of divorce, and the tragic loss of her young son. But in her darkest hour, Michelle cried out to God from a place of brokenness, and He answered her.

Now, Michelle shares her journey from sorrow to strength, recounting how faith carried her through unimaginable grief and fear. She discovered how joy and sorrow can coexist, how gratitude can shift even the heaviest burdens, and that every step forward—no matter how small—matters. Through the ups and downs of single parenting, navigating fractured relationships, and finding restoration, Michelle’s story is a testament to God’s unwavering presence, offering hope and practical encouragement for every mother standing at the edge of despair.

Listen in as Michelle reminds us all: no matter how great the loss, God is near to the brokenhearted—and He delights in bringing beauty from ashes.

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The Mom Next Door Ep. 131 with Jill Sullivan - "Hope After Child Loss"

• https://youtu.be/0BxwbVmPfUg?si=OjJP3VOiivAQOrZS

The Mom Next Door Ep. 176 with Julie Seals - "Addiction, Redemption and the Goodness of God"

• https://youtu.be/oR0g-45nI-s?si=iK2eQHCkyRg3Yksx

The Mom Next Door Ep. 146 with Kim Mendoza - "Grief, Loss and Community"

• https://youtu.be/krtno4uNXHo?si=dyuHUGqtfddz71n1

🌹 Connect with Michelle

Website

• https://michelleruddell.com/

Facebook

• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071241318194

Instagram

• https://www.instagram.com/michelleruddell_speaker/

Make sure to get Michelle’s book! (Contains affiliate link)

Welcome to the Club, I’m Sorry You’re Here

• https://amzn.to/4vgx08W

🌹 Connect with Pam, the Mom Next Door

Website:

• https://www.tendingfields.net/

Facebook:

• https://www.facebook.com/TendingFields

Instagram:

• https://www.instagram.com/tendingfields/

💛 Support Tending Fields:

• https://donorbox.org/tending-fields

Carol McCracken walked a hard road through motherhood, faith, and brokenness. When her son was diagnosed with multiple special needs—Carol and her family struggled to find hope and stability. The journey led through strained relationships, personal battles with alcoholism, and the pain of divorce. There were years of isolation and questions of worth—moments when the words "imposter," "fraud," and "sham" felt all too real.

But even in the darkest valley, Carol encountered God's mercy and restoration. Through vulnerability, surrender, and the loving embrace of her church community, she found freedom from shame and a second chance at both marriage and ministry. Today, Carol shares her raw story to remind every mom, wife, and woman that God can redeem what seems broken beyond repair—and that we were never meant to walk through struggles alone.

Listen on to be encouraged by a testimony of real-life faith, authentic community, and the transforming power of God’s love. If you’ve ever felt alone in your parenting, your marriage, or your own silent battles, Carol’s story is an invitation to find hope and healing.

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The Mom Next Door Ep. 156 with Ruth Hovsepian - "Resilient, Renewed, Remade"

• https://youtu.be/bYsu8EbJFZo?si=OTdHlOx0YSad0C2G

The Mom Next Door Ep. 158 with GUEST - "Ruthie Hedlund"

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWWK0iaG5M4

The Mom Next Door Ep. 176 with Julie Seals - “Addiction, Redemption and the Goodness of God"

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR0g-45nI-s

🌹 Connect with Carol

Website

• https://www.carolmccracken.com/

Facebook

• https://www.facebook.com/carol.o.mccracken

Instagram

• ttps://www.instagram.com/carologlemccracken/

Podcast (Faith Over Fear)

• https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKhr3TAHoWbKKbYkLhuFoq_XF4_tl0EOr&si=bJLAZzRGLCU77x4E

Podcast (Appearance on Your Daily Bible Verse)

• https://youtu.be/5Jqr4KRQ0Eo?si=zFixYauq5KS4-rYI

Make sure to get Carol’s book! (Contains affiliate link)

Wisdom: Where To Find It If You've Lost, Forgotten, Or Never Had It

• https://amzn.to/4vTRHsj

🌹 Connect with Pam, the Mom Next Door

Website:

• https://www.tendingfields.net/

Facebook:

• https://www.facebook.com/TendingFields

Instagram:

• https://www.instagram.com/tendingfields/

💛 Support Tending Fields:

• https://donorbox.org/tending-fields

🌟 Amy Loflin leads us in deep truth from Luke 8 in this episode of The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith.

Here are 3 key takeaways every parent, leader, and faith-driven individual can carry into daily life:

• Be Deliberate, Not Just Present: Many gathered around Jesus, but only one woman reached out with intention and received transformation. Are you living in casual proximity to faith, or intentionally seeking growth?

• Break the Cycle of Emotional Distance: Trauma and grief can make us withdraw from those we love. Recognizing and healing these patterns isn’t only for our benefit—it shapes the emotional health of our children and their futures.

• Jesus Is Our True Center: When our security comes from Christ—not roles, people, or status—we're equipped to handle the changes and losses that life throws at us, and we model that resilience for our families.

For practical tools and more encouragement, check out Amy’s book, A Story Worth Living, and visit Echo Joy Collective for free resources. Let’s be intentional about faith, presence, and transformation—in our own lives and in those we influence!

#Faith #Parenting #EmotionalHealth #Leadership #StoriesOfFaith

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The Mom Next Door Ep. 205 with Traci Vogel - "Hope in Hardship"

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAwPAZQoTFU

The Mom Next Door Ep. 214 with Joan C. Benson - "Look Up! Persevering Under Trial"

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXNzCbnD47c

The Mom Next Door Ep. 221 with Maureen Miller - "Learning and Trusting God's Character"

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhqvZU7Ep6A

🌹 Connect with Amy

Website

• https://www.amyloflin.com/about

Instagram

• https://www.instagram.com/aoloflin/

Website (Echo Joy Collective)

• https://www.echojoycollective.com/

Instagram (Echo Joy Collective)

• https://www.instagram.com/echojoycollective/

Make sure to get Amy’s book! (Contains affiliate link)

A Story Worth Living: Reclaim your Confidence, Purpose, and Peace

• https://amzn.to/4eXGVdp

🌹 Connect with Pam, the Mom Next Door

Website:

• https://www.tendingfields.net/

Facebook:

• https://www.facebook.com/TendingFields

Instagram:

• https://www.instagram.com/tendingfields/

💛 Support Tending Fields:

• https://donorbox.org/tending-fields