.png)
The Grace Cycle Show
Are you a Christian mom in midlife longing for deeper connection with God—but feeling burned out from trying harder?
Welcome to The Grace Cycle Show, the faith-based podcast that helps women like you grow spiritually without striving.
Hosted by Karen Dittman, co-author of Thriving in Grace: Unleashing Wellness from a Biblical Perspective, this podcast offers biblical encouragement, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you live by the power of God’s grace—not guilt or performance.
Each week, Karen shares real-life stories, inspiring interviews, and teachings on The Grace Cycle—a transformational framework to help you thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally in your 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Whether you're seeking spiritual renewal, tired of perfectionism, or want to experience more peace and purpose in this season of life, Thriving in Grace is for you.
Subscribe today and discover a fresh, grace-filled path to spiritual growth.
The Grace Cycle Show
Finding Grace in the Midst of Crisis with Sara Schaffer
Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at quiz.1fit-wellness.com
Reach Sara Schaffer through her website at MoveYourMinistry.com
Trigger Warning: Teen Suicidal Ideation
In this powerful episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman welcomes Sara Schaefer—award-winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, and coach—for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about God’s grace in the midst of crisis.
Sara shares her family’s journey through one of its darkest seasons: her daughter Kira’s battle with suicidal ideation. She opens up about how divine intervention and God’s grace led to healing and hope, ultimately guiding Kira to seek help through Heartlight Ministries, a residential program for teen mental health treatment.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- A raw and hopeful testimony of faith in crisis
- How God can work through mental health struggles to bring redemption
- The importance of surrendering control and trusting God's plan
- Sara’s journey of rediscovering her identity in Christ, beyond roles of motherhood and ministry
This episode offers encouragement for Christian parents, women of faith, and anyone navigating pain, parenting challenges, or questions of identity. It’s a reminder that nothing is too broken for God’s grace to restore.
00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show
01:01 Introduction to Sara Schaefer
02:32 Sara's Story of Overcoming Challenges
04:39 God's Grace in Action
10:33 Sara's Personal Growth and Reflections
21:58 Sara's Coaching and Ministry
24:59 Conclusion and Next Steps
Christian podcast, God’s grace, teen mental health, suicide prevention, Christian parenting, identity in Christ, faith and healing, Heartlight Ministries, divine intervention, motherhood and ministry, Christian encouragement, mental health testimony