Great Things Happen When You Forgive_An Interview With Lisa Bain

Welcome to A New Life podcast with Pamela Jean, where it's all about empowering women to empower more women. Get ready, friends, to create a new life. And here is your host, Pamela Jean.

Hello, my friends, and welcome to this week's episode of A New Life podcast. I'm your hostess, Pamela Jean. Thank you, friends, for being here. I am bringing someone back today that I interviewed about a year ago. A year ago in April, to be exact. April of 2024, I uploaded a podcast from my good friend, Lisa Bain. Lisa was a good friend last year, but now she's even a better friend this year. God has just brought this friendship into my life in just such a really cool way. You know, when you let him pick people to have in your life, he just picks the best people. And I've always been friends with Lisa, but we just. It's just at a different, deeper level. So organic, so natural, so God given, and I am so grateful for it. But the reason I'm having Lisa back today, I have to tell you this. Lisa is not the same person she was a year ago. And I've noticed this transformation with her virtually from afar. I don't see Lisa a lot. We chat occasionally. We send prayer requests back and forth as we need them for our friends and our community. But we don't see each other like, once a week, which we want to change that. But I digress.

Yeah, we are going to get the.

We are going to get that fixed. But I have just noticed a shift and change in Lisa from afar. Through social media, through her, her newsletters, through her posts, through her Facebook and Instagram, and the other things that I've noticed about her. There's just something new and different about Lisa, and I really wanted to dive into what that is because guess what, you guys, I don't even know. I don't know. I don't know what it is, but I've just noticed a change in her. And I just told Lisa like two seconds before I hit record that we were going to talk about what's different about her, because I've noticed a difference and I felt a difference. So, Lisa, my dear, dear friend, thank you for being here. I would love for you to just share with the audience, for those who don't know who you are and what you do, if you could give just a little bio about what you're doing, what your mission is, and then as you are ready, please dive into what's happened over this past year to create this phenomenal transformation in the person you have become. So welcome, Lisa.

Oh, it's so fun to be with my friend. Oh, thank you. Well, my name is Lisa Bain and I'm the founder of Lisa Bain Ministries. And I've been in the nonprofit world, gosh, for about 25 years, but Lisa Bain Ministries, about 15 years, which began out of a cancer diagnosis with my mom, stage four. And on the same day, I was diagnosed with a bunch of long autoimmune diseases where I was told I probably wouldn't be walking in six months and had a lot of mobility challenges. And on that day, my mom, as I told her, just looked at me and said, this is the best day of our life. We're going to start a nonprofit. I want to help those that have a life altering illness, a special need or a crisis situation. And we would give care packages and hope and tangible support. And the fun part was animal therapy. At that time, I had Mavis Pearl and we have our little stuffed dogs. But now it's Mabel, Maddie and Moose. And we've always incorporated animal therapy. And you know, one little thing, someone always says, well, what are these step dogs for? That started out and, and I do want to say this one little story. It started out with a request for us to go see a little girl who was actively dying in the hospital. And they wanted Mavis parents in her lap when she went to heaven. And I was like, oh, my goodness. So I dressed her up as a ballerina because the little girl was. And I had a stuffed dog bulldog, and I dressed it up as a ballerina. And off we went. We got into the room and you could tell she was close to heaven. And her parents came over, we gave her the prayer quilt. And they put the stuffed dog under one arm and Mavis Pearl got under the other arm and. And they just wanted one more few words from their little girl. And when she felt Mavis, she opened up her eyes and she said, mom and daddy, I love you. I'm gonna be okay. And she just. You could tell it was heaven right there. And she went to be with Jesus in that moment. And that forever changed my life and really is a pivotal point in where we began. And they came over to me and said, these little stuffed animals are a part of what you're doing. And she was buried holding onto her stuffed Mavis Pearl dog. And from then on, those stuffed animals have been prayed over and delivered in the care boxes. And so our therapy animals are important because they break the barriers where we sometimes can't. We do hospice work, hospital work, we do home visits, and it just grew. And my mom lived five years, not five months. And the day that she said, we're going to start a nonprofit, she said, this is about giving. Giving equals joy. Joy equals hope, and hope equals healing. And she said, lisa, we're going to teach people the importance of healing in serving. And she also said, I have a lot of mom isms. Step out, see miracles. And someone said, well, she got it backwards. It step out, serve. And she says, no, because sometimes you're too broken in the place that you are to step out. You need to serve right where you are, and then you're able to step out and see miracles. And what she did the day she started this nonprofit was she gave me a purpose. And purpose keeps you going, and it keeps me walking. I can literally wake up some days and think, how am I going to do this? And then I take one step forward and to a hospice visit. God takes it from there. And it's always the best day, the best days, when you don't think you can, you can't, but God can. You know, man's extremity is God's opportunity. And my mom knew what she was doing. And I also have a whole new compassion for those that struggle with autoimmune disease. You don't look sick. There's so many people that struggle in silence, and we're able to be there and just love on them and know what that's like. So that's. It's just exploded. And, you know, during this, this nonprofit began as Joy in the Cause, and about five years ago, it transitioned to be Lisa Bain Ministries because the board wanted to take it in a different direction, and I could never. The day we founded this organization, the first thing my mom said was, never compromise Jesus. Never take that verse off of the website and always remember the foundation of why this began, because you always want everything that happens to see the handprints of God. It's going to be a journey where people can only say, wow, that was God. And that was going to be changed. And I knew that I couldn't do that. So we began Lisa Bain Ministries, that made that as the foundation and put things really in place that would not waver or change. And it was close to that time that Mavis Pearl, I was not able to use her because I had handed over the patent and the trademarks, so I couldn't use Mavis. So that left little Mavis just kind of there. But you know what? Probably a few weeks later after that, she went to heaven along with Gracie. They went Together. And it's almost like she knew. She knew. And I can look now and see how the Lord orchestrated that, and he orchestrated the whole thing, which is really part of the shift that you sense in my life.

