In this episode, Heather sits down with author, spoken word poet, recording artist, and founder of Write Speak Inspire, Sharlene Provilus. Sharlene shares how writing became a place of honesty and healing, how spoken word helped bring her back to faith, and why she believes our stories can create space for others to find freedom. Together, they talk about foster care, restoration, creative calling, the weight and power of words, and the invitation to start with ordinary faithfulness right where we are.

Together, They Discuss

• Writing as a place of honesty, healing, and reprieve
• How spoken word became part of Sharlene’s faith journey
• The power of words to comfort, inspire, and bring life
• Sharlene’s childhood, foster care experience, and family restoration
• The both/and of honoring imperfect people who still left a meaningful legacy
• Why honest storytelling can create space for others to tell the truth
• The invisible realities facing children in foster care
• Write Speak Inspire and Sharlene’s desire to empower students
• The Guild Conference and the importance of craft, character, and creative community
• Why saying “thank you” can help people keep going
• Starting with ordinary faithfulness right where you are

Resources Mentioned

• Sharlene's website
• Write Speak Inspire
• The Guild Conference
• The Rabbit Room
• The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips
• Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky
• Sharlene's Substack

Catch more of the story @thanks.for.doing.that.podcast!