I Witness

In the latest episode of the I Witness Podcast, Kelly Jo dives deep with CJ Milacci into a compelling dialogue about faith, life challenges, and the transformative power of community.



Their candid conversation navigates CJ's unique life experiences from the Disney college program to her spiritual immersion in Italy, shedding light on the significant role of faith in shaping her responses to life's twists and turns.



A dark time had CJ questioning her purpose. She discusses how she battled loneliness and a loss of direction that caused her to drop to her knees.







Listen to Part 1 here



IW EP008 CJ Milacci Part 1







Meet CJ Milacci







CJ writes stories for teens and young adults with heart-pounding action and hope. As a referee, she’s always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She’s passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope amid seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance.



Visit her website



Connect with CJ on Instagram & Facebook







Interview Highlights



CJ's story touches on many different themes, such as overcoming isolation, the reality of faith in dark times, and being honest with God during life's greatest challenges. Kelly and CJ offer insights into the blend of personal journeys.



The top takeaways that really encompass the themes of the podcast discussion between Kelly and CJ are:








Incorporating Faith into Everyday Challenges: Both Kelly and CJ discuss how their faith has been a guiding force in their lives. Whether it's confronting isolation or handling the life challenges of unfamiliar emotions, CJ Milacci shares how faith plays a pivotal role in shaping her decisions. Their experiences emphasize the significance of faith in everyday life, not just during profound spiritual moments.









Community and Connection: The podcast highlights the importance of a religious community and the human need for connection. CJ's contrasting experiences at Disney College and in Italy underline the significance of spiritual fellowship. Fellowship grounds and broadens experiences.









Empathy and Vulnerability: CJ's interactions with young people from various backgrounds showcase the need for understanding and empathy. CJ discusses how the differences in upbringing and experiences of others shed light on the power of genuine connection.









God's Guidance through Life Transitions: Kelly and CJ touch upon surrendering to God's plan, even during life's challenges. CJ's shift from direct youth ministry to writing emphasizes God's role in guiding individuals through various phases of life. CJ's personal challenges have made a broader impact, and the same can happen for us.









Addressing Young Adult Issues: CJ gives a raw account of the issues facing young adults today, many fearing judgment and being shunned by the church if they share what's truly on their hearts.  








Listen to Part 2 here



IW EP008 CJ Milacci Part 2



Bible Verses for Encouragement



Galatians 3:28, NKJV: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,

This episode of the I Witness podcast spotlights a compelling story that navigates the often murky waters of mental health and faith. We feature an open-hearted conversation with Christy Boulware, who courageously shares her battle with severe panic attacks, fear, and anxiety. From feeling like she was dying to nearly losing hope, her journey is an intense one, full of desperate moments.



However, amidst the tumult, Christy discovered a lifeline in an unexpected place. This interview will explore her transformative journey from the depths of despair to a place of hope and healing. Whether you're grappling with similar issues or seeking insights into mental health from a faith-based perspective, Christy's candid discussion offers relatable experiences, wisdom, and a testament to the healing power of faith.







Listen to the interview with Christy here:
















Kelly: Welcome to the I Witness Podcast. I'm your host, Kelly Jo Wilson, and this is the show for women who struggle to accept their worth but want to embrace their gifts and share their witness for Jesus. We have a great show today about overcoming fear and anxiety when you feel powerless. Our guest is my friend Christy Boulware.



Christy is an author, speaker, and podcaster, but first, a passionate follower of Christ. She's also the wife of a hunky man named Troy and a mom of three beautiful children. With a deep desire to free women and teens from the chains of fear and anxiety, Christy founded and currently leads the not-for-profit Fearless Unite.



Through conferences, workshops, retreats, bible studies, and devotionals, Christy speaks and rights about drastically decreasing the alarming statistics of anxiety in our world. Welcome to The I Witness Podcast, Christy. I'm so happy you're here.







Interview with Christy Boulware about her panic and anxiety disorder







Christy: Kelly, thank you for having me. We have an important conversation to tackle today, don't we?



Kelly: Yes, absolutely. I love your mission and what you're doing. I love that you're reaching out to women and teens about this pressing issue. Fear and anxiety have been rampant, especially in the past three years since the pandemic.



There's a heightened awareness, which as a nurse, I can say that I actually appreciate. I feel like there was such a stigma in the past of anybody struggling and having these different thoughts.



I appreciate the awareness nowadays, but I still feel like it can be so much more robust. That's why I adore what you're doing.



Why don't you tell the listeners about your journey, background, and journey with Jesus through your panic and anxiety disorder?



What did your journey look like?







A surprising wake-up call



Christy: I grew up a Catholic and like to tell people I was a C E O Christian, which is Christmas, Easter only. That was my journey, and I'm sure somebody is listening on the other side, saying yes, I grew up that way too.



