The Interruption, Season 1, episode 9 | Promise Hill--Where Stories Heal and Hope is Redeemed

Description

Chapter 9 offers a quiet but meaningful pivot point—an invitation to stop stuffing things down and start letting truth seep in through ordinary moments.

As Mira sits with Eden’s note, steps into unexpected responsibility at the bakery, and hears Gideon’s gentle challenge, you are nudged toward your own work of healing. You'll gain permission to slow down, let buried emotions surface, and take small but real steps toward change, like unfollowing what keeps you stuck or silencing the inner critic that keeps looping shame.

You’ll be reminded that transformation doesn’t always roar in; sometimes it arrives through a letter, a flower, or a sentence that lands just right. By the end, you will walk away with a clearer sense that healing is layered, communal, and already unfolding in your own story, one quiet moment at a time.

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*Disclaimer: All the characters in Promise Hill are AI. The storyline is mine, but the videos, photos, and voices are AI (except mine, I'm real :-) ). I understand some people want nothing to do with AI and even feel it is evil, and I respect that, and I encourage you to stick to your boundaries. What that means for us is that this podcast is not for you. There are lots of great podcasts out there that do not use AI. Support them. Bless you!

For those who do not mind AI, I use AI as voice and performing actors to illustrate a story. The storyline is mine, and I developed the characters as I saw them in my head. As a Christian, I have complete peace using AI in this way.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Welcome back to Promise Hill, where every corner of this quiet town holds a story waiting to be discovered. Hello, I'm your host, Kimberlee Herman. Today we find Mira caught between the past and what lies ahead. But she's not the only one navigating the roads of change. Others are on their own journeys too, and somehow their paths are starting to cross in ways that might just bring the answers they've all been searching for. Let's listen in.
Speaker #1
Mira sat down with the basket that Grandma Eden left for her a few days ago. She wanted to savor the note and things she left. She sat cross-legged on her couch. Eden's letter and soul care steps unfolded on her lap, and the dried flower resting gently across the pages like a bookmark from another life. The words were tender, full of Eden's voice, which somehow lingered between the loops of her cursive and the pressed petals. Mira's fingers traced the lines of the thoughtful note, hearing Grandma Eden's voice as she read her words.
Speaker #2
Dearest Mira, this is a passion flower. Peculiar little thing, isn't it? The first time I saw one, someone said it mirrored Jesus' sacrifice. I thought, well, that's a stretch, and just admired its beauty. But over time, I learned it's true. Beauty can push through pain, and love can bloom from suffering. More than that, though, Google the meaning, and you will see how special the passion is. really is. I know you are just beginning your next journey and don't know if faith is something you've ever reached for. I just know that sometimes God plants something small when we least expect it. A conversation, kindness, a flower pressed between the pages of an ordinary day. No need to understand it now. Just hold it if you like. Let it be what it is. Some things grow slowly. With all my love, Grandma Eden. P.S. That dried flower bookmark? It's not just for looks, love. It's a cheeky little reminder that beautiful memories, like fine jam, can be preserved and savoured whenever you fancy. As for the word Selach tucked on the tag, I'll spill the meaning next time we chat. Till then! Be a dear and sip something hopeful from your moving-up mug. You've earned it.
Speaker #1
Mira breathed in deeply, the ache of longing and gratitude twisting together. She picked up the dried passionflower that was in the parchment paper and studied it, then began reading the soul-care steps. But a knock at the door startled her.
Speaker #3
Mira, it's Charity. Are you home?
Speaker #1
Mira startled, then quickly folded the letter. and placed the flour back in its envelope.
Speaker #4
Oh, I'm coming, Charity.
Speaker #1
Mira ran to open the door to see Charity slightly flushed and out of breath.
Speaker #3
I'm so sorry to interrupt. I tried calling, but you didn't answer. Could you come to the bakery? Real quick?
Speaker #1
Mira followed her down the cobbled lane toward the bakery. Charity unlocked the door. Inside, the scent of cinnamon and fresh cookies hung thick in the air. Charity turned with urgency in her eyes.
Speaker #3
Could you work the bakery for me? None of my other employees can come in today. It would be just for about 30 minutes on your own. Pastor Enoch is stopping by in an hour, and I need to speak with him privately. It's important. I'll show you everything you need to know.
