Finding Faith Above | Christianity Basics, Bible for Beginners, Christian Women

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Wait. Am I the only one who has no idea what we're talking about?

There you are, sitting in church, nodding along like you've got it all figured out. Meanwhile, you're thinking, I'm sorry... what does that even MEAN?

The gospel. Grace. Salvation. Sanctification. Apparently, these are all things we're just supposed to know?

Maybe you grew up with a completely different understanding of God. Or maybe you've been going to church for years and somehow missed Christianity 101.

Either way, you love Jesus. But you've got approximately 862 questions, and at this point, you're not even sure which one to ask first.

Seriously, was there a Christianity handbook we missed somewhere?

Welcome to Finding Faith Above, where we unpack the Christian basics nobody ever explained.

I'm Shelby Hohsfield, a Southwest artist, author, and a woman who took the scenic route to Jesus. I grew up with religion, spent 20 years searching for truth, and eventually discovered I had a whole lot to unlearn and even more to learn about what it actually means to follow Him.

Turns out, I needed Christianity 101 myself.

Each week, we'll tackle one question about the Christian faith, discover what the Bible actually teaches, and learn how to put it into practice in our everyday lives. From understanding the gospel to learning how to pray, read Scripture, and grow closer to Jesus, we're making sense of the faith we want to live.

Think of it as the Sunday school you wish you had, but this time we're asking ALL the questions.

So grab your coffee and your Bible. We've got some things to talk about.

xoxo,
Shelby

Let's connect!
🎙️ Podcast home: findingfaithabove.com
🎨 Shop my art, prints, and paper goods: shelbyathome.shop
📸 Instagram: @shelbyhohsfield
👍 Facebook: Shelby Hohsfield
✉️ Send me your questions: hello@shelbyhohsfield.com

Episodes

Feb 4, 2026

131. Peacekeeper or Peacemaker? When Truth Disrupts the Room, Interview with Lindsay Norman

Feb 4, 2026

43 min

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Finding Faith Above, Shelby sits down with Lindsay, a woman of strong faith and biblical conviction, to tackle one of the hardest tensions facing Christians today: Are we called to keep the peace, or to make peace rooted in truth?

This conversation goes where many avoid. Together, Shelby and Lindsay unpack the difference between peacekeeping (appeasement and silence) and peacemaking (love grounded in truth) and why confusing the two can have eternal consequences.

Sparked by Lindsay’s widely shared open letter to her LDS friends, this episode compassionately explores why Christians and Latter-day Saints often use the same language but mean very different things when it comes to God, Jesus, salvation, and truth. These aren’t minor theological disagreements. They are foundational questions that shape eternity.

You’ll hear Lindsay’s personal faith journey, including how biblical literacy transformed her walk with Christ, humbled her self-righteousness, and gave her courage to speak truth even when it cost her relationships, comfort, and approval. This is not an episode about winning arguments. It’s about loving people enough to tell the truth.

Shelby and Lindsay also dive into:

Why unity without truth is not biblical peace
How to lovingly engage LDS friends without compromising the gospel
Why asking hard questions is not dangerous, but necessary
How archaeology, ancient manuscripts, and apologetics affirm the reliability of the Bible
Why Christianity is an evidence-based faith, not blind belief
How biblical literacy equips you to recognize counterfeit gospels

If you’ve ever felt torn between loving people and standing firm in truth, this episode will give language, clarity, and courage to that tension.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble: https://www.thebiblerecap.com
Wes Huff (biblical manuscripts & apologetics): https://www.youtube.com/@WesHuff
Jay Warner Wallace (Cold-Case Christianity): https://coldcasechristianity.com

🤍 Connect with Lindsay:
https://www.facebook.com/lovemyclothandwater

This is an episode for the woman who senses that faith costs something, truth matters, and love doesn’t stay silent. If you’re ready to move from fear to clarity, from appeasement to courage, and from surface-level belief to deep biblical confidence, this conversation is for you.

Feb 4, 2026

43 min

Jan 28, 2026

130. They Prayed for Me in Secret…and God Answered Loudly. Interview with Christian Friendship Coach, Cecilia Curtis

Jan 28, 2026

29 min

What happens when your faith feels thin, your prayers feel exhausted, and God moves anyway?

In this episode of Finding Faith Above, Shelby sits down with Cecelia Curtis, host of The Heart of Friendship podcast—a top 2% show centered on female friendship and meaningful connection. Cecelia is a Christian friendship coach, a wife of 22 years, a boy mom of three, and a retired military spouse who has spent much of her adult life building and rebuilding community.

Cecelia shares her deeply personal story of nine years of infertility, the moment a group of women prayed over her without knowing the silent cry of her heart, and the miracle that followed just two weeks later. She also reveals the stunning truth that a friend and her husband had been fasting and praying for her in secret for two years.

Together, Shelby and Cecelia explore:

How God often works through female friendship and spiritual sisterhood
Why borrowed faith matters when your own feels worn down
The difference between polite prayer and true intercession
Why loneliness and transition are not signs of failure
How God meets us quietly, right where we are

This conversation is for the woman who feels alone, uncertain, or unsure how to move forward in faith. It’s a reminder that God is present, prayer is powerful, and you may be more supported than you realize.

