Ep. 4: Living in the Tension: Earthly Pain, Heavenly Truth with