Reflections of The Father’s Heart

In this episode of Reflections of the Father's Heart podcast, Sandi Derby interviews Lisa Cynkin-Hardy, the founder of The Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources for young adults aging out of the foster care system. Lisa shares her personal journey growing up as a messianic Jew and the challenges she faced, including bullying. She also discusses her passion for powerlifting and the importance of taking care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The conversation then shifts to the founding of The Lighthouse and the issues faced by young adults aging out of foster care, including homelessness and trafficking. In this conversation, Lisa Cynkin-Hardy and Sandi Derby discuss the issue of human trafficking and the work that Lisa does through her nonprofit organization, The Lighthouse - A Place of Refuge. They share stories of young girls who have been trafficked and the devastating effects of this crime. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness and taking action to combat human trafficking. Lisa also talks about the services provided by The Lighthouse, such as baby showers, prom prep events, and mobile food banks, to support young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. They highlight the need for volunteers and donations to help meet the basic needs of these vulnerable individuals.

Jessyevell Aggrey shares her powerful testimony of overcoming sexual abuse, rejection, and self-destructive behaviors. She opens up about the grooming and abuse she experienced as a child, the impact it had on her relationships and self-worth, and the cycle of seeking love through promiscuity. Jessyevell also discusses the importance of addressing the shame and silence surrounding abuse and the need for healing and restoration. Her story highlights the resilience and strength of survivors and the power of God's love and redemption. Jessyevell Aggrey shares her powerful testimony of overcoming abuse, addiction, and suicidal thoughts through her faith in God. She emphasizes the importance of addressing both male and female victims of abuse and highlights the need for open conversations about women perpetrating abuse against men. Jessyevell's journey of healing and transformation serves as a reminder that God can restore and redeem even the most broken lives.

Taylor Leys, owner of Jesus on Every Screen, discusses the impact of social media on reaching people with the gospel and the need for the church to engage in this space. He highlights the prevalence of social media in the lives of young people and the negative influence it can have, such as increased rates of suicide and depression. Taylor emphasizes the importance of using social media as a platform to share the message of Jesus and bring healing to those who are hurting. He encourages individuals to be creative and authentic in their content, rather than copying what others are doing. Taylor shares a personal story of the tragic loss of his brother and the potential impact that a simple prayer on social media could have had. He calls for a shift in mindset, viewing social media as territory to be gained for Jesus rather than something to be avoided. The conversation explores the impact of social media and the importance of using it as a tool for spreading the message of Jesus. It emphasizes the need to overcome comparison and perfectionism, and instead focus on obedience and being true to oneself. The conversation also highlights the schemes of the enemy and the importance of being aware of his tactics. It encourages believers to step out in faith and share their testimonies on social media, as it has the potential to reach and impact millions of people. The conversation concludes with a reminder that God has called believers to be active participants in His plan and to use social media as a means to bring about positive change.

Ed Owens, Vice President of the Grief Recovery Institute, shares his personal journey of grief and the impact of compartmentalizing emotions. He discusses how his military and law enforcement training taught him to suppress emotions and the price he paid for not dealing with his losses. Ed emphasizes the importance of emotional availability and the negative consequences of emotional detachment. He also highlights the cumulative nature of grief and the need to address it to live a fulfilling life. Ed's story serves as a reminder that suppressing emotions can have long-term effects on relationships and overall well-being. In this conversation, Ed and Sandi discuss the importance of letting go of pain and the transformation that comes from releasing it. They explore the fear and resistance that can arise when facing the process of letting go, but emphasize the need to deal with emotional baggage in order to live a full and connected life. Ed shares his personal experience of going through the grief recovery process and the profound changes it brought to his relationship with his son. They also discuss the significance of being present in the moment and the impact it has on one's ability to fulfill their mission and be there for others.

In this episode, Sandi Derby and Curtis Reed discuss the damage caused by toxic religious environments and the importance of healing. They highlight how these environments can lead to a distorted view of God and the merging of the leader with God. They emphasize the need to separate God from the church and leadership and to focus on personal healing. They also discuss the role of the enemy in attacking churches and the importance of addressing unresolved grief and bitterness. They encourage listeners to let go of pain and embrace their true identity. In this conversation, Curtis Reed and Sandi Derby discuss the importance of healing from church hurt and the need to address the underlying pain and trauma. They emphasize that healing is not just about exposing the problem, but about finding spiritual solutions and healing the heart. They highlight the dangers of carrying unresolved emotional pain and the importance of completing the grief process. They also discuss the need for empowered and healthy communities that allow individuals to discover their gifts and walk in their calling. The conversation concludes with the understanding that healing and empowerment are God's desire for His people.

In this episode, Sandi Derby interviews Thomas Staub, an 18-year-old who wrote a thesis on how the church mishandles mental health. They discuss the issues of shame-based teachings, the rejection of psychology, and the lack of understanding and support for mental health in churches. Thomas emphasizes the importance of pastors being educated in psychology and connecting with mental health professionals to provide holistic care for congregants. He also shares his aspirations to become a therapist and serve his church in that capacity.
www.sandiderby.com

Cecy Frazier shares her journey from a challenging childhood to finding faith and navigating the complexities of religious communities. She discusses the impact of trauma, the struggle for self-love, and the dynamics of submission and suppression within religious circles. Her story sheds light on the journey of healing and self-discovery. The conversation delves into the themes of healing, forgiveness, self-reflection, and personal responsibility. It emphasizes the power of love and forgiveness in overcoming trauma and building healthy relationships. The journey of healing and self-discovery is highlighted, along with the importance of investing in personal development. The conversation also touches on the impact of childhood experiences on adult life and the significance of healthy, supportive relationships.

Jeff Nobert shares his journey of surrender, healing, and transformation through his experiences of business ownership, ministry involvement, childhood abuse, and marriage. His deep connection with God and the power of surrender are central themes in his story, revealing the transformative nature of faith and trust in God's plan. Jeff shares his journey of marriage, loss, and restoration, emphasizing the impact of waiting on God and trusting in His faithfulness. He discusses the challenges, chaos, and pain he faced, highlighting the transformation and encounter with God in the midst of it all.