Oh, okay. So I'm going to stop you for a hot second, because that was phenomenal. First of all, the first little girl that went to heaven with Mavis Pearl under her arm. Oh, my gosh. I. I can't. I don't. I know. I've heard that story more than once, but I well up with tears every single time. And what a beautiful foresight that you have to understand how important animal therapy ministry is. Because when we as human beings and as people can't get through to another person, a child, an elderly person, a sick person, that we can'. Get through to them. An animal always can.

And let me tell you, in hospice, it's unbelievable, the stories I could tell you where. Animal. Where. My dogs have just played such a huge part in it. It's. They're. They're. To me, they're angels on earth.

I. I couldn't agree more. I. You know, I grew up in Northwest Iowa. A lot of people know that. And I grew up on a little acreage outside in the middle of nowhere. When you. When you think nowhere, that's nowhere, so.

But it's the end of the world. But you can see it from there.

Yes. Abso. I will say it was an incredible place to grow up. It was a great place to have childhood. Always outside, all the time. But I always had a dog, and I always had multiple barn cats, always. So I was never alone. As lonely as I felt sometimes as a kid, my animals were everything to me, and animals still are. I mean, they had such a soft place to land with me. And I love that you've identified the animals to bring them into your ministry.

Yeah.

And I just want to speak to the point, Lisa, of when you didn't decide that Mavis's mission and purpose was over. You didn't decide that there were other forces in the room that decided that for you. But as we can look back, it was orchestrated by the Lord the whole time.

All the whole time. And my mom knew it was coming. There are so many stories I could tell you. She even put off heaven a little bit, knowing, oh, my gosh, you're going to go through something so hard with betrayal. And she would just kind of go back and forth. And then finally she looked at me and she said, you know what? Jesus is going to send angels to help take over and you're going to get through it, and you're going to make the right decisions. And shortly after that, she went to heaven. And she knew. But she also knew that I would choose correctly. But that, in part is. She poured into me. She set me up for the most beautiful things. And I had a great teacher for five years of this, your journey.

