Tired of trying so hard to be okay?
You're not alone.
Unwrapping Rest is for the Christian woman who loves Jesus but feels weary from perfectionism, overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list, and ready to trade striving for the lasting rest only Christ can give.
Each week, author and podcaster Dawn Tolbert shares honest stories, biblical encouragement, and practical ways to help you step off the treadmill of performance and into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Together, we'll explore what it means to trust God in hard seasons, surrender the pressure to have it all together, find hope that doesn't depend on circumstances, and discover the peace that comes from resting—not striving.
If you're faithful... and tired... this podcast is your invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that you don't have to earn God's love. You are invited to receive it.
Hosted by Dawn Tolbert, author of I'd Rather Die Than Obey: Trusting God Even When It Hurts, Unwrapping Rest offers Scripture-centered encouragement for women who long to exchange burnout for biblical hope, peace, and rest.
Learn more at DawnTolbertWrites.com.
14. Do You Feel the Need for Speed? Finding Rest in a Hurry-Driven Life
We live in a culture that constantly tells us to hurry, do more, and keep moving—but what is all that striving doing to our souls? In this episode, Dawn explores our “need for speed” and points us back to the true rest Jesus offers weary hearts.
1 Sept 2026
Mini Moment: Join the Song of the Heavens (Psalm 19)
Linger over Psalm 19 and its beautiful testimony of creation, Scripture, and the words of our own hearts. In this Mini Moment, Dawn invites us to step away from the noise and join the song of the heavens, delighting in God’s Word and resting in His goodness.
12 Apr 2026
When Waiting on God Is Really Fear | Peace Won’t Always Come Before the Step
Is it wisdom… or fear? In this episode of Unwrapping Rest, Dawn explores how we sometimes call it “waiting on God” when what we really need is courage to take the next faithful step.
27 Jan 2026
12: Raising an Ebenezer -- Remembering God's Help
In this episode of Unwrapping Rest, we reflect on the biblical meaning of Ebenezer from 1 Samuel 7—a stone of remembrance that testified, “Till now, the Lord has helped us.” Before moving forward, Scripture invites us to pause, look back, and remember God’s faithfulness.
If you’re feeling weary or reflective, this quiet episode offers space to give thanks and renew your trust in the God who has carried you this far.
29 Dec 2025
Mini Moment: “This I Call to Mind”: Hope and New Mercies (Lamentations 3)
This short Mini Moment reflects on Lamentations 3, inviting us to call truth to mind and choose hope as we begin a new year. Grounded in God’s faithfulness and new mercies, it offers space to pause, pray, and step forward resting, not striving.
21 Dec 2025
Bonus Episode — Light Dawns Devotional, Day 1
Welcome to this special bonus episode! I’m sharing Day 1 of my Light Dawns in the Darkness devotional as an audio gift to help you slow down, breathe, and focus your heart on Christ.
If you’d like to listen to the full 5-day devotional series and download the free companion PDF, visit DawnTolbertWrites.com/light-dawns-devotional.
You’ll be able to join my mailing list there and receive more hope-filled writing, devotionals, and encouragement as it’s released.
Thank you for being here. May His light meet you wherever you are today.
15 Nov 2025
11: The Only Hope That Matters: Finding True Rest and Peace
Feeling weary or overwhelmed? Let Peter’s story in Matthew 14 remind you that hope and peace are found when we keep our eyes on Jesus.
14 Aug 2025
Mini Moment: Seeking First the Kingdom (Matthew 6)
A short pause between episodes of Unwrapping Rest to realign our hearts with Jesus. In this Mini Moment, we linger over Matthew 6:25–33 and remember the call to seek first His kingdom.
30 Jul 2025
10: Hope vs. Hustle: Where Rest Really Begins
What if hope isn’t in your to-do list but in a Person? In this episode, Dawn shares how a midyear reset led to overwhelm—and a reminder that rest begins with Jesus, not striving.
5 Apr 2025
9: Grayscale & Grace: My Lent Journey to Less Distraction
In this episode, we explore Dawn Tolbert's transformative practice of "going gray" with our devices. Dawn shares her spiritual journey of switching her phone to grayscale mode, breaking free from the hypnotic pull of colorful apps designed to capture our attention.
We discuss how this simple tech adjustment creates sacred space for presence, intention, and God’s peace in our daily lives. Dawn reveals the unexpected ways this practice reconnected her with what truly matters beyond the screen.
Whether you're seeking digital balance or deeper spiritual presence in a connected world, this conversation offers a gentle, practical path forward that can be implemented today.
Read this episode in blog form at www.dawntolbertwrites.com/blog-1/the-power-of-going-gray
#SpiritualTech #DigitalDetox #MindfulLiving #ForgiveMyPollenVoice
31 Dec 2024
8: Trusting in the Trustworthy One
As this new year dawns ahead of us, my over-planner heart is really tempted to kick into high gear. But the truth is simple. God isn’t interested in me having a firmer grip on my life; in fact, he wants me to let go and trust him. Today let’s explore what it means to Trust in the Trustworthy One.
8 Mar 2024
Rest means trusting our Shield
When life's battles rage around us, we can trust God's promise to be our Shield.
28 Jan 2024
Meeting El Roi in the coffee shop
A moment from the morning of the book launch for "I'd Rather Die Than Obey" (https://eilaimpressions.com/products/preorder-id-rather-die-than-obey-in-paperback-autographed) signaled the faithfulness of God. Listen as Dawn shares this story and the encouragement it offered on her faith journey.
14 Nov 2023
Offering My Loaves & Fishes
"I'd placed the loaves and fishes into Jesus' powerful hands to use however he saw fit. Then I realized I was metaphorically browsing recipes for fish sandwiches."
20 Sept 2023
Surrendering My Splashy Mess
Reflecting on the dance of the dehumidifier and what it teaches me about soul care.
If I don’t tackle the chore of emptying the water on a regular basis, it can grow stagnant, and my office may become unbearably oppressive. That’s not unlike my heart when I don’t pour out my feelings to God and ask Him to dry up the mirky, boggy spots that have appeared.
2 Jan 2023
Resolving to Make This Our Best Year Yet
Broken resolutions. Shattered new year's dreams. This doesn't have to be our story in 2023. The answer is about taking the next important step on our journey toward rest.
22 Dec 2022
When you feel more harried and hurried than holly and jolly
Are you wrapped up in a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt? Are you feeling more harried and hurried than holly and jolly?
I have good news. God wants to give you the gift of rest, and He has something so much better than the holiday warm and fuzzies to offer.
24 Nov 2022
A Traditional Thanksgiving with a Side of Rest
Episode 001: An unplanned text started a spiral of anxious thoughts. In today's episode, Dawn Tolbert shares how this Thanksgiving hiccup was the perfect object lesson for Step 1 of Unwrapping God's Gift of Rest.
Read the full text (https://www.dawntolbertwrites.com/blog-1/traditional-thanksgiving-with-a-side-of-rest)
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