God was important to me, but I didn't need him. I didn't rely on him. It wasn't a surrender in any way, shape, or form. So really, because I like to say that I was superwoman, I was kicking butt, taking names, climbing the corporate career ladder, doing great for myself, and had always just gone after success and accolades and titles.



Throughout high school and then my college career, I was moved into traveling to New York City to try to make it big ...

Today’s devotional episode of the I Witness Podcast dives into the profound message of Matthew 5, where Jesus calls us to be the light of the world. Kelly Jo Wilson shares actionable insights and personal experiences illuminating how we can embody this divine mandate daily. Join us as we explore how to live out one of Jesus's most empowering teachings and truly be a beacon of hope and love in our world.







Listen to the episode here:











Episode Highlights




We all once were darkness in our sin



Jesus Christ gives us the light we can shine in the world



Darkness is exposed



We must trust and surrender to walk according to the light given to us








Bible Verses for Encouragement



Matthew 5:16, NKJV: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven







Ephesians 5:8-9: For you once were darkness, but now you are the light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth)







Ephesians 5:10-11 Finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them







Ephesians 5:12-14 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:



Awake, you who sleep



Arise from the dead



And Christ will give you light







Matthew 9:37-38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."







Proverbs 3:5-6:



Trust in the Lord with all your heart,



And lean not on your own understanding;



In all your ways acknowledge Him



And He shall direct your paths.







How to be the light: practical steps in your daily walk




Obedience to God by doing what He's telling you



Trust in the Lord



Learn how to listen to God and meditate on His Word, applying it your life



Focus on your relationship with God by spending deliberate time with Him



Journaling or writing down what He's saying to you








Resources for You



Want to start journaling your walk with God?







I have a resource to help you walk with God in your own unique way.



The Stillness Prayer Journal is a printable prayer journal with over 100 customizable pages all dedicated to simplifying your walk with God.



The journal has cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques combined with Bible verses and Christian-based encouragement to guide your time with Him in a simple, thoughtful way.















Stillness Prayer Journal Includes:




A one-page daily journal for simple goal-setting and reflection

In this episode of the I Witness Podcast, we uncover the inspiring story of Stephanie Flohr, an unlikely servant of God who, amidst profound grief, found herself in a dark place, even planning the date she would take her life. Through unwavering courage and a renewed trust in God, listen to how she discovered her true worth and purpose.







Listen to the episode with Stephanie Flohr here



TW: suicidal thoughts, depression, grief











Meet Stephanie











Stephanie Flohr is an unlikely missionary, but she follows God’s call anyway. On May 4, 2020, her husband unexpectedly passed away, and her desires, dreams, and goals went along with him.



Stephanie has traveled to a dark place, planning her own time to meet Jesus in heaven, but God had other plans. Through her unique ministry of encouragement and compassion, she spreads the transformative message of Jesus' love, offering hope to those who need it most.



Stephanie is determined to share her uplifting story of faith, resilience, and obedience to help others come to know their beautiful worth in Jesus.   







Visit Stephanie on her website



Support Stephanie's mission through Launch International







"I can't spend a lot of time dwelling on what I am leaving behind, the tears start to flow and the heart hurts. Yes, I will miss so many people. But I know beyond any doubt where the Lord is leading me, allowing me to go and He has a plan and purpose for my life." -Stephanie Flohr







Bible Verses for Encouragement







Psalms 147:3, NKJV: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."







Proverbs 3:5-6:



"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,



And lean not on your own understanding;



In all your ways acknowledge Him,



And He shall direct your paths.







Resources











Paula's Hope



Paula’s Hope is a nonprofit located in Northwest Arkansas that offers free biblical counseling.



If you are interested, click the link below to get started.



Click here for more information



















Are you inspired by Stephanie Flohr's story but not sure how to reconnect with God in a difficult time?







I have a resource to help you walk with God in your own unique way.







The Stillness Prayer Journal is a printable prayer journal with over 100 customizable pages all dedicated to simplifying your walk with God.







The journal has cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques combined with Bible verses and Christian-based encouragement to guide your time with Him in a simple, thoughtful way.















Stillness Prayer Journal Includes:




A one-page daily journal for simple goal-setting and reflection



Daily Gratitude



Prayer tracking

Do you need to feel God’s love right now?







In this inspiring devotional episode of the I Witness Podcast, host Kelly Jo Wilson explores the profound concept of God's unconditional love. Through a heartfelt devotional, she delves into the idea that this divine love cannot be earned but only accepted.



Join Kelly Jo as she shares wisdom on embracing this boundless love and how it transforms our lives.







