The Sister Circle Podcast

What does healing look like when life doesn’t turn out the way you planned? In this episode, I sit down with my friend Michelle Smith to talk about forgiveness, abandonment, boundaries, and trusting God after deep disappointment. Michelle shares her journey through adoption, divorce, single parenting, and learning how to forgive — not once, but over a lifetime.  This conversation is honest, tender, and filled with hope for anyone walking through unresolved pain. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep trusting God when other people’s choices changed your life, this episode will meet you right where you are. Highlights from Today’s Episode Choosing forgiveness as an ongoing decision Learning to trust God after abandonment and betrayal Setting boundaries without closing your heart Related Resources Connect with Michelle Smith on her website. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #567 – Michelle Smith – Healing After Abandonment first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

What do you do when God moves in ways you didn’t expect? In this episode, I sit down with singer and Sunday Best winner Crystal Aikin to talk about calling, healing, and learning to trust God when the assignment keeps changing. Crystal shares her journey from nursing to music, from public success to private healing, and from striving to stillness. We talk honestly about singleness, unmet expectations, buried pain, and the kind of faith that’s built when God takes you off the path you thought you’d be on. This conversation is for anyone learning how to wait well and trust God deeply. Highlights from Today’s Episode Allowing God to heal what you’ve learned to push past Trusting God when expectations go unmet Learning to wait without striving or forcing outcomes Related Resources Connect with Crystal on Instagram or YouTube CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #566 – Crystal Aikin – Purpose Beyond the Platform first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Often during our darkest moments, it’s difficult to see God’s hands on our lives. But when we can look back and see how He carried us through other tough times, it becomes clear that there can be purpose even in our pain. In this episode, I sit down with Anne Beiler, the founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Even after selling her company in 2025, she continues to inspire people with her story of redemption and resilience. My conversation with Anne is a reminder that even when life is hard, because life can be so hard, God is still good. Highlights from Today’s Episode Hearing from the Holy Spirit Moving mountains in marriage Choosing to live again Related Resources Connect with Anne Beiler on Instagram or Facebook. Keep up with Anne on her website. Grab a copy of Anne’s latest books, including “Come to the Table Cookbook,” “Overcome and Lead,” and more from her online shop. Check out Anne’s Stories x 8 small group experience Listen to the Overcome with Auntie Anne podcast. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #565 – Anne Beiler – How God Turns Pain Into Purpose first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

What does it really mean to walk in spiritual authority? In this episode, I sit down with my Aunt Ruth — pastor, counselor, and teacher — to talk about identity, intimacy with God, and living with confidence rooted in Christ. We explore why authority isn’t about performance or perfect prayers, but about knowing who you are as a daughter of God. This conversation touches on unanswered prayers, singleness, disappointment, and learning to trust God even when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected. If you’re longing to walk boldly in your faith without striving, this episode will encourage and ground you. Highlights from Today’s Episode Defining spiritual authority Navigating disappointment  Choosing contentment Related Resources Connect with Ruthann Cannings on her website. For more encouragement, listen to episode #324-How to Leave a Legacy. Grab my devotional, 100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #564 – Ruthann Cannings – How to Walk in Spiritual Authority first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

What does it look like to slow down and walk with a God who isn’t worried — even when life feels overwhelming? In this episode, I sit down with author and speaker Megan Fate Marshman for an honest conversation about grief, drive, faith, and learning to let go of self-reliance. Megan shares how loss reshaped her understanding of trust, why autonomy can quietly replace intimacy with God, and how slowing down isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. This episode is for anyone who feels tired of trying harder and is ready to learn what it means to walk with God instead. Highlights from Today’s Episode Learning to slow down  Growing in spiritual health Practicing honesty with God Choosing community over fear Related Resources Grab a copy of Megan Fate Marshman’s book: Relaxed: Walking with the One Who Is Not Worried About a Thing Connect with Megan Fate Marshman on Instagram, X, Facebook, or her website. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #563 – Megan Fate Marshman – Learning to Slow Down with God first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.