She Surrenders - The Podcast

When Ericka first confided her struggle with alcohol with a small group gathered in her church basement, she shared her addiction bravely and honestly. Her voice beckons us to walk alongside her as she navigates sobriety through the lens of her faith as a Christian woman. Today, we're honored to share the microphone with Ericka, who gives a raw and truthful account of her path from high school warning signs to the pressures of social drinking that escalated into motherhood. It's not just about the cautionary tales but finding a balance in educating without instigating rebellion, all while upholding the values that are the bedrock of our lives. Her story is one of bravery that will resonate with anyone grappling with the complexities of being open and honest as a Christian woman in recovery. The episode culminates with a look at the indispensable role of the church in nurturing spiritual growth and supporting those in recovery.
Ericka and I met when she reached out to me via Instagram last November for an interview she was working on for Christianity Today. We had a great connection immediately. We are both women of faith leading a life of sobriety, and that interview turned into a very long conversation as we shared our experiences with each other. I knew she would be a great guest on the She Surrenders podcast!
Ericka is also the author of the Book;
Reason to Return-Why Women need the Church and the Church Needs Them. We will talk a little bit more about the book here too and of course I will link the book in the notes as well. So welcome Ericka, I am so glad we finally made this happen!
BIO
Ericka Andersen is a freelance writer in Indianapolis, Indiana. She's a mom of two and the author of Reason to Return and Leaving Cloud 9 https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Cloud-Resurrected-Poverty-Illness/dp/1400208270. You can follow her on Instagram @ericka_andersen and learn more at ErickaAndersen.com
Book Links
By Ericka Andersen:
Reason to Return-Why Women need the Church and the Church Needs Women.
http://reasontoreturn.co/
Leaving Cloud Nine-The True Story of a Life Resurrected from the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma, and Mental Illness
https://amzn.to/3xh5XSI

Mentioned in the Podcast
Downstairs Church -Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery by Caroline Beidler
https://amzn.to/43DlhVu
Sober Spirituality-The Joy of a Mindful Relationship with Alcohol https://amzn.to/3xcVuYt
*note from Sherry
"I have not personally read the books Mentioned in the Podcast so I do not place them here as a personal recommendation but as a resource for you to pursue as they were mentioned by our guest. I do plan on reading them myself but at the time of publication of this podcast I have not. "

On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!

When Juliana Page shared her powerful testimony of overcoming addiction through faith-based recovery, it felt like a beacon of hope was lit within our hearts. Her story, one of surrender to a higher power and the subsequent healing transformation illustrates the often ignored intricacies of addiction—the self-sabotage and the escape from our deep-seated issues of codependency and a troubled upbringing. This episode journeys with Juliana as she reflects on her path of self-awareness, spirituality and how faith can lead to liberation from the chains that bind us.
Juliana Page shares her powerful testimony of overcoming the challenges of growing up with addiction in her home —the escape from the deep-seated issues of codependency and an eating disorder. This episode journeys with Julianaas, where she reflects on her path of self-awareness and spirituality and how faith can lead to liberation from the chains that bind us.
Juliana opens up about the silent yet tumultuous battle with her eating disorder, the isolation that stems from not indulging in the typical college lifestyle, the deceptive nature of high-functioning afflictions, and the internal chaos that can consume one's sense of self. Juliana gives us great insight into the importance of therapy, forging genuine connections, and the deceptive nature of these disorders, providing an invaluable perspective for anyone touched by the invisible turmoil of our secret disorders and addictions.
This episode is not just a dialogue; it's a guiding light for anyone seeking to align their beliefs with their actions and use their faith to find new freedom and opportunities in a joy-filled life. I promise you will be encouraged today as you hear the joy that radiates through our conversation!
Juliana Page is a bestselling author, master-certified life coach, and minister of God's vibes. Juliana has researched and immersed herself in the professional life coaching, ministry, leadership, success conditioning, and personal development fields. From her obsession to determine what makes the difference in people's quality of life, she helps people understand their model of the world, how to change their story to change their lives, how to steward their impact, and how to discover lasting fulfillment through contributing to the world in ways far beyond themselves.Page is a leadership and self-mastery strategist for organizations, companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals. Through her proven Spirit-Driven Success Method and The God's Vibes Mastermind program, Page delivers practical wisdom and tools that empower purpose, spiritual wholeness, sustainable health, financial freedom, and relational fulfillment.

