Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves is a six-part podcast series that tackles the raw reality of cancer while shining a light on unshakable hope in Christ. In today's powerful episode of Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves, we meet a remarkable woman, Dr. Vanessa Sheppard, whose life took a dramatic turn when she went from cancer patient (twice!) to cancer researcher. As a survivor, she shares the raw and real impact that her diagnosis had on every part of her life—body, mind, and spirit. But rather than being defined by the disease, she allowed it to refine her purpose.

Now dedicated to supporting others through evidence, empathy, and faith, she opens up about how surviving cancer deepened her relationship with Jesus and ignited a mission to inform, advocate, and walk alongside others facing the same battle.

This is a story of redemption, resilience, and the healing that comes when science and faith work hand in hand.

Even when cancer changes everything, Jesus gives it meaning.

This episode honors the unseen heroes: the survivors of cancer who strive to make a difference every day.

Stay tuned for two more episodes Thursdays between August 21st - August 28th. Each episode will bring a different perspective to the conversation:

• • someone who lost her husband to cancer about 15 years ago and is living a joyful life today
  • a therapist/counselor who helps navigate the emotional and spiritual toll.

And you can also listen to previous episodes here as well!

Together, these voices remind us that while cancer is devastating, it doesn’t have the final say—Jesus does.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. Have you or a loved one been impacted by cancer or another illness? How are you coping? How can we pray for you? Please email us at mazuri@mazuriministries.org, or share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney

And if you know someone who might benefit from this series, please share it with them. Your share might just be the hope they need!

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode song is inspired by Vanessa's story. This song, One of the One’s, was co-written by Yvonne Cummings and an AI music generation tool. The lyrics, concept, and creative direction were developed by Yvonne Cummings, with AI assisting in music composition and production. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves is a six-part podcast series that tackles the raw reality of cancer while shining a light on unshakable hope in Christ. In today's heartfelt episode of Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves, we sit down with a devoted wife and caregiver, Sharon Aka, who opens up about the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges of walking beside her husband through his cancer journey. From sleepless nights to silent prayers, from moments of strength to deep exhaustion—she shares what it truly means to love someone through sickness and uncertainty.

She reflects on how cancer reshaped her family, her faith, and her understanding of God’s presence in the darkest valleys. Through it all, she clings to hope, leans into grace, and is discovering a deeper kind of love—one rooted in sacrifice, trust, and the steady hand of Jesus.

This episode honors the unseen heroes: the caregivers whose faith carries them through the fight, even when they’re not the ones in the hospital bed.

Because cancer doesn’t just affect one person—Jesus sustains the whole family.

Stay tuned for two more episodes Thursdays on August 21st and August 28th . Each episode will bring a different perspective to the conversation:

• • a survivor whose life's work has been shaped by the diagnosis
  • a mom and wife who lost her husband to cancer
  • a therapist/counselor who helps navigate the emotional and spiritual toll.

Together, these voices remind us that while cancer is devastating, it doesn’t have the final say—Jesus does.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. Have you or a loved one been impacted by cancer or another illness? How are you coping? How can we pray for you? Please email us at mazuri@mazuriministries.org, or share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney

And if you know someone who might benefit from this series, please share it with them. Your share might just be the hope they need!

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode songs are (yes, you're getting two today) It Is Well With My Soul sung by Wintley Phipps and I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. Please note these songs are for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves is a six-part podcast series that tackles the raw reality of cancer while shining a light on unshakable hope in Christ. In today's deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves, we sit down with a compassionate oncologist, Dr. Sylvia Fowler, who opens up about the emotional and spiritual toll of walking alongside patients through their cancer journeys. With raw honesty, she shares how witnessing both hope and heartbreak on a daily basis has shaped her view of God, life, and purpose.

We explore the sacred tension where science meets faith—how she leans on Jesus in moments when medicine falls short, and how her calling to heal often leads her to the foot of the cross. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a person of faith, or someone touched by cancer, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the soul of a doctor who treats more than just disease—she ministers to the brokenhearted.

Because even though cancer sucks, Jesus still saves.

This episode honors the unseen heroes: the medical professionals who commit their lives to saving lives.

Stay tuned for four more episodes Thursdays between August 7th - August 28th. Each episode will bring a different perspective to the conversation:

• • a survivor whose life's work has been shaped by the diagnosis,
  • a caregiver walking the hard road alongside a loved one,
  • someone who is currently battling cancer, and
  • a therapist/counselor who helps navigate the emotional and spiritual toll.

Together, these voices remind us that while cancer is devastating, it doesn’t have the final say—Jesus does.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. Have you or a loved one been impacted by cancer or another illness? How are you coping? How can we pray for you? Please email us at mazuri@mazuriministries.org, or share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney

And if you know someone who might benefit from this series, please share it with them. Your share might just be the hope they need!

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode songs are (yes, you're getting two again) Amen by For King and Country and Lean on Me by Bill Withers. Please note these songs are for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves is a six-part podcast series that tackles the raw reality of cancer while shining a light on unshakable hope in Christ. In today's episode, Annie and Davenia kick this honest and faith-filled journey off as they dish it out about their personal connection to the topic.

