This new issue of Leading Hearts issue goes deep. We’re pulling back the curtain on the polished, perfect Christianity that leaves us all feeling like we’re failing—and inviting you into raw, authentic faith that transforms.
COVER STORY: Dr. Gladys Childs was 13 when her innocent brother was arrested. Four years of litigation. A wrongful conviction. Decades in maximum security prison. But injustice didn’t destroy her—it forged her into the “Truth Doctor.” Today, she hosts Bare Faith and helps people break free from the lies that bind them. Her story proves: God never wastes your pain.
FEATURED ARTICLES:
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- Evict Your Emotional Squatters – Stop letting people live rent-free in your headspace (5 signs + 6 solutions)
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- 9 Sacred Gifts Pain Teaches – Why your scars aren’t weakness—they’re proof you’re stronger than what tried to destroy you
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- The Prayer That Healed Broken Bones – Linda’s gondola accident, three broken ribs, and one simple prayer that changed everything
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- When Pink Chose Me – From breast health scare to breakthrough: sometimes pink hospital gowns teach us to bloom in the cracks
PLUS: Marriage survival tools • AI without losing authenticity • Nashville worship leader on writing for hurting hearts • How one person can silence chaos • What healing really looks like • When your tired is tired of being tired
THIS ISSUE IS FOR:
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- The woman who’s done with platitudes and ready for truth
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- Anyone who thinks their scars disqualify them (spoiler: they don’t)
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- Ministry leaders needing practical tools wrapped in real stories
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- Every woman tired of pretending everything’s fine
THE PROMISE: When you finish this issue, you’ll see your painful past differently. Not as something to hide, but as sacred proof of God’s relentless love in your mess.
WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Faith & Life
Page 5 – From the Publisher: Scars & Authenticity
Linda Evans Shepherd
Page 7 – From the Editor: When Pink Chose Me
Amber Weigand-Buckley
Page 8 – Maximize Your Team’s Potential
In Memory of Linda Gilden with Linda Goldfarb
Cover Feature
Page 10 – Faith Laid Bare: God’s Relentless Love in Our Mess
Dr. Gladys Childs
Special Features
Page 14 – T.E.A.M. Up to Stay in Love
Pam Farrel
Page 21 – How One Person Can Silence the Chaos
Cynthia L. Simmons
Practical Wisdom
Page 18 – Why I’m Putting My Heart on “Do Not Disturb”
Amber Weigand-Buckley
Page 22 – Silent Stones or a Living Temple
Penelope Carlevato
Page 24 – Writing Worship for a Hurting Generation
Jasmine Christmas Brady
Page 27 – The Prayer That Healed Broken Bones
Linda Evans Shepherd
Page 28 – What Healing Looks Like
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
Page 32 – How to Use AI to Help with Online Connections
Edie Melson
Page 35 – Turning Scars into Strength
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Page 36 – Tired Is How Tired Does
Rhonda Rhea
