What does it really mean to forgive someone who has hurt you?

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Erin Dooley shares how a 500-mile Camino pilgrimage helped her navigate heartbreak, healing, and the difficult journey toward forgiveness.

Together, we explore what forgiveness is—and what it isn’t—how prayer can help us release resentment, and why healing takes time. Whether you're struggling to forgive someone else or yourself, Erin offers a faith-filled reminder that God walks with us, one step at a time.

In This Episode:

• What the Camino taught Erin about forgiveness
• Why forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting, excusing, or removing boundaries
• How prayer can soften our hearts and support healing
• Finding God’s grace in the slow, imperfect process of letting go

Reflect & Pray:
Who might God be inviting you to forgive? Bring that person to prayer this week, asking for the grace to take one small step toward healing.

Scripture to Ponder:
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” — Matthew 6:12

Connect with Erin:
Learn more about Erin and her book, A Way to Forgiveness, at erinrdooley.com.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who may need a little hope on her own journey toward forgiveness.

What if your creativity could become a conversation with God?

In this episode of Of Sound Mind and Spirit, Shelly and Lisa welcome Catholic artist Carla Quigley for a beautiful conversation about faith, creativity, prayer, and finding God in ordinary moments.

Carla, the artist behind the Of Sound Mind and Spirit logo, shares how she discovered that creating art could become a form of prayer. From paintings filled with hidden symbols of faith to doodling during Eucharistic Adoration, Carla invites us to look at creativity in a new way—not as something reserved for “artists,” but as a gift that can draw us closer to God.

The conversation also explores what happens when our plans go wrong. Carla shares the story behind one of her favorite paintings—a monstrance that began as a mistake—and how God used what she thought was a failure to create something beautiful. It becomes a powerful reminder that God can redeem our mistakes and bring beauty from the messes of our lives.

In This Episode

• How creativity can become a form of prayer
• Why making something beautiful can be an offering to God
• The connection between Catholic art and the domestic church
• How Carla uses Scripture, journaling, and doodling during Adoration
• What a “failed” painting taught Carla about God’s faithfulness
• The wisdom of the saints, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux
• How to persevere through seasons of consolation and desolation
• Finding God in ordinary, creative moments

Your Invitation

You don't have to consider yourself an artist to try this.

Set aside a little time this week to create something with God. Paint, draw, write a letter, journal, bake bread, garden, or simply make something beautiful.

Don't do it for social media. Don't worry about whether it's good enough.

Simply begin with the prayer:

“Lord, may this small act of beauty bring You glory.”

Then pay attention to what happens when creativity becomes a way of noticing God's presence.

Scripture for Reflection

“And we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.” — Romans 8:28

Find Carla Quigley

Carla Quigley is a Catholic artist whose work combines creativity, faith, Scripture, and storytelling. Find her on social media as Carla Quigley Art and explore her artwork through her Etsy shop.

Carla Quigley Art on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlaquigleyart/

Carla Quigley Art on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CarlaQuigleyArt/

Carla Quigley Art on Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarlaQuigleyArt

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have you ever experienced creativity as prayer? We'd love to hear about it.

You don't have to post your creation publicly. Share your experience with us—or with someone you love—and consider how God might be inviting you to bring a little more beauty into the world.

Email us at SoundMindandSpirit@gmail.com

If this episode encouraged you, share it with another woman who could use a reminder that God can work through her creativity, too.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, Shelly and Lisa take a thoughtful look at one of the most revolutionary ideas in American history: the belief that our rights are not granted by government but are endowed by our Creator.

In this special Independence Day episode, they explore how the Declaration of Independence reflects a timeless truth found in Scripture and affirmed by the Catholic Church—that every human person possesses inherent dignity because we are created in the image and likeness of God.

Together, they discuss why freedom and responsibility go hand in hand, what authentic Christian patriotism looks like, and how Catholics can faithfully participate in civic life while keeping Christ at the center.

Along the way, they share stories from their own family traditions, reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served our country, and offer practical ways to celebrate America's 250th birthday with gratitude, hope, and prayer.

Whether you're gathering with family, attending a hometown parade, or simply reflecting on the blessings of liberty, we hope this conversation inspires you to celebrate with grateful hearts and renewed commitment to the common good.

In This Episode

• Why America's founding was revolutionary
• What it means that our rights are "endowed by our Creator"
• Human dignity as the foundation of authentic human rights
• The connection between the Declaration of Independence and Catholic teaching
• Why freedom requires virtue and responsibility
• What healthy Christian patriotism is—and what it is not
• The importance of civility and respectful dialogue
• The responsibilities of faithful citizenship
• Practical ways to celebrate America's 250th birthday
• Why "God Bless America" is more than a patriotic phrase—it's a prayer

Practical Ways to Celebrate Independence Day

• Read the Declaration of Independence.
• Pray for our nation and its leaders.
• Attend a community celebration or parade.
• Thank a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, or public servant.
• Teach children about our nation's founding principles.
• Sing patriotic songs with family and friends.
• Reflect on the freedoms we often take for granted.
• Spend time in gratitude for those who sacrificed to preserve our liberties.

Questions for Reflection

• How do I use the freedoms God has given me?
• In what ways am I contributing to the common good?
• Do I pray regularly for those entrusted with public leadership?
• How can I engage with those who disagree with me with greater charity and respect?
• How can I help pass on both my faith and an appreciation for responsible citizenship to the next generation?

Memorable Quotes from This Episode

"Government doesn't create our rights. Our Creator does."

"Rights are God's gift. Responsibility is our response."

"Patriotism isn't blind loyalty. It's grateful stewardship."

"Freedom is not simply what we're free from—it's what we're free for."

"Our nation is strongest when we remember that every human person possesses a dignity no government can erase."

This Week's Invitation

As you celebrate Independence Day, take a few moments to thank God for the blessings of liberty, pray for our nation, and consider one practical way you can serve your community this week.

May we never take our freedoms for granted, and may we always use them to seek truth, practice virtue, and work for the common good.

Happy Independence Day—and may God continue to bless America!

We'd love to hear from you and get to know you!

Email us at soundmindandspirit@gmail.com

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Visit our webpage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Of Sound Mind and Spirit ⁠⁠⁠ https://soundmindandspirit.com/

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