Ruth Hovsepian and LaCinda Halls share their cherished family traditions surrounding Christmas, reflecting on the importance of small moments and memories over grand gestures. They discuss the humorous and heartfelt aspects of gift-giving, including lessons learned from past experiences. The conversation emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas, focusing on family values, faith, and the joy of giving. In this heartfelt conversation, LaCinda Halls and Ruth Hovsepian explore the true meaning of Ch...
Dec 16, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 102
In this episode of 'Out of the Darkness', Ruth Hovsepian and Tess Scott share their unique Christmas traditions, emphasizing the importance of family, relationships, and creating meaningful memories during the holiday season. They discuss the dynamics of family gatherings, the challenges of changing traditions, and the joy of togetherness, all while sharing humorous anecdotes and reflections on parenting. The conversation highlights the significance of food traditions, crafting gifts, and the ch...
Dec 09, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 101
In this heartfelt conversation, Ruth Hovsepian and C.C. Bloom explore the intersection of faith and Christmas traditions, particularly focusing on the story of Santa Claus. C.C. shares her inspiration for her book, 'The Top Secret Truth About Santa Claus,' which aims to help families navigate the complexities of Santa Claus while keeping the focus on the true meaning of Christmas. They discuss the importance of teaching children about generosity, the significance of family traditions, and the va...
Dec 02, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 100
In this episode, Ruth Hovsepian and Lori Morrison discuss the critical topic of church security. They explore the importance of creating safe environments for congregants, the threats posed by leadership complacency, and the need for a holistic approach to safety that includes emotional and spiritual well-being. Lori emphasizes the role of women in church safety, the necessity of training and awareness, and the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in safety measures. The conversati...
Nov 25, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 99
In this conversation, Ruth Hovsepian and Shara Neubert explore the significance of consistent Bible reading and the transformative power of journaling. They discuss the differences between reading and studying the Bible, the importance of engaging with various Bible versions, and practical steps for starting a journaling habit. The dialogue emphasizes the joy and spiritual growth that comes from deepening one's relationship with scripture and God. T akeaways: Consistent Bible reading is essentia...
Nov 18, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 98
In this episode of 'Out of the Darkness,' host Ruth Hovsepian speaks with Mike Chapman, a survivor of severe childhood sexual abuse, about his journey to recovery and the work he does to help other male survivors. They discuss the impact of the Me Too movement, the institutional responses to abuse, the importance of preventing abuse in communities, and empowering children through body autonomy. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about safety and sexuality to create safe sp...
Nov 11, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 97
In this episode of Out of the Darkness with Ruth Hovsepian , Ruth sits down with Scott Warren to explore what it means to live out Christian faith authentically in the marketplace. Scott shares insights on how professionals can maintain and demonstrate their faith at work, viewing their careers as a mission field. Discover practical advice on integrating faith and business, creating a positive influence, and becoming a "marketplace apostle." Whether you're just starting in your career or are a s...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 96
Have you ever wondered how reading the Bible can truly impact your life? In this episode of Out of the Darkness with Ruth Hovsepian , we dive into the transformative power of scripture and explore the profound changes that come from engaging deeply with God’s Word. From inner peace to clearer purpose, Bible reading goes beyond knowledge—it shapes your entire life. Whether you’re new to faith or looking to deepen your walk with God, this discussion offers practical insights on starting and mainta...
Oct 28, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 95
In this episode, Ruth Hovsepian draws from Proverbs 31 to discuss the profound impact of words, particularly on Christian women. She emphasizes the importance of speaking with wisdom and kindness, the responsibility of our words in shaping relationships, and practical tips for improving communication. Ruth also shares biblical examples of women who used their words wisely and encourages listeners to reflect on their speech and its effects on others. Takeaways: Words have lasting effects on relat...
Oct 21, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 94
In this episode of 'Out of the Darkness,' host Ruth Hovsepian and guest Charlie Flock discuss the controversial topic of how church leadership is shifting biblical teachings on sexuality to align with contemporary societal views. They explore the implications of this shift, share personal testimonies, and emphasize the importance of adhering to biblical truths. The conversation also addresses the church's selective approach to sin, the need for contextual understanding of scripture, and the role...
