Overcoming Anxiety with Faith: Aligning your Life with God's Will
In a world where anxiety and the quest for purpose weigh heavily on our hearts, Stacy Sumereau shares a transformative perspective on finding purpose through surrender and discernment. Her journey from Broadway actress to exploring life as a nun, and ultimately embracing her roles as a wife, mother, and podcast host, reveals that true fulfillment comes not from external achievements but from aligning with God's will.
Listeners will gain insight into navigating life's uncertainties with grace and faith. They'll learn practical strategies for discerning their purpose and calling, and how to embrace their journey's twists and turns as opportunities for growth. The episode offers hope and encouragement for anyone struggling with anxiety or the pressure of finding their purpose, emphasizing that true fulfillment lies in surrendering to God's will.
Learning Points & Practical Tips:
- Surrender to Discover: The act of surrendering to God's will is the cornerstone of finding one's purpose. It involves a shift from controlling our life's direction to trusting in God's plan for us, which can alleviate anxiety and lead to peace.
- Discernment is Key: Discernment involves seeking God's will through prayer, patience, and small steps of faith. It's not about waiting for a burning bush moment but about recognizing the peace and persistence of God's call in our lives.
- Purpose vs. Calling: While purpose can be seen as the mission or the 'what' we are meant to do, calling is recognized as the 'who' calls us - which is God. Understanding this distinction can clarify our direction and motivation.
- Embrace Imperfection: Understanding that we will make mistakes but that these do not define us can free us from the fear of failure. Our mistakes can become learning opportunities that guide us closer to our purpose.
Talking Points:
- Stacy Sumereau's unique journey from Broadway actress to exploring life as a nun.
- The importance of surrendering to God's will to find purpose.
- The difference between purpose and calling, and how each shapes our lives.
- The role of discernment in navigating life's decisions.
- How facing and embracing imperfection can lead to personal growth.
- The impact of external expectations on our quest for purpose.
- The transformative power of recognizing God's love and our inherent worth.
- The challenge and beauty of aligning our lives with God's plan.
- Practical tips for individuals struggling to find their purpose or calling.
- The significance of small steps of faith in the journey towards fulfilling our purpose.
Important Links:
Jennifer's Purpose Over Possessions Book
About Stacey Sumereau
Stacey’s unique journey spans singing and acting in the Broadway National Tours of Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz, to discerning religious life on Reality TV (The Sisterhood: Becoming Nuns), to the vocation of marriage and motherhood. Stacey’s unique presentations include singing, humorous storytelling, leading worship music, and even fire-eating! Stacey has spoken at the National Catholic Youth Conference and the LA Religious Education Congress, as well as events and national conferences across the country. She hosts the Called and Caffeinated Podcast and Blog and writes for a number of platforms including Vocations and Prayer Magazine and iMom.com. You can find her at www.staceysumereau.com
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