Unpacking Priorities and Embracing Imperfect People: Melissa Ferguson & Natalie Runion
How do simple country rhythms help us refocus our priorities, and how do we heal when church culture or our upbringing leaves us wounded?
This week, we’ll hear from Melissa Ferguson, a mother of five whose love for stories and the countryside has inspired her creative life. From her family’s Tennessee farmhouse by the mountains, she writes heartwarming romantic comedies for television and children’s books. Melissa reflects on the lessons she’s learned from farm life, family rhythms, and faith—and why at the end of the day, it all comes down to keeping what’s most important at the top of the to-do list.
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Later in the episode, we’ll hear from worship artist Natalie Runion (@raisedtostay) . Natalie grew up as a pastor’s kid watching her parents serve their church, but found herself needing to forgive certain toxic elements that had shaped her upbringing. Today, through her ministry Raised to Stay and her writing, Natalie gives us a glimpse into how she’s helping others reconcile their love for Jesus with the realities of a sometimes imperfect church culture.
00:00 - Unpacking Priorities and Embracing Imperfect People: Melissa Ferguson & Natalie Runion
02:15 - Melissa Ferguson: Moving to a Tennessee Farmhouse and Writing Stories
13:45 - Keeping What Matters Most at the Top of Your To-Do List
19:30 - Natalie Runion: Growing Up a Pastor's Kid and Healing from Church Hurt
26:10 - Raised to Stay: Reconciling Faith with an Imperfect Church Culture
33:08 - Next Episode Teaser: Teresa Bruno on Navigating Grief and Loss
33:51 - Closing Reflections & How to Subscribe
#JesusCalling #FaithStories #Devotional #ChristianPodcast #SarahYoung #DailyGrace #JesusListens #MelissaFerguson #NatalieRunion #RaisedToStay
Resources & Mentions:
– Melissa Ferguson’s website: https://melissaferguson.com/
– Natalie Runion’s website: https://natalierunion.com/
– Jesus Calling by Sarah Young: https://jesuscalling.com/books
– Explore the Jesus Calling Product Guide: http://bit.ly/JCproduct-guide
