In this episode, host Lara Silverman continues her “Faith in the Furnace” series with Christian life and mental health coach, author, and Unveiling Hope founder, Lori Schumaker, who shares a testimony shaped by abortion and years of shame, abusive marriage, and chronic illness (including cystinuria with severe kidney stones, Hashimoto’s, migraines, fibromyalgia, extensive food allergies, and black mold toxicity.) Lori explains how suffering deepened her relationship with Jesus, why lament is valid but getting stuck is not, and how “habits of hope,” gratitude, Scripture, and replacing lies with truth can rewire thought patterns. She discusses parenting her adopted daughter from Bulgaria with profound special needs, wrestling with God’s “no,” caregiving burdens, and how God sustains through supernatural strength and filling gaps. Lori reflects on Romans 8:28, Psalm 84, spiritual warfare, boundaries, and finding joy through surrender, disciplined choices, and God’s presence.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:49 Lori's Early Trauma
04:19 Kidney Disease Battle
06:19 Mold Illness Aftermath
08:55 Wrestling with Why
11:20 Habits of Hope
14:04 Rewiring with Truth
18:47 Suffering Deepens Faith
22:30 When God Says No
24:43 Adoption Special Needs Journey
29:17 Redefining Healing Today
31:26 Hope in Ongoing Caregiving
33:25 God Fills the Gap
34:49 Authentic Surrender
36:05 Romans 8:28 Hope
38:56 Suffering Shapes Compassion
41:05 Gospel Seeds in Pain
44:37 How God Comforts
48:21 Why Character Matters
52:12 No Good Thing Withheld
57:33 Finding Joy in Suffering
01:01:13 Where to Find Lori
01:02:52 Final Blessing

Resources and Links
Lori's book, Surrendered Hearts
Lori's Digital Bible Study: You Are Loved. Now and Forever
Lori's Digital Workbook: Discovering Your Identity in Christ
Lori's Website
Lori's Instagram
Lori's Facebook
Lori's LinkedIn

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PODCAST DESCRIPTION:

Welcome to the Singing Through Fire podcast! I’m your host Lara Silverman, and this is where we:

• Worship when it hurts
• Discuss hot takes from the furnace of affliction
• Explore a biblical theology of suffering with a side of sass and sarcasm

From lamentations to laughter, this podcast is for anyone desperate for hope who has ever asked, "Why, Lord, why?”

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe because I upload content every Tuesday and Friday!

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2nd Corinthians 4:17.