Diary of an Overcomer Podcast

When Autumn married her husband she had no idea the kind of abuse she would receive at his hands. Lots of fear and shame as she would flee from him only to return days or weeks later, until she came to Shepherd's Gate! Autumn shares her story of overcoming and what she is doing now after 7 years!

National Domestic Violence Hotline  24/7. Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
https://www.thehotline.org

Shepherd's Gate- www.shepherdsgate.org

Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 

This year, 2024, Shepherd’s Gate turns 40!! Yep, that’s right it has been 40 years since the doors of our first shelter opened and began serving women and children in the Bay Area of California. And in today’s episode we are going to be sharing the story of the original Overcomer and the founder of Shepherd’s Gate Alice Ann Cantelow, so grab a coffee, sit back and get ready to be inspired by this amazing woman’s story.

In today's episode of Diary of an Overcomer, Carol and Jen welcome Annette Bermudez to the podcast. Annette works at Patelco Credit Union and volunteers at Shepherd's Gate to teach the women how to get their credit and finances in order. This is a VITAL step in becoming an overcomer, many of the women who come to us have debt and have never been taught about credit and budgeting.

Annette shares some of the stories of the women who have gone through her program and cleaned up their credit score and learned about being on a budget. She also shares a few pieces of advice about financial stability. 

On this episode of Diary of an Overcomer, Carol and Jen discuss another tool to help you overcome hard circumstances- TRUSTING IN GOD. 

They cover-

• Trust defined
• What NOT trusting God looks like 
• What TRUSTING God looks like 

And then go on to give 5 practical ways to trust God. Take a listen and let us know what you think. 

King and Country 
"God Only Knows"
Wide awake while the world is sound asleep and
Too afraid of what might show up while you're dreaming
Nobody, nobody, nobody sees you
Nobody, nobody would believe you
Every day you try to pick up all the pieces
All the memories, they somehow never leave you
Nobody, nobody, nobody sees you
Nobody, nobody would believe you

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
God only knows how it's killing you
But there's a kind of love that God only knows

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
But God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love

You keep a cover over every single secret
So afraid if someone saw them they would leave
But somebody, somebody, somebody sees you
Somebody, somebody will never leave you

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
God only knows how it's killing you
But there's a kind of love that God only knows

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
But God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love
There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love

For the lonely, for the ashamed
The misunderstood, and the ones to blame
What if we could start over?
We could start over
We could start over
Oh, for the lonely, for the ashamed
The misunderstood, and the ones to blame
What if we could start over?
We could start over
We could start over
'Cause there's a kind of love that God only knows

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
But God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

God only knows what you've been through
God only knows what they say about you
But God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love
There's a kind of love that
There's a kind of love

God only knows where to find you
God only knows how to break through
God only knows the real you
There's a kind of love that God only knows

https://youtu.be/Q5cPQg3oq-o?si=YJqgP5jkKc_EVmUp

In this episode Carol and Jen discuss prayer. In an Overcomer's life there are certain tools that they have used in overcoming whatever obstacles were in their way. In the next three episodes we will be discussing those foundational tools. The first one we are discussing is prayer and the absolute necessity for it in the life of the believer.

In this episode Carol shares another great story about an overcomer. 

Jay was a mom trying to make ends meet while battling addiction. Every time Jay took a step forward it felt like two steps back until she ended up living in the back of her truck with her children. It took the perseverance of a woman who knew what it was like to be on the streets to help Jay find the resources she needed.  This is a story we hear all too often, but this one has a happy ending! 

In this episode, Carol and Jen are joined by Shepherd's Gate program staff, Alicia and Brittany, to discuss an innovative new recovery program called SMART Recovery.  (https://www.smartrecovery.org ) This program is not just for addictions, but is also helpful to get through unhealthy habits.

Join us and let us know what you think.
If you need prayer or have questions about Shepherd's Gate, you can email Carol at cpatterson@shepherdsgate.org. 

Betty's life started off rocky, with her dad disappearing out of her life at a young age because of his conviction as a sex offender. Carol shares her story of tragedy and triumph in this episode.

Betty's story is one we have heard often, of a rough childhood that led to poor decisions that had dire consequences that led to addictions and homelessness. But Betty's story has a happy ending because of Jesus. 