You're so lucky to have that. Okay, that was a great backstory. But now I want to talk about the shift, because the shift I've seen, and we've not had a conversation about what I've observed with how you've shifted and changed. I know we've had little snippets of conversation at a networking meeting from here or there, but we've not had a girlfriend sit down where you just opened up your soul and said, this is what's happening. But I've just witnessed and noticed this. What is the shift I'm so excited to hear.

The last thing my mom said to me was, forgive always, and love wins. She would just always say, lisa, love wins, forgiveness heals. Love wins, forgiveness heals. And I was like, man, why does she say this all the time? She knew I was going to have to put that into play in a way that would change my life. It wouldn't be easy, but it would be necessary, and it would be the key to the shift. Well, when we lost the nonprofit, that broke my soul, that was my mom's. And so I remember being on the floor for three days, and on the third day, the Lord was like, lysa, this is a divine intervention. Get up. Move forward. You need to write books. My hand is on this. Well, I got up and I started moving forward, and I went to counseling on how do you work through this? I grieved. I grieved hard. And even my counselor was like, this has been the hardest thing for you to walk through. And so one year, two year, three years, walking through this forgiveness of those who I looked up as family, I felt betrayed by. Well, about that last year. And you actually have a part in this, Pam. I was really feeling like, you know, lord, I've really walked through this. I've walked through the forgiveness. I am on that place. And I saw you and we had a conversation, and you looked at me and you said, you may have a little bit more left to go. Do you remember that conversation?

I do remember that because you were. You were buckling that day. I could see you buckling and doubting what you were doing and really let that evil voice was filling your heart. I could tell. And I remember, I don't remember the exact words, but I mean something to the effects of, okay, you've not fully let go of that, and you need to let go of that pain so you can move forward in your purpose.

And. And there were some things that were hung up that we needed breakthroughs on. And I was hitting walls. I was like, lord, why aren't what we are praying? We need breakthroughs on this, financially, we need, you know. And you confronted me in such a dear way that's a sign of a true friend and said, you're. You haven't let it completely go. And I got in the car and I thought, yes, I have. No, I haven't. Yes, I have. No, I haven't. And I really realized I had about 20% left to go. So I just started seeking the LO. And I could hear my mom say, you know, Lisa, forgiveness heals. And I knew that I had about 20% left of grieving and forgiveness left to go. And I just started praying and just bombarding heaven with Jesus. I am. I want to truly love these people and pray for these people in a way that my soul wants them in heaven with me. I'll never forget I was in the prayer closet and I was just singing and praising and it was probably in a few months ago, and I just started praying and I felt the sweetest presence of the Lord just engulf me. And I mean, supernaturally, it lifted completely off of me. I could cry now, when I think about it. And it was. I could breathe. I could breathe from the soul of my being. I didn't have to fight it. I didn't have to defend myself. The Holy Spirit was going to take it from there. And my mom always said, give your battle back to God. He had it. And, you know, I just. Someone said, you know, how do you really know? I could breathe in a place that I hadn't been able to breathe before. And from that point on, I truly loved these people. I pray for these people every day and the shots and the pops still come. And people will say, you know what I heard and it doesn't matter because. And as soon as that was lifted off of my soul, breakthrough after breakthrough after breakthrough started coming. And I could do a whole podcast on the miracles that started happening almost immediately. God had me go through that process, four year journey. He knew the season that was coming in 2025, but I couldn't walk to that season unless I had completely let go of this baggage, completely of the baggage of unforgiveness I would speak on unforgiveness all the time.

You're like, I know this, this.

And it's like, I, I know this. And I'm like, you know, I talk about it so much, and then when you're going through such a deep betrayal, it's a whole different story. But it's also helped me be able to walk others through that and really help them understand the deep, deep, deep importance of truly forgiving. It's us that's stuck, not them that are doing their thing.

Yes. And I remember us kind of having that little bit of a conversation at that networking group, that meeting where we were talking and you were like, yes, but they're not doing the way we play or something to that effect, because it wasn't the original vision that you and your mom had together. And I said, but they're still helping people. They may not be helping people in the way that, that you thought would be the best way or the right way or the way that it was planned or laid on your heart, but they're still helping people. So thank goodness for that.

