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What does it mean to grow where you’re planted—especially when life feels broken?

In this honest and inspiring episode, I sit down with writer and bioethicist Samantha Stephenson to hear her powerful story of chronic illness, healing, and rediscovering the grace of being human.

What began as unexplained exhaustion and pain turned into years of searching for answers, countless doctor visits, and finally, a slow journey toward real healing, both physical and spiritual. Through it all, Samantha learned what it means to surrender control, advocate for herself, and trust that God can bring life and beauty even out of suffering.

Samantha shares:

* How her struggle with autoimmune disease affected her faith, marriage, and motherhood

* The surprising connection between gardening, healing, and the spiritual life

* What she learned about pruning, perfectionism, and letting God do His work

* How she found hope when answers were slow and healing seemed impossible

* Why caring for her body became a way of honoring God’s gift of life

This conversation is heartfelt and deeply hopeful. Samantha’s story reminds us that grace is never wasted, and that God can bring new growth even in the most barren seasons.

💛 Whether you’re facing health challenges, burnout, or simply learning to rest in God’s timing, this episode will renew your hope and encourage your heart.

Download the Grace Unfiltered companion journal

Publishing tomorrow: My personal takeaways from this episode. Stay tuned for this BONUS episode!

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Culture Apothecary Podcast

Articles with health details:How I Healed My Autoimmune Disease and Transformed My Life I Thought I Was Dying--Here’s What I Learned

Author links:Choosing Human Substack Reclaiming Motherhood Book Brave New Us Podcast Author Website Grow Where You’re Planted

Samantha’s email for the nontoxic product list in progress: samantha@choosinghuman.org

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Grace in the Slow Work of Healing