In this episode, I talk with Cheryl Luke about what it looks like to walk with God through seasons of deep pain. Cheryl opens up about her journey during 2020—a year that tested her faith and relationships—and how she stayed anchored to truth. We talk about spiritual formation, navigating hurt in community, and learning how to stay with God when life gets hard. This conversation is rich, honest, and full of wisdom for anyone trying to hold on to their faith in the valley.

Main Takeaways:

• In hard seasons, lean into—not away from—community, worship, and honest reflection.
• We tend to cope with pain in various ways, often turning to unhealthy habits instead of God. 
• Healing often begins when we bring our pain into the light with God and safe people.
• God is always near, even when we feel distant from him. 

Guest Bio:
Cheryl Luke is a speaker, coach, podcast host, and seminary student pursuing her Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. She’s the visionary behind The Mosaic Life, a nonprofit equipping leaders to live with intention and purpose. With decades of leadership experience, including her role as National Director for Cultural Communities with Celebrate Recovery, Cheryl is known for her ability to foster community, create space for healing, and empower people—especially people of color—through recovery and restoration.

Reflection Question:
How might remembering the goodness of God help you be resilient in a valley season?

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’re applying these insights to your own life. Share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies with us on Instagram @startingplacepodcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

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