Season 3, Episode 46

Title: “Life is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.”

Subtitle: Stepping Into the Call: From Surviving to Surrendering

In this transformative episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas (MDDTSpeaks) reconnects with long-time friend and fellow advocate Ashley Watkins—and what unfolds is nothing short of sacred. Together, they journey through Ashley’s powerful testimony of resilience, healing, and divine surrender.

Ashley Watkins, a spoken word poet, therapist, foster care advocate, and founder of Her Untold Stories Heard, opens up about her evolution—from surviving childhood trauma, navigating the foster care system, and enduring abuse, to stepping boldly into the woman God called her to be. In this vulnerable yet victorious dialogue, Ashley shares how she moved from living in the shadows of her pain to reclaiming her voice, redefining her worth, and helping other women heal through truth and transparency.

Key Conversation Highlights:

The journey from surviving abuse and abandonment to discovering divine identity
Choosing surrender over striving, and trusting God in the midst of uncertainty
Why healing isn’t linear—and how to stay the course when the process hurts
The importance of self-trust, faith-led obedience, and emotional accountability
Ashley’s founding of HUSH (Her Untold Stories Heard) and her mission to help women evolve through their truth
The spiritual tension of being called but not yet prepared—and what it means to wait well
The reality of mental health battles, faith fatigue, and learning how to pray when words run out

Throughout the episode, Michael and Ashley exchange reflections on surrendering ambition for purpose, embracing God’s timing, and answering the call to be light—even when life has tried to extinguish that light. Their conversation is raw, rich, and soul-deep—reminding us that our response to adversity defines our resilience.

If you’re in a season of questioning, healing, or trying to find your footing after brokenness, this episode is your invitation to stop surviving and start surrendering.

Guest: Ashley Watkins

Spoken Word Poet | Therapist | Foster Care Advocate
Founder & CEO of Her Untold Stories Heard (HUSH)

Connect with Ashley: