Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

Naomi’s story is one of grief and disappointment, but ultimately, it’s about redemption. Today on Wire Talk, Karen and Emily continue our Mothers of the Bible series by looking at how God was working behind the scenes even when Naomi felt abandoned and bitter. If you’re walking through loss, broken relationships, or a season that feels nothing like the life you imagined, we hope this look at the life of Naomi reminds you that God is not absent and He is still writing your story.
Episode Recap:
This week we’re looking at Naomi’s story (1:26)
When this story begins, Naomi is living through one crisis after another (3:00)
Naomi’s outlook on her future was bleak (7:30)
God works to weave a thread of redemption through Naomi’s life (13:42)
God never abandons us even when it feels like He has (15:33)
We are not writing our own stories (18:19)

Scripture: 
Ruth 4:14 (NASB) “Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel.”

Discussion Questions: 
Have you ever gone through a season where disappointment or grief changed the way you viewed your life or even God?
Are there losses or disappointments you’ve tried to “move past” without honestly grieving them?
Is there a story you’re currently telling yourself that may not actually be true? (“God has forgotten me,” “Things will never change,” etc.)
Which truth from Naomi’s story do you most need to hold onto right now:
It’s okay to grieve
Your perspective isn’t always accurate
God is still writing your story

Resources:
Register for the SOAR Conference today. 
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Snag How to Teach Your Kids the Bible and work through it with your kids this summer! 

Want More of This Conversation?
During Wire Talk+, Karen shares more personally about seasons in her own life that didn’t turn out the way she expected and how God redeemed her disappointment.
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Today we’re continuing our Mothers of the Bible series by looking at Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel. Hannah was a woman who longed for a child and wrestled with seasons of waiting and disappointment. Listen as Karen teaches through this story, reminding us that God invites us to trust Him, even when our prayers feel unanswered. If you’ve ever waited on God for something close to your heart, we hope you are encouraged to persevere today.
Episode Recap:
This week we’re looking at Hannah’s story (0:43)
Don’t miss the BOAW birthday party after the Soar Conference this year! (2:30)
Hannah is where, “...for this child I have prayed.” comes from (5:00)
Hannah had dealt with infertility for years (7:00)
Your pain may be different from Hannah’s but we can learn from her response (11:03)
Hannah and Jochebed both had hearts that were surrendered to the Lord (12:40)
Hannah recognized that it was the Lord who made her strong (16:00) 
Like sheep, we need to follow first (17:28)
We must continually remind ourselves that God is good (19:06)

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NIV) 
“Then Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
    in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
    for I delight in your deliverance.
“There is no one holy like the Lord;
    there is no one besides you;
    there is no Rock like our God.”

Discussion Questions: 
What is something in your life that feels like a “waiting season” right now?
How do you typically respond when God doesn’t answer a prayer in your timing?
What would it look like to surrender that situation fully to God, like Hannah did?
Where are you tempted to compare your life to others, and how is that affecting your heart?
How can you remind yourself daily that “God is good” even when life feels hard?
Practically speaking, what does it look like for you to let God be your strength instead of trying to do it all yourself?

Resources:
Register for the SOAR Conference today. 
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
Insiders will hear Karen share a personal story of a season of waiting in her own life and what God taught her through it. Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

This week, we kick off our month of celebrating moms with a new series: “Mothers of the Bible.” Today we’re looking at the life of Jochebed, a woman who faced unimaginable fear and made an unthinkable choice to save her son. Through her story, Karen and Emily unpack what it looks like to do our best for our kids and trust God with the rest. If you’ve ever struggled to let go, this conversation will meet you right where you are. 
Episode Recap:
We’re kicking off a new series by looking at the lives of some mothers in the Bible (0:49)
Jochebed was Moses’ mom (2:00)
She did everything in her power to keep Moses alive (4:10)
God enabled Jochebed to nurse Moses after his adoption by Pharoah’s daughter (8:00)
Jochebed did everything she could and left the rest up to God (9:50)
Jochebed was not Moses’ savior (10:20)
Only God can reach our children’s hearts (10:55)
Let go of your need to be a perfect parent (11:35) 
Children are a blessing - try not to hoard the blessing (15:05)

Scripture: Psalm 56:3 (NIV) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Discussion Questions: 
Where in your parenting are you trying to “be the savior” instead of trusting God?
What does it look like practically to “open your hands” and give your children back to God each day?
How can you balance doing your part as a parent while still surrendering outcomes to the Lord?
In what ways might striving for “perfect parenting” be keeping you from trusting God more deeply?

Resources:
Register for the SOAR Conference today. 
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
In Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily go deeper into real-life parenting moments, sharing honest stories about when letting go has been hardest for them and how they navigated situations they couldn’t fix for their kids.
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Are you trusting your mom gut or Googling yourself into anxiety?
In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Laura Bleekrode shares wisdom from nearly 40 years of experience to help moms cut through the noise and parent with confidence. We talk about how social media and constant information can erode your instincts and how to get back to trusting yourself. You’ll be reminded that you know your child better than anyone and that matters!
Episode Recap:
Dr. Bleekrode is a mom of 8 who owns a pediatric practice and has been practicing medicine for 36 years (1:11)
How does Dr. Bleekrode “do it all”?  (4:36)
What are you seeing in today’s families that moms didn’t face 20 years ago? (6:15)
Our “social networks” used to be personal (6:30)
God gave mom’s intuition for a reason! (8:53)
What symptoms require immediate medical or psychological attention? (12:13)
My toddler is not sleeping for hours at a time, multiple times a month (15:55)
What does a healthy sleep routine look like for a toddler? (20:06) 
Have you noticed parents trying to control all outcomes for their children? (27:20)
How does your faith shape the way you counsel your patients? (28:13)

Scripture:
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Discussion Questions: 
When you feel anxious about your child, where do you tend to turn first; your friends, your instincts, or Google?
Can you think of a time your “mom gut” was right? What helped you trust it (or ignore it)?
What outside influences (social media, advice, comparison) tend to shake your confidence as a mom?
How can you create stronger, real-life support systems instead of relying on online answers?
What is one area where you can release perfection and trust God more in your parenting this week?

Resources:
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
WT+ Insiders will hear Dr. Bleekrode share 4 things she wishes all her patients knew!
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

May can feel overwhelming for moms, filled with endless events, expectations, and emotional moments.Today Karen offers practical wisdom to help you navigate the busyness without losing your joy (or your mind.) From setting realistic expectations to prioritizing what truly matters, this conversation is full of encouragement.
Episode Recap:
May is just December with sunscreen! (0:30)
May feels chaotic with elementary schoolers - how do I get through? (4:40)
Sit down with your high schooler and help them prioritize (9:10)
Don’t be a wet blanket on your high schooler’s parade (10:15)
Working mom here struggling with school events - help!  (11:15)
This season has me emotionally up and down with my Senior(14:35) 

Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Discussion Questions: 
What part of May feels the most overwhelming for you right now?
Are you trying to attend everything? What might you need to let go of?
How can you involve your kids in deciding what matters most this month?
Where are you feeling guilt, and is it justified or self-imposed?
What is one small way you can slow down and enjoy this season?

Resources:
Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insider
Pick up Karen’s Prayer Journal in the BOAW Store

Want More of This Conversation?
In the extended WT+ conversation, Karen and Emily get even more practical. Karen shares her system for breaking down exactly how to prioritize without feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin. If you’re craving less stress and more clarity this month, don’t miss this part of the conversation!
Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.