Women Behind the Words

About Women Behind the Words

Everyone has a unique story of how the Lord has touched their hearts and shaped their journeys. The ”Women Behind the Words” podcast highlights women who have bravely navigated life’s challenges, harnessing the strength and courage to answer God’s calling. Listen to inspiring accounts of overcoming fears and achieving more than they ever imagined possible. These personal narratives will inspire, uplift, and offer hope, changing the course of history, which will affect the outcome of eternity, one heart at a time.

Publisher

deb6y

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Sept 2023

Latest episode

3 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

121 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Nov 2026

   Episode 121 - They Call Me Blessed! Trusting God in Life’s Hardest Valleys with Carolyn Inez Jones - Part 1

   Date: November 3, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Carolyn Inez Jones Story Highlights: What does it mean to call yourself blessed when life has broken your heart? And how do we keep trusting God when our circumstances are anything but what we hoped for? In this episode of The Women Behind the Words, Deb sits down with Carolyn Inez Jones to talk about her mother’s powerful memoir, They Call Me Blessed! It’s a story of faith tested by fire, love refined through suffering, and a woman who discovered that God’s Word could sustain her through one of the most painful seasons of her life. When Carolyn’s mother made the devastating discovery of her husband’s unfaithfulness, she turned to Scripture and prayer, learning to depend on God in ways she never had before. Her memoir doesn’t offer a formula for fixing life’s problems. Instead, it points readers to the One who walks with us through them. Carolyn shares the remarkable journey of bringing her mother’s book to a wider audience, including its republication in 2024 and its recognition at the Prestigious International Hope Book Awards, where it won Best Memoir of Hope and Resilience and the President’s Choice Book Award. The book’s message has also reached listeners through a two-part radio dramatization by Unshackled. This conversation goes beyond the story of a book, though. Deb and Carolyn explore the difference between simply knowing Scripture and taking God at His Word when life becomes painful. Carolyn describes how her mother found direction and comfort through daily Bible reading, prayer, and the assurance that the Good Shepherd does not abandon His sheep in the valley. Carolyn also shares a beautiful insight she gained from W. Phillip Keller’s A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Keller had been a shepherd himself, so he understood the care and responsibility involved in leading sheep. Carolyn explains how a shepherd would go into a valley first, carefully checking the way down and back before leading his flock through. What a powerful picture of our Good Shepherd! He knows the way ahead, sees what we cannot see, and invites us to trust Him as He leads us through our own valleys. Deb and Carolyn also talk about living out an authentic faith, which means walking with God in the everyday realities of life rather than just practicing outward religion. Carolyn remembers a time of financial uncertainty when God provided for her, a reminder that His care reaches into even the smallest details. Along the way, they talk about the difference between seeking godly support and sharing details that may lead to gossip, why an eternal perspective can change how we see our trials, and how to pass a living, authentic faith on to the next generation. If you are walking through a difficult season, or someone you love is struggling, this conversation offers a gentle reminder: you do not have to understand everything happening in your life to trust Jesus. His Word is dependable, His presence is real, and your hardest chapter does not have to be the end of your story. Join Deb and Carolyn for an honest, hope-filled conversation about suffering, Scripture, perseverance, and the God who remains faithful through it all. And be sure to tune in for Part 2, airing November 17, 2026. You’ll be amazed at what the Lord did for them! “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’” Matthew 19:26 (NLT) Resources Mentioned: This episode mentions Carolyn’s mother’s award-winning memoir, They Call Me Blessed!, along with A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller and Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. It also mentions Unshackled, the radio program that dramatized Inez’s story. About Our Guest: Carolyn has been a Christ follower since the age of 14, when the Lord made it clear He could be, and wanted to be, her best friend. Over the years, she has sought to hear and obey His voice by spending daily time in His Word

2. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Episode 120 - Peace for Today ~ Hope for Tomorrow: Experience Calm in a Chaotic World with Susan Panzica