Oct 14, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 93
In this episode of Out of the Darkness, host Ruth Hovsepian and guest Malcolm Hunter delve into the significance of establishing boundaries in various aspects of life, including personal, spiritual, and relational contexts. They discuss how boundaries can protect individuals from negative influences, enhance relationships, and foster a healthier family dynamic. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being rooted in faith and the Word of God to effectively set and maintain these boundaries...
Oct 07, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 92
In this episode of 'Out of the Darkness', Ruth Hovsepian discusses the challenges of dealing with pain and suffering while finding joy and peace in Christ. She shares personal experiences of hurt and emphasizes the importance of trusting God's love, even in difficult times. Ruth provides practical steps for leaning on God, inviting community support, and understanding that suffering can lead to growth and deeper faith. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their struggles and find sol...
Sep 30, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 91
In this episode, Ruth Hovsepian and guest Earl Morrison discuss the importance of controlling emotions and reactions in both the corporate world and the church. They highlight the need for leaders in faith-based organizations to prioritize emotional intelligence and treat their roles with the same seriousness as in the business world. They emphasize the importance of accountability and setting standards in ministry, as well as the need to address negative emotions and reactions proactively and c...
Sep 23, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 90
In this episode, Ruth Hovsepian and guest Lauren Crews discuss the timeless topic of the Proverbs 31 woman. They explore how modern women can relate to and embrace the qualities described in Proverbs 31 in their everyday lives. Lauren explains that Proverbs 31 is an acrostic poem in Hebrew, with each letter representing an image and meaning. They discuss the importance of understanding the original language to interpret Proverbs 31 correctly. They also touch on the role of women in the home, the...
Sep 16, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 89
In this episode, Ruth Hovsepian interviews Jeff Pitts about the challenges the local church faces in engaging young adults. They discuss the over-politicization of the church, the disconnect between youth ministry and the transition to the larger church, and the need for authentic dialogue and mentorship. They also emphasize the importance of biblical literacy and contextual understanding of scripture. They address misconceptions about the church and the need to focus on the people rather than t...
Sep 09, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 88
In this episode, host Ruth Hovsepian speaks with Beth Runkle, a former military wife and author, about the power of God's word to transform lives. Beth shares her personal story of how she went from being bitter and struggling in her role as a military wife to finding purpose and joy through studying the Bible. She emphasizes the importance of studying the word of God for ourselves and understanding its cultural context. Beth also encourages listeners to share the transformative power of God's w...
Sep 02, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 87
In this episode, Ruth Hovsepian and Healey Ikerd discuss how to face fears and trust God more. They explore common fears encountered in counseling, the purpose of fear, and the importance of distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy fears. They emphasize the need to identify the root causes of fears and anxieties and provide practical steps to cultivate trust in God. They also discuss the misconceptions about fear and faith and the importance of making decisions based on God's truth rather th...
Aug 26, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 86
In this episode of Out of the Darkness, host Ruth Hovsepian and guest Navontae Hamp discuss finding our identity in Christ. Navontae shares his journey of growing up in church, struggling with his sexual identity, and finding redemption through God. They emphasize the importance of knowing our identity in Christ and finding it through prayer, reading the Word, and being in the presence of God. They also discuss the role of parents in helping their children find and restore their identity in Chri...
Aug 19, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 85
Debbie McNinch shares her experience of navigating life after her son came out as transgender with Ruth Hovsepian. She discusses the initial shock and the wrestling of her faith that followed. Debbie emphasizes the importance of loving and affirming her child while staying true to her faith. She talks about the challenges of dealing with societal judgment and finding her stance within the church. Ruth highlights the need for parents to love their children unconditionally while not condoning thei...
Aug 12, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 84
n this episode of Out of the Darkness, Ruth Hovsepian discusses parenting with eternal perspective with guest Terri Hitt, an experienced mom of four. Terri shares her unique journey of raising children across two generations and how her faith has shaped her understanding of parenting. They discuss the importance of relying on Christ and inhaling God's presence to exhale it onto our children. They also talk about the challenges of parenting older children and the significance of discipleship in r...
