Your story contains a thread Different jobs, relationships, and life seasons may look disconnected until reflection reveals the values and gifts that have been present all along.

Self-acceptance makes love believable Kristan found that she could hear the message of unconditional love but could not fully receive it until she stopped rejecting parts of herself.

Curiosity loosens judgment Approaching your story with curiosity can release rigid expectations, reduce shame, and help you see possibilities beyond the outcomes you can currently imagine.

Self-forgiveness happens in layers Healing is not always one dramatic moment. It can be a continuing practice of honesty, compassion, responsibility, and grace.

Surrender is not abandonment When we cannot repair another person's life, prayer and surrender allow us to keep loving without pretending that we control the outcome.

Ask how to show up Care becomes more loving and respectful when we ask people what they need instead of assuming that our idea of help is best.

Perfection steals presence The pursuit of perfection can keep us focused on a future reward or relief instead of being present with God, ourselves, and the people we love.

Small practices can be powerful A journal entry, inspirational reading, prayer, or brief pause can restore perspective without adding hours of work to the day.

· God's love is not reserved for a polished version of us.

· Prayer expresses dependence on God rather than control over circumstances.

· The Holy Spirit brings comfort and guidance as we yield rather than force an outcome.

· God remains present even when we are distracted or turn away.

· Hope grows when we remember that God can create possibilities outside the limits of our experience.

· Our present season can be viewed as an assignment rather than merely something to escape.

The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo A daily reflection book that draws from multiple spiritual traditions and offers brief readings for staying grounded and awake to life.

Good Morning Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn Mentioned by Pamela in connection with yielding to the Holy Spirit and depending on God's ability rather than our own.

Journals and spiritual autobiography workbook Kristan offers journals, a self-guided spiritual autobiography workbook, workshops, and free reflective resources through her website.

· Website: https://kristanswan.com

· Spaghetti on the Wall: A simple daily listening and journaling practice

· Heart Mapping: A creative visual journaling practice

· Spiritual Autobiography: A self-guided workbook

· Clouds to Clear Skies: A step-by-step clarity workbook

· Workshops and free downloads: See Kristan's website for current offerings

What part of your story have you tried to hide, control, or make perfect, and what might change if you approached it with curiosity, grace, and the belief that God can meet you there?

Choose one simple practice this week. Spend ten minutes journaling, read a short passage that grounds you, or ask someone you love, “How can I show up for you right now?” If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a woman who needs permission to slow down, release perfection, and reconnect with her faith and her own story. Subscribe to Unleash Vision and Faith for more honest conversations about purpose, resilience, and faith in every season.

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Kathy shared her journey of starting new careers at ages 47 and 62 after being a stay-at-home mom for 18 years, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue new opportunities. She discussed how God provided for her family during her cancer journey and how her life has changed significantly in the last 15 years. The conversation then transitioned to introducing Kathy Rogers as the next guest, who was scheduled to share her story about career transition and survival journey.

Kathy shared his journey of owning a bakery for 10 years, including how she learned the business through on-the-job training and became a franchisee in the Dallas market. She described being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2017 and how God provided through a manager who volunteered to run the bakery during his treatment. Kathy explained how she and her family faced additional losses when her mother and then her 29-year-old daughter both died from cancer, but she found peace and purpose in sharing her story as a speaker and author of a book titled "Looking for Good."

Kathy shared her personal journey through cancer treatment and losing her daughter, describing how her faith helped her find strength and perspective. She recounted a specific conversation with God about preserving her hair during chemotherapy, where she felt a still small voice offering peace and trust. Kathy explained how this experience deepened her understanding of God's love, referencing Ephesians 3:14-21, and how she learned to relinquish control over her family's wellbeing during their grief.

Pamela and Kathy discussed the importance of faith and finding comfort in difficult times, with Pamela sharing her approach to handling challenges by focusing on controllable aspects and relying on faith. Kathy presented her book "Looking for the Good," which explores finding hope and gratitude during grief and difficult circumstances, emphasizing the power of perspective and God's presence in everyday life.

Kathy shared her experience of finding peace during her daughter's funeral by speaking God's truth to the congregation, describing it as the most peaceful day of her life despite the sadness. She discussed her book about faith and trusting in God's provision, which is available for purchase through her website and other online retailers. Kathy also mentioned her plans to pursue speaking opportunities beyond church groups, including a recent conference about positive team attitudes, as she sees God opening doors for her to share her message.

