Welcome back to the Fierce Calling podcast! In this powerful episode, host Doris Swift is joined by her longtime friend and award-winning author Maria Morgan, whose latest and soon-to-be-released book, Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression, offers a faith-centered, holistic approach to healing. Maria Morgan opens up about her own journey through seasons of anxiety, depression, and psychosis—sharing how past trauma collided with present challenges and led her to some of her darkest moments.

Through raw honesty and deep vulnerability, Maria details how faith, community, and surrender to God became the keys to her freedom. Their candid conversation touches on the importance of breaking stigma, finding safe spaces to share our stories, and the transformative power of accountability and God’s love.

Whether you or someone you know has walked through similar struggles, this episode brings hope, encouragement, and a reminder that you are never alone. Get ready to hear a testimony of restoration that will challenge, inspire, and equip you to take your own next steps toward healing and rediscovering joy.

Plus! You can grab the intro and first two chapters of her new Hope Ignited book here: https://mailchi.mp/mariaimorgan.com/equip-your-church-to-address-mental-health-with-hope

Highlights From This Inspiring Conversation:

Real & Raw Story: Maria shares her journey through devastating seasons of anxiety and depression. She courageously discusses how these battles resurfaced during 2020 as she cared for her mother-in-law with dementia.
Day of Truth: The turning point came when Maria opened up to her husband and church family, experiencing unconditional love and hope. She says, “That unconditional love… was something that opened my mind to just a bit of light, which was hope.”
Healing & Surrender: Through accountability, prayer, and supportive friends, Maria found freedom. She urges us to recognize the power of surrender — letting go and trusting God.
Practical Steps: Maria emphasizes the holistic nature of healing — tending to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. She encourages accountability and reaching out to friends, reminding us we are not alone.
Hope Ignited Events: Inspired by her journey, Maria and her husband now host events to help churches support members struggling with anxiety and depression.

Connect with Maria!

Maria I. Morgan is the award-winning author of the Louie the Lawnmower children’s series and
Outrageously Fruitful, a women’s Bible study. Passionate about helping women find freedom
from anxiety and depression, her book Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and
Depression (available early 2026), offers a faith-centered, holistic approach to
healing—addressing body, soul, and spirit. Maria lives in Georgia with her husband, Steve, and
their playful pets, who bring laughter and creativity to her journey.

Website: https://www.mariaimorgan.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.morgan.10

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaimorgan/

Email: morgan.maria.i@gmail.com

What Threatens to Steal Your Joy?

Check out Surrender the Joy Stealers: Rediscover the Jesus Joy in You 6-week Bible study rooted in John 15. You can find more info at https://dorisswift.com/book/

Let’s Stay Connected!

Find my free resources including Fear Fighting Bible Verses, Simple Tips for Sharing Your Faith, Surrender the Joy Stealers, Step Out of Your Doubt and Into Your Calling ebook, and more on my dorisswift.com homepage!

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Need a Speaker for Your Next Women’s Event? Now Booking for 2026!

Check out my speaking page, grab my flyer, and let’s talk about me speaking at your next women’s event…

Thanks for Listening!

I hope this episode encouraged, inspired, and challenged you to cultivate community, live and walk in the value, purpose, and worth God gave you, and take action where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect.

If you’re looking for a speaker for your next women’s conference, retreat, luncheon, or workshop, reach out and connect with me on my speaker page at https://www.womenspeakers.com/florida/edgewater/speaker/doris-swift

Let’s have a chat about your next event!

Stay tuned for more amazing content and remember to check the show notes for all the links mentioned.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We are grateful for your continued support and encourage you to embrace the unique gifts that make you magnificently you.

I hope you’ll join me next time when I talk with another guest who is taking action where her passion, compassion, and conviction intersect …

Until then friend, have a blessed week, and I’ll talk to you soon.

With love and joy,

Doris

Transcript

Doris Swift [00:01:55]:
What is threatening to steal your joy? What is it that feels so heavy right now that you could barely stand? God has a plan, and his plan is to surrender it, surrender it to Him. It might be a prodigal, it might be a relationship, a marriage, something with your job. So many things. We have so many amazing blessings, but there are so many things...

Hope Ignited: Be Set Free From the Grip of Anxiety and Depression with Maria Morgan