Speaker #1
Before Mira could fully respond, she was already being shown how to ring up pastries, froth milk for lattes, and shown where the backup cinnamon rolls were stored in the walk-in fridge. Just as Mira was mastering the espresso machine, the bell above the door jingled. A tall, middle-aged man with salty short hair and a calm presence stepped inside. Charity looked up from the register and smiled gently.
Speaker #3
Pastor Enoch, I'm so glad you're here. Mira, this is Pastor Enoch, and this is Mira.
Speaker #1
Pastor Enoch gave Mira a big welcoming smile. Welcome to our little town of Promise Hill, Mira. I was told you just moved here a few months ago.
Speaker #4
Nice to meet you, Pastor. Yes, I did. You have a beautiful town.
Speaker #1
Mira felt a sense of home or something safe with Pastor Enoch. She stepped aside as Charity guided him to a table in the corner. The two sat down, their voices low, their expressions shifting in waves of emotion, sadness, relief, and a flicker of hope that shimmered at the corners of Charity's eyes.
Speaker #0
Hey, I know you! You're the lady from the park!
Speaker #1
Mira looked down to see Hope Meadowlark at the counter and smiled, the young girl who encouraged Mira to seek Grandma Eden.
Speaker #4
Hi there, Hope! What a nice surprise! What can I get you today?
Speaker #0
A warm- chocolate mint cookie, please.
Speaker #1
Mira pulled out the warm, soft cookie and handed it over.
Speaker #4
On the house. It's the least I can do for a very helpful young lady.
Speaker #2
Thanks.
Speaker #1
What's your name?
Speaker #4
I'm Mira. Thanks again for introducing me to Grandma Eden last month.
Speaker #0
You're welcome, Mira. See you later, alligator.
Speaker #1
Hope took the cookie and ran out the door. Customers filtered in steadily. Mira stayed busy, wiping counters. serving lemon scones, smiling through nerves. Every now and then, she glanced at Charity and Pastor Enoch. Something in Charity's posture suggested both the weight of something released and the strength of something surrendered. When the conversation ended and Enoch left, he waved to Mira and gave her a warm smile. It's nice to meet you, Mira. You're always welcome to visit us at church if you like.
Speaker #4
Thank you, Pastor Enoch.
Speaker #1
Charity returned to the counter with a hug.
Speaker #3
You were amazing, Mira. Thank you.
Speaker #1
Mira smiled with a new sense of purpose.
Speaker #4
It was kind of fun. Anytime you need help while I'm looking for another job, I'm your gal.
Speaker #3
Actually,
Speaker #1
Charity bit her lip.
Speaker #3
Would you be willing to work 6-2 on Saturday? I need to help the church with something. It's very important. My other employees who fill in can't come in until 2.
Speaker #4
Of course. I'd love to help.
Speaker #3
By the way, remind me of what work you're looking for.
Speaker #4
I'm searching for a marketing agency that hires people, not moving trucks.
Speaker #3
Do you know how to help small businesses grow?
Speaker #4
I sure do.
Speaker #3
Hmm. I will keep my eyes out.
Speaker #1
It was about dinner time as she wandered through town after working at the bakery. Mira ducked into the little bookstore, the lantern tucked between the bakery and the Blooming on the Hill gift shop. A colorful flyer on the front table caught her attention.
Speaker #4
Kids of all ages are invited to listen to Grandma Eden. This Saturday at noon, come listen to her newest children's book.
Speaker #1
Mira blinked with surprise.
Speaker #4
Grandma Eden wrote children's books? Of course she did. Grandma Eden has wisdom for all ages.
Speaker #1
She walked deeper into the shop, letting her fingers brush spines and paperbacks. Then she spotted him, Gideon Thorne. The rugged blacksmith, usually cloaked in soot and firelight, was sitting on a wooden chair in the back, reading, a book balanced gently in his rough hands. She tried to turn away, not wanting to disturb him, but it was too late. He looked up, their eyes met. He smiled, subtle but genuine, and waved her over. With some hesitation, she walked toward him.
Speaker #4
Hello there. I didn't peg you for a bookworm.