Absolutely. Absolutely. And, you know, someone said to me the other day, well, what if it's done in the wrong motive? I said, are those kids getting backpacks? Are those kids getting help? That's what matters. Praise the Lord, that it's still going on, that they can help this group, I can help this group. And you know, and it just reiterated the importance of, the importance of we're, we're all in this together. And it's not about completing and it's about competing. And I, and in that instant, I.

Was thrilled that they're success, their success in addition to yours, is just blanketing more and more people in need. Because, my goodness, there's so many people with needs in the world, in our, our small community that not one person, one group cannot take care of everyone. It takes, it's going to take this army of people to be helping those.

We really, we need, we need each other. And it's about working together, you know, as a team. We are in this together. And that's why I cherish our partnerships. And, you know, so it, it was truly at that moment that my life completely pivoted and shifted. And it just, my focus was clear, the mission was clear, and there was no noise that was pulling me to the right or left. We were able to, to really focus and refine what we're doing. And there's nothing more beautiful than knowing you're right where God wants you. And part of getting There was going through this four year process of getting to that place and learning just the deep, deep importance of loving and forgiving. And, you know, those people come into your life that the devil tries to put in there that try to hurt you. And when you really walk through this, it's life changing and it's like, oh, okay. But you stay focused and you. And you really just want to pray for them and you don't want them. It's just life changing. And so again, I saw God's timing, I saw God's hand, and I would go through it all again. And I know that's why mom said those last words over and over and over. But, you know, I know my mom knew that I would get it. I would get it. It may take me four years, but I got it.

Better late than never. And, you know, here's the thing. I think that the biggest lessons that we need to learn in life are only learned because of the greatest struggle and adversity that we face. Because if the adversity is small, we're not going to get it at the level we need to get it. So when it's a huge struggle, when it's the hardest thing you've ever faced, that's where the most growth transformation will come from is only from those spaces.

And I really think the miracles are in the journey. I think that that's the place the Valley is where Jesus is so intimate. I cherish and love the intimacy of the Lord. I was in the Valley in my little prayer closet where Jesus met me and said, okay, you're ready for this. And it was taken off. And what I, what I've learned in the journey has been transformational. And will I ever get to the destination? I don't know. I'm just thankful to be here and on the journey knowing that I'm doing what God wants me to do, you know?

That's awesome. That's awesome. And thank you for the bark.

Whoever barked, that was always Maddie. Maddie's. The little.

Maddie just threw in an exclamation point for us. So thank you, Maddie. That was. Well, that was needed right there. So. Okay. Before I go into what is to come in this new transformation, because I know 2025 has. Something is blowing up for you. I can just feel it. It started off just on this trajectory that's like, holy moly. 25 is the year of transformation for Lisa Bain Ministries in, in. In growth and momentum. But before we go there, I want to just step back just a little bit. You know, running a Nonprofit is no different than running a business. They, they are. It's running a business. Just the, the legal descriptions are different, the foundation of how the business operates is different. But it's a business at the end of the day because you're in the business of this mission in ministry. What is a current pain point that you're experiencing in running your business? Lisa Bain Ministries. What would be a pain point that you struggle with? Even after all of these years of being in the nonprofit space, what are you currently facing?

Well, of course, one person can't do it all. Growing, growing a staff. And really, I don't know if this is a pain point, but it feels like one. We have care boxes in our shower, we've outgrown our home, and we're praying for a warehouse. We need a space and in an office. And, you know, we're growing in that way. And I just laugh because if you saw where I was sitting, I'm surrounded by backpacks and I'm going to be delivering to first responders soon. And so it's literally, you know, the need for a warehouse, I'd say growing a staff and also budgeting for those slow months. You know, you just have to constantly be working on that, managing the ups and downs of donations, trusting God that he's going to provide, and delegation. You know, when you've walked through a betrayal, you got to learn how to trust and delegate all over again.

Right.

And, and it's important. And so I, I would probably say I don't. Are those pain points?