🎧 Listen to Cecelia’s podcast:
The Heart of Friendship
On Apple
On Spotify

🤍 Connect with Cecelia:
https://ceceliacurtis.com/

Jan 28, 2026

29 min

Nov 12, 2025

129. When God Feels Silent: Learning to Trust Him in the Waiting Room of Life

Nov 12, 2025

13 min

Have you ever felt like you’re just sitting in the waiting room of life, wondering what God wants you to do next? You pray, you listen, you wait—but the silence feels heavy. Maybe you’re desperate for clarity, asking, “Lord, just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it!”

In this heartfelt episode of Finding Faith Above, Shelby shares a personal conversation she had with her 19-year-old son about following God’s direction—even when it isn’t clear. Together, they wrestle with that deep longing to hear from Him, and the frustration that comes when God seems quiet. But through Scripture and reflection, Shelby reminds us that sometimes the waiting room isn’t punishment—it’s purpose.

You’ll hear how God’s consistency, faithfulness, and unchanging nature mean you’re never truly stuck or forgotten. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever—and even when you can’t hear His voice, He is still working in your life.

If you’ve been wondering where God is leading you, this episode will help you rest in His presence, trust His timing, and find peace knowing that right where you are might be exactly where He wants you to be.

✨ Listen in and be reminded: God hasn’t forgotten you in the waiting—He’s preparing your heart for what’s next.

Referenced Message:
🎧 Watch the Sagebrush Church sermon from November 1st with Pastor Todd Cook on YouTube — it’s a powerful reminder that God’s silence is never His absence.

Need help trusting God in your own waiting season?

Scriptures Mentioned:

Numbers 23:19
Hebrews 13:8
Malachi 3:6
Deuteronomy 31:6, 8
John 14:18
Romans 8:38–39

Nov 12, 2025

13 min

Oct 30, 2025

128. What Happens After You Leave the LDS Church? Amy’s Story of Peace, Grace, and the Gospel // Interview

Oct 30, 2025

38 min

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, it’s never enough? Like every time you think you’ve “done all the right things,” you still carry the weight of not measuring up?

In today’s episode, Amy shares her heartfelt journey of leaving the LDS Church and discovering the freedom, peace, and grace that only Jesus can offer. From the pressure of perfection and “impossible gospel” expectations to the moment she realized salvation wasn’t about her works but His finished work.

This story will encourage you if you’ve ever felt trapped by religion but longed for relationship.

Together, we talk about:
💬 What it’s really like to question long-held beliefs and walk toward truth
📖 How Amy learned to trust the Bible again (and why it changed everything)
❤️ The difference between living under legalism and living under grace
🌿 Why you don’t have to do this journey alone—and where to start if you feel lost

This one is for the woman who’s trying to untangle religion from faith, striving from surrender, and rules from relationship. You’re not alone—and there is freedom on the other side.

👉 Resources Mentioned:

Book Mentioned: Introducing Christianity to Mormons by Eric Johnson
- Check out Episode 79. Introducing Christianity to Mormons with Eric Johnson right here on FFA
Bible Versions Discussed: ESV & NLT

🎧 Listen, share, and tag a friend who needs the reminder that Jesus is enough.

Oct 30, 2025

38 min

Oct 22, 2025

127. Wait, What Is the Gospel? (Because I Never Actually Knew Either)

Oct 22, 2025

15 min

So… what is the gospel, really?

If you came from a background like mine, that word might make you cringe a little. “The gospel” sounded like rules, perfection, checklists, and a whole lot of pressure to measure up. But friend, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Today, we’re breaking down what the gospel actually means according to the Bible—no religion, no fluff, just the real good news of Jesus Christ. This is the truth that sets us free, the message that changes everything, and the reminder that you don’t have to be “enough”… because He already is.

Inside this episode:
✨ What the word gospel actually means (and why it’s called “good news”)
✨ Where you’ll find the gospel all throughout the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation
✨ Why the gospel isn’t about you being perfect, but about what Jesus already did for you
✨ How understanding this truth can transform how you see yourself, your past, and your faith

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does it really mean to be saved?” or felt unsure about how Jesus’ sacrifice actually changes your life—this episode is for you.

💡 Verse to Hold On To:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” — Romans 1:16

💬 Let’s Stay Connected

If this episode helped you understand faith a little more clearly, would you share it with a friend who needs to hear it too?
And don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review—it helps more women find the truth that sets them free.

Need personal guidance or coaching as you rebuild your faith after religion?