WARNING: This podcast contains a story of domestic abuse and may not be appropriate for all audiences. 

This podcast episode is a new type of episode called STORY TIME where we are simply sharing a story of an Overcomer. 

Today's Overcomer is Shay, a woman who endured 28 years of marriage to an extremely abusive man. Her story is full of hope and inspiration.

In this episode Carol and Jen discuss a new drug combination that is causing the user to experience a "zombie-like" state, rotting flesh and a painful come down, making it even harder to get off the drug.

 Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 

In this episode, Carol and Jen talk forgiveness and review the book by Lysa Terkeurst, "Forgiving What You Cannot Forget." 

From the book-
"Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of unresolved pain, playing offenses over and over in your mind? You know you can't go on like this, but you don't know what to do next. Lysa TerKeurst has wrestled through this journey. But in surprising ways, she’s discovered how to let go of bound-up resentment and overcome the resistance to forgiving people who aren’t willing to make things right.

With deep empathy, therapeutic insight, and rich Bible teaching coming out of more than 1,000 hours of theological study, Lysa will help you:

• Learn how to move on when the other person refuses to change and never says they're sorry.
• Walk through a step-by-step process to free yourself from the hurt of your past and feel less offended today.
• Discover what the Bible really says about forgiveness and the peace that comes from living it out right now.
• Identify what's stealing trust and vulnerability from your relationships so you can believe there is still good ahead.
• Disempower the triggers hijacking your emotions by embracing the two necessary parts of forgiveness."

So join us for this very important discussion on why we need to forgive and some practical ways to forgive those who have hurt you.

For prayer email Carol at cpatterson@shepherdsgate.org

Proverbs 31 Ministry
https://proverbs31.org/

Lysa's podcast on forgiveness-
https://lysaterkeurst.com/2018/07/09/six-practical-steps-to-forgive/

Proverbs 31 Daily Devotional
https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions

To Contact Carol Patterson email cpatterson@shepherdsgate.org
To Contact Jen Harp email jen@biggirlonamission.com

The views, information, or opinions expressed during Diary of an Overcomer series are solely those of the individuals, speakers, commentators, experts and or hosts involved and do not necessarily reflect nor represent those of the production, associates or broadcaster or any of its employees. Production is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in the series available for viewing. The primary purpose of this series is to educate and inform. This series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This series is available for private, non-commercial use only. The production, broadcaster or its channel cannot be held accountable for all or any views expressed during this program. If you would like to use any portion of a podcast, please contact cpatterson@shepherdsgate.org. Otherwise, all information is copyrighted.

Join Carol and Jen on this episode of Diary of an Overcomer as they welcome their guest April Poulter. April shares in this episode her story of addiction and her walk-through to recovery and understanding the 12 steps and what it means to submit your life to Jesus.

April wrote a book and you can find it on Amazon-  Peace by Piece 
For more information on Shepherd's Gate- www.shepherdsgate.org
Carol Patterson's Email- cpatterson@shepherdsgate.org 
Jen Harp's Email- jen@biggirlonamission.com

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
On this episode of Diary of an Overcomer we are so pleased to have with us  Nicole Phillips of Lavished Ministries in Florida. Nicole's heart for women in the commercial sex industry as well as those victimized by sex trafficking is amazing! Since the age of 17 years old she knew this was her calling and at 21 started Lavished Ministries with a few women from her church.

We discuss all the great things Lavished is doing and some of the myths and truths swirling through social media about human trafficking. We'd love you to join us and then let us know what you think!

https://www.lavishedministries.com

1 (888) 373-7888

National Human Trafficking Hotline

SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO")

Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Languages: English, Spanish and 200 more languages

Website: http://humantraffickinghotline.org

Episode Last Year about  Keeping Your Kids Safe From Human Trafficking
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1196825/9933688-keep-your-children-safe-from-human-trafficking.mp3?download=true

In this Christmas episode, Carol and Jen invited Mark Wollan to discuss how often we can miss the impact of Christmas when we stray from the Biblical text. It’s surprising how much of our thinking (even for Christians) is informed by Christmas carols and “traditions” about the Christmas story, that aren’t biblical.

Take a listen and see if you agree the Biblical account of Jesus' birth is so much more powerful than the Hallmark version.