Then stay tuned for five more episodes each Thursday between July 31st - August 28th. Each episode will bring a different perspective to the conversation:

• an oncologist offering insight from behind the scenes, humanizing the provider
• a survivor whose life's work has been shaped by the diagnosis,
• a caregiver walking the hard road alongside a loved one,
• someone who is currently battling cancer, and
• a therapist/counselor who helps navigate the emotional and spiritual toll.

Together, these voices remind us that while cancer is devastating, it doesn’t have the final say—Jesus does.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. Have you or a loved one been impacted by cancer or another illness? How are you coping? How can we pray for you? Please email us at mazuri@mazuriministries.org, or share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney

And if you know someone who might benefit from this series, please share it with them. Your share might just be the hope they need!

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode songs are (yes, you're getting two today) Hold On To Me by Lauren Daigle and Even If by MercyMe. Please note these songs are for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

In this powerful, liberating, and sometimes blush-worthy conversation, Kimberly Bulgin joins us to talk about what it means to be hot, holy, and whole. As a woman who embraces her femininity, owns her sexuality, and walks boldly in her faith, Kimberly challenges the belief that holiness requires hiding parts of who we are. Together, we unpack how to be comfortable in our bodies, confident in our beauty, and fully accepted by God—without guilt and shame. If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile your womanhood with your worship, this episode is your permission slip to live naked and unashamed, just as God designed.

And if after listening to this episode, you feel you need more of Pastor Kim, please checkout the following:

• Subscribe to her Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@KimberlyBulgin
• Join her WhatsApp Sisterhood Chat, a safe, Spirit-filled space where she sends out weekly devotionals and leads a live Wednesday morning prayer. Tap here to join the chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JNirz7FcwkSHTUdEpHhvep
• Purchase her book, The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems! And because you're special and we're so appreciative that you took the time to listen to this episode, you can take advantage of the "Didn't Ask to be a Hero" discount. Use the Code HERO for a 15% discount off physical copies of book: The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems: https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/product-page/the-sisters-stay-dropping-gems
• Finally, check out Pastor Kim's ministry, House of Women and if you love it and can't get enough, use the Code HOUSEHERO for $5 off the House of Women membership fee: https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/houseofwomen

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How have you struggled to reconcile your sacredness and your sensuality? What, from this episode, do you resonate with or continue to grapple with? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode song is Daughter of the King by Jamie Grace featuring Morgan Harper Nichols. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

When Latoya faced the unimaginable heartbreak of her son's incarceration, she could have been consumed by grief, shame, and isolation. But for this courageous mother, the prison walls did not define the end of hope.

In this powerful episode, we hear the story of a mother who found strength, peace, and purpose through her unwavering faith in God. She shares how prayer, scripture, and the support of her faith community have transformed her pain into perseverance. Join us as we explore her emotional journey—from despair to spiritual resilience—and discover how God's presence can bring light even in the darkest midnight.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How have you experienced joy amidst sorrow? What, from this episode, do you resonate with or continue to grapple with? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode song is If I Could by Regina Belle. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

In this eye-opening and deeply personal episode, I sit down with Monique Duson, co-founder of the Center for Biblical Unity, for a powerful conversation about faith, identity, and what it means to be a Black female Christian in today’s world.

Monique shares her unique journey from embracing critical race theory to discovering a biblically grounded understanding of unity and identity. With grace, boldness, and honesty, she speaks on navigating cultural expectations, confronting ideological shifts, and finding liberation through the gospel—not through societal labels.

Together, we unpack tough questions:

• How do cultural narratives about race and gender shape our faith?
• What does true “wokeness” look like in the light of Christ?
• How can Black Christian women embrace their identity without compromise?
• How can we be the example of unity in order to reach a divided nation?

This is more than just a discussion—it's a clarion call to live authentically and courageously at the intersection of race, gender, and biblical truth.

Whether you’re struggling under the weight of oppression, wrestling with your identity, leading others in ministry, or simply seeking deeper understanding—this episode is for you.

For additional resources and support:

Please visit The Center for Biblical Unity's website

Listen to Monique's Podcasts

Purchase Monique and Krista's book Walking in Unity

Purchase the book by Thaddeus Williams, Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth

Read more about my (Davenia) own identity journey - Back to Biblical Africa

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How are you holding up under the weight of all the "isms?" What, from this episode, do you resonate with or continue to grapple with? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode song is Ebony and Ivory by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

In this episode, we delve into the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. More than educational, Ruth Cowles shares her caregiver story highlighting the resilience, joy, the power of love & deeper relational connections made during one of the most challenging times her family had ever faced. Ruth share invaluable insights on how to navigate this difficult journey and discusses strategies for maintaining patience, and managing the daily tasks that become more complex as the disease progresses.

Whether you're a caregiver, family member, or simply seeking to understand the experience, this episode offers hope and guidance. So, tune and be encouraged.

You can read Ruth's book Bringing Mother Home on Amazon. You can also visit her website for more information and resources.

And here are some resources for caregivers:

Alzheimer's Association

Dementia Care Resources

Resources for Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's

Support Groups for Caregivers

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. How are you aging gracefully? What's on your bucket list? Please share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney.

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

Tell us what you think of this episode and we'd also love to hear your story!

Today's episode song is The Goodness of God by CeCe Winans. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!