What if a vivid dream could change not just your life, but the lives of countless women and children? That's exactly what happened to Susan Binkley, the founder of Blue Monarch. Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Susan as she shares her inspiring journey from a dream in 1995 to the creation of Blue Monarch in 2003. Despite having no experience in recovery work, Susan overcame her initial reluctance. Her unwavering obedience, faith, and determination led her to build a sanctuary that has reunited over 350 children with their mothers and helped women heal from severe trauma.

In this episode, Susan opens up about the miraculous ways that God equipped her to start Blue Monarch and how he continues to sustain her. Listen as Susan reflects on a pivotal moment in 2012 that taught her the importance of serving rather than fixing people, a philosophy that has been crucial in preventing burnout among her team. We also discuss her book and the wealth of resources available on her website, offering listeners a comprehensive look into her impactful work at Blue Monarch. This episode is a testament to the power of obedience, faith, and the transformative impact of serving others.
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Susan Binkley grew up in Tennessee and received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee. In addition to working as a professional artist, she owned and operated a horse farm and large boarding operation, developed unique vacation rentals, created a bakery/café, and established a granola manufacturing business. In 2003, Binkley founded Blue Monarch, a Christ-centered, long-term residential recovery program for women and their children. Blue Monarch has since become one of the most unique and successful recovery programs in the country with a strong emphasis on teaching women to parent sober and by focusing on the child’s recovery as much as the mom’s. Since 2003, Blue Monarch has served nearly 1,000 women and children and over 350 children have been reunited with their mothers who had previously lost custody.

Susan authored a collection of her personal Blue Monarch stories, “From My Front Row Seat,” which quickly became an Amazon bestseller in two categories: Inspirational Christianity and Christian Missions & Missionary Work. The stories are raw and authentic combined with surprising humor, considering the heavy subject matter.

Binkley’s awards include Women in American History Award from Daughters of the American Revolution, TIAA Difference Maker, and an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from the University of the South. Susan lives with her husband, Clay, on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee overlooking a state park.

Connect with Susan:
On Instagram: @susanbinkleyauthor
On Facebook: Susan Binkley
Website: bluemonarch.org

Links mentioned:
From My Front Row Seat: by Susan Binkley

On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!

Madison Daniels joins us to share a profound and personal story that might just resonate with you or someone you know. Madison opens up about her early encounters with alcohol, from her high school days of experimentation to the unrestrained party lifestyle she embraced in college. She candidly recounts how alcohol became her go-to for fitting in and coping with life's ups and downs, never recognizing it as a problem. Her journey is a testament to the struggles many face in recognizing and admitting to an addiction, especially within environments where such behavior feels normalized. But Madison's story doesn't end there—it takes a transformative turn through the power of faith.

Embark on a journey of hope and healing as Madison reveals how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and her faith instigated a profound change. From initial resistance and denial to a spiritual awakening, she describes the pivotal role of AA meetings and the support of a faith community in discovering a path to recovery. Experience her moments of surrender and the courage it took to share her struggles in both personal and professional settings. Madison's story is not only an inspiring testament to the power of faith and community but also a beacon of hope for anyone battling addiction or supporting a loved one. Join us as we explore the transformative journey of embracing faith, finding peace, and creating a new way of living.
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Madison is a Christian Podcaster & Author focused on sharing how you can incorporate faith into your daily life. She shares daily bible readings, study bible resources, and prayers on social media.

Madison shares how faith, AA & therapy helped her get her life back on track and now she’s sharing this with others needing a reminder that God is good even when life isn’t.

Connect with Madison:
On Instagram: @madisonwdaniels
Podcast: Jesus Saves Podcast

Links mentioned:
It's only Embarrassing if you're Embarrassed: God is good even when life isn't: by Madison Daniels
The Gap and the Gain: by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin P. Hardy

On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!

Welcome back to Season SIX; I can hardly believe it! I am so happy to be back, and I have some fantastic and inspiring guests for you this season.

We are starting with Christy Osborne. Can I tell you, I just love this girl? We’ve gotten to know each other over the last few weeks, and I hope to continue. I know you will, too, after hearing her story and what she is up to these days!

Moving from sunny Los Angeles to the quaint countryside of Surrey, UK, Christy embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped her life. How does one adapt from the vibrant nightlife of California to the charming yet culture-shifting pub scene of London? Christy shares her personal story of navigating expat life, grappling with loneliness, and how the social drinking culture became intertwined with her daily routine, especially during the challenges of early motherhood.

But the tale doesn’t end there. During the isolating times of the COVID-19 lockdown, Christy faced a moment of reckoning. What happens when you confront your habits head-on and seek authenticity? We explore Christy's path to sobriety, the initial struggles, and her faith's significant role in that journey. She opens up about the deeper questions she had to ask herself and the strength she derived from her faith, which kept her anchored through the most challenging times.

What’s the ripple effect of going alcohol-free? Christy’s journey didn’t just stop at personal transformation; it extended to helping others. Discover how her sobriety journey inspired her to become a coach and write a book. From unexpected support to empowering others, Christy reveals the immense fulfillment found in guiding others on similar paths. This episode is a heartfelt testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of embracing one’s true self. Listen in for an inspiring story of hope and the remarkable impacts of choosing sobriety.

Want to connect with Christy? Below are the links to her Social Media, her website, and her excellent book, which was published on September 24, 2024.
Love Life Sober A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind.

http://instagram.com/lovelifesoberwithchristy/
http://lovelifesober40dayfast.com/
https://www.lovelifesober.co.uk/

On the She Surrenders podcast we are talking about women, faith and addiction all on the same platform. There are many podcasts for women and sobriety, but very few for women seeking information and stories from others about faith-based recovery. Could you leave a review for the SS Podcast? Subscribing and Reviewing will help get this in the ears of those searching for God's word in Recovery. I'm trying hard to get the word out, and this is a way you can be a part of the solution as well. Thank you!