Learn more about Juliana by visiting her website.
http://www.julianapage.com/
God Vibes Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gods-vibes-connect-with-god-strengthen-your-faith-live/id1506849521
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/msjulianapage/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/msjulianapage

On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!

What happens when you surrender your addiction to God and a Community that is doing the same thing? In this episode of the She Surrenders podcast, women from the Joyful Surrender group share their deeply personal paths to recovery, illustrating the profound impact of faith and community. These heartfelt narratives underscore the critical importance of connection and faith-based support in overcoming addiction.
We delve into the feelings of shame and isolation that accompany addiction and how discovering others with similar battles can transform that experience. Through open, honest conversations, we reflect on what it means to Joyfully Surrender our addictions to God and how it leads to a life free from shame and full of fulfillment.
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On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!

What if a vivid dream could change not just your life, but the lives of countless women and children? That's exactly what happened to Susan Binkley, the founder of Blue Monarch. Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Susan as she shares her inspiring journey from a dream in 1995 to the creation of Blue Monarch in 2003. Despite having no experience in recovery work, Susan overcame her initial reluctance. Her unwavering obedience, faith, and determination led her to build a sanctuary that has reunited over 350 children with their mothers and helped women heal from severe trauma.
In this episode, Susan opens up about the miraculous ways that God equipped her to start Blue Monarch and how he continues to sustain her. Listen as Susan reflects on a pivotal moment in 2012 that taught her the importance of serving rather than fixing people, a philosophy that has been crucial in preventing burnout among her team. We also discuss her book and the wealth of resources available on her website, offering listeners a comprehensive look into her impactful work at Blue Monarch. This episode is a testament to the power of obedience, faith, and the transformative impact of serving others.
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Susan Binkley grew up in Tennessee and received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee. In addition to working as a professional artist, she owned and operated a horse farm and large boarding operation, developed unique vacation rentals, created a bakery/café, and established a granola manufacturing business. In 2003, Binkley founded Blue Monarch, a Christ-centered, long-term residential recovery program for women and their children. Blue Monarch has since become one of the most unique and successful recovery programs in the country with a strong emphasis on teaching women to parent sober and by focusing on the child’s recovery as much as the mom’s. Since 2003, Blue Monarch has served nearly 1,000 women and children and over 350 children have been reunited with their mothers who had previously lost custody.
Susan authored a collection of her personal Blue Monarch stories, “From My Front Row Seat,” which quickly became an Amazon bestseller in two categories: Inspirational Christianity and Christian Missions & Missionary Work. The stories are raw and authentic combined with surprising humor, considering the heavy subject matter.
Binkley’s awards include Women in American History Award from Daughters of the American Revolution, TIAA Difference Maker, and an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from the University of the South. Susan lives with her husband, Clay, on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee overlooking a state park.
Connect with Susan:
On Instagram: @susanbinkleyauthor
On Facebook: Susan Binkley
Website: bluemonarch.org
Links mentioned:
From My Front Row Seat: by Susan Binkley

On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!

Today on the podcast, we have my dear friend, Pam. Pam and I met in a unique way which we will share with you on the podcast. If you doubt that Divine Appointments are real, our story will change your mind.
This podcast is titled "Not By Chance" because I wrote a short story about our Divine Appointment, published in a short story book. This was also my first published writing, so it is extra special to me.
I am so grateful that Pam was willing to share her story with you here on the She Surrenders Podcast.
Thank you, Pam, you have blessed me many times in our friendship, and now all who listen will be blessed as well!

On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!