Listen to the episode here:











Episode Highlights




Struggles are real and when we feel empty we can lean on God and Jesus



We can't earn God's love



God's love is present whether we accept it or not



When we struggle, the Holy Spirit helps speak for us when we don't have words



Jesus' life is the evidence of God's love for us



God loved you before you were created



Nothing can separate you from the love of God








Bible Verses for Encouragement







Romans 8:26, NKJV Likewise, the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.







Ephesians 2:4-8, NKJV But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.







John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.







John 15:9 As the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.







John 15: 12-13 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.







Resources for You















In the depths of despair, can one woman find the strength to accept the love of God?







Sarah's world was shattered two years ago with the loss of her beloved husband. She has been a mere shadow of herself, drifting away from her faith and the God she once leaned on. As she navigates the turbulent waters of grief and single parenthood, her resolve is constantly tested.







This Christmas, Sarah's struggle reaches a tipping point. With the mounting pressure to provide for her children and the weight of her sorrow, she finds herself at a crossroads.







Will she continue to turn away from God, or will she find the courage to face her pain and embrace the love that has always been there for her?







Hope for the Holidays is a poignant tale of loss, resilience, and the redemptive power of faith. It's a story for anyone who has ever questioned God's love in the face of ...

In this episode of the I Witness Podcast, host Kelly Jo Wilson explores how to heal while grieving, and the intersection of grief and faith with guest Stefanie Cabaniss, a specialist in grief support for Christian women. Stef shares her poignant journey of losing her best friend to cancer, a loss that deepened her faith and inspired the creation of the Grief 2 Great Day podcast and ministry. Their conversation delves into the transformative power of trusting God through life's toughest challenges, highlighting the strength of honesty and vulnerability in prayer.















Meet Stef















Stefanie Cabaniss is the founder of Grief2GreatDay.com, a coach and author specializing in grief support for Christian women. She hosts the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast to support Christian women navigating the difficult journey of grief.



Experiencing indescribable pain and confusion after losing her best friend to cancer, she struggled to create a new life. She earned a master’s degree in Public Health focusing on community grief support. She served as secretary for the Eastern Carolina End of Life Care Coalition.



Her book entitled, Dying to Be Healed, was released in January 2021. Stef is also the creator of What Do I do After the Loss of a Loved One? 4 Actions to Take Now to Cope with Grief a faith-based workshop to help women breathe, laugh, and live again.



Stef contributes to local newspapers and radio and is available to discuss grief support topics such as ‘getting through’ the first year of grief and creating purpose after loss. Stef and her husband, Jeff live in eastern North Carolina.







Interview Highlights








How to heal from grief when it doesn’t have a timeline



Giving ourselves grief grace and what that looks like



Stef has practical tips for how to heal from grief and prepare for difficult days



Stef talks about her anger at God and how her faith changed when coping with the loss of her best friend



Stef shares uplifting ways she and her friend Monica kept positive through the cancer journey with their B-POD



Stef shares wonderful takeaways and resources to help women navigate grief, especially during the first year after the loss








Bible Verses for Encouragement







Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”



Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and al these things shall be added to you.”



John 11:35: “Jesus wept.”







Resources for You







Grief 2 Great Day Podcast with Stef Cabaniss



Grief Resources include a Grief Survival Workshop, Loss of Life Coaching, and a support program to help you navigate grief alongside others who understand the devastation and have a common goal for healing.



Facebook Grief Group community















Stefanie Cabaniss knew in those agonizing moments watching her friend dying that the story must be told.

Why is it so easy for us to doubt God?



In this episode of the I Witness podcast, we explore why it's so easy to doubt God. We dive into 1 John chapter 5, a scripture that shares the unwavering assurance found in God's testimony. We explore the challenges believers face in their faith journey with a short story and discuss the eternal promise we have in Jesus Christ.







Listen to the devotional episode here:











Episode Highlights




God's assurance is in Jesus.



Jesus’ existence is the physical and spiritual confirmation of God’s testimony.



Jesus is strong in us when we are weak.



Everyone sins and doubts at some point in their lives.



We have assurance through our relationship with Jesus in prayer



We can lean into the assurance provided by God’s testimony of Jesus Christ








Bible Verses for Encouragement







1 John 5: 11-13, NKJV: And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.







Matthew 11:28-30: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.







Resources for You















Do you struggle with doubt and feeling unworthy?



This 7-day devotional takes you through women’s stories of heartbreak, death, disease, and more, with Bible verses to remind you of God’s promises.



You don’t have to earn God’s love. All you have to do is accept it








Get your FREE copy here

In a deeply moving episode of the I Witness podcast, K.L. Gilchrist unveils her transformative journey from profound heartache to unwavering faith. As she recounts the tragic loss of her teenage daughter, K.L.’s testament to the sustaining power of faith offers a beacon of hope to everyone navigating life's storms.







Listen as K.L. shares her story of unwavering faith through loss, heartache, resilience, and the consistent embrace of Jesus, even in her darkest hours.