Aug 08, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 83
This episode is about starting over in Christ and the importance of building a personal relationship with Him. The guest, Karin Thompson, shares her personal journey and how she found comfort and guidance in her relationship with Jesus. They discuss the importance of fellowship and finding a church community that encourages growth. They also emphasize the need for personal discipline in prayer, reading the Bible, and renewing the mind. The conversation highlights the importance of repentance, fo...
Jul 29, 2024•31 min•Season 2Ep. 82
In this episode, host Ruth Hovsepian interviews author Karen Sherrill about her passion for helping young kids develop a relationship with God through Bible study. Karen shares how her own childhood experiences inspired her to write children's books focused on Bible study. They discuss the importance of relying on God and the impact of taking God out of schools. They also emphasize the need for parents to set an example of studying the word of God and provide practical tips for teaching children...
Jul 22, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 81
Ruth Hovsepian and Sherrie Pilkington, the host of the podcast 'Finding God in Our Pain' talk about how to find God in your pain. Sherrie shares her personal experience of unexpectedly losing her husband and how she found comfort and hope in God during her grief. They discuss the importance of being still and listening to God, the struggle of questioning God's goodness in difficult times and finding identity and contentment in Him. Sherry emphasizes the intimate and unique relationship each pers...
Jul 15, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 80
Ruth Hovsepian talks with Mackenzie Morgan about what is worship. Mackenzie is a recording artist and worship leader, about the importance of worship music in the church. Mackenzie's Facebook post about worship music went viral in 2021, sparking a conversation about the theological soundness of worship songs. They discuss the motivation behind Mackenzie's post, the role of worship leaders, and the need for discernment in choosing worship music. They emphasize the importance of grounding worship ...
Jul 08, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 79
In this episode, Lindsay Tedder shares her incredible story of battling infertility and experiencing multiple miracles in the form of unexpected babies. She discusses the challenges of infertility, the process of adoption, and the spiritual warfare that comes with it. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of surrendering control and walking in faith, even in the face of fear and doubt. She also addresses the lies and manipulation of Satan and the need for discernment in navigating difficult situatio...
Jul 01, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 78
In this episode, Ruth Hovsepian and Elizabeth Rodriguez discuss the transformative power of faith, hope, and personal growth through Bible study. Elizabeth shares practical tips on how to start or enhance Bible study routines, including repetitive reading, studying in context, and using multiple translations. They emphasize the importance of having good tools, such as Bible dictionaries and study guides, to understand the historical and literary context of the scriptures. They also discuss the s...
Jun 24, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Suzanne Stines shares her powerful and inspiring journey of faith, hope, and strength in the face of a cancer diagnosis. Her unwavering faith and reliance on prayer transformed her grief and fear into a source of peace and purpose. Through her story, she emphasizes the importance of pursuing God's presence and word every day, finding strength in the darkest moments, and trusting in His will. Takeaways Unwavering faith and reliance on prayer can transform grief and fear into sources of peace and ...
Jun 17, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 76
Rick and Jane McKinney share their extraordinary journey of walking across America to share their faith and pray for their nation. Their experiences, encounters, and unwavering faith in God led to divine appointments and opportunities to share the gospel. They also discuss the importance of being open to witnessing opportunities and the impact of their mission in various countries, including India, China, and Tibet. The conversation covers the themes of spiritual warfare, the impact of darkness ...
Jun 10, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 75
Ever wondered, "Who am I really?" You're not alone. On today's episode of "Out of the Darkness with Ruth Hovsepian," join me, Ruth Hovsepian, and my special guest, Donna Scott, a licensed marriage and family therapist, as we tackle this profound question head-on. We break down the complexities of core, given, and chosen identities, shedding light on how embracing your God-given traits and understanding your adoption into God's family through Jesus can transform your life. Rediscover the essence ...
Jun 03, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 74
Get ready to dive into a great chat with Ruth Hovsepian and her guest, Julie Sunne! This episode is all about the incredible power of prayer. They chat about how prayer can be a game-changer, especially during tough times like dealing with personal loss or parenting a child with disabilities. With a few real-life stories thrown in, they show how prayer can be a source of comfort and a pillar of strength. Ruth and Julie get real about the deep connection that prayer builds with God. They talk abo...
May 27, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 73
