In this episode, we're celebrating the grand finale of Season Three—a season filled with transformative conversations that explored the intersection of healing, purpose, and personal growth.

Throughout this season, we’ve delved into stories that reflect the journey from silence to self-expression, the impact of generational healing, and the courageous act of facing internal fears with faith. Listeners were invited into vulnerable moments—from navigating motherhood and mental health to reinventing oneself later in life. We also examined the sacred role of storytelling as a tool for liberation and community healing.

We explored the emotional layers of masculinity, the complexities of racial reconciliation, and the strength it takes to show up as your full self—especially in the face of societal expectations. Whether through poetry, publishing, psychology, or ministry, each conversation revealed the powerful ways we can honor our truths and move forward with intention.

This season finale episode is a reflection of everything we’ve uncovered: how vulnerability can be divine, how faith can carry us through the unknown, and how stories—when shared—become bridges to deeper understanding and connection.

Here are three key takeaways from this powerful journey:

1. Embrace Vulnerability as Strength: This season taught us that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful strength. Our guests opened up their hearts, showing us that embracing vulnerability leads to growth and deeper human connections.

2. Faith Over Fear: Throughout the episodes, we learned that choosing faith over fear doesn't mean we never experience doubt. Instead, it means embracing belief despite uncertainties, reminding us of the courage required to take that first step forward.

3. Stories as Catalysts for Change: From Bethany Hawkins amplifying unheard voices to Monique Franz using storytelling as a sacred act of healing, our guests demonstrated how sharing personal narratives can spark transformation and inspire change.

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This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

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If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

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Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.