Speaker #1
Gideon chuckled. Don't tell the anvil. It might get jealous. Then, unexpectedly, he said, You know, strength isn't always loud. Sometimes it's sitting still when your heart wants to run. Sometimes it's letting someone else see the parts you usually hide. Mira blinked, taken aback. There was something in his voice, gravelly but kind, that struck her deeper than she expected.
Speaker #4
That's pretty profound for a Thursday.
Speaker #1
Gideon smiled. I felt you needed to hear it. He was correct. Mira did need to hear it. She was used to shutting down when things got hard. As she walked home, she wondered about Gideon's truth bomb. Maybe she should try something new. After talking to Gideon, Mira walked home. She sat down with her moving-up mug that Grandma Eden had given her and reflected on her day. Her encounter with Hope Meadowlark brought a smile to her soul. Then there's Gideon, gruff on the outside and full of wisdom on the inside.
Speaker #4
Who would have guessed he likes to hang out in bookstores?
Speaker #1
She pulled out the soul care packet. As she glanced over the packet, she began to tear up.
Speaker #0
Oh my!
Speaker #4
There are seven practicals and nine steps. This is a lot. I had no idea it was such a process. I thought I could just move on.
Speaker #1
Mira looked over the list to see if she could implement a few items quickly.
Speaker #4
Ah, yes. Number one, a practical step. Stop following Jackson and his family on social media. I can do that one right now.
Speaker #1
Mira picked up her phone and unfollowed all of them. She felt immediate peace.
Speaker #4
Okay, let me pick one more to start on.
Speaker #1
Mira flipped through the guide and looked at the steps.
Speaker #4
I choose step three.
Speaker #1
Again, she could hear Grandma Eden as if she was reading it off to her.
Speaker #2
Watch your inner dialogue. That inner critic that says, What's wrong with me? Tell her to take a seat. and listen to something new. Replace the shame with truth. I am loved, I am healing, and I am not too much or not enough. I'm just growing.
Speaker #4
I like this perspective because it's true. I am choosing to grow and not stay stuck. Okay, one more step for today. Hmm, wait, what in the world could number eight mean?
Speaker #1
In Promise Hill, everyone's story is quietly intertwining. Mira, has her own story while charity's personal life is starting to open add in gideon's unexpected wisdom and people are beginning to make their marks as mira discovers more about herself the town and its people are showing her that healing doesn't happen in isolation it's a shared experience one small step at a time oh and i heard grandma eden and kimberly are writing up a soul care guide for those that want some extra help through heartbreak take it away kimberlee.
Speaker #0
That's where we'll leave things in Promise Hill for now. Mir is starting to open up and maybe you felt something open up in you as well. Whether it was Eden's note, Gideon's quiet wisdom, or just the act of jumping in when it's easier to stuff, healing has a way of meeting us all in small, unexpected ways. So as we move in today's reflections, I want to ask, what stirred you today in the story? what moment felt a little too familiar. Grab your journal or just pause and breathe. Let's unpack it together. Your story matters here. As our narrator, Nigel, explained, did I tell you I named him? I am almost done with the first soul care guide for breakups. It's called Glowing in the Dark. If you're interested, you can email me and I can let you know when it's completed, or you can just wait. It'll be, I'm sure it'll be done by November 1st. It's a guide that I wish I had when I had my first breakup many years ago. Is it a little weird that I'm including one of my made-up characters as my co-author? Probably, but I think that's where the fun is. And that's just me. So I've decided to pull back a bit today and only give you three reflections and three actions. So it doesn't feel like it's too much for you. I felt like five each episode was a little much. And as always, with the whatever I share with you, pick one and try it out or pick a couple or ignore it. I just want to offer some different perspectives and different ideas for you. Okay, here we go. Our first reflection. Healing begins when we stop stuffing it down. Mira didn't expect to cry over a flower or a note, but grief has a way of slipping past our defenses. finding the cracks in our composure. She'd been holding it all in with her mom and her divorce and losing her job, certain it was safer that way. With the weight of unspoken memories, something finally gave way. Hear it and hold it. Psalm 34 18 reminds us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. We don't have to be polished or put together for God to come close. In fact, It's often the ache that draws him in, the very thing that ushers his nearness into our story, and that's where healing begins. Number two, we're not meant to do this alone. Charity, steady kindness, and Gideon's blunt but needed words all work together to remind Mira. God often uses people to help mend what's frayed. The simple act of being seen was its own kind of balm. Remember this when you have a friend that could use some encouragement. Hear it and hold it. Galatians 6 verse 2 says, carry each other's burdens. It's not weakness to need help, it's wisdom to receive it. In Promise Hill, healing is often