As 2020 comes to a close, I find myself still at a loss for words when I think about what we've been through. 2020 is a year that will go down in history as being a crazy time: life was turned upside down and we all got shook up. We were faced with incredible challenges and a lot of hurt.
But in the midst of the darkness, I've seen God at work. And this year for this podcast and ministry has been a testament to that.
Friends, GOD IS FAITHFUL. When the pandemic hit, I'm going to be honest: I thought that this would be the end of The Feminine Genius Podcast.
I was worried and stressed. How was I going to put together episodes when I couldn't meet people and interview them in person? What was I going to do?
Little did I know that God had a plan, and He was going to really push me outside of my comfort zone. What this resulted in is not only a full year of programming, but also an increased listener base beyond Canada and a bunch of new friends all over North America.
2020, by the numbers & figures:
We released 39 episodes
We heard from 37 different women across 3 provinces and 12 states
We met nurses who work on the front-lines, religious sisters from 4 different congregations, artists, fellow Catholic podcasters, musicians, scientists, and mommas of all kinds
I knew that *eventually* I would expand and break out of the comfort zone that I set up for myself. But when COVID hit and all security was taken away, I heard God say to me: "Do you trust me to make this happen for you?"
Friends, I was scared. Like I said, I seriously thought back in March that this would be the end of it. That it was fun while it lasted. But despite all the uncertainty, I was compelled to say yes—albeit tentatively.
But He made a way. Not only did He make all the above happen, but He also provided me with other incredible opportunities:
Beginning in April, over 20 virtual coffees with women from all over North America
Speaking at different women's groups and conferences
Guest writing for and being featured in different publications
Joining incredible groups such as Spoken Women and Catholic Speakers of Colour
Being interviewed for a number of podcasts
Collaborating with two incredible artists for new cover art (Mariel Pahayahay) and new theme music (Theresa Ambat)
All of this couldn't have happened without God's persistence, His grace, and His mercy! And in a special way, YOU made this happen!
Without your continuous listenership, support, and love, none of this would be possible! Every listen, every share, every message, every review—I cherish it all.
Most of all, this year I really felt myself grow in my personal feminine genius and have come to a deeper understanding about what it means to nurture that within me. With all that happened this year, I came to really embrace my own feminine genius in its entirety, which includes my talents, my crosses, my racial identity, my likes and dislikes, my past, present, and future. And I hope that along the way, as you've listened to these conversations, you also have grown in your personal understanding of YOUR unique feminine genius!
As the year went on, I became more and more convicted in a simple fact: God has blessed me with this podcast and ministry. He's entrusted me with The Feminine Genius Podcast, and I am thrilled to be on this journey with you!
So THANK YOU! As we come into 2021, here are some things to look forward to:
A new look and design
New theme music
More incredible conversations with a variety of women (check out this Instagram post for a sneak peek!)
Videos for me to connect with you on a more regular basis
Collaborating with YOU! (yes, YOU!) — more to come on this!
More things as God inspires me?!?!
As always, I am so grateful for you and your support, as every little bit makes a difference! If you'd like to support the mission, here are a few ways for you to do so:
Follow and like The Feminine Genius Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
Rate and leave a review of The Feminine Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player of choice
Share the podcast with a friend who you think would enjoy it!
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your love and support. The Feminine Genius Podcast would not be where it is if not for you!
Here's to new heights in 2021 and beyond—I'm so excited to continue journeying with you!
In Him,
Rachel