About this episode

It doesn’t matter how much we achieve, or how much we do to show ourselves as worthy, haunting doubts can creep in, making us question our value and undercutting our confidence. Sometimes these feelings stem from an internal comparison with others around us, as we measure our lives against others' highlight reels.

However, there is a hope for the dark feelings we have that tell us we’re not enough, or that no one truly cares. The transformative power of God’s love encourages us to shed layers of self-doubt and replace them with an armor of self-acceptance and appreciation. In the face of this love, shame dwindles, losing its power to control our emotions and actions.  This week, actress Kerry Washington plumbs the depths of her family history to vulnerably reveal her own history, and found that she carried shame which made her feel unworthy and unlovable—which manifested into anxiety she would carry into adulthood. Through the help of therapy, prayer, and understanding her story, Kerry began vulnerably sharing her deepest secrets, and learned to love herself by letting go of shame. With a mixture of home design styling, DIY projects, and preaching from God's Word, Anh Lin has created a truly unique space on her YouTube channel, Girl and The Word. Anh recalls one of her darkest moments when she thought to herself, No one truly loves you, when she felt God comforting her and assuring her of her worth. Now, she works to help others transform spaces into healing sanctuaries of peace and reflection.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Carley Summers Upcoming interview: Kelly Lang Samaritan’s Purse: https://sampur.se/44HesSt    Kerry Washington Thicker Than Water   Anh Lin  Girl and The Word YouTube channel www.girlandtheword.com Forever Home   Interview Quotes: “I really have been on a journey to figure out how to take care of myself and provide a sense of safety for myself that helps me stay out of depression and anxiety.” - Kerry Washington  “We are each of us a child of God. We all deserve to be loved unconditionally. We are all worthy. We are no less than or no greater than any other person.” - Kerry Washington  “We don't all have the same journeys, but we do share these common human, unifying experiences of wanting to be loved, wanting to be seen, knowing what it's like to be afraid, knowing what it's like to love, knowing what it's like to have our hearts broken.” - Kerry Washington “My children and my husband are 100% proof of God to me. Each of us is a crazy, brilliant miracle, just a God blessed miracle to be here.” - Kerry Washington “My deepest relationships with God have come in my most challenging times. I think those ebbs and flows in life happen to invite us to get closer to goodness, closer to faith, closer to God.” - Kerry Washington  “I had that experience of [God] coming to me when I was at my darkest stage, when I had wanted nothing to do with Him or anything to do with any religion, He still saw His broken daughter and it broke His heart. And He reached out to me.” - Anh Lin “I generally just look at the things that surround me, such as land or paint or whatever I have within my vicinity, and I really allow the Lord to inspire me in what He wants me to do next, creative wise.” - Anh Lin  “I feel like if we are searching for that next creative project that would really glorify Him, just allow Him to inspire us in unexpected ways, and then open the Bible and see what the scriptures have to say about that.” - Anh Lin ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

More from Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

View all
  1. 1One Church's Walk With Jesus CallingIn today's Experience Jesus Calling Podcast, we'll tell the amazing story of one church and the collective impact that has been made by sharing Jesus Calling within its community. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing the incredible personal stories of members of this church, and many other Jesus Calling readers around the world...readers who have had their lives transformed. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.11 min
  2. 2A Family’s Journey Through AddictionThe Rozenburg's discuss their daily struggle as parents to a child suffering through substance abuse. For more on the Rozenburg's and other Jesus Calling stories visit JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.22 min
  3. 3Teen Siblings Honor Their Mother's LegacyBrent and Monica Wicke discuss their mother's cancer journey; remembering her strength and determination, and talk about what they are doing today to honor her legacy. To read more about how Jesus Calling is impacting communities visit JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  4. 4A Young Girl Finds Her Spiritual PathLina Finau exemplified the heart of a servant, even as she struggled with health challenges. Her life has inspired her daughter, Utther Finau, to take a similar road in pursuit of service and bringing joy to others. For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit http://JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.14 min
  5. 5Hope and Healing for a Church and Its PastorThe Community of Grapevine United Methodist Church was in turmoil.  After the sudden loss of their pastor, Associate Pastor Cindy Ryan set about to put the pieces back together for their flock. It was then that she was faced with another, very personal crisis; an unexpected cancer diagnosis. For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit the Jesus Calling Blog Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.13 min
  6. 6A Father's Wedding Gift Blesses His Daughter, Family and FriendsMike Huether, the Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota shares the walk of faith that led him to public service and the touching story of how he honored his only daughter with a very special wedding gift. For more Jesus Calling inspired stories, visit & subscribe at http://JesusCalling.com/Blog Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.18 min
  7. 7A Mother Learns to Let Go As Her Daughter GraduatesAuthor and Speaker Sherri Gragg reflects on her daughter's upcoming graduation, and the unique challenges and joys a mother faces as she and her daughter embrace a new season of life.  Sherri Gragg is the author of Arms Open Wide - A Call to Linger in the Savior's Presence.  She shares her heart as a mother who is preparing herself and her daughter for graduation; and her thoughts on what it means to "let go." Find out more about Jesus Calling for Graduates here http://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-calling-for-graduates/ -- The excerpt from this episode comes from the Dec 21st entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you." Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Happy Mother's Day!   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  8. 8The Power of Prayer: A Family Trusts God During Their Son's AccidentDeborah Jentsch and her husband practiced the habit of saying "I trust you, Jesus," daily.  This faith would be put to the ultimate test as they faced their son's devastating accident. See other inspirational Jesus Calling stories at www.JesusCalling.com/blog/category/podcast/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  9. 9Love & Respect in Marriage: Dr. Emerson EggerichsDr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. Dr. Eggerichs and his wife Sarah present Love and Respect conferences around the world. Sarah, an avid intercessory prayer warrior, loves to share Jesus Calling with others as part of her ministry as well. The excerpt from this episode comes from the July 24th entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you." Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.15 min
  10. 10Charlie Daniels: Musician, Patriot and Jesus Calling ReaderCharlie Daniels shares his journey of faith, his long-standing commitment to the military, and his passion for Jesus Calling. The excerpt from this episode comes from the April 19th entry: " Stay conscious of My loving Presence...and I will direct your steps." Visit JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.17 min
  11. 11Bicycling Across USA Supporting Children in NeedWith hopes to give back to local children, Fargo teacher, Paul Shol is cycling across the country, raising money for education, and sharing Jesus Calling along the way. The Jesus Calling excerpt for this podcast comes from the Audiobook for June 13th: "I am creating something new in you, a bubbling spirit of joy that spills over in others’ lives. Do not mistake this joy for your own, or try to take credit for it in any way. Instead, watch in delight as my spirit flows through you to bless others. Let yourself become a reservoir of the Spirit’s fruit. "Your part is to live close to me, open to all that I am doing in you. Don’t try to control the streaming of my spirit through you. Just keep focusing on me as we walk through this day together. Just enjoy my presence, which permeates you with Love, Joy and Peace." Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.12 min
  12. 12How Mom, Wife and Author Emily Ley Gave Up Trying to Be PerfectEmily Ley seemingly has it all—she’s a wife, a mother, a successful business owner and now an author.  Emily shares how she gave up always striving for perfection and found grace instead. Emily Ley is the author of Grace Not Perfection (October 4th, HarperCollins Christian Publishing) and creator of the Simplified Planner®, a tool that helps busy women everywhere simplify their lives, organize their days, and prioritize what’s truly important to them in life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.18 min

Get the Pray app

Follow Sarah Young and keep listening on your phone.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play