Are you weighed down by the labels you received in your childhood?
Do you feel defined by the hardest parts of your past?
In today’s episode of The Mary Marantz Show, author, Bible teacher, and speaker, Suzie Eller,
guides us through a deeply personal and spiritually enlightening conversation about the narratives that still impact us and the purpose of unpacking our pain.
Suzie Eller is an ECPA bestselling author, podcaster, international speaker, and Bible teacher, ministering to women across the U.S. and in several countries. Suzie has written 12 books and her latest is Prayer Starters: Talking with God about Hard Times, a guide for creative connection with God in any season. She’s the host of the KLRC network podcast, Prayer Starters, and co-host, along with Holley Gerth and Jennifer Watson, of More Than Small Talk (listen to Mary’s episode with them!), also with the KLRC network. She’s a popular media guest and has been featured on Focus on the Family, Aspiring Women, Harvest Show, 100 Huntley Street, KLOVE, Daystar and many others. Suzie lives in NW Arkansas with her family, and loves to kayak, hike, and dance with her littles at the farmer’s market.
In this thought-provoking conversation, the pair delves into:
- The effects of generational trauma
- The necessity of holding space for a different perspective in our story
- The true definition of joy
“If you are ready to redefine your legacy, stop feeling disqualified by your muddy story, and live into the present moment before you, you’re in the right place.”
Reframing the Story
Today, Suzie and I dug into the idea of ‘letting go’ in her personal, healing journey. The story she told about witnessing someone losing their belongings bit by bit without even realizing it is one I won’t soon forget. Here’s what she said…
“It’s a process and we are consistently unpacking and taking things out that were never meant for us. They’re old, used, dirty, and passed down, and in their place, God gives us new ways of thinking and new ways of being.”
Instead of succumbing to pressures to appear unaffected by challenges and difficulties, she believes in valuing the unique kind of beauty that comes from having a hard story (you know I love this!). Through this, she reminds us that it’s okay not to have it all together and that resilience can grow amidst our vulnerabilities.
And, by getting to the root source of our perspective we can begin to show up as the person we are versus the child we once were. <- WHOA!
Mary’s new book, slow growth equals strong Roots is HERE! Click HERE to Order your copy today!
Navigating the Hard
As we all know, suffering is inevitable in this life. But Suzie’s perspective on how we can deepen our connection with the presence of God during these times was a gift to listen to.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic, I had a friend show up and say I am mad at God because you have done nothing to deserve this. And I got to look at her and say, thank you so much for loving me so much to tell me that, but this is who God is right now in the midst of this. This is what He’s doing and these are the things that He’s speaking over my heart. And is it hard? Yes, but this is who Jesus is, and He has not changed.”
The purpose of suffering is nuanced because although I believe that God does not orchestrate hardships for us.
He loves us deeply in the midst of our struggles and offers us a way to find beauty and life even in the scarred and imperfect parts of our lives…
“It may not be the plan we would have chosen for ourselves but we will always have the promise of His presence in our suffering.”
Embracing Ordinary
Suzie’s words serve as such a reminder that there is great significance in embracing ordinary moments as avenues for God to work through us in extraordinary ways.
Because even though the world may overlook our contributions or the challenges we face, what God does through us holds eternal significance.
“You can lament, you can cry, and you can be messy. An honest prayer is one of the most beautiful prayers you can pray to God because you’re talking to Him from right where you are.”
From that place of vulnerability and openness, we can begin to prayerfully discern the source of negative thoughts, address deep-rooted wounds, and experience true healing and restoration.
So friend, instead of denying our struggles let’s lean into them and embrace the ordinary moments where God’s presence can shine through. Because even amidst the most challenging circumstances, there is an opportunity for growth, resilience, and deep spiritual connection.
“We are only given today so what is He calling you to?”
I can’t wait for you to take a listen! And if you are looking to give up comparing, performing, and achieving for your worth, I think you’ll LOVE my new book Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots! Available now everywhere books are sold! And while you’re at it, take our Achiever Quiz to see which of the 5 Achiever Types you are….
More From This Episode:
Connect with Suzie on Instagram and be sure to pick up her new book, “Prayer Starters” wherever books are sold.
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- The Case for Planting Deep Roots with Daniel Grothe
- Finding Strength To Take Back Your Story With Desiree Siegfried
- Tired of Trying with Ashley Morgan Jackson
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