Starting Place with Elizabeth Woodson Podcast

Elizabeth talks with Susan Seay about the real challenges of motherhood todayfrom social media pressure to unrealistic expectations. Susan shares wisdom from raising seven kids, reminding moms to depend on God daily, pursue authentic community, and embrace grace over perfection. She also introduces her new devotional designed to help moms connect with God in the middle of a busy life.
Main Topics:

• Faithfulness in motherhood requires community/a support system
• Let go of perfection and live dependent on Gods grace
• A few quiet moments with God can shift your whole day.
• Comparison robs us of the opportunity to appreciate what God is doing in and through us.
• Keep dreaming, Gods purpose for you is not limited to just motherhood.

Reflection Question:
How has the content you regularly consume shaped your expectations of what faithful parenting should look like? Are those expectations realistic or unrealistic?
Join the Conversation:
Wed love to hear how youre applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Dont forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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What does it look like to live wisely when you’re surrounded by foolishness, anger, or drama you didn’t create? In this episode, we turn to Abigail—a woman whose wisdom calmed a crisis and redirected the futures of two powerful men. Her story in 1 Samuel 25 shows us how godly wisdom protects, preserves, and points us back to the Lord.

Main Topics: 

• Wisdom acts with discernment in moments of tension
• Godly wisdom helps seek the best interests of others. 
• Wisdom is bold and peaceable—not passive or reactive
• We are regularly given opportunities to be wise peacemakers in the face of relationship chaos or difficulty

Reflection Question:
Where in your life do you need to embody the wisdom of Abigail? Or, where are you tempted to respond reactively instead of asking God for wisdom?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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In this episode, Melody Fabien shares her powerful love story and the spiritual journey that led her and her husband CD into marriage ministry. She offers wisdom on what makes marriages last—emphasizing communication, vulnerability, and the reality of spiritual warfare. Melody also speaks to dating couples about red flags, non-negotiables, and the importance of personal growth, accountability, and community. Whether you’re single, dating, or married, this episode will help you reflect on how God uses relationships to grow us in Christlikeness.

Main Topics: 

• What makes marriages last—and why some don’t
• The biggest blind spots Christian couples face
• Practical questions dating couples should ask
• How spiritual maturity shows up in marriage
• Encouragement and tools for couples at every stage

Guest Bio:
You can learn more about Melody by visiting cdandmelody.com

Recommended Resources:

• Domestic Violence Website (Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233))
• Family Life Weekend To Remember
• Tim Keller, The Meaning of Marriage

Reflection Question:
How is God using your relationships to grow you into Christlikeness?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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In this episode, Missie Branch joins Elizabeth to share about her journey from working in a flower shop to serving as assistant dean of students for women at a seminary. They explore what true leadership looks like, highlighting the role of mentorship, community, and faithfulness in small things. They also discuss the challenges leaders face, the importance of trusting God, and how every experience shapes us to serve and empower others.
Main Takeaways:

• God weaves every part of our story—big and small—into His greater purpose.
• True leadership begins with humility and a heart to serve.
• Great leaders create space for others by recognizing potential and investing intentionally.
• Growth happens when we lean into—not avoid—the challenges of leadership.
• Leadership can be lonely, so cultivating strong, supportive community is vital.
• Trusting God is the cornerstone of faithful leadership.
• Being faithful in the small things prepares us for greater responsibility and influence.

Guest Bio:
You can learn more about Missie by visiting missiebranch.com
Reflection Question:
How has God used your past experiences to prepare you for what you are doing now?
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
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In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Luke about what it looks like to walk with God through seasons of deep pain. Cheryl opens up about her journey during 2020—a year that tested her faith and relationships—and how she stayed anchored to truth. We talk about spiritual formation, navigating hurt in community, and learning how to stay with God when life gets hard. This conversation is rich, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone trying to hold on to their faith in the valley.

Main Takeaways:

• In hard seasons, lean into—not away from—community, worship, and honest reflection.
• We tend to cope with pain in various ways, often turning to unhealthy habits instead of God. 
• Healing often begins when we bring our pain into the light with God and safe people.
• God is always near, even when we feel distant from him. 

Guest Bio:
Cheryl Luke is a speaker, coach, podcast host, and seminary student pursuing her Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. She’s the visionary behind The Mosaic Life, a nonprofit equipping leaders to live with intention and purpose. With decades of leadership experience, including her role as National Director for Cultural Communities with Celebrate Recovery, Cheryl is known for her ability to foster community, create space for healing, and empower people—especially people of color—through recovery and restoration.

Reflection Question:
How might remembering the goodness of God help you be resilient in a valley season?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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