passed hand to hand in warm mugs, gentle questions, in the presence of someone who refuses to let you carry it alone. Number three, small things can be sacred. The pressed flour, the handwritten note, Gideon's words in the Lantern bookstore. None of it's flashy, but all of it's holy. God often speaks through what we've overlooked, not because he's quiet, but because he's kind enough to meet us in the ordinary. Hear it and hold it. Zechariah 4, verse 10 tells us, "'Do not despise these small beginnings.'" In Mira's world, it wasn't a grand breakthrough that shifted her. It was noticing the delicate threads God had already woven through her mourning. Now she doesn't realize it's God, but you and I both know that she's starting to recognize some things. All right, let's go to our three action steps. Number one, notice what I call grace notes. At day's end, jot down three ordinary things that felt kind or hopeful. A smell, a smile, a line from a book. Training your eyes to notice the small gifts rewires how you see the day. I'm going to repeat that. Training your eyes on small gifts or grace notes rewires how you see the day. So for instance, this morning I was at a store and as I was leaving, a woman was coming in and she looked at me, she smiled and she held open the door and that just made my heart sing. So that's one grace note for today. Number two, tend your body with care. Eat something nourishing, stretch, or take a short walk without your phone. Even gentle movement or a warm drink can tell your nervous system it's safe to settle. Now oftentimes it's a lot more in-depth than that, but if you continually take care of your body and rest and give it what it needs, it can start to settle in. Number three, give yourself permission to create. Now, this was my favorite one. Press a flower, bake a simple recipe, or doodle in the margin of your notes. Small acts of making things remind you that beauty can grow right alongside the egg. Now, I have been craving something I think would be so fun, a spiritual retreat. But I've not had the time to get away. I have realized that I do have, you know, a few hours at home here and there. that I can create mini retreats at home by using the action steps that I share with you in each episode. So I plan on taking a few hours this weekend to implement some journaling, walking, and some art. I love painting, watercolors in particular, and I'm going to get out all my goodies and do that. I am planning a few days at a nearby retreat center in a few months, and I'm going to have us They're called spiritual directors. And it's just someone to meet with you to help guide you on your retreat. I think that will be super fun. And one day, I would love to run my own retreats. I just think that would be so much fun to gather with some Christian women and learn to know yourself better. Learn to walk through a breakup. So many wonderful things and incorporating some artwork and some experience things. I don't know, just I'm kind of excited about this. If this is something you'd be interested in, would you reach out to me and let me know? It just might be me, like I might be the only one that's like, yeah, let's do this. But I'm just wondering if other people are interested as well. So reach out if that is something. you're interested in. I would love to hear from you. What resources would help you and what are you struggling with? You can reach me at Kimberly spelled K-I-M-B-E-R-L-E-E. So that's Kimberly at promisehillpodcast.com or head to my website promisehillpodcast.com and you can find my contact information there. If you find this podcast channel is helpful, would you do a short little review did you know that people can find the podcasts that are needed when they have a lot of reviews. So right now, this is a new podcast. Hardly anybody knows I'm out there. But if I start getting some reviews, then that's going to let the, you know, the SEO and all that, I don't know how that works, but that will let them know that people are interested in this and it'll be easier for people to find. All right, it's time for me to pray for you. Father, thank you for the way you meet us in the middle of ordinary days, through letters that carry love across miles, flowers pressed between pages, friends who knock on the door at just the right moment. You don't wait for us to have it all together. You come close even when our hearts feel tangled. We bring you the places in us that are bruised or hidden. Teach us, like Mira, to sit long enough to feel what we've been trying to outrun. Help us trust. that your nearness is not a reward for strength, but a gift for the brokenhearted. Breathe gentleness over the spaces that ache and remind us that grief and gratitude can live side by side. Thank you for the people you weave into our stories. Keep us awake to the sacredness of small things. A cup of coffee shared, a note tucked into a basket, a story told from a front porch. Let us see how even interruptions can become invitations. how the smallest beginnings can hold the weight of something holy. And as you draw us into new rhythms, teach us to walk slowly enough to notice your hand at work. Shape us, even through the interruptions, into people who carry hope, light, and peace wherever we go. In Jesus' holy name, amen. Friends, may you find peace in the presence and hope on the hilltop. Until next time, this is Kimberlee Herman, cheering you on from Promise Hill.

