EP 42: Church Girl (Ft. Dr. Sarita T. Lyons)

What if your pain and struggles were the very tools God uses to shape your identity and purpose? Join me, Megan Ashley, as I sit down with the incredible Dr. Sarita T. Lyons, author of "Church Girl": A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women available now! Dr. Sarita shares her transformative journey from lay leader to the Director of Community and Women's Ministry and Discipleship at Epiphany Church. Our friendship, sparked in Dallas, has blossomed, and it's an honor to explore her insights on the significance of a physical Bible, her adventures as a mother of four nearly-grown children, and the excitement of spending more time with her husband as they enter a new chapter of life. Dr. Sarita provides a rich tapestry of experiences, blending her background in clinical forensic psychology and law into her ministry work. We navigate the unique challenges of urban church ministry, the intricate balance between personal and professional commitments, and the profound impact of her husband's Air Force service post-9/11. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the Equip You program, which merges seminary rigor with the cultural richness of HBCUs, and the essential role of lay counseling and urban apologetics in addressing the needs of the community. In this episode we discuss the importance of feeling seen and valued by God amidst societal obstacles. From embracing suffering for spiritual growth to balancing rest and work in ministry, discover how God uses our struggles for a greater purpose. Tune in for a conversation that's both thought-provoking and spiritually enriching, offering a fresh perspective on finding peace and purpose in God. Other topics you will hear: -Urban Church Ministry -Discipleship -Motherhood  -Clinical Forensic Psychology -Urban Apologetics -Professional Dedication -Family Life -Black Women -Faith Journey -Lifeless Lifeboats -Identity -Pain -Christ-centered Rest  -Over-functioning/Under-functioning -Community Check out Dr. Sarita T. Lyons book Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women: (https://www.saritalyons.com/churchgirlbook) Acts 242: Discipleship Conference, Oct 25-26, Atlanta, GA. Registration is open now:  (http://www.acts242conference.com) “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42 Thanks to our Sponsors  ZocDoc  Go to Zocdoc.com/TOTALITY and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Connect with us:    @immeganashley Website: https://www.themeganashley.com Call me at 265-792-8819 My Amazon Storefront:https://www.amazon.com/shop/immeganashley   Youtube: In Totality    In Totality with Megan Ashley Is edited and produced by Idea to Launch Podcasts Sign up for our PATREON for EXCLUSIVE access and additional:https://www.patreon.com/meganashley See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.