Kathy and Pamela discussed the importance of being obedient to one's calling and not ignoring divine promptings. They emphasized that there is no expiration date on what God has planned for people's lives and encouraged listeners to step out of wrong identities and into what God is calling them to do. Kathy shared her podcast "Your Best Friend's Mom" and mentioned her contact information for speaking engagements, while Pamela suggested she might be a good fit for Terry Savelle Foy's conference in Dallas.

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· Growing up in Romania under communism and learning gratitude in the midst of scarcity

· How a mission trip connection brought Mia to the United States

· Walking through widowhood, remarriage, and the rebuilding of family life

· Why women often master the art of saying “I'm fine” while suffering in silence

· The hidden emotional and physical weight carried by family caregivers

· How Mia's sister's cancer journey transformed everyday conversations into reflections on grace, dreams, legacy, and eternity

· Trusting God when healing does not look the way we hoped it would

· Why women over 45, 50, and 55 are not meant to be placed on a shelf

· Turning life experience into service, leadership, writing, coaching, and ministry

· The importance of rest, sisterhood, self-care, and creating space to hear from God

Gratitude changes what scarcity feels like. Mia's parents taught their children to recognize God's provision, even when the family sometimes had only one meal a day.

You do not have to suffer in silence. Community creates room for honesty, support, healing, and the reminder that you are not alone.

Caring for yourself is not selfish. Rest and renewal help women continue serving their families and assignments without pouring from an empty cup.

God meets us in our weakest moments. During the most exhausting season of caregiving, Scripture, prayer, and God's presence sustained Mia one hour at a time.

Healing can take a form we did not expect. Mia came to understand her sister's passing through the lens of eternal healing and the continuing impact of her testimony.

Your age is evidence, not a limitation. Your years have given you wisdom and experience that can help another woman answer God's call.

Your story can reach people you may never meet. Mia's sister's faith during suffering moved people in other countries to return to church and seek God.

· Esther 4:14 — You are here “for such a time as this.”

· Matthew 7:7 — Ask, seek, and knock.

· Hebrews 13:5 — God will never leave nor forsake you.

· Philippians 4:13 — Strength through Christ.

· Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a woman who needs to know that she is not forgotten, not finished, and not alone. Subscribe to Unleash Vision & Faith, leave a review, and follow Pamela Duran for more faith-filled conversations that help women move forward with clarity, courage, and confidence.

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Grief does not have to become your identity. Jody’s story moves from a ten-year search for answers and the loss of her daughter Alex into faith-led advocacy, authorship, and practical support for people facing Lyme disease.

Jody shared her recent retirement from a 20-year career in fundraising for non-profits and hospitals, as well as her own non-profit Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation. She described this as a transformational time in her life where she can focus more on her faith. Jody and her partner made the decision to retire together, with her partner planning to retire after 40 years at his family's business.

Jody discussed her recent two-week trip to Italy with her spouse, visiting spiritual locations like Assisi and cultural sites in Florence, while sharing travel advice about airport timing. The conversation then shifted to Jody's upcoming trip to Las Vegas and her book "My Promise to Alex" which was published in 2022.

Jody shared her daughter Alex's 10-year battle with undiagnosed Lyme disease, which began when Alex was in fifth grade and eventually led to her death at age 22 on March 24th, 2018. After Alex's diagnosis in May 2017 and subsequent treatment attempts, Jody founded the Alex Hudson Lyme Foundation in her daughter's honor, as Alex had previously expressed her desire to create a non-profit to help Lyme patients with treatment costs not covered by insurance.

Jody shared her experience with her daughter Alex's battle with Lyme disease, explaining that while the condition is treatable rather than curable, an earlier diagnosis could have changed the outcome. She described the emotional journey of losing Alex, including a powerful moment during a prayer vigil where Alex smiled and passed away peacefully. Following Alex's death, Jody established a foundation in her daughter's honor and wrote a book about their experience, focusing on faith, grieving, and Lyme disease awareness.

Jody shared a personal testimony about witnessing Alex see Jesus before passing away, which inspired her to create a foundation to help Lyme disease patients. Since launching in 2017, the foundation has helped over 100 individuals through annual grants and provides ongoing support to those seeking advice and guidance about treatments and doctors. Jody also published a book in 2022 about Alex's journey with Lyme disease and faith, which received positive responses and helped many readers understand their loved ones' experiences.

