Have you ever prayed so desperately for something that it felt like a spiritual battle?

In this episode, Rachel sits down with Jenny Marrs, co-star of HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous and mom of five, for an honest conversation about what happens when faith requires letting go. Jenny shares the raw story behind her family's adoption of their daughter Sylvie from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the night she woke up gripped by fear, unable to breathe, and discovered God was answering her prayers in a way she never expected.

Jenny's new book, Trust God, Love People: Stories of My Open-Handed Faith, invites readers to release control and trust God's plans, even when His timing doesn't match ours. In this conversation, she opens up about:
The bold prayer that sustained her through years of waiting and uncertainty
What "open-handed faith" actually looks like in the chaos of daily life
How to love people generously without losing yourself or your family
Why sitting around the table with people who are different from you matters
The simple practice of remembering God's faithfulness that builds trust for the future

Whether you're in a season of waiting, wrestling with surrender, or simply need encouragement to loosen your grip, Jenny's story will remind you that God is working even when you can't see His hand.

Connect with Jenny Marrs:
Book: Trust God, Love People (available wherever books are sold)
HGTV: Fixer to Fabulous Season 7 airing Tuesdays at 8pm ET

Mentioned in this episode:
Desperate Prayers: Kindle is currently $1.99

Have you ever prayed so desperately for something that it felt like a spiritual battle?
In this episode, Rachel sits down with Jenny Marrs, co-star of HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous&nbsp;and mom of five, for an honest conversation about what happens when faith requires letting go. Jenny shares the raw story behind her family's adoption of their daughter Sylvie from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the night she woke up gripped by fear, unable to breathe, and discovered God was answering her prayers in a way she never expected.
Jenny's new book, Trust God, Love People: Stories of My Open-Handed Faith, invites readers to release control and trust God's plans, even when His timing doesn't match ours. In this conversation, she opens up about:
<ul>
<li>The bold prayer that sustained her through years of waiting and uncertainty</li>
<li>What "open-handed faith" actually looks like in the chaos of daily life</li>
<li>How to love people generously without losing yourself or your family</li>
<li>Why sitting around the table with people who are different from you matters</li>
<li>The simple practice of remembering God's faithfulness that builds trust for the future</li>
</ul>
Whether you're in a season of waiting, wrestling with surrender, or simply need encouragement to loosen your grip, Jenny's story will remind you that God is working even when you can't see His hand.
Connect with Jenny Marrs:
<ul>
<li>Book: <a href="https://amzn.to/4oJXCMb">Trust God, Love People</a> (available wherever books are sold)</li>
<li>HGTV: Fixer to Fabulous Season 7 airing Tuesdays at 8pm ET</li>
</ul>
Mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3MprAaR">Desperate Prayers: Kindle is currently $1.99</a></li>
</ul>

How do I pray during challenging times? How can I grow closer to God despite life's hardships? How can I find peace and purpose when life feels overwhelming and stressful?

Welcome to the Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo podcast, a sanctuary where we navigate the storms of life together, uncovering clarity and calm through faith, prayer, and practical wisdom.

Each week, author Rachel Wojo brings heartfelt conversations and insightful advice on living a life of peace and purpose. We dive deep into prayer, managing stress, overcoming anxiety, and finding joy amid trials. Through inspiring stories of individuals who have found hope and strength in their faith, you'll gain practical tips to help you navigate challenges.

Rachel's compassionate guidance will help you clear your mind, calm your heart, and draw closer to God, no matter what you're facing. With every episode, you'll learn how to untangle the knots of life and discover the peace and purpose you've been longing for.

You might be feeling overwhelmed. You might be feeling too paralyzed to pray.

But you have a home here. Together, we can find the strength to move forward.

Join Rachel Wojo on this journey of untangling life, one step at a time. You'll find all Rachel's resources HERE.

How do I pray during challenging times? How can I grow closer to God despite life's hardships? How can I find peace and purpose when life feels overwhelming and stressful?
Welcome to the Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo podcast, a sanctuary where we navigate the storms of life together, uncovering clarity and calm through faith, prayer, and practical wisdom.
Each week, author <a href="https://rachelwojo.com">Rachel Wojo</a> brings heartfelt conversations and insightful advice on living a life of peace and purpose. We dive deep into prayer, managing stress, overcoming anxiety, and finding joy amid trials. Through inspiring stories of individuals who have found hope and strength in their faith, you'll gain practical tips to help you navigate challenges.
Rachel's compassionate guidance will help you clear your mind, calm your heart, and draw closer to God, no matter what you're facing. With every episode, you'll learn how to untangle the knots of life and discover the peace and purpose you've been longing for.
You might be feeling overwhelmed. You might be feeling too paralyzed to pray.
But you have a home here. Together, we can find the strength to move forward.
Join Rachel Wojo on this journey of untangling life, one step at a time. You'll find all Rachel's resources <a href="https://rachelwojo.com">HERE.</a>

Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo

How do I pray during challenging times? How can I grow closer to God despite life's hardships? How can I find peace and purpose when life feels overwhelming and stressful?

