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A single “compliment” can split the room and the heart. When someone said a Black speaker was “well spoken for a Black man,” it wasn’t praise—it was a wound layered over years of unspoken injuries. We open that moment and use it to trace bigger fault lines inside churches — steeped in politicized DEI debates, and the heavy cost of being asked to teach, absorb, and forgive all at once. Alongside my friend, licensed professional counselor Britni Cannon, we dig into what these repeated cuts do to the body and the mind—and how a living faith can hold space for both hurt and hope.

We talk plainly about betrayal when people we’ve prayed with hold beliefs that harm our families, our kids’ opportunities, or our livelihoods. We name the economic pressure intensifying these divides—stalled salaries, rising costs, and the anxiety of caring for both children and aging parents. Britni offers mental health tools that are simple and humane: accept that two emotions can coexist, name what’s true in your body, and ground yourself before choosing your next move. From there, we push back on easy narratives about DEI, contrast fear with data on promotions and leadership, and challenge the myth of colorblindness by honoring culture, story, and the image of God in every person.

What emerges is a path that resists both denial and despair. We set boundaries around labor and education, refuse the role of spokesperson, and still choose compassion anchored in Scripture. We breathe, we pray with specificity, we report harm when needed, and we keep our identity rooted in something stronger than a job title or someone else’s comfort. If you’re carrying exhaustion, invisible bruises, or a faith that feels threadbare, this conversation offers steady practices and a clear reminder: peace is not passive; it’s practice, and it’s possible.

If this resonates, subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with one takeaway—what’s the one practice you’ll try this week?

Stay in the flow—subscribe wherever you listen, watch on YouTube, and download free devotionals at iamkelleyjohnson.com.

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Looking for leadership community?
RAYAH is my Spirit-led leadership cohort for Christian women who want to grow in both spiritual authority and executive excellence. Learn more and join the interest list here https://www.iamkelleyjohnson.com/rayah

EMERGE! Rise-up, Be Fearless, Take Possession of Your Purpose
Kelley's book about overcoming trauma to find your God-given purpose.

INFINITE: The Power of Love
A six-session Bible study about diversity, equity and inclusion.

Kelley Johnson is a creator, builder, and catalyst who helps leaders achieve breakthrough—personally, professionally, and spiritually. She spent 20 years in corporate leadership before founding KEIRUS, a learning and talent management firm serving thousands of leaders worldwide.

This show is not a substitute for professional therapy or advice. If you need professional support, we encourage you to seek a qualified mental health, medical, financial, legal, pastoral or other accredited professional.

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Keywords: Christian women, Spirit-led living, Holy Spirit, faith podcast, women ...