Description

Chapter 9 offers a quiet but meaningful pivot point—an invitation to stop stuffing things down and start letting truth seep in through ordinary moments.

*****************************************************************************************************

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Welcome back to Promise Hill, where every corner of this quiet town holds a story waiting to be discovered. Hello, I'm your host, Kimberlee Herman. Today we find Mira caught between the past and what lies ahead. But she's not the only one navigating the roads of change. Others are on their own journeys too, and somehow their paths are starting to cross in ways that might just bring the answers they've all been searching for. Let's listen in.
Speaker #1
Mira sat down with the basket that Grandma Eden left for her a few days ago. She wanted to savor the note and things she left. She sat cross-legged on her couch. Eden's letter and soul care steps unfolded on her lap, and the dried flower resting gently across the pages like a bookmark from another life. The words were tender, full of Eden's voice, which somehow lingered between the loops of her cursive and the pressed petals. Mira's fingers traced the lines of the thoughtful note, hearing Grandma Eden's voice as she read her words.
Speaker #2
Dearest Mira, this is a passion flower. Peculiar little thing, isn't it? The first time I saw one, someone said it mirrored Jesus' sacrifice. I thought, well, that's a stretch, and just admired its beauty. But over time, I learned it's true. Beauty can push through pain, and love can bloom from suffering. More than that, though, Google the meaning, and you will see how special the passion is. really is. I know you are just beginning your next journey and don't know if faith is something you've ever reached for. I just know that sometimes God plants something small when we least expect it. A conversation, kindness, a flower pressed between the pages of an ordinary day. No need to understand it now. Just hold it if you like. Let it be what it is. Some things grow slowly. With all my love, Grandma Eden. P.S. That dried flower bookmark? It's not just for looks, love. It's a cheeky little reminder that beautiful memories, like fine jam, can be preserved and savoured whenever you fancy. As for the word Selach tucked on the tag, I'll spill the meaning next time we chat. Till then! Be a dear and sip something hopeful from your moving-up mug. You've earned it.
Speaker #1
Mira breathed in deeply, the ache of longing and gratitude twisting together. She picked up the dried passionflower that was in the parchment paper and studied it, then began reading the soul-care steps. But a knock at the door startled her.
Speaker #3
Mira, it's Charity. Are you home?
Speaker #1
Mira startled, then quickly folded the letter. and placed the flour back in its envelope.
Speaker #4
Oh, I'm coming, Charity.
Speaker #1
Mira ran to open the door to see Charity slightly flushed and out of breath.
Speaker #3
I'm so sorry to interrupt. I tried calling, but you didn't answer. Could you come to the bakery? Real quick?
Speaker #1
Mira followed her down the cobbled lane toward the bakery. Charity unlocked the door. Inside, the scent of cinnamon and fresh cookies hung thick in the air. Charity turned with urgency in her eyes.
Speaker #3
Could you work the bakery for me? None of my other employees can come in today. It would be just for about 30 minutes on your own. Pastor Enoch is stopping by in an hour, and I need to speak with him privately. It's important. I'll show you everything you need to know.
Speaker #1
Before Mira could fully respond, she was already being shown how to ring up pastries, froth milk for lattes, and shown where the backup cinnamon rolls were stored in the walk-in fridge. Just as Mira was mastering the espresso machine, the bell above the door jingled. A tall, middle-aged man with salty short hair and a calm presence stepped inside. Charity looked up from the register and smiled gently.
Speaker #3
Pastor Enoch, I'm so glad you're here. Mira, this is Pastor Enoch, and this is Mira.
