The Heart & Hustle Podcast

Episode 449: Why You May Be Feeling Exhausted in Life: Surrendering Control with Tara Sun
Date: September 9, 2025
Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman
Guest: Tara Sun

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Heart & Hustle Podcast, Evie and Lindsey sit down with author, podcaster, and Christian creative Tara Sun to deeply explore the theme of surrender—why striving for control leads to exhaustion, burnout, and anxiety, and how releasing control opens the door to a more peaceful, faith-driven life. With warmth and humor, the conversation dives into the tension between personal ambition and spiritual surrender, how to practically relinquish control, recognizing red flags of control issues, and how busy entrepreneurs can make true space for God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Meet Tara Sun ([05:00])

• Tara introduces herself: Oregon-based, married to her high school sweetheart, mom of two boys, Christian author, digital artist, and host of the Truth Talks podcast.
• Her mission: “I love helping women do three things: know God's word, love God's word, and live God's word.” — Tara ([05:37])

The Universal Problem of Control ([07:21])

• Tara’s book “Surrender Your Story” was born out of lifelong struggles with control, heightened by a chronic illness diagnosed at age 14.
• She describes how Christians, especially entrepreneurs and moms, often white-knuckle their plans, clashing with biblical surrender.

“We all love to live with such clenched fists over our lives. Meaning, we have our dreams, we have our desires, we have our plans… but… the Bible tells us that God is the one who's in control and that he's sovereign and that he's the one who makes our plans. So how do we live with that tension?” — Tara ([07:50])

When Control Meets Burnout ([10:57])

• Tara details how her illness forced her off her “career girl boss” track and into a place of dependence and humility.
• She highlights how trying to be everything—to family, business, etc.—eventually leads to “feeling distant from God, physical burnout, and overwhelm.”

“Even though a lot of our desires and dreams for our lives may be good… sometimes that still doesn’t mean that's part of God's plan for your life.” — Tara ([12:37])

What Does Surrender Actually Mean? ([13:41])

• Tara bases her framework for surrender on Luke 9:23: Take up your cross, deny yourself, and follow Jesus—daily.
• Surrender is:
  • Being open to suffering & hard things
  • Denying personal control, but not erasing your quirks or desires
  • Actively following where God is leading, step-by-step

“Surrender is not only what he calls us to do, but he laid the example… Jesus made the ultimate surrender for us on the cross.” — Tara ([14:44])

• Practical step: Begin each day with, “Lord, I love you, I surrender to you, I’m gonna follow you today.” ([16:40])
• Surrender is a daily, continual process; not once-and-done.

Surrender vs. Free Will and Decision-Making ([19:43])

• The conversation unpacks how surrender does not mean passivity or never making decisions.
• True surrender is active: consulting God, prayer, and using God-given wisdom, especially for “big moves.”

“When it comes down to those big decisions… that’s when you need to be like, ‘Okay, Lord, I'm not gonna push you out of the equation… This isn't passive.’ It's really active because you're going to Christ and saying you have control. But I also know that I have a part to play in this, too.” — Tara ([21:42])

Overcoming Fear of Surrender ([29:11])

• For entrepreneurs (and anyone), fear often blocks true surrender: What if God's plans hurt my goals or timeline?
• Tara shares honestly about her own anxiety when letting go, especially regarding business, income, and family dreams.

“We really don't understand all the time how big and how good God is. And the fact that when we let go, it’s actually when he has the ability to do the most.” — Tara ([29:34])

• Illustration: White-knuckling a rock vs. open hands. “When you open your hands to God, it’s not even necessarily that he might take that rock… but he has the capacity to give you more.” ([31:09])

Understanding and Trusting God’s Character ([35:15])

• Major insight: Difficulty surrendering often stems from misunderstanding God’s nature—thinking He’s distant, harsh, or not good.

“When we really, really struggle to surrender to God, it’s because we have a twisted view of His character.” — Lindsey ([35:16])

• Surrender is easier when we grow in relationship and see God’s true goodness.