Every 16.2 seconds someone takes their own life in the U.S.
That is staggering.
On this episode we talk with Marsha McInnis of NAMI Tri-Valley, an organization that helps people and families dealing with mental health issues. We talk about the rise in suicides and the various reasons, as well as discuss what we can do to help those with suicidal ideations. You won't want to miss this episode.

Marsha McInnis,
NAMI Tri-Valley
marsha@nami-trivalley.org
(925) 980-5331

Mailing Address:
NAMI Tri-Valley
164 N. L St.
Suite 104
Livermore, CA 94550


Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 

Our very exciting guest on this episode is Erin Scott.
Erin Scott is FVLC’s Executive Director. She has extensive experience as a domestic violence and sexual assault advocate, a family law attorney, and a nonprofit manager. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of UnCommon Law and previously served on the Board of Director of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and the Family Violence Appellate Project  Prior to joining FVLC, she was the Directing Attorney of Legal Advocates for Children & Youth, a program of the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, and the Director of Foundation Support at the ACLU Foundation of Northern California. She has a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.A. from Swarthmore College.

If you would like to find out more about the Family Violence Law Center visit their website at  https://fvlc.org

If you are being abused, please find a safe place to call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Our guest for this episode is Jeff Gilman the Executive Director of Redwood Gospel Mission in Santa Rosa, California. Our topic is ministering to those experiencing homelessness and Jeff's innovative  programs and services have proven to be a success in building bridges between the faith community and those living on the streets.

His experience, over almost 40 years in ministry, brings wisdom and creativity to the  "3 hots and a cot" mentality that has for so long dominated the service community to this particular population. Join us and listen to Jeff talk about what he thinks will help heal this homeless crisis, and SPOILER, it has nothing to do with just food and shelter.

To find out more about The Redwood Gospel Mission visit www.srmission.org

Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 

Stephanie was a teen mom at 16 and a widow at 35, now she is the mother of a goat rodeo, grandma to two and the Delta Area Director of YoungLife. 

In this episode we talk with Steph about the difficulties she faced as a teen mom, she shares with us the hardships of being married to a spouse who became addicted to pain medication and the heartbreak of becoming a widow. 

Through all of the ups and downs she found one thing to be true and she shares that one thing with us, as well as sharing about Young Life and the work they do with students. Come on and meet Steph, you're gonna love her!

Young Life
INVITING YOUNG PEOPLE 
TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AS
GOD DESIGNED IT TO BE LIVED.
To find out more go to https://delta.younglife.org

Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 

John Krause is a businessman, owning a successful coffee roasting business with coffeehouses in three locations throughout the Bay Area of California. 

Talking to him today, you wouldn't know he came through major heartaches as a child and began a devastating addiction in his early teens which led him in and out of jail for over 12 years, his last time was spent within the walls of the notorious San Quentin prison.

In this episode, we get to chat with John about his childhood, through addiction and incarceration, and to where you can find him today, growing a successful company. His story of overcoming is nothing short of amazing.

To find out where you can get some of John's coffee, visit www.bighousebeans.com.  

Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion. 

We have our first DOCTOR on Diary of an Overcomer!!

Dr. Brooke Keels holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy with over 15 years of direct counseling, academic, and administrative experience. Dr. Keels specializes in program design and counselor training/supervision and currently serves as the Clinical Director at Lighthouse Recovery TX, providing oversight for the standard of care across the PHP, IOP, SOP, and therapeutic programs.

She is highly educated, has loads of experience working with people suffering from addictions, loves Jesus and she is feisty and funny!! This episode is one we know you will enjoy and learn a lot from. a

In this episode, we talk about mental health and addiction,  discuss some brain chemistry and even get into a discussion about Jesus and therapy, you don't want to miss it.

SHOW NOTES
Here's the podcast we mention in this episode-
https://mercymultiplied.com/mercytalk/jesus-and-counselinghow-can-i-have-both


Editor's note: the views and opinions expressed on Diary of an Overcomer are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Shepherd's Gate.  We are also mindful that some of the personal stories featuring the word addict and other terms that some may not identify with. We respect and understand those who choose to use certain terms to express themselves. However, we strive to use language that is health oriented, accurately reflects science, promotes evidence-based treatment and demonstrates respect and compassion.