Speaker #1
Pastor Enoch gave Mira a big welcoming smile. Welcome to our little town of Promise Hill, Mira. I was told you just moved here a few months ago.
Speaker #4
Nice to meet you, Pastor. Yes, I did. You have a beautiful town.
Speaker #1
Mira felt a sense of home or something safe with Pastor Enoch. She stepped aside as Charity guided him to a table in the corner. The two sat down, their voices low, their expressions shifting in waves of emotion, sadness, relief, and a flicker of hope that shimmered at the corners of Charity's eyes.
Speaker #0
Hey, I know you! You're the lady from the park!
Speaker #1
Mira looked down to see Hope Meadowlark at the counter and smiled, the young girl who encouraged Mira to seek Grandma Eden.
Speaker #4
Hi there, Hope! What a nice surprise! What can I get you today?
Speaker #0
A warm- chocolate mint cookie, please.
Speaker #1
Mira pulled out the warm, soft cookie and handed it over.
Speaker #4
On the house. It's the least I can do for a very helpful young lady.
Speaker #2
Thanks.
Speaker #1
What's your name?
Speaker #4
I'm Mira. Thanks again for introducing me to Grandma Eden last month.
Speaker #0
You're welcome, Mira. See you later, alligator.
Speaker #1
Hope took the cookie and ran out the door. Customers filtered in steadily. Mira stayed busy, wiping counters. serving lemon scones, smiling through nerves. Every now and then, she glanced at Charity and Pastor Enoch. Something in Charity's posture suggested both the weight of something released and the strength of something surrendered. When the conversation ended and Enoch left, he waved to Mira and gave her a warm smile. It's nice to meet you, Mira. You're always welcome to visit us at church if you like.
Speaker #4
Thank you, Pastor Enoch.
Speaker #1
Charity returned to the counter with a hug.
Speaker #3
You were amazing, Mira. Thank you.
Speaker #1
Mira smiled with a new sense of purpose.
Speaker #4
It was kind of fun. Anytime you need help while I'm looking for another job, I'm your gal.
Speaker #3
Actually,
Speaker #1
Charity bit her lip.
Speaker #3
Would you be willing to work 6-2 on Saturday? I need to help the church with something. It's very important. My other employees who fill in can't come in until 2.
Speaker #4
Of course. I'd love to help.
Speaker #3
By the way, remind me of what work you're looking for.
Speaker #4
I'm searching for a marketing agency that hires people, not moving trucks.
Speaker #3
Do you know how to help small businesses grow?
Speaker #4
I sure do.
Speaker #3
Hmm. I will keep my eyes out.
Speaker #1
It was about dinner time as she wandered through town after working at the bakery. Mira ducked into the little bookstore, the lantern tucked between the bakery and the Blooming on the Hill gift shop. A colorful flyer on the front table caught her attention.
Speaker #4
Kids of all ages are invited to listen to Grandma Eden. This Saturday at noon, come listen to her newest children's book.
Speaker #1
Mira blinked with surprise.
Speaker #4
Grandma Eden wrote children's books? Of course she did. Grandma Eden has wisdom for all ages.
Speaker #1
She walked deeper into the shop, letting her fingers brush spines and paperbacks. Then she spotted him, Gideon Thorne. The rugged blacksmith, usually cloaked in soot and firelight, was sitting on a wooden chair in the back, reading, a book balanced gently in his rough hands. She tried to turn away, not wanting to disturb him, but it was too late. He looked up, their eyes met. He smiled, subtle but genuine, and waved her over. With some hesitation, she walked toward him.
Speaker #4
Hello there. I didn't peg you for a bookworm.
Speaker #1
Gideon chuckled. Don't tell the anvil. It might get jealous. Then, unexpectedly, he said, You know, strength isn't always loud. Sometimes it's sitting still when your heart wants to run. Sometimes it's letting someone else see the parts you usually hide. Mira blinked, taken aback. There was something in his voice, gravelly but kind, that struck her deeper than she expected.
Speaker #4
That's pretty profound for a Thursday.