I would say absolutely, those are pain points, yes. Well, definitely. Because, you know, you guys, from what I'm seeing, there's been a, some growing pains that you're facing and. Audience listening. I have never seen someone busier than Lisa Bain. I'm not even joking when I say that I feel like a slough when.

I. Oh, my goodness.

When I see that you're, you know, at a, at a church this day, and then you're at a hospital the next day, then you're stuffing bags and then you're, you know, you're just always on your mission. I mean, I can only imagine how many miles you put on your vehicle in one week's time.

It's my second home.

I believe that you probably have your own little cooler in there because in it all the time. But those are pain points. And it's so important as a business owner that you, you learn how to build a good, reliable, trustable team around you and also analyze what hats do you need to take off because you're wearing all the hats now. And what is a hat that you can take off and with faith, trust and validation and give to someone else? You know, what are the things that you can give to someone else?

And that has started and it's. There are growing pains there, but that has started. And because it's. You can't be sustainable if you are wearing all the hats. You need hat wearers to make it.

Work well and it has to be the right hats. It can't. You know, there's. There's certain things within the operation that only Lisa can do and then there's certain things that only Lisa should do because those are two different things. Like obviously, you are the handler of Maddie, Moose and Mabel. You know, you are the handler of the dogs. So that's you, you, you have to do that. But then there are certain things within the organization that you should be doing that you should not hand off to someone else out of just the. I don't know, you worry about the things that you didn't have control of before. There's certain things that you just shouldn't let go of, like the financials. You need to keep that under your umbrella. You need to keep that close to your heart. You need to have a CPA that is linked with you, that you can trust with everything. And that person doesn't have control over it, but they have a guiding voice into that.

One thing I'm so thankful is we have two amazing attorneys, an amazing cpa, amazing bookkeepers, and we have an amazing board and advisory team that I trust and that have really helped us get to this place. My hat giving is to. For volunteers, for people to be able to go out, deliver. You know, there's just different ways that can help me do the ministry stuff that I need to be doing with the dogs, you know?

Yes, I agree. So, Lisa, is there a volunteer application somewhere that someone could get in touch with if they are feeling compelled to volunteer to be a deliverer of. Of care packages?

Yes. You can go to LisaBain.com and there is a place where there's a volunteer form you can fill out. And one of the things that will really help us be able to have more volunteers is a warehouse. Right now, there's hardly a place to even pack it. So we're believing that that's going to happen and that we're going to be able to utilize more volunteers and get more things out. But LisaBain.com there's a volunteer form right there.

Perfect. So, Lisa, when you say warehouse Put a square footage to that. Let's get specific on what does a warehouse look like for Lisa Vain Ministries.

An office, a boardroom, and about 1500 square ft of space for us to put. We have three little storage units filled with. And then our house. So about 1500 square feet.

So say that again. How many hundred square feet?

Fifteen hundred for the warehouse. And then have like an office and then like a boardroom where we can pack and have meetings.

Okay, so we're talking like 2,000 square feet. Maybe 2,500 square feet. Because here's reality. You think that will be enough space, but you're going to outgrow it in like five seconds.

Right.

So we're, we're going to just speak into the world. 2500 to 3000 square feet for warehouse assembly area, storage of donated items, boardroom space to meet as well as office to function out of.

Right? Yeah. We'll have people say, can we bring a palette of something? I don't know where we'd put it. We're literally that place. A palette. Well, one time I came home and there were pallets on our porch and you. There were stuffed dogs around our entire home. You couldn't even see our door. Our neighbors are like, lisa. And I'm like, I'm sorry.

Like, I know, I know. Oh, my gosh. Okay. So I thank you for sharing that and clarifying that, because I think it's important that when we have a need for our businesses, whether it's the nonprofit sphere or a for profit business, I think we have to be very clear and precise on what our needs are. Not just an office. Okay, well, that could mean a closet somewhere. But when we're talking about proper space for you to serve those you're meant to serve properly as well as house all of the donated items, I mean, you're talking 2500-3000 square feet because that will take care of your needs right now, but it'll allow for the growth.