Meet K.L. Gilchrist







K.L. Gilchrist is an author of contemporary Christian fiction for women who want to be entertained, challenged, and inspired by true-to-life stories.



A graduate of Temple University and Palmer’s Eastern School of Christian Ministry(ESCM), K.L.'s career as a technical writer led her back to her first love: writing fiction books.



K.L. writes for women who enjoy reading about faith in the midst of life challenges. She lives with her family in suburban Philadelphia, PA, and is known to dance whenever and wherever she can.



Visit K.L. Gilchrist at her website www.KLGilchrist.com























Interview Highlights



Personal Journey and Embracing Faith



  - K.L. Gilchrist's spiritual journey began when she discovered Jesus as an adult. She endured numerous challenges that tested her faith, and her journey from a technical writer to a fiction author showcases her personal and professional evolution.







Impact of the Pandemic and Personal Tragedy



  - The mental health repercussions of the pandemic are vast and deeply personal for K.L., with the heart-wrenching loss of her daughter, Jordan. Yet, in such profound grief, her unwavering faith and relationship with Jesus Christ became her sanctuary, offering solace and guidance through the hardest moments.







The Role of Faith in Coping with Loss



  K.L. stresses that her unwavering faith and relationship with Jesus are paramount in navigating pain. She emphasizes the necessity of daily prayer and immersing herself in scripture, highlighting the solace and connection they provide. She emphasizes the significance of complete submission to God's will and the importance of dedicating alone time to foster a deeper relationship with Him.







Recommendations for Nurturing Faith



  - For those grappling with grief, K.L. offers practical tips she embraced when walking the arduous journey. She advocates for complete trust in God in all circumstances and suggests getting into the Word of God. The Book of Job and Psalm 22:24 were comforting scripture references for her. Additionally, the book "Holding Onto Hope" by Nancy Guthrie is highlighted as a valuable resource, especially for grieving parents.







Authentic Communication with God



  - K.L. promotes genuine and open communication with God, no matter how messy or broken you feel. She believes in being honest with God and talking to Him anytime or anywhere,  even in the middle of a J.C. Penny parking lot.  







Bible Verses for Encouragement



Psalms 22:24, NKJV "For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard."

In this episode of the I Witness podcast, we are honored to have Kathy Brasby share her extraordinary journey of how she found hope in the midst of faith, love, and loss. Kathy navigates the complexities of life's ups and downs, always steadfastly believing in God. Kathy bears her soul and tackles the challenging questions about God's role in our suffering. Her narrative takes a painful turn as she recounts her endeavor to understand hope.







For women going through phases of grief and brokenness, Kathy's story serves as a testament that you are never alone, even in your darkest hours. Tune in for an episode that promises to tug at your heartstrings and offer a glimmer of hope in the face of life's most challenging moments.







Listen to the interview with Kathy Brasby here















Meet Kathy







When Kathy was a little girl, her aunt confronted her mother: “Can’t you teach her not to ask so many questions?”



This is Kathy’s worst trait and her best: she is curious. She loves to learn and study.



She’s a former journalist and also has been blogging for a number of years. She published Cutting Through Despair: Dare to Hope in 2022 with stories about people - modern-day and biblical - who overcame hardships.



Her Christian faith is the foundation of all her work.



Her BA is in English, and she also holds an MA in Theological studies. She lives on a hobby farm in northeast Colorado and has six children and ten grandchildren.



A favorite theme in her stories is overcoming – and some stories are serious.







Connect with Kathy on her website or the following social media channels



Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube







Key highlights from the interview:




Kathy Brasby touches on the power of faith in finding love and companionship, revealing how she met her husband at church after losing his first wife in a tragic accident. Kathy's story serves as a testament that sometimes, even when we least expect it, new beginnings can unfold in unexpected places.









Opening up about the raw emotions of experiencing a miscarriage, Kathy talks about feeling hollow and wrestling with anger and distance from God. Her journey offers a candid look at the internal turmoil that comes with grief. The difficult feelings she grapples with are a reminder that it's okay to be angry and to question your faith during times of hardship.









Kathy's life takes a heart-wrenching turn when her husband becomes seriously ill and eventually passes away. Her experience grappling with this devastating loss while still holding onto her faith offers a glimmer of hope for women navigating their own personal tragedies. Even through intense pain, there can still be room for hope and spiritual connection.









Kathy's view of God's love as a relentless and unconditional "waterfall" serves as an uplifting message for women facing grief and brokenness. According to Kathy, God's love isn't conditional upon our readiness to accept it. It is ever-present and powerful, waiting for us even when consumed with sorrow or anger. This imagery could be a comforting reminder that you're never truly alone in your struggles. God's love is always there, waiting to envelop you when you're ready to receive it.