*This episode mentions suicide and may be triggering for some listeners.*
This week, we hear from Niki Hardy—a writer, speaker, and coach who brings honesty and hope to life’s most difficult moments. Niki has weathered seasons of cancer, grief, burnout, and questions of faith. After transitioning from a corporate career into nonprofit and ministry work, she came to believe that life doesn’t have to be pain-free to be full.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Danette Crawford, founder of Joy Ministries. Danette shares her journey through heartbreak, single motherhood, and the challenges of starting over. She reflects on how joy is more than a feeling—it’s a deep-rooted strength—and encourages listeners to embrace service to others as a path to a more fulfilling life.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Father James Martin
Upcoming interview: Erin Leigh Nelson
Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV
The Power of Joy for Women: A 365-Day Devotional
Interview Quotes:
“I’ve left corporate life, been to seminary, moved continents, planted churches, started businesses and nonprofits, and even navigated loss, cancer, church hurt, and painful uncertainty. And through all that, I’ve come to believe God loves a cheerful doubter.” - Niki Hardy
“It’s possible to experience the full, abundant life right in the midst of all we’re enduring and to thrive, not just survive. Life doesn’t have to be pain-free to be full.” - Niki Hardy
“If I chat with God, I might not find the answers that I’m looking for, but I will find the relationship and the intimacy that I am really after.” - Niki Hardy
“When we are going through times when either life isn’t going as we hoped or expected and it’s just annoying and frustrating or when it’s deeply painful and life-altering, it’s in that place of walking and talking and chatting with God that we find peace in our hard moments.” - Niki Hardy
“We love that God is knowable, but we also have to reconcile and live in the mystery that He’s also unknowable.” - Niki Hardy
“I had to make the choice to forgive. I had to make the choice to go forward. I had to get up out of my mess.” - Niki Hardy
“We need to realize that when things change—because things will change fast—we can hang on to the truth of God’s Word. And we can hang on to our deep-rooted faith and trust.” - Danette Crawford
“It’s when we go through situations and circumstances that really shake us and test our faith and test our joy that we are faced with a decision. And I made a decision that I was going to get my happy back.” - Danette Crawford
“When you are determined to get your eyes off of yourself and go minister to others, trust me, joy will spring up in you. Focus forward, and go be a blessing to somebody else.” - Danette Crawford
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