Welcome to the Untangling Life with Rachel Wojo podcast, a sanctuary where we navigate the storms of life together, uncovering clarity and calm through faith, prayer, and practical wisdom.

Each week, author Rachel Wojo brings heartfelt conversations and insightful advice on living a life of peace and purpose. We dive deep into prayer, managing stress, overcoming anxiety, and finding joy amid trials. Through inspiring stories of individuals who have found hope and strength in their faith, you'll gain practical tips to help you navigate challenges.

Rachel's compassionate guidance will help you clear your mind, calm your heart, and draw closer to God, no matter what you're facing. With every episode, you'll learn how to untangle the knots of prayer and discover the peace and purpose you've longed for.

You might be feeling overwhelmed. You might be feeling too paralyzed to pray.

But you have a home here. Together, we can find the strength to move forward.

Join Rachel Wojo on this journey of untangling prayer, one step at a time. You'll find all Rachel's resources HERE  and don't miss her new book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. 

How do I pray during challenging times? How can I grow closer to God despite life's hardships? How can I find peace and purpose when life feels overwhelming and stressful?
Welcome to the Untangling Life with Rachel Wojo podcast, a sanctuary where we navigate the storms of life together, uncovering clarity and calm through faith, prayer, and practical wisdom.
Each week, author<a href="https://rachelwojo.com"> Rachel Wojo </a>brings heartfelt conversations and insightful advice on living a life of peace and purpose. We dive deep into prayer, managing stress, overcoming anxiety, and finding joy amid trials. Through inspiring stories of individuals who have found hope and strength in their faith, you'll gain practical tips to help you navigate challenges.
Rachel's compassionate guidance will help you clear your mind, calm your heart, and draw closer to God, no matter what you're facing. With every episode, you'll learn how to untangle the knots of prayer and discover the peace and purpose you've longed for.
You might be feeling overwhelmed. You might be feeling too paralyzed to pray.
But you have a home here. Together, we can find the strength to move forward.
Join Rachel Wojo on this journey of untangling prayer, one step at a time. You'll find all Rachel's resources <a href="https://rachelwojo.com">HERE </a> and don't miss her new book, <a href="https://desperateprayers.com">Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments. </a>

Jenny Marrs on Bold Prayer,  Adoption  & Open-Handed Faith : Trust God, Love People

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/914fdc18-f556-44ed-83aa-b3ae01384b87/transcript

It's Christmas Eve, and whether you're celebrating, struggling, or somewhere in between, this short episode is for you. Before the manger in Bethlehem, the Christmas story begins with an old priest named Zechariah who had been praying for decades with no answer. Then an angel appeared and said, "Your prayer has been heard."

If you're carrying prayers that feel unheard this Christmas, this 5-minute message will remind you that God is listening, He's working, and His timing is always perfect.

Scripture: Luke 1:13

It's Christmas Eve, and whether you're celebrating, struggling, or somewhere in between, this short episode is for you. Before the manger in Bethlehem, the Christmas story begins with an old priest named Zechariah who had been praying for decades with no answer. Then an angel appeared and said, "Your prayer has been heard."
If you're carrying prayers that feel unheard this Christmas, this 5-minute message will remind you that God is listening, He's working, and His timing is always perfect.
Scripture: Luke 1:13

Your Prayer Has Been Heard | A Christmas Eve Message of Hope

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/6fe8b971-b3ba-4cba-933b-b3bc0163731c/transcript

Can we be honest? This season that's supposed to be filled with joy often feels more like exhaustion and overwhelm. Maybe you're bone-deep weary, wondering if hope is even real anymore.

In this episode, Rachel explores what to do when hope has crumbled and prayer feels impossible. Drawing from the Christmas story of Simeon and Anna and her own journey through her daughter Taylor's battle with Sanfilippo syndrome, she shares how our most desperate places become the most fitting spaces for the thrill of hope.

You'll discover:
Three practical ways to pray when hope has crumbled
The difference between wishful thinking and confident expectation
What Simeon and Anna teach us about actively waiting for God
How God provides before we even know to pray
Where to look for Jesus when life doesn't feel magical

Whether you're in a season of waiting, grieving, or simply exhausted from trying to hold it all together, this episode will remind you that Hope has come and He meets you right where you are.

