150. Loosen Your Grip: The Gift of Doubting Thomas

150. Loosen Your Grip: The Gift of Doubting Thomas

Author: Heidi Fitzsimmons - Inspirational Writer & Podcaster April 12, 2026 Duration: 16:42
Hello, beautiful! It's been exactly one week since the empty tomb—and one of Jesus's closest friends still doesn’t quite believe. If you've ever caught yourself thinking too rigidly, demanding answers on your schedule, or quietly insisting that God appear exactly as you've imagined—this episode is for you. I'm walking you back into that locked room with the disciples, and inviting you to see yourself in Thomas's story. Because rigid thinking doesn't just live in our faith life—it lives in our marriages, our careers, our friendships, and especially in the way we talk to ourselves. And sometimes, my sweet, it even wears a convincing costume and calls itself faithfulness. Inspired by John 20:19-29, we'll explore how Jesus meets us right where we are—locked doors and all—and gently invites us to loosen our grip and believe. In today's episode, we'll uncover what Doubting Thomas can teach us about softening our hearts, releasing control, and trusting God's surprises. You'll Discover: 👣 How to spot when certainty is quietly masquerading as faith 👣 Three gentle practices to loosen your grip this week 👣 Why Jesus didn't shame Thomas—and what that tenderness means for you ✨ Plus, you'll hear a heartfelt confession or two, a powerful reminder that you are a beloved child of God, and a tender prayer to help you open the door just a crack and let His light in. 📖 So, grab your tea, your Prayer Journal -  https://riselovelive.com/Prayer%20Journal & Your Life Design journal -  https://etsy.me/3Txdc1z and use PODCAST15 for 15% off any workbook! 🌿 Please Stay in Touch: 🦋 If this episode resonated with you, support the podcast and share a tea! https://buymeacoffee.com/riselovelive 🦋 Follow along on Instagram @riselovelive 🦋 Subscribe & leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!   And until next time…  Ignite inspiration, spread hope, and dance with faith.   With love, 💛 Heidi

Heidi Fitzsimmons, an inspirational writer and podcaster, hosts Radiance From Within, a space where personal growth is explored through a compassionate and multifaceted lens. This podcast gently addresses the heavy feelings of anxiety, stress, and burnout, as well as the deeper shadows of depression and a sense of unworthiness. Heidi understands the yearning for grace and personal growth that often feels just out of reach when self-confidence is lacking. Each episode serves as a practical and spiritual companion, weaving together threads from faith, self-care, and intentional self-love to help you refill your own cup. The conversations and reflections you'll hear are grounded in building a positive mindset, developing constructive self-talk, and implementing real confidence-building strategies. At its heart, this is about transforming those limiting beliefs that hold you back, affirming the powerful difference one person-you-can make. By integrating perspectives from spirituality, health, and education, the podcast offers a holistic path forward. Tune in for honest discussions that feel like a conversation with a trusted friend, all aimed at helping you uncover and embrace your own inherent strength and radiance.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Radiance From Within | Strength Through Positive Mindset | Positive Self-Talk | Confidence-Building Strategies | Transforming Limiting Beliefs
Podcast Episodes
152. When Reasons Aren't Enough: Why Me, God? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:18
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151. Are You Resistant to Change? Or Do You Fear It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:15
Hello, beautiful! Last week, we stood with Thomas in that locked room and practiced loosening our grip. But believing is one thing — stepping out is another And the minute we start to move, a sneaky new friend shows up:…
149. Trading Our Ashes for Beauty: Christ Has Risen Indeed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Duration: 7:16
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147.More Than Thankful: A Gratitude Practice for Holy Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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146. Grace in the Midst of it all [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:51
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145. Self-Compassion: Loving Ourselves with God’s Grace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:14
Hello, Beautiful! You've done the work. You've faced the valley. You've picked up your tools. You've learned to sit in the stillness. And somehow — you're still in it. If a little voice has been whispering, "What is wron…
144. Being Still with God [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:54
Hello, Beautiful! Be Still and Know that I am God.Be Still and Know.Be Still.Be. That is all He asks of us—nothing more, nothing less. He doesn't need pomp and circumstance. He doesn't need fancy prayers with fancy words…
143. Be Still: Discover God’s Peace Through Meditation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
Hello, Beautiful! Four weeks in — and today, we slow down together. If you've been gently working through this Lenten season — facing the valley, picking up your tools, building your confidence — then this episode is you…
142. Laying it Down [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:29
Hello, Beautiful! Welcome back to our Lenten Thursday devotional—faithful companionship through the middle. Last week, we talked about the weight we carry. Today, we take the next step in the journey: learning how to lay…