Speaker #1
Gideon smiled. I felt you needed to hear it. He was correct. Mira did need to hear it. She was used to shutting down when things got hard. As she walked home, she wondered about Gideon's truth bomb. Maybe she should try something new. After talking to Gideon, Mira walked home. She sat down with her moving-up mug that Grandma Eden had given her and reflected on her day. Her encounter with Hope Meadowlark brought a smile to her soul. Then there's Gideon, gruff on the outside and full of wisdom on the inside.
Speaker #4
Who would have guessed he likes to hang out in bookstores?
Speaker #1
She pulled out the soul care packet. As she glanced over the packet, she began to tear up.
Speaker #0
Oh my!
Speaker #4
There are seven practicals and nine steps. This is a lot. I had no idea it was such a process. I thought I could just move on.
Speaker #1
Mira looked over the list to see if she could implement a few items quickly.
Speaker #4
Ah, yes. Number one, a practical step. Stop following Jackson and his family on social media. I can do that one right now.
Speaker #1
Mira picked up her phone and unfollowed all of them. She felt immediate peace.
Speaker #4
Okay, let me pick one more to start on.
Speaker #1
Mira flipped through the guide and looked at the steps.
Speaker #4
I choose step three.
Speaker #1
Again, she could hear Grandma Eden as if she was reading it off to her.
Speaker #2
Watch your inner dialogue. That inner critic that says, What's wrong with me? Tell her to take a seat. and listen to something new. Replace the shame with truth. I am loved, I am healing, and I am not too much or not enough. I'm just growing.
Speaker #4
I like this perspective because it's true. I am choosing to grow and not stay stuck. Okay, one more step for today. Hmm, wait, what in the world could number eight mean?
Speaker #1
In Promise Hill, everyone's story is quietly intertwining. Mira, has her own story while charity's personal life is starting to open add in gideon's unexpected wisdom and people are beginning to make their marks as mira discovers more about herself the town and its people are showing her that healing doesn't happen in isolation it's a shared experience one small step at a time oh and i heard grandma eden and kimberly are writing up a soul care guide for those that want some extra help through heartbreak take it away kimberlee.
Speaker #0
That's where we'll leave things in Promise Hill for now. Mir is starting to open up and maybe you felt something open up in you as well. Whether it was Eden's note, Gideon's quiet wisdom, or just the act of jumping in when it's easier to stuff, healing has a way of meeting us all in small, unexpected ways. So as we move in today's reflections, I want to ask, what stirred you today in the story? what moment felt a little too familiar. Grab your journal or just pause and breathe. Let's unpack it together. Your story matters here. As our narrator, Nigel, explained, did I tell you I named him? I am almost done with the first soul care guide for breakups. It's called Glowing in the Dark. If you're interested, you can email me and I can let you know when it's completed, or you can just wait. It'll be, I'm sure it'll be done by November 1st. It's a guide that I wish I had when I had my first breakup many years ago. Is it a little weird that I'm including one of my made-up characters as my co-author? Probably, but I think that's where the fun is. And that's just me. So I've decided to pull back a bit today and only give you three reflections and three actions. So it doesn't feel like it's too much for you. I felt like five each episode was a little much. And as always, with the whatever I share with you, pick one and try it out or pick a couple or ignore it. I just want to offer some different perspectives and different ideas for you. Okay, here we go. Our first reflection. Healing begins when we stop stuffing it down. Mira didn't expect to cry over a flower or a note, but grief has a way of slipping past our defenses. finding the cracks in our composure. She'd been holding it all in with her mom and her divorce and losing her job, certain it was safer that way. With the weight of unspoken memories, something finally gave way. Hear it and hold it. Psalm 34 18 reminds us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. We don't have to be polished or put together for God to come close. In fact, It's often the ache that draws him in, the very thing that ushers his nearness into our story, and that's where healing begins. Number two, we're not meant to do this alone. Charity, steady kindness, and Gideon's blunt but needed words all work together to remind Mira. God often uses people to help mend what's frayed. The simple act of being seen was its own kind of balm. Remember this when you have a friend that could use some encouragement. Hear it and hold it. Galatians 6 verse 2 says, carry each other's burdens. It's not weakness to need help, it's wisdom to receive it. In Promise Hill, healing is often passed hand to hand in warm mugs, gentle questions, in the presence of someone who refuses to let you carry it alone. Number three, small things can be sacred. The pressed flour, the handwritten note, Gideon's words in the Lantern bookstore. None