“For the Girl Who Has High Expectations for Herself” With Jasmine Kromah
Friend, it’s honorable that you want to do all things with excellence. But sometimes we set the bar too high. In this episode, our new guest and Proverbs 31 Ministries teammate Jasmine Kromah shares how her background as a dancer and oldest sibling shaped her struggle with perfectionism. With grace and honesty, Jasmine walks us through the internal pressure many of us feel to perform — not just in life but in our relationship with God. Together, we’ll explore what Scripture has to say about expectations and learn how to trade striving for surrender.You’ll learn:The important distinction between striving for excellence and perfectionism.How Jesus already met the standard of perfection so we don't have to.Why rest is a spiritual practice that imitates God.Practical ways to challenge negative thought loops and celebrate progress.How to practice self-compassion and replace expectations with intentions.Resources From This Episode:Download "A Simplified Guide Through the Lord's Prayer" to experience the power of prayer when life feels chaotic or out of control.Follow Proverbs 31 Ministries on social media for daily encouragement and truth.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? Listen to “Are We Missing Jesus as We Work for Jesus?” with Gloria Umanah. Watch “Why Am I So Afraid of Failure?” with Dr. Joel Muddamalle on the Proverbs 31 Ministries YouTube channel.
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“How To Escape the Comparison Trap” With Laura L. Smith
What if comparison didn't have to steal your joy or distract you from your purpose any longer? In today's episode, Laura L. Smith — author of Brave Woman, Mighty God — shares how the biblical story of Mary and Martha reveals that our differences aren't flaws but divine design. You'll discover how embracing your unique gifts can transform your relationship with God and others.You’ll learn:How to recognize when you're falling into the comparison trap.Why your differences are actually your greatest strengths in God's Kingdom.Three key questions to help you discover your unique calling and purpose.Practical ways to encourage others authentically without sounding insincere.Resources From This Episode:Order your copy of Laura's book, Brave Woman, Mighty God: 30 Things You Can Do, to discover the stories of 30 biblical women and how their courage can inspire you to live out your unique journey.Download “Chosen, Called & Confident,” a free, five-day devotional by Lysa TerKeurst, to break free from comparison and start walking in who God made you to be. Join us July 25-26 for She Speaks, a two-day experience with customizable workshops and coaching sessions. Get your tickets now! Experience Holy Week in a new way as we walk with Jesus through His final days leading to the cross. Subscribe now to receive this series and all of our Encouragement for Today devotions. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? Listen to “If Life Looks Different Than You Thought It Would” by Nicki Koziarz.Watch a roundtable discussion about body image on the Proverbs 31 Ministries YouTube channel. Read “Your Race at Your Pace” by Meghan Ryan Asbury.
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"There Is Always Room: The Power of Fearless Generosity" With Pastor Richmond Wandera
Pastor Richmond Wandera shares his powerful journey from poverty in Uganda to becoming a pastor and nonprofit founder. His story reveals how one sponsor's monthly gift and his mother's fearless generosity transformed not just his life but an entire community.In this episode you'll learn:How small acts of generosity can create ripple effects that transform entire communities. Why obedience to God's call — even during your darkest moments — can leave a lasting legacy.How to shift your perspective from scarcity to abundance by realizing "there is always room.”Resources From This Episode:Download our free resource "Chosen, Called and Confident" to start recognizing how God can transform your ordinary life into something extraordinary. Sponsor a child through Compassion International, and see your generosity help transform families and communities in Jesus’ name. Learn more about Pastors Discipleship Network founded by Richmond Wandera.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? Listen to “God Has Given You What You Need To Do What He’s Asked” with Rachel G. Scott.Watch “What Is My Assignment From God While I am Here on Earth?” with Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Shae Hill.Read “Caring for Others Through God’s Love” by Angie Smith.
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"A Five-Step Framework for Navigating a Hard Conversation" With Lysa TerKeurst
Healing from broken trust is something that can't be achieved overnight. It's a process that takes time, prayer and often times a conversation for true repairs to be made.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to process both major betrayals and smaller breaches of trust.Why broken trust cannot be fully healed in isolation.How to use a five-step framework to communicate your thoughts and feelings with someone in a nonaccusatory way.Resources From This Episode:Some messages need to be worked through — not just quickly read. That's why Lysa TerKeurst created The Trust Journey, a guided journal to use alongside her book I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t. Get the bundle today!Download Lysa TerKeurst's free resource Trust Is a Track Record: 5 Scriptural Truths To Remember God’s Faithfulness, and receive guided journal prompts to help you work through your honest thoughts, questions and struggles about trusting God.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? Listen to "How to Stop an Argument Before It Starts" With Donna Jones.Watch "When the Person Who Hurt You Wasn't Held Accountable | With Lysa TerKeurst" on YouTube.
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“Your Body Isn’t the Problem” With Jess Connolly
What if the way you talk about yourself could actually bring freedom instead of shame? In today’s episode, Jess Connolly — author of Breaking Free from Body Shame — shares how shifting our words can transform our thoughts, relationships and even our faith.In this episode you’ll learn:How small, everyday choices shape our view of our bodies.Why the words we speak about ourselves hold the power to heal or wound.How to shift the culture of body negativity and start celebrating your body as “good.”Resources From This Episode:Purchase Jess Connolly’s book Breaking Free from Body Shame: Dare to Reclaim What God Has Named Good.Get an exclusive download of “This Body Is Good: A Declaration of Freedom and Truth” by Jess Connolly when you purchase from the P31 Bookstore.Read with us at Circle 31 Book Club, and gain access to a Bible study companion resource to help you dig deeper into scriptural concepts from the book.Want a fresh way to experience Holy Week? Look no further than The Chosen: Last Supper. You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com.Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? Listen to “How To Step out of the Darkness of Shame and Start Living Free” with Morgan Krueger. Watch the Therapy & Theology playlist titled “Let’s Stop Avoiding This Conversation: 6 Topics Women Have Big Questions About” on YouTube.Want to watch this episode instead? Click here to view on YouTube.Proverbs 31 Ministries is a nonprofit organization, and this podcast is funded thanks to the generous support of our one-time and monthly donors. To learn more about how to partner with us, click here!We want to hear how this podcast has impacted you! Share your story with us here.
For over 25 years Proverbs 31 Ministries' mission has been to intersect God's Word in the real, hard places we all struggle with. That's why we started this podcast. Every episode will feature a variety of teachings from president Lysa TerKeurst, staff members or friends of the ministry who can teach you something valuable from their vantage point. We hope that regardless of your age, background or stage of life, it's something you look forward to listening to each month!
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