Oct 22, 2025

15 min

Oct 15, 2025

126. Never be Afraid to Ask Questions and the Most Important Question You Could Ever Ask.

Oct 15, 2025

14 min

Have you ever felt nervous to ask a question about your faith—worried it might make you look weak, doubtful, or like you don’t belong? Friend, let me tell you: faith is built on questions. Jesus Himself welcomed them. In fact, the most important question He ever asked was this: “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

In this episode, we dive into why questions are not a sign of shaky faith, but a step toward deeper trust in Jesus. From Peter’s bold confession to your own Jesus journey, we’ll talk about how curiosity leads to conviction and how asking always points us back to the truth: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

✨ You’ll learn:

Why God welcomes your doubts and questions.
The power of Jesus’ question to His disciples.
How to move from curiosity to conviction in your faith journey.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Go back and listen to Episode 124 to dig deeper into building a Bible practice that keeps you asking, learning, and growing in faith.

And don’t do this alone! Join our Facebook community to ask your questions, find encouragement, and connect with other women on the same journey. You’ll also find free resources waiting for you at findingfaithabove.com.

Because the more you ask, the closer you’ll come to the One who is the Answer. 💜

Oct 15, 2025

14 min

Oct 8, 2025

125. Jesus Showed Up: Testimonies of Faith and Freedom

Oct 8, 2025

13 min

Do you love a good faith story? This special episode of Finding Faith Above brings you a powerful compilation of testimonies from women who have walked through struggle, surrender, and transformation in Jesus. From moments of desperation to encounters filled with peace, freedom, and God’s incredible grace—these stories will remind you that no matter where you are, Christ is ready to meet you.

You’ll hear real-life wisdom, raw honesty, and Jesus moments that changed everything. Whether you’re new to faith, questioning, or longing for hope, these testimonies will inspire you to take your own steps closer to Him.

👉 Want to dive deeper? Check these links to each guest’s full story.

Change your Relationship with God- One thing that will Bring you Closer to Him. Interview with Miranda Lee.A Swan Dive into the

31. Lap of Jesus- A Simple Concept that Changes Everything Interview with Robin Luftig

47. How He Helps the Broken. Can our Moment of Desperation Become our Saving Grace? with Faith-Based Social Worker and Ex-LDS Member, Klarice

49. How Hard is it to Trust God? A Story of Faith from Ex-LDS and New Believer, Sara Jimenez

67. Is the Bible Cool? Should YOU Do Lessons or Just Read? //Interview with Ex-LDS and Biblical Theology Student, Amy Van Vogt

74. How Do We Go from Judgement to Jesus? Part 1 // Interview with Ex-LDS -Christian and Street Minister, Courtney Ko

78. Do God and Business Mix? Interview with Top Podcaster and Business Coach, Stefanie Gass

80. Tools for a Life of Faith with Vanessa Szanto

Oct 8, 2025

13 min

Oct 1, 2025

124. How to Read the Bible for the First Time: Tips, Tools & a Starting Point (And What to Avoid)

Oct 1, 2025

21 min

Are you new to faith and ready to open your Bible, but not sure where to start?

In this episode, I’ll walk you through five practical tips to make your Bible reading simple, enjoyable, and life-giving.

From choosing the right translation, to understanding how the Bible is organized, to knowing the best book to begin with (hint: it’s not Genesis!), you’ll gain the tools you need to fall in love with God’s Word. Plus, I’ll share resources like The Bible Project and The Chosen study that will help bring the stories to life.

And if you’re still wondering which Bible translation will be easiest for you to read, don’t miss Episode 69 where I break it all down so you can find the perfect fit.

Don’t let your Bible collect dust this time—start a habit that will transform your heart and grow your faith.

✨ Hit play, and let’s dive in together!

Oct 1, 2025

21 min

Sep 24, 2025

123. Annnd We’re Back…. The Hard Truth: You Won’t Always Understand God’s Plan

Sep 24, 2025

22 min

💫 After 2 years away, I’m back on Finding Faith Above—sharing my faith journey, learning to listen to God, and helping new believers build faith.

In this episode, I’m sharing why I stepped away, what God’s been teaching me in the silence, and how He is leading me to reboot this podcast from a whole new place of surrender.

I’ll take you through my story—growing up in a split-faith home, wrestling with doubt, and the moment I hit my knees at 2 a.m. and met Jesus in the middle of my living room. You’ll hear why I started this podcast in the first place, how I almost walked away from it completely, and what God has been showing me about obedience, listening, and conviction.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about what God is asking of you—or if you’ve wondered how to keep building your faith when it feels shaky—this episode is for you.

We’re starting fresh, together. So, friend, grab your coffee, open your heart, and let’s talk about what it really means to surrender, listen, and take those first steps of faith again.

Sep 24, 2025

22 min

Nov 6, 2023

122. Who is Jesus, Really?? 10 Things We Should Know About Christ

Nov 6, 2023

27 min

When people are starting to question faith in any capacity, but more so with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I never suggest just looking into the church. Trying to prove the falsehood or truth of the church can lead to some weird and very emotional places.

Instead, I say, go on a Jesus Journey. We need to get to know Him above all else.

He is the Word
He is With God
He is God
He was in the beginning
He is the creator of all things- Nothing was made that was made
He is the Light of Men
Fulfiller of prophecy
Giver of light and life
The one to make us children of God
Glory and the Giver of Grace

Nov 6, 2023

27 min