In this episode of Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by Willow Weston, whose brand-new book Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt released today, March 10. Willow shares her powerful story of how God met her in the middle of deep pain and completely transformed her life.

Growing up in a difficult environment with an alcoholic parent, Willow carried years of unspoken hurt and brokenness. By the time she reached college, the weight of those secrets had become overwhelming. But God had a different plan for her life—one that began with a “crazy Christian lady” named Cindy who simply invited Willow into her home, listened to her story, and introduced her to Jesus.

Through that relationship, Willow began asking deeper questions about faith, purpose, and healing. At 21 years old, she surrendered her life to Christ, and everything changed.

In this conversation, Willow shares how her personal healing journey led to the creation of Collide Ministries, which now serves thousands of women each year.

Together we talk about:

• Why avoiding pain actually causes more pain

• The difference between asking God for healing and participating in healing

• How unresolved hurt can impact our relationships, families, and even our physical health

• The importance of safe community and letting others carry our burdens

• Why you don’t have to have everything figured out before God can use your story

Willow reminds us of a powerful truth:

Jesus never avoided pain—He ran straight toward it.

And if you’ve been avoiding your own wounds, today might be the day God is inviting you to step toward healing.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this episode is for you.

Your healing matters.

And you are worthy of it today.

Bio:

Willow Weston is an author, a speaker, a podcast host, and the founder of Collide, a ministry impacting women nationwide. With decades of experience, Willow brings passion and truth, sharing her own journey of pain to inspire others to invite Jesus into their brokenness so they, too, can experience healing. Willow leads conferences that empower, heal, and transform women. She has authored several Bible studies, including The Birds and the Lilies; Personal and Powerful; Go Ahead; Yes, You; and Collide and Converse.

Willow loves telling stories and inviting others to share theirs. She's a spelling bee champ but loses miserably in Trivial Pursuit. She can throw a mean dinner party but is a criminal at the local library. She has a hippie name and once lived on a school bus as a kid. Willow frequents coffee shops more than she'd like to admit and sits across from hurting people in the hope that they will find help for their pain. She uses china on Wednesdays and loves making the ordinary feel extraordinary. Willow battles insecurity and old wounds every day, just like you probably do too.

She collided with Jesus in college, and He became her direction, her healer, her hope, and her rescuer. Jesus met her in her brokenness and has used her there too. She's been married for more than 30 years and has two kids who teach her more about God and life than she could ever teach them. Willow is as real as you get, obsessed with hosting parties, coffee, the beach, and a good, good story.

Anchor Verse:

Deuteronomy 30:3

Connect with Willow:

Website: https://www.willowweston.com

Ministry Website: https://wecollide.net

IG: https://www.instagram.com/willowanneweston

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