Right, exactly. And the one, the one thing about here that my board is always like, Lisa, you never stop working because it's here. It's all here. And I get up, I work, I work all the time. And so that's one of the things that they're like, you need to be able to leave it.

Yes. Well, you do. And when it's something that is your great commission, when that is what you're meant to do, it's. It's like standing in front of a freight train. It's hard to stop it because it's Just because you think about the next person that needs to have care, and it's hard to turn that off. But for you to be able to serve everybody at the max level of service, we need Lisa to be at her max as well. So that's a gentle nudge to take a step back sometime, my friend.

Yes, I take that nudge.

Okay, good, good. And we are going to schedule our monthly, weekly, whatever we can, you know, cram into our schedules, get together just to have conversation, because I think that's so important. So much creativity and inspiration comes from just the most random conversation. Because I. I didn't know what I said to you at that meeting was going to allow you to be open to the fact that, well, maybe I haven't let it all go.

It was a catalyst that. That started it, Pam.

Oh, I love that. Oh, that's so good. Thank you for sharing that, because that just makes my heart happy. Because I guess, yeah, you just have to say what you have to say when someone asks you. I could have just sugarcoated something and, you know, oh, no, you're good. But I didn't.

And that's the sign of a true friend to really be honest. And. And those are the kind of people I want in my life. You know, tell me the truth and. And Lord, help me be open enough to know that. Yeah.

And help me deal with the truth once I hear it, because it might not be what I like. Oh, my gosh. Okay, let's. Let me ask you now, as I told you, I've been sensing a big groundswell for Lisa Bain ministries in 2025. What's on the horizon? Do you even know? Can you put it into words? But I feel something huge. It's like it's about to break open all over the place. So what's happening this year?

You know what's funny is I last. Last year, my word was align. And I really thought, oh, good things are going to happen. God was aligning things. And this year, my word was. Is harvest. And so he needed to. And I was so mad when I came to the year, the year I was like, lord, I thought things were going to happen. He's like, it's playing out, Lisa. You needed to align before the harvest comes. And so we just had just some really cool miracles happen as we went into the new year on getting some debts paid and God providing. We, of course, always love planning the Grady Nichols Christmas show. It's going to be bigger and better than ever. That's our huge fundraiser in December, and it Takes a year to plan. But I'm just. I feel like you. I feel like I'm literally on the cliff. And it's about. The Lord's about to just reveal these things, like, groundswell, like you said. It's so good. And I'm in preparation mode. He's saying this, ready? Get these packed. Get this done. And so I'm just preparing and doing the things that he's telling me to do. And I'm waiting. I'm like, okay, Lord. And I'm doing. And every day he's like, okay, do this. Wait. Okay, I'm gonna wait, and I'm gonna pray. And so I. I'm excited to see what it is. And sometimes I' my prayer closet, or I'll be walking, and I'll just feel the Holy Spirit say, oh, this is going to be good. This is going to be good. And I'm like, oh, God, I wish I could get a glimpse. But he has me wait. So I don't really know what it's going to be, but I'm. I'm excited to see and just waiting on the Lord, you know, and doing what he wants me to do while I'm in the wait.

Right? And listening and. And, you know, I think it's one thing to be listening for his voice. Sometimes I think we get almost a martyrdom about, nope, I'm waiting to hear from God. I haven't heard from him yet. And then we idolize the weight that we don't do. Just because you're waiting to hear his direction doesn't mean you shouldn't be doing something. You have to keep moving forward.

Somehow I feel like my. I'm preparing. I feel like he's got me in preparation. And part of that preparation is spending a lot of time with him and really just seeking him on a whole different level, where I know when he is. And there's been. I want discernment, I want. I want wisdom. I want. You know, and it's been. I've been able to just get in the word, have a lot of time with him, and I think that's part of what this season is for, to prepare me for what's next. And I feel like, you know, I was so close to the whole wear a house thing because I thought, no, we're good here. But literally, it was just a few weeks ago that he was like, okay, now start praying for it. It's time. And so I'm open. I'm open. And I'm just waiting, and I'm, like, trying to take the steps that he's leading me to take.