Resources Mentioned:

For non-profit Christmas giving project: Wilderness Grace: wildernessgrace.com

Desperate Prayers: desperateprayers.com

Praying the Promises of God Prayer Journal: promisesprayerjournal.com

 

Can we be honest? This season that's supposed to be filled with joy often feels more like exhaustion and overwhelm. Maybe you're bone-deep weary, wondering if hope is even real anymore.
In this episode, Rachel explores what to do when hope has crumbled and prayer feels impossible. Drawing from the Christmas story of Simeon and Anna and her own journey through her daughter Taylor's battle with Sanfilippo syndrome, she shares how our most desperate places become the most fitting spaces for the thrill of hope.
You'll discover:
<ul>
<li>Three practical ways to pray when hope has crumbled</li>
<li>The difference between wishful thinking and confident expectation</li>
<li>What Simeon and Anna teach us about actively waiting for God</li>
<li>How God provides before we even know to pray</li>
<li>Where to look for Jesus when life doesn't feel magical</li>
</ul>
Whether you're in a season of waiting, grieving, or simply exhausted from trying to hold it all together, this episode will remind you that Hope has come and He meets you right where you are.
Resources Mentioned:
For non-profit Christmas giving project: Wilderness Grace:&nbsp;<a href="https://wildernessgrace.com">wildernessgrace.com</a>
Desperate Prayers: <a href="https://desperateprayers.com">desperateprayers.com</a>
Praying the Promises of God Prayer Journal:<a href="https://promisesprayerjournal.com"> promisesprayerjournal.com</a>
&nbsp;

How to Pray When You've Lost Hope

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/645508dc-8e19-462a-9f2e-b3b50164274d/transcript

Does surrender feel more like defeat than freedom? You're not alone. In this episode, Rachel sits down with author, literary agent, and artist Mary DeMuth to explore why letting go of what we tightly grip actually leads to the peace we're desperately seeking.

Mary shares the personal journey behind her beautiful new illustrated devotional, The Freedom of Surrender, and opens up about her own struggles with control—including surrendering her past, disappointing relationships, and even her stubbornness. Through stunning original artwork and powerful metaphors, she shows us that surrender isn't saying "it's okay that it happened"—it's opening our hands and letting God carry what we were never meant to hold.

In this episode, you'll discover:
Why surrender brings peace instead of more stress
How to let go of past hurts without letting go of justice
The difference between controlling our lives and trusting God through suffering
How trials deepen our prayer lives in unexpected ways
Five powerful takeaways for finding freedom through surrender

Whether you're gripping tightly to a relationship, a circumstance, or your own need for control, this conversation will encourage you to release it into God's capable hands—and discover the freedom waiting on the other side.

Connect with Mary DeMuth:
Website: marydemuth.com
Free Gift: 12 phone lock screens featuring art from the book at marydemuth.com

Resources Mentioned:
The Freedom of Surrender devotional by Mary DeMuth (available wherever books are sold)

Until next time, remember: God sees you, He hears you, and He knows your needs.

Does surrender feel more like defeat than freedom? You're not alone. In this episode, Rachel sits down with author, literary agent, and artist Mary DeMuth to explore why letting go of what we tightly grip actually leads to the peace we're desperately seeking.
Mary shares the personal journey behind her beautiful new illustrated devotional, The Freedom of Surrender, and opens up about her own struggles with control&mdash;including surrendering her past, disappointing relationships, and even her stubbornness. Through stunning original artwork and powerful metaphors, she shows us that surrender isn't saying "it's okay that it happened"&mdash;it's opening our hands and letting God carry what we were never meant to hold.
In this episode, you'll discover:
<ul>
<li>Why surrender brings peace instead of more stress</li>
<li>How to let go of past hurts without letting go of justice</li>
<li>The difference between controlling our lives and trusting God through suffering</li>
<li>How trials deepen our prayer lives in unexpected ways</li>
<li>Five powerful takeaways for finding freedom through surrender</li>
</ul>
Whether you're gripping tightly to a relationship, a circumstance, or your own need for control, this conversation will encourage you to release it into God's capable hands&mdash;and discover the freedom waiting on the other side.
Connect with Mary DeMuth:
<ul>
<li>Website: <a href="https://marydemuth.com">marydemuth.com</a></li>
<li>Free Gift: 12 phone lock screens featuring art from the book at <a href="https://marydemuth.kit.com/799f317fbd">marydemuth.com</a></li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/4ixCWWd">The Freedom of Surrender devotional</a> by Mary DeMuth (available wherever books are sold)</li>
</ul>
Until next time, remember: God sees you, He hears you, and He knows your needs.

Jenny Marrs on Bold Prayer, Adoption & Open-Handed Faith : Trust God, Love People

Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo

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