Christmas Courage: Finding Peace in What is Certain

Julie Fillinger • December 23, 2025

Share this article

Finding Peace in What IS Certain

Welcome Back to Christmas Courage. I look around and see people trying to get into the Christmas Spirit, but honestly this is not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. Those suffering heartache can’t muster the strength to put on a brave front. I have been there and so have many of you. 

We have been talking about this all month. And I have seen and heard more people opening up about their struggles. Which is so powerful in helping others not feel alone. 

If you have been following along, you know I have been interviewing guests that wrote blogs in the series we published this past Summer called Sunlit Stories . And as it turns out, these guest authors shared some vulnerable moments that have real application for encouraging us at Christmas.  

Today we are looking into finding peace in what is certain. 

Welcome Dr Joe  

Dr Joe Johnson is in the studio today. Welcome Joe! Eric and I met Joe and his wife Kim when we attended Northbrook together. And also, we were all in the Cullman Christian Physicians and Spouses Group that used to meet. Annnd a little fun fact – Joe and Elvis share a birthday…and a costume. 

Joe, I had a great dad growing up. He was a #girldad before it was cool. He taught me how to play basketball, change a tire, and shoot a gun. He dared anyone to act like one of his four girls should have been a boy. I’m #4 and I didn’t realize some dads preferred boys until I went to college.  

So, I love it that you’re a great #girldad too! Our children are of similar ages. Natalie is a little older than mine. So, I don’t know her as well, but she seems like a good mixture of Kim and you. She looks like Kim but loves baseball. (pause) 

But your other two girls participated in some of the same activities as my boys. 

  • Caroline and Nicholas did math team together.  
  • Caroline and Drew went on choir tour.  
  • Mallory and Drew were both in Cullman High School Theatre.
  • Then Caroline married Drew’s RA from Samford University. And God blessed them with another girl in your life -your granddaughter Pheobe. 

 Did Kim and you meet at Samford also? Sam, not Stan. Samford in Birmingham, AL not Stanford in Cali. 

Podcast Interview  

Alright, let’s get into the blogs that posted this summer. On 06/024/25 Navigating Anxiety in the What If’s of Life and on 08/05/25 Finding Peace in What is Certain

  1. How would you describe the “What If” mindset? 
  2. Why is not knowing all of the hidden things in God’s will for our lives a blessing? 
  3. Will you describe your personal experience in struggling with “What Ifs”? 
  4. How did you learn to deal with anxiety God’s way? 
  5. What impact did it have on your worship? 
  6. What are some Biblical insights that helped you find peace in what IS certain? 
  7. Will you describe the reverse order of our norm as it relates to planning for possible “What Ifs”? 
  8. What are some practical steps that help us embrace what IS certain? 

    We are getting ready to wrap this up.  

    I have been closing out these interviews by tying in your story with having Christmas Courage.  
  9. So, how does remembering that real peace is available impact us, especially if we are struggling at Christmas? 

Closing  

Thank you for coming in and spreading Christmas Courage. Sharing our stories is important. It helps others not feel so alone and gives them real courage for their journey. 
 

Recent Posts

By Julie Fillinger June 23, 2026
Julie Fillinger Sometimes I am guilty of biding my time until I get to heaven. I discovered enjoying God’s presence everyday changes my perspective on how I see suffering, waiting, and the journey ahead. In today’s podcast, I talk about what God used to help me make that shift. The post The Shift That Changes Everything appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger June 9, 2026
Julie Fillinger Susan Sellers shares a moving testimony of faith, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness through unexpected health struggles. In this Women of Faith episode, she reflects on open-heart surgery, years of complications, and the peace she found by trusting God when life did not go according to her original plan. The post How God Changed Susan’s Plans…And Her Perspective appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger May 26, 2026
Julie Fillinger In this powerful Women of Faith conversation, Sonya Fortner shares her ongoing grief journey after the loss of her daughter Hannah. Together we discuss quiet courage, forgiveness, faith in suffering, and how God’s grace meets us in heartbreak. This honest conversation offers hope, healing, and encouragement for anyone walking through loss. The post Sonya’s Story of Quiet Courage and the Impact of Forgiveness appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger May 12, 2026
Julie Fillinger In this Women of Faith episode, Phyllis Smith shares how God shaped her through family life, military moves, community, widowhood, and an ongoing battle with cancer. Her steady perspective—taking each day as it comes—offers practical hope for anyone walking through loss or uncertainty. The post Phyllis Smith: A Life of Faith and Resilience appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger April 28, 2026
Julie Fillinger Elizabeth Miller shares how true peace and contentment are found not in achievement or status, but in a surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ. Through college challenges, pageant experiences, and career lessons, her story encourages women to fix their minds on Christ and discover lasting purpose, identity, and joy beyond performance. The post From Pageants to Purpose: Elizabeth’s Journey to Peace and Contentment appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger April 14, 2026
Julie Fillinger In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend Ashley as she shares her story of child loss, faith, and the peace that only God can give. Together, we talk honestly about grief, heaven, and how God meets us in life’s deepest sorrow. The post Ashley’s Story: Turning Pain into Purpose appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger March 31, 2026
Julie Fillinger Loneliness persists even in busy, connected lives. This message explores why community alone cannot heal the ache within, and how God’s presence transforms isolation into hope. Through Scripture, worship, and Spirit-filled fellowship, we discover true connection, renewed perspective, and the assurance that we are never truly alone. The post The Cure for Loneliness appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger March 17, 2026
Julie Fillinger We just finished leading our Courage for the Journey Live series, and our hearts are full. Over six Wednesday nights, we explored our view of God, suffering, courage, hope, peace, and prayer together. This recap reflects what resonated, what surprised us, and where we believe God is leading us next in this season.  The post End of the Live Series Recap appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger March 10, 2026
Julie Fillinger Prayer begins with humility. I come trusting God’s goodness, nearness, and faithfulness.  Even the groans of my spirit and cries of my heart speak to God. As I approach Him with surrender, He meets my dependence with grace, reshaping my heart to trust Him and release the control that wasn’t mine to begin with.  The post The Heart Cries and Groans of Prayer  appeared first on julie fillinger.
By Julie Fillinger March 3, 2026
Julie Fillinger Through faith in Jesus, I have peace with God that steadies my heart when life feels uncertain. This devotional explores the difference between peace with God and the peace of God, showing how trust and prayer replace anxiety with hope and rest, even in suffering. The post Peace With God Is Real appeared first on julie fillinger.
Show More