of it's flashy, but all of it's holy. God often speaks through what we've overlooked, not because he's quiet, but because he's kind enough to meet us in the ordinary. Hear it and hold it. Zechariah 4, verse 10 tells us, "'Do not despise these small beginnings.'" In Mira's world, it wasn't a grand breakthrough that shifted her. It was noticing the delicate threads God had already woven through her mourning. Now she doesn't realize it's God, but you and I both know that she's starting to recognize some things. All right, let's go to our three action steps. Number one, notice what I call grace notes. At day's end, jot down three ordinary things that felt kind or hopeful. A smell, a smile, a line from a book. Training your eyes to notice the small gifts rewires how you see the day. I'm going to repeat that. Training your eyes on small gifts or grace notes rewires how you see the day. So for instance, this morning I was at a store and as I was leaving, a woman was coming in and she looked at me, she smiled and she held open the door and that just made my heart sing. So that's one grace note for today. Number two, tend your body with care. Eat something nourishing, stretch, or take a short walk without your phone. Even gentle movement or a warm drink can tell your nervous system it's safe to settle. Now oftentimes it's a lot more in-depth than that, but if you continually take care of your body and rest and give it what it needs, it can start to settle in. Number three, give yourself permission to create. Now, this was my favorite one. Press a flower, bake a simple recipe, or doodle in the margin of your notes. Small acts of making things remind you that beauty can grow right alongside the egg. Now, I have been craving something I think would be so fun, a spiritual retreat. But I've not had the time to get away. I have realized that I do have, you know, a few hours at home here and there. that I can create mini retreats at home by using the action steps that I share with you in each episode. So I plan on taking a few hours this weekend to implement some journaling, walking, and some art. I love painting, watercolors in particular, and I'm going to get out all my goodies and do that. I am planning a few days at a nearby retreat center in a few months, and I'm going to have us They're called spiritual directors. And it's just someone to meet with you to help guide you on your retreat. I think that will be super fun. And one day, I would love to run my own retreats. I just think that would be so much fun to gather with some Christian women and learn to know yourself better. Learn to walk through a breakup. So many wonderful things and incorporating some artwork and some experience things. I don't know, just I'm kind of excited about this. If this is something you'd be interested in, would you reach out to me and let me know? It just might be me, like I might be the only one that's like, yeah, let's do this. But I'm just wondering if other people are interested as well. So reach out if that is something. you're interested in. I would love to hear from you. What resources would help you and what are you struggling with? You can reach me at Kimberly spelled K-I-M-B-E-R-L-E-E. So that's Kimberly at promisehillpodcast.com or head to my website promisehillpodcast.com and you can find my contact information there. If you find this podcast channel is helpful, would you do a short little review did you know that people can find the podcasts that are needed when they have a lot of reviews. So right now, this is a new podcast. Hardly anybody knows I'm out there. But if I start getting some reviews, then that's going to let the, you know, the SEO and all that, I don't know how that works, but that will let them know that people are interested in this and it'll be easier for people to find. All right, it's time for me to pray for you. Father, thank you for the way you meet us in the middle of ordinary days, through letters that carry love across miles, flowers pressed between pages, friends who knock on the door at just the right moment. You don't wait for us to have it all together. You come close even when our hearts feel tangled. We bring you the places in us that are bruised or hidden. Teach us, like Mira, to sit long enough to feel what we've been trying to outrun. Help us trust. that your nearness is not a reward for strength, but a gift for the brokenhearted. Breathe gentleness over the spaces that ache and remind us that grief and gratitude can live side by side. Thank you for the people you weave into our stories. Keep us awake to the sacredness of small things. A cup of coffee shared, a note tucked into a basket, a story told from a front porch. Let us see how even interruptions can become invitations. how the smallest beginnings can hold the weight of something holy. And as you draw us into new rhythms, teach us to walk slowly enough to notice your hand at work. Shape us, even through the interruptions, into people who carry hope, light, and peace wherever we go. In Jesus' holy name, amen. Friends, may you find peace in the presence and hope on the hilltop. Until next time, this is Kimberlee Herman, cheering you on from Promise Hill.

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