Manage episode 493489698 series 3592329
What happens when prayer feels impossible? When tragedy strikes repeatedly, leaving you without words to express your pain? Our conversation with Justine Bellard explores the raw, transformative power of faith during life's most challenging seasons.
Justine's journey from surface-level religious observance to profound spiritual connection mirrors what many experience. Though raised as a "cradle Catholic" attending weekly mass, she candidly shares how her faith remained largely performative until significant life events forced her to dig deeper. The death of her uncle wearing a WWJD bracelet sparked initial questions, but motherhood truly transformed her spiritual life.
"God, I don't know what I'm doing as a mom," became her desperate prayer after her first daughter's birth. Despite having supportive family, postpartum anxiety and breastfeeding struggles pushed Justine to seek divine guidance. This vulnerability—this admission of complete dependence—marked the beginning of authentic faith that grew stronger with each child.
The most powerful revelation came during her mother's cancer battle, followed by devastating house fires affecting both her parents and sister. "I didn't have the words to pray," Justine confesses. "I relied on other people's prayers to carry me." This experience transformed her understanding of intercessory prayer, teaching her to pray faithfully for others even during her own suffering—sometimes offering up migraines and personal trials for friends' intentions.
Our conversation explores the critical importance of having a "Momtourage"—trusted friends who provide spiritual support during motherhood's demanding seasons. Even when weeks pass without communication, these connections remain unbreakable, ready to uplift one another through prayer when needed. "If you don't tell somebody that you're not doing good, then nobody's praying for you," Justine reminds us.
Whether you're struggling to find words for prayer, seeking deeper faith through difficult circumstances, or simply needing the reassurance that others have walked similar paths, this episode offers honest guidance and heartfelt encouragement. Listen now, and discover how faith grows strongest in the most broken places.
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Chapters
1. Coffee Talk With The Cajun Mamas: Faith in the Trenches (00:00:00)
2. Welcome to Coffee Talk (00:00:50)
3. Cajun Family Traditions Sponsorship (00:01:19)
4. Justine's Faith Journey (00:03:10)
5. Intercessory Prayer and Suffering (00:09:27)
6. How The Cajun Lady Accent (00:16:43)
7. Finding Peace Outdoors (00:18:49)
8. Closing Prayer and Sponsors (00:23:07)
46 episodes