In this soul-stirring conversation, Laura Nicholson shares her remarkable journey of finding value beyond relationship status. As Director of Second2None School Support, worship leader, and soon-to-be adoptive mum, Laura opens up about navigating church hurt, embracing singleness, and discovering her unchanging worth in God. Contrary to what many church cultures imply, Laura demonstrates how a single life can be filled with purpose, community, and impact—proving that our value isn't determined by our status but by who we are in Christ.

Laura Nicholson is the founder and director of Second to Non School Support, providing clerking services to over 150 schools across the northwest UK and beyond. Beyond her professional achievements, Laura is an accomplished worship leader and musician in her local church. She has experience as a foster carer and is currently in the process of becoming an adoptive parent. Laura's journey through performance Christianity to authentic faith offers wisdom for anyone struggling to find their place in church or society.

1. Your value transcends status - "Knowing your value in God is crucial because that's the thing that will never change. Your feelings will come and go, but your value, where you put your trust, is crucial."
2. Community heals - "Pray to God that he brings the right people to you at the right time. He doesn't want you on your own."
3. Church culture needs balance - Laura challenges the family-centric nature of many churches: "It's not about what you don't have. It's looking at all the amazing things that are going well."
4. Singleness has unique benefits - "My forties have been some of my best years so far. I'm the most steady and secure I've ever been."
5. Faith empowers purpose - Laura's journey into fostering and adoption demonstrates how faith can empower significant life decisions regardless of relationship status.

Have you struggled with finding your value beyond relationship status or navigating church as a single person? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Connect with us:

• Website: crowd.church
• Instagram: @crowdchurch

New episodes of What's The Story? are available every week. Subscribe to hear more stories of faith and courage from everyday people.

What's The Story? is a podcast aimed at people who are curious about faith but don't see the point in church, sharing real stories of God moving in the lives of everyday people.

What if the door that seems permanently closed is actually leading somewhere beautiful? Kim Patton's decade-long infertility journey became the unexpected pathway to adopting two biological sisters and working with teenage girls in foster care. In this raw conversation with Anna Kettle, Kim shares how her anxious resistance to God's call transformed into purpose and peace. From struggling with health issues and career confusion to managing a household of toddlers and teenagers, Kim reveals how surrender and daily dependence on God can sustain us through seemingly impossible seasons. Her story proves that our most painful chapters can become doorways to a life more meaningful than we could have planned.

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• How Kim's 10-year infertility journey led to adopting biological sisters and a ministry with teenage girls
• Practical ways to manage anxiety and overwhelm while serving others
• Why "absolute dependence on God" is the key to surviving impossible seasons
• How to build a support system of prayer partners during difficult transitions
• The transformative power of seeing your life as a "living sacrifice"

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Main Links

• Kim Patton's website: kimpatton.com
• Kim's book "Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well Through Difficult Seasons" on Amazon (both print and audiobook versions)
• Book Therapy Podcast (released bi-weekly)

Ministry Links

• Waiting in Hope Infertility Ministry
• Her View From Home (publication Kim writes for)

CROWD Church Links

• CROWD Church website: crowd.church
• What's the Story Podcast website: whatsthestorypodcast.com

Social Media

• Kim's Instagram
• CROWD Church's Instagram

Join Sadaf Beynon on "What's the Story?" as she explore tales of faith and resilience with guest Tamala Anderson, an inspiring author and founder of Pursuing Christ Ministries. Discover Tamala's journey through personal trials and her unwavering faith that led to a transformative ministry. Subscribe for more uplifting stories and visit Crowd Church for a digital sanctuary to explore the Christian faith.

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Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:41 Introduction of Tamala Anderson

4:22 Tamala's Background and Faith Journey

7:07 Facing Unexpected Challenges

11:31 Navigating Early Days of Single Parenthood

16:09 Impact on Children and Family Dynamics

21:33 Health Challenges and Miraculous Recovery

28:42 Transformation Through Faith

34:01 Tamala's Ministry and Writing

38:56 Key Message and Encouragement

41:42 Conclusion and Farewell

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Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Faith During Hardships: Tamala emphasises the importance of seeking a deeper connection with God during life's challenges. She shares how her faith was transformed through personal trials, highlighting that turning to God can provide strength and guidance when facing adversity.

2. The Power of Forgiveness: Tamala discusses the significance of forgiveness, even when deeply hurt. She acknowledges the difficulty of forgiving those who have wronged us but stresses that it is essential for healing and moving forward. This process often requires divine assistance, as it can be beyond human capability alone.

3. God's Faithfulness and Our Role: Tamala underscores that while God is always present and faithful, individuals must actively seek Him. She points out that God asks us to take steps towards Him through prayer, waiting, and being still. This active pursuit allows us to experience His presence and guidance more profoundly.