I think you'll have the next big reveal of the groundswell and of what's to happen in 2025 when the warehouse comes to fruition.

I agree with you, friend. I agree with you.

Yeah. Do you not feel that because he can't reveal it, because you don't. You don't have the infrastructure in place, the foundation isn't there for the reveal, and having a reveal before you're ready is fruitless. I mean, that isn't going to do any good.

Ready first.

Yes.

Yes.

But also, I want to just say a little reminder to you as well. When the Warehouse becomes reality, which it will, and I believe that will happen within the next three months. So within the next. By the end of second quarter of this year, you'll have clarity on a warehouse space. But from now until then, for you to really analyze the hats that you're wearing and where. Which ones need to come off, I think is really, really important. And I'm going to throw one more thing in that self care, that time.

You'Re able to breathe.

Yeah. You have to get you ready through delegation and taking off hats and also caring for yourself so you're well enough so you're physically ready to take on the next big thing.

I completely agree. I completely agree. And I'm taking steps for that. I have an accountability group that looks at my calendar. Oops.

No.

White space, Lisa. White space here, white space here. Don't do this, don't do that. I mean, seriously. And I'm. I'm thankful for that, but it's just. It is so important you self care. Self care is a biggie. So I receive another thing you said, friend. Oh, good.

Oh, I'm so glad. I'm just so glad. I mean, I don't know. I just. I'm so glad I had you back. And thank you for saying yes to coming back as a guest always, because I just had a nudge of something's different with Lisa. Something's changed with Lisa. There's something really big coming, and I just wanted to know what it was. I was just being nosy.

No, I'm so glad you did. And. And I mean, I hope it encourages somebody because it's, you know, if something that I go through can help just one person, then, you know, worth it.

Well, I want to just, you know, recap our conversation. First of all, following God's lead with the first nonprofit that you opened and especially with your mom by your side. Oh, my gosh. That is just so special. And, and also that that nonprofit still exists today to care for people, to take care of people. So, number one, listening to God's nudge, being willing to take, to accept when God takes something away that we don't want taken away, to be able to say, I trust you, this hurts and I'm not happy, but I trust you. That is so hard. And then to see a clearer vision, a new vision, and then to wrap and embrace forgiveness and the power of forgiveness, that when you forgive, that's when all bets are off. I mean, when you forgive, there's nothing else that's going to hold you back.

Right? Amen to that. Amen to that.

That is so good. Well, I'm going to wrap up our interview, Lisa, with one question and it's going to kind of feed into the self care part of this. What is a hobby you have neglected and you need to get back to?

You know, it's funny. Singing. I love to sing. Singing. And then this is funny. But dog training, I really, really love to train my dogs. And I used to be a puppy raiser coordinator for a non profit that helped dogs that went to veterans and those with mobility issues. Love to train the dogs. And so it's my. It's my dogs, but I'm so busy, I don't really have the time to do that. So I'd have to say it's probably, I used to run, but that flew out the window. So I walk. So I love to walk, sing and dog train.

That's a great combination. Because you know what, you could do all three of those at one time.

Yes. Yeah.

You can walk, you can sing and dog train all at the same time.

Right? And Maddie barked again on that one. Oh.

She's like, yes, mom, preach.

Yes. Yes. I love it.

Oh, my gosh. Lisa, sincerely, thank you so much for coming back on today and sharing this transformation that you've experienced. And it's rooted in forgiveness.

Yes, absolutely, it is. And it's an honor to be here. And I'm just, I'm honored that you're my dear friend. Thank you, friend. I love you dearly.

Oh, I love you too. And friends, thank you so much for tuning into this week's episode of A New Life podcast. If you have someone in your life that should hear this that maybe needs a little nudge on forgiveness, please like and share. Subscribe so you never miss an episode and, and spread the word of something so positive that can be so helpful for so many. Until next week. Make it a great day.

Thank you for joining us today on a New Life podcast. We will see you next time.

Sam.