In this heartfelt episode, Maryellen Newell shares her deeply personal journey of walking through Alzheimer’s with her beloved mother, Esther Grace. As an only child and single mom, Maryellen opens up about the complex layers of anticipatory grief, the struggle to let go of control, and the sacred beauty found in small moments of caregiving.

We explore how grief isn’t always about death—it’s about the loss of what once was, and the quiet unraveling that comes with watching someone you love slowly fade. From navigating mental health and shifting priorities to learning how to be present in the hard and holy spaces, Maryellen offers wisdom, vulnerability, and even a few unexpected laughs along the way.

Whether you’re a caregiver, grieving a loss, or simply trying to hold on to joy in a difficult season, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and remind you that worn people are worthy.

Book Recommendations from Maryellen:These resources brought daily comfort, perspective, and healing during her journey:

📘 Grace for the Unexpected Journey: A 60-Day Devotional for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia CaregiversA beautifully written devotional with short, manageable entries that brought peace in chaotic moments. Read on Amazon »

📘 It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t UnderstandA powerful, honest book that gave Maryellen permission to feel all the things—and helped her offer herself grace. Read on Amazon »

📘 My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s CaregiverWritten by a former congressman, this memoir made her laugh, cry, and realize the importance of entering her mom’s world with compassion. Read on Amazon »

📘 The Long Goodbye: A Memoir by Meghan O’Rourke

This beautifully written memoir explores the author’s journey through the illness and eventual loss of her mother. It’s honest, poetic, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating grief, especially anticipatory grief.

Read on Amazon »

In this vulnerable episode, Deanna shares how her “yes” to God through Freedom in Christ became the turning point in a life that looked put-together on the outside but was quietly falling apart within.

She opens up about the pain of a broken marriage, the weight of codependency, and the years she spent trying to hold everything together while feeling completely alone.

Her story takes us through so much loss—her father, her ex-husband, her childhood friend, and a loved one lost to suicide—and how Jesus gently met her in each moment of grief, giving her glimpses of peace and healing she didn’t think were possible.

Through it all, Deanna discovered the freedom to stop pretending and the courage to be fully herself: perfectly imperfect.

Her message is clear—our worn places don’t disqualify us. In fact, they are often where Jesus meets us most tenderly and turns our pain into something worthy.

Connect with Deanna on Facebook or by email deannashriver05@gmail.com

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of drug use, incarceration, and references to methamphetamine. Listener discretion is advised.

John's story is a gritty, honest account of addiction, survival, and the long road toward healing. Growing up surrounded by loss and instability, drugs became his escape. In and out of jails and correctional institutions, he learned to serve—but never how to receive. Now, he's walking the difficult path of community, trying to accept the love of others and the grace of Jesus. In this episode, John shares how service work grounds him, how therapy opened his eyes, and how forgiveness and safe people have shaped his new life. His advice? Don’t let the world get you down—find the pinhole of light and reach for it.

Pastor Brenda Mason Young shares her powerful journey through the hardships of leadership, personal loss, and letting go. From a childhood affirmation that sparked her calling to navigating grief, illness, and retiring with dreams unfulfilled, she speaks honestly about resilience, grace, and trusting God when nothing goes as planned. A beautiful reminder that even when life wears us down, we are still worthy and full of purpose.

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Author of:

• Poppy’s Work Glove
• Good Enough for God
• Grace and Truth

Last Message as Senior Pastor

Stand Your Ground - Keep Shooting // The Last Arrow

Connect via email

brendamasonyoung@gmail.com

In Part 2 of Danielle’s story, we pick up in the back of a cop car—literally. From getting her mugshot taken to walking into her first AA meeting, Danielle opens up about the early, awkward, and life-changing days of sobriety. She shares how one friend's gentle nudge gave her permission to try recovery her own way, and why finding a “safe” place and people was everything.

We talk about what safety really looks like in early recovery, the lies our minds tell us when we stay silent, and the healing that happens when we speak the heavy stuff out loud. Danielle also shares how she met her sponsor, found her footing in her home group, and why she told everybody she was sober—including the bartender.

This episode is a reminder that healing happens in community, and sometimes the tiniest bit of hope is enough to walk through the door.

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Suicide Hotline #988

Velvet Rabbit: Website & Facebook Community

Contact Us: connect@velvetrabbit.org

Danielle opens up about the parts of her story she’s never fully shared—her childhood, the trauma of being sexually assaulted at 26, the pain of being in a relationship that took a serious toll on her mental and emotional health, and the drinking that led to her DUI.

This episode is raw, unfiltered, and full of moments that many survivors will recognize: silence, shame, and the deep loneliness of not knowing how to ask for help… until you absolutely have to.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, substance use, and relationship trauma.

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Suicide Hotline #988

Velvet Rabbit: ⁠Website⁠ & ⁠Facebook Community⁠

Contact Us: connect@velvetrabbit.org

Before we start sharing stories of survival, second chances, and finding worth in the mess—we wanted to take a moment to tell you who we are, why we’re doing this, and what Worn but Worthy means to us. In this intro episode, Danielle and Debbie open up about their own journeys through heartbreak, and healing. We’re not experts or influencers—just a mom and daughter who’ve been through some dark seasons and made it out the other side. This podcast is our way of holding space for stories like ours—and yours. Whether you're in the middle of your mess or looking back at how far you've come, you belong here.