Making Space for God in a Busy Life ([38:21])

• Tara’s upcoming book, "Overbooked and Overwhelmed," tackles the struggle of busyness and feeling too maxed out to spend time with God.
• The key? Recognizing God’s presence is always available—our task is to remove distractions and idols.

"It's our perception of God's presence that needs to be reoriented, not God's presence Himself. He is always with us." — Tara ([39:36])

• Practical advice: Evaluate your “yes” and “no” list. Saying no is not just healthy—it’s biblical and can be deeply liberating.

Biblical Rest, Hustle Culture, & Margin ([42:55])

• Slowing down creates space to commune with God and hear Him.
• “When we have that busyness, it's like we… don't even have time to hear from God.” — Lindsey ([43:53])
• Tara shares her dad’s analogy: Start a “phone call” with God in the morning—don’t “hang up” until bedtime. Fill your day with ongoing, “whisper prayers.” ([45:23])

Manifestation vs. Christian Surrender ([49:53])

• The hosts and Tara break down why secular manifestation is the opposite of biblical surrender.
• Manifestation centers on self as the ultimate power, rather than trusting God’s sovereignty.

“Manifestation is so damaging. I've fallen into it myself as a Christian… but if something does not go the way that I want it to, how do I respond? Because that shows… maybe we need a little more surrender, a little more trust of God.” — Tara ([50:34])

• Key takeaway: Healthy ambition and “girl boss” energy can work—if rooted in stewardship and constant surrender, NOT self-idolization.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You don’t have to be the problem and the solution.” — Lindsey ([56:31])
• Tara’s dad’s advice: “Start a phone call with God in the morning and hang up when you go to bed, but not anytime in between.” ([45:23])
• Candyland/Shoots and Ladders analogy for God’s “castle” and life’s many possible routes—God is with us, even if we don’t pick the “perfect” path. ([26:33])
• Tara normalizing daily struggles: “If you make the wrong move, the Lord will let you know.” ([24:10])

Practical Takeaways

For listeners feeling exhausted by life’s demands:

• Leave intentional margin in your schedule. Even 10 minutes of breathing space can remind you of your dependence on God. ([57:51])
• Practice surrender daily (“Lord, I surrender to you today…”).
• Stay in constant conversation with God—even whisper prayers while doing ordinary tasks.
• Reorient your idea of “success” and “accomplishment”—God’s metrics are different.
• Evaluate what you’re saying “yes” and “no” to; saying no can be deeply freeing.
• Know that surrender is not passivity—use your God-given gifts, consult Him prayerfully, and move forward with trust.
• When striving or hustle becomes a form of self-worship or panic, pause, and lay it down again.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:00] – Tara's background and personal intro
• [07:21] – Inspiration for “Surrender Your Story”
• [10:57] – Realizing the cost of control
• [13:41] – Biblical blueprint of surrender (Luke 9:23)
• [19:43] – Free will vs. surrender
• [24:10] – Perfectionism & red flags in control issues
• [29:11] – The fear of surrender (esp. for entrepreneurs)
• [35:15] – Understanding God’s character to deepen trust
• [38:21] – How to connect with God in a busy season (“Overbooked and Overwhelmed”)
• [42:55] – Margin, rest, and making space for God
• [49:53] – Manifestation, ambition, and surrender
• [57:51] – Tara’s practical next step: leave margin

Book Recommendations

• Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley ([60:00])
• Blessed Are the Spiraling by Levi Lusko ([60:19])

Tara’s Books & Resources

• Surrender Your Story: Available now wherever books are sold ([61:18])
• Overbooked and Overwhelmed: Releases August 5, 2025; available for preorder ([61:18])
• Free resources at surrenderyourstory.com

The Heart & Hustle Podcast Takeaway

This episode is a memorable, laughter-filled, yet deeply challenging exploration of the intersection of faith, work, and surrender for Christian women and entrepreneurs. Tara Sun offers not just theological encouragement, but highly relatable, actionable tools to step out of striving and into the peace of true dependence on God—one day at a time.

“You don’t have to be at all and do it all, because you have the power of Jesus through you. He’s the one who empowers you to do it all, because he has already done it all.” — Tara Sun ([26:24])