Katherine Sesow, Author at Unresolved Life

In the podcast episode titled “From Darkness to Light: A Journey with OCD,” host Teresa Blaes welcomes guest Marin Canaday, an author who specializes in mental illness and particularly in dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Marin opens up about her personal journey with OCD, explaining how her struggles began in junior high when she started to obsess over germs, fearing that she would inadvertently harm someone.

Marin shares that she grew up in a church environment where her father’s role as an elder heightened her sense of needing to be perfect, leading to obsessive behaviors focused on making the right choices. She reveals how, as a child, she constantly confessed her mistakes and felt a weight of expectation that contributed to her fears of not being accepted by God.

As her journey progresses, Marin discusses how she battled various obsessive thoughts throughout her adolescence and into adulthood, including a particularly challenging time after the birth of her children. She experienced debilitating fears about potentially harming her children and grappled with the intrusive thoughts that came with OCD, leading her to seek therapy and medication for help.

Marin recounts a critical moment during a hospitalization where she called out to God for peace, leading to a sense of calm that allowed her to sleep for the first time in a long while. She explains how, over time and with God’s guidance, she began to realize that her obsessive fears did not define her.

Teresa and Marin discuss the importance of opening up about mental health struggles in the church and how Marin found support from her pastor when sharing her story. Marin highlights how she was ultimately able to write two children’s books about her experiences with OCD and mental illness, using her journey to encourage others.

Throughout the conversation, Marin emphasizes the importance of faith in God and the lessons learned from her battles with OCD. She stresses the importance of seeking help and emphasizes that it is okay to have struggles while trusting that God has a plan.

To conclude, the episode encourages listeners to seek help if they are struggling with OCD or mental health issues and reminds them that God provides comfort and can help them through their darkest moments. Marin’s two books are mentioned as resources available for those dealing with similar challenges.

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In this episode of the Unresolved Life podcast, titled “The Beauty of Daily Conversations with God,” host Teresa Blaes welcomes guest Valarie Rocha, the author of “Kneeling at the Throne.” The episode focuses on the topic of prayer, exploring its significance and how it can enhance the relationship between individuals and God.

Teresa begins the episode by introducing the theme of prayer, mentioning that it is often done casually or by rote, and invites Valarie to share her insights. Valarie explains that praying is essential because it connects people with God and emphasizes that everyone is encouraged to pray in the scriptures.

The conversation shifts to discussing the importance of individual prayers. Valarie explains that prayer is an invitation to communicate with God, similar to conversing with a natural parent. She shares her personal journey with prayer, revealing her early passion for it and the calling she received to be an intercessor—a deeper form of prayer.

Valarie recounts how she initially resisted the idea of being an intercessor but later realized that such a role would allow her to connect with God’s heart. She highlights that prayer is not an extravagant or complicated practice; instead, it is an everyday conversation that strengthens one’s relationship with God.

Teresa then asks Valarie about hindrances that keep people away from praying. Valarie identifies common misconceptions, such as the feeling that God is distant or that certain topics are too sensitive to bring up in prayer. She reassures listeners that there are no topics off-limits with God and emphasizes His desire for intimacy and connection.

The discussion moves toward the Lord’s Prayer, with Valarie explaining how it provides a framework for approaching God with reverence, gratitude, and requests for guidance. She underscores the significance of respecting God’s place and recognizing the importance of connecting with Him through prayer.

As the conversation continues, Valarie discusses her favorite subject from her devotional, which frames God as the architect of our lives, constantly planning and designing our paths, and encourages believers to seek Him in prayer. She notes that building a relationship with God is about taking the time to engage in conversation with Him.

The episode concludes with Valarie addressing listeners who may not know God or understand why they should pray. She urges them to take a step of faith, invite God into their hearts, and begin a relationship with Him, emphasizing that God welcomes everyone, regardless of their past.

Teresa encourages listeners to spend time talking to God, assuring them that He can handle any situation they face. Valarie shares information about her online presence, where listeners can find more of her work. Teresa closes the episode by reiterating the importance of daily conversations with God, thanking Valarie for her insights, and reminding everyone that God is always there for them.

Teresa’s book: https://protectedbook.com

Valarie’s book: https://divine515.com