4word community, we are grateful to come to you each week with content that is helpful as you navigate the successes and challenges of life. As we continue to stay apprised of the impact of COVID-19, we want you to know that we are praying for you as you navigate each day! We are grateful during this time to be an army of intercessors praying for the physical and spiritual wellbeing of our friends, our families, and for our world. If you have specific prayer requests, please send those to Irrayna, hello@4wordwomen.org, as she consolidates prayer requests for our Boards and staff to pray over each week. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

(This podcast was pre-recorded earlier this year.)

Have you ever felt inadequate? Have you ever questioned the true value you bring to the world each day? Have you ever found yourself avoiding risky situations or big “next steps” because the fear of failing was greater than the hope of succeeding? Susan Tolles, 4word’s Director of Local Groups and Member Insider, talks about the lies we all believe and how their shared foundation is fear.

Links for this episode:

• The Flourishing Life International Ministries
• Susan’s book Created to Flourish by God’s Design
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown
• “The Lies We Believe” workbook, excerpted from Created to Flourish by God’s Design
• Individual exercises:
  • Conquer Your Fears
  • Crush Perfectionism
  • Overcome Doubt
  • Claim Victory Over Shame

Guest Bio:

Susan Tolles is the 4word Director of Local Groups, overseeing the development and growth of new and existing 4word communities around the globe. She also leads the 4word: Austin Local Group. 

Prior to joining 4word, Susan developed a website for women over 50, FlourishOver50.com¸ and was a Christian Life Purpose Coach. Her passion for inspiring and equipping women to discover and live out God’s purpose for their lives led her to create a nonprofit, The Flourishing Life International Ministries, with a mission to awaken hope and significance in women who have been wounded by abuse, addiction, exploitation and poverty. 

Using her book Created to Flourish by God’s Design in workshops and conferences, Susan ministers to women in Uganda and Asia, helping them find direction and faith in God’s plan for their lives, regardless of where they live or what their circumstances are. In her hometown of Austin, Texas, Susan works closely with Red Oak Hope to provide holistic care for survivors of sexual exploitation.