On today’s episode of Anchored by the Sword, Jessica Kastner joins us to talk candidly about walking through divorce, single motherhood, faith after heartache, and how Jesus has brought her into deeper healing and freedom. As a published author, speaker, and co-host of the “Free Failing” podcast, Jessica is no stranger to the messy middle of life — and she’s sharing it all with humor, honesty, and hope.

Jessica opens up about being a mom of three boys, navigating life after divorce, and finding intimacy with the Lord like never before. She shares how she overcame guilt, shame, and years of unhealthy attachment, and why she believes God truly gives us beauty for ashes.

If you've ever felt like your story disqualifies you — or if you're in the thick of rebuilding after brokenness — this one’s for you.

Topics Discussed:

• Jessica’s prodigal journey and how pregnancy led her to God
• Freedom found in Christ through two divorces
• Christian culture’s harmful narratives around marriage and purity
• Therapy, boundaries, and breaking cycles
• Parenting boys, co-parenting challenges, and choosing peace
• Why your divorce doesn’t disqualify you from abundant life
• The power of securely attaching to God
• Why we must normalize healing and mental health in the church

Key Quote:
"Your divorce is not your identity. It’s just part of your testimony. And God wastes nothing."

Bio:

Jessica Kastner is a published author, “Free Failing” podcast co-host, and a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. As a publicity manager at Penguin Random House’s Christian division, Jess brings a wealth of hands-on industry expertise in helping authors such as John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Tasha Cobbs Leonard spread messages of God’s love on a global scale.

When she’s not shuttling her mildly grateful teens around town, she shares her gritty, honest commentary at Jessicakastner.com. Her first book, “Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet: Finding Grace and Laughter, When Motherhood Gets Real,” by David C Cook, released July 2017.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 112

Connect with Jessica:

Website: https://jessicakastner.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/authorJessicakastner

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

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