Jody discussed her work with the Alex Sudsen Lyme Foundation, which includes a book and website that provides information about Lyme disease and connects people with Lyme literate doctors through a zip code search feature. She mentioned that while her book includes a section about resources and doctors like Lonnie Markham from LymeDisease.org, people might need to travel for treatment as there weren't local options in her area during 2017. Jody also shared that she maintains a structured routine including morning workouts and Bible studies, while supporting her family including a granddaughter and son who works with autistic children in Phoenix.

Jody shared her favorite scripture from Isaiah 41:10, which provided comfort during difficult times, particularly when her daughter Alex was battling Lyme disease. She explained that each chapter in her book starts with a scripture taken from index cards her daughter compiled during her illness. Jody mentioned that her book and contact information can be found on the AlexHudsonLymeFoundation.org website, where visitors can purchase the book and potentially donate to the foundation. The conversation concluded with Jody encouraging listeners to follow their faith rather than fear,

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• Hearing God’s voice and recognizing divine direction from a young age
• How childhood dreams can become God-given assignments
• Overcoming bullying, depression, and loss of purpose
• Taking bold steps of faith after disappointment
• What it means to trust God when plans do not unfold as expected
• Sailing through literal storms and learning to overcome fear
• How God uses people, nature, timing, and “impossible coincidences” to encourage us
• Serving others while traveling the world
• Alison’s books, blog, and sailing journey

1. God plants dreams before we understand them.
As a child, Alison had a vision of sailing across the water before sailing was even part of her world. Years later, that dream became part of her life’s journey.

2. Fear may be real, but it does not get the final word.
After a terrifying storm at sea, Alison struggled with panic and fear. But God continued to send encouragement, including the exact mentor she needed at the exact moment she was ready to give up.

3. God’s timing is never random.
Alison’s story is filled with moments that were “too much to be coincidence,” including meeting her mentor three boats away in a foreign harbor and later encountering the very boat that had inspired her courage.

4. Purpose can be reborn after disappointment.
After losing her teaching career and falling into depression, Alison and her husband chose to live the dream God had placed in their hearts.

5. You are not alone in the storm.
Pamela reminds listeners that even when we feel alone, God is before us, behind us, and with us in the journey.

“When somebody speaks the phrase that God personally handed to you, you know it’s destiny.”

“The damage to the boat was covered by insurance. The damage it did to me on the inside, I didn’t think it could be fixed.”

“God put him three boats away.”

“Whatever God wants us to do, that’s what we’ll do.”

“You may feel alone, but you are not alone.”

Alison’s sailing blog: Sailmates.org
Author website: AlisonGieschen.com
YouTube Channel: Sailing Equus
Books mentioned:

• Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph
• Riding the Waves of Reality II: Mediterranean Mayhem and Magic
• The Seven: An Odyssey of Seven Horses and Seven Souls

Where has fear been speaking louder than faith in your life?
This episode invites you to pause and ask: Is that fear really my Father’s voice?

God’s voice brings peace, courage, hope, wisdom, and direction. Fear may come like a storm, but faith reminds us that God is still guiding the boat.

If Alison’s story encouraged you, take one bold step this week toward the dream God placed in your heart. Share this episode with a woman who needs courage to keep going, and subscribe to Unleash Vision & Faith for more stories of faith, purpose, and transformation.

Thank you for listening! Tune in next week to increase your FAITH!

Subscribe to Unleash Vision & Faith so you never miss an episode. And if today’s conversation inspired you, share it with a fellow entrepreneur who’s ready to build a God-centered business.

Pamela and Kerry had a casual conversation before starting their recorded discussion about Kerry's transition from corporate America to her current life as a travel content creator. Pamela introduced Kerry as "Miss World Traveler" who has visited over 140 countries and 50 states, and won multiple awards including the Legacy Award and Best On-Air Talent through the AVA Digital Awards. Kerry began sharing her faith journey, explaining how God has guided her through various life pivots and transitions, though she didn't complete her full story during this portion of the conversation.

Kerry shared her faith journey, explaining how she transitioned from working in a family-owned business to becoming "Ms. World Traveler." She described how over 20 years, God was preparing her for this calling by providing skills, experiences, and financial readiness. Kerry emphasized her trust in God's plan rather than making specific life plans herself, noting how her life diverged from her early expectations of being married by 24 and having children by 30.

