What happens when the life you carefully planned suddenly falls apart?

My guest today, Sarah Brown, knows what it's like to watch the future she imagined disappear. A marriage she believed would last ended in divorce, leaving her navigating heartbreak, questions about her identity, and a season of single motherhood she never expected.

But Sarah's story doesn't end in those ashes.

Sarah is the author of Even the Ashes Bloom, a memoir about heartbreak, forgiveness, faith, and the quiet ways God brings new life out of places that seem beyond repair.

In our conversation, Sarah shares how she learned to release shame, bring her honest emotions to God, and trust Him when she couldn't see what He was doing.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation is when Sarah talks about wildflowers whose seeds can lie dormant beneath the ground for years, only to bloom after a fire.

What a beautiful reminder for those of us walking through chronic illness, grief, or a season we never would have chosen. Just because we can't see something growing doesn't mean God has stopped working.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The six words that changed Sarah's life and everything she thought her future would look like
• Why forgiveness and healing don't happen overnight
• Finding refuge in Scripture when you don't know how to pray
• Sarah's BLOOM framework for growing closer to God
• How friends can carry hope for us during difficult seasons
• Learning to notice God's presence in ordinary moments

Scripture for the Season:

Psalm 57:1 (NIV)

"Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."

Psalm 121:1–2 (NIV)

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Sarah's story reminds us that when life doesn't turn out the way we planned, we don't have to figure everything out on our own. Our help comes from the Lord, even in seasons of heartbreak, uncertainty, and becoming.

Additional Scriptures Mentioned:

• Psalm 91 (NIV) — Finding shelter in the shadow of the Almighty.
• Hosea 2:15 (NIV) — God transforming a valley of trouble into a door of hope.
• Psalm 56:11 (NIV) — Choosing to trust God rather than live in fear.
• 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV) — God's faithfulness even when ours falters.
• Psalm 37:4 (NIV) — Delighting in the Lord.

Song for the Season:

"Marvelous Light" — Christy Nockels

Sarah shares how this song carried her through one of her darkest seasons. Hearing it in church reminded her that shame and heartbreak didn't have to define the rest of her story.

Listen on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Christy+Nockels+Marvelous+Light

Word of the Week: Becoming:

Becoming is the gradual process of growing into who God created us to be.

Sometimes we think growth should look like moving forward, making progress, or finally getting past whatever has been hurting us.

But as Sarah reminds us, some of the deepest changes happen beneath the surface, long before anyone else can see them.

God can still be shaping our hearts, deepening our faith, and helping us become the women He created us to be—even in seasons we never would have chosen.

Reflection Question:

What might God be growing in you during this season, even if you can't see the changes yet?

Resources Mentioned:

Meet Sarah Brown

Sarah Brown is the author of Even the Ashes Bloom, a memoir exploring divorce, forgiveness, faith, and God's work of bringing hope through difficult seasons.

Through her writing and resources, she encourages women to notice God's presence and grow closer to Him even when life hasn't gone as planned.

Website: https://sarahsbrown.com

Instagram: @authorsarahsbrown

Book: Even the Ashes Bloom — available through major online booksellers.

Sarah's BLOOM Framework

• B — Believe: Hold on to a truth from God's Word.
• L — Linger: Spend time with that truth.
• O — Observe: Notice how it applies to your life.
• O — Offer: Bring it to God in prayer.
• M — Magnify: Put what you've learned into practice.

Other Resources:

• Jesus Calling — Sarah received a copy from her sister during the first months following her divorce.
• Faith Over Fear: Trusting God Through Life's Uncertainties — a collaborative book featuring a chapter by Melissa Winters.
• The Courage to Say Yes — a collaborative book featuring Melissa's writing.

A Final Reminder:

Your story isn't over.

God can bring purpose to your pain

And somehow—even here—joy still remains.

Mentioned in this episode:

A Quick Favor

"I'm looking for 3-5 women to hop on a short, no-pressure 15-minute call with me, just to hear a little about your journey with chronic illness, grief, or a hard season, and the words you would use to describe it. No catches, no upsells, just me wanting to understand my listeners better so I can serve you well. As a thank-you, I will send you my free faith quiz, "What Is God Growing in Your Life Right Now?" If you're willing, just send me a DM on Instagram and I will set up a time that works for you."