   Date: October 27, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Susan Panzica Story Highlights: What if the circumstances troubling you today aren’t the whole picture? In this episode of The Women Behind the Words, Deb sits down with Susan Panzica to talk about living with an eternal perspective, learning to see our circumstances through the lens of God’s promises rather than letting our problems fill the entire view. Susan shares a memorable illustration about bird droppings on a windshield that kept her from noticing the beautiful scenery beyond, a simple reminder of how easily our difficulties capture our attention and how our perspective changes when we refocus on what is true. Together, Deb and Susan explore how we can experience God’s peace even when life feels uncertain, disappointing, or overwhelming. Drawing from Scripture, including the promise of Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, and from her own experiences, Susan explains that peace doesn’t require the absence of problems. It comes from knowing God is present with us in the midst of them. They talk through practical ways to respond when anxiety begins to take hold: recognizing our patterns of worry, redirecting our thoughts toward the truth about God, and choosing responses rooted in trust rather than fear. Susan also reminds us that eternal life isn’t only a future destination. Through the Holy Spirit, we can know God and walk with Him here and now. She closes with a beautiful story about her daughter describing worship as “holding hands with God,” a lovely picture of the closeness, comfort, and security we can experience as we walk with Him each day. This conversation is for anyone navigating anxiety, disappointment, or a season they can’t control, and for anyone longing to lift their eyes beyond the immediate trouble and find peace in God’s presence right where they are. About Our Guest: Susan Panzica is a Jewish Jersey girl who loves Jesus, her family, the ocean, and mangos. Her passion is to bring an eternal perspective to everyday life through writing, speaking, teaching, and coffee dates. Susan has published three books, numerous articles, and has contributed to several anthology books, including Guideposts and four Chicken Soup for the Soul editions. She writes the blog Eternity Café, where she shares encouraging stories of everyday life that reflect the eternal truths of God and draw passion and purpose out of the commonplace. Susan is also an advocate and the founder and Executive Director of Justice Network, which educates about human trafficking and raises support for local and global organizations. She is a founding member of the NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking and serves as the Associate Global Director for Heart of Mercy Mission, the humanitarian arm of Christian Women in Media. Book Spotlight: Peace for Today, Hope for Tomorrow is Susan Panzica’s invitation to anyone whose view of God’s promises has been clouded by worry, grief, uncertainty, or the steady pressures of everyday life. Drawing on biblical insight, personal stories, and practical encouragement, Susan shows readers how to lift their eyes beyond what is directly in front of them and discover the difference an eternal perspective can make. Through every chapter, she points to the truth at the heart of this episode: God’s presence brings peace for the struggles we face today and hope for whatever tomorrow holds. And that comfort isn’t something we have to wait for heaven to experience. It is available to us here and now. Peace for Today, Hope for Tomorrow is available on Amazon, and you can find a free download and more about Susan’s books at susanpanzica.com. Connect with Susan: Website: susanpanzica.comBlog: Eternity Café at susanpanzica.com/eternity-cafeJustice Network: justice-network.orgEmail: susan@susanpanzica.comFacebook: facebook.com/susanallenpanzicaInstagram: instagram.com/susanpanzicaBook: Peace for Today, Ho

3. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Episode 119 - The Sacred Gift of Friendship: The Beauty of Showing Up with Rosa Smith

   Date: October 14, 2026 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Rosa Smith Story Highlights: What happens when life keeps moving you somewhere new? In this episode of The Women Behind the Words, Deb welcomes Rosa Smith, a pastor's wife who serves alongside her husband, Durvell, at Grace Chapel in New York. Drawing from 46 years of marriage, many of them spent moving from post to post as a military family, Rosa shares heartfelt stories about building friendships through countless moves, finding community in unfamiliar places, and trusting God to provide the relationships we need wherever He leads us. One of the special blessings in Rosa's life is her friendship with three dear women she lovingly calls her "Ya-Ya's." For more than 40 years, these four friends have treasured a bond they hold sacred. Through changing seasons and many miles, they have been intentional about staying involved in one another's lives and nurturing the gift of their friendship. Their story is a beautiful reminder that deep, lasting friendships don't simply happen. They are gifts to be cherished, protected, and cultivated with love and purpose. Friendship can be hard to build, especially when life takes us somewhere new. A move, a deployment, a change in church, or a new season of life can leave us feeling lonely and wondering where we belong. From offering homemade treats to new neighbors to finding fellowship in churches and military communities overseas, Rosa shows that friendship often begins when someone is willing to make the first move, and that no matter where we find ourselves, God can provide people to walk alongside us. Rosa also opens up honestly about the challenges of serving others, particularly the pressures that can come with being a pastor's wife. She speaks about wrestling with feelings of inadequacy and the impact others' words can have on how we see ourselves. Together, Deb and Rosa reflect on the power of intentional friendship, speaking words that encourage and breathe life into those around us, serving from a heart of faith, and relying on God's strength rather than our own. This conversation is for anyone navigating loneliness after a move or life transition, finding community through military life and deployments, learning to see themselves through God's eyes, or trusting Him to supply the friendships and strength they need in every season. About Our Guest: Rosa Smith has been serving the Lord since she was 11 years old, and even as a teenage girl she was telling little ones about Jesus. She married her high school sweetheart, Durvell, and the two have been married for 46 years. After their wedding, Rosa joined Durvell as he served his country for 24 years, moving several times and living in both Europe and Asia. In every place they were stationed, they gave themselves to ministry, serving their church in whatever capacity was needed. Rosa has worked as a public school teacher's assistant for more than 20 years and continues teaching children through their ministry. Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, she has served on worship teams over the years wherever they were stationed and sings on the worship team today. With a deep love for people, she gives wholeheartedly in service to the Lord's kingdom. Ministry Spotlight: Today Rosa serves alongside Durvell as he pastors Grace Chapel in New York, bringing with her decades of ministry shaped on military bases and in churches across two continents. Her service has never been tied to a title. Whether teaching children, singing with the worship team, or welcoming a new family with something homemade, Rosa has made a practice of showing up for whatever a congregation needs. That same heart now shapes her role at Grace Chapel, where she continues to encourage others, invest in the next generation, and model the kind of faithful, life-giving friendship she talks about in this episode. Connect with Rosa: Rosa can be reached by email at smifamily@aol.com. Closing Thought:

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

14 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.