Kerry shared her journey into pageantry, explaining how she initially resisted the call but ultimately followed it, leading to a 40-year career mentoring young women. She emphasized that her focus was on spiritual and personal growth rather than achieving high rankings or coaching famous beauty queens. While she no longer coaches as much due to her work with Ms. World Traveler, Kerry continues to mentor young women when God sends her candidates, and has had several first runner-ups to Miss USA and Miss Teen USA among her mentees.

Kerry explained that Ms. World Traveler is both a personal brand and a business that includes a YouTube channel featuring short web series episodes focused on inspiring women to travel and shop locally while meeting interesting people. She noted that while she initially had resistance to social media, she now successfully runs the business with help from her niece who handles social media and editing. The discussion ended with Pamela asking about recommendations for women in transition, but the transcript ended before Kerry could respond to this question.

Pamela and Kerry discussed the importance of following one's passion and taking risks, especially as people age. Kerry emphasized that it's never too late to pursue new opportunities and shared her belief that God places dreams in people's hearts for a reason. They also talked about the benefits of trusting in God during challenging times, using Dolly Parton as an example of someone who achieved success later in life. The conversation touched on the ripple effect of stepping out in faith and the peace that comes from trusting in God's plan.

Kerry shared her new book project documenting her home decor, which reflects her art and travels, as a way to bless others with her creative surroundings. She discussed her Miss World Traveler business where she travels globally to film content about style, shopping, and cultural experiences while using her banner as a marketing tool and ministry opportunity. The conversation explored themes of faith, personal growth, and following divine guidance in various life stages, with Kerry emphasizing how travel serves as a metaphor for life's journey.

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Marita Littauer joined Pamela's show to discuss her "Create Your Best Life" project launched in 2022 and her book "Wired Up" for its 20-year anniversary. Marita explained how the project idea came to her in a dream after her mother Florence Littauer's death in 2020, where she saw her mother living her best life in heaven. Marita reflected on her own best life being in her current marriage, remodeling houses in Lubbock, Texas, rather than in her previous career as a Christian speaker addressing large audiences.

Marita shared the origins of her "Best Life Project," which began when she advised Debbie Robbins, a former participant and Ms. Senior America, to start a blog for immediate publishing rather than waiting for a book. Marita and her sister collaborated with her sister's IT expert son to purchase domain names, leading to the launch of the project three years ago. The faith-based online resource aims to encourage and equip women over 60 to live their best life, with Marita currently working on a blog post about caring for aging mothers ahead of Mother's Day.

Marita discussed guidance for women over 60 entering a new life season, emphasizing the importance of leveraging their window of health, resources, and time to live their "best life." She shared personal examples, including an upcoming trip with widowed friends, to illustrate how retired women can engage in new experiences and maintain active lifestyles. Marita also mentioned writing a blog post about travel packing tips, highlighting the importance of personal choice in travel preparations.

Marita discussed her blog about girlfriend trips and shared a story about a woman named "Women Seeking Blissful Retirement" who is planning her first girl trip at age 70. Marita emphasized the importance of girlfriend support during difficult times, sharing an example of a friend who needed support after her husband's sudden illness. The conversation highlighted how friendships can provide essential support and encouragement, particularly during life's challenging moments.

Marita discussed her book "Wired That Way," which was published in 2006 and is her 20th book. She explained that while the book deals with personality types similar to her mother's popular book "Personality Plus," it has remained continuously published and relevant for 20 years. Marita shared her background in the personality profiling business, starting when she was nine years old, helping her father sell mimeographed copies of the personality profile at her mother's speaking engagements.

Marita discussed her book "Wired That Way," which incorporates her father's personality profile that has been used for nearly 60 years by churches, schools, and businesses. She explained how her work builds on her mother's teachings by focusing more on understanding others' personalities in professional settings, while her mother's work emphasized self-understanding. Marita offered to participate in book clubs studying her book, particularly during its 20th anniversary year, and shared contact information for her website and Facebook presence. The conversation concluded with Marita sharing Romans 12:18 as the biblical foundation for her personality teaching, emphasizing that while complete peace with all people may not be possible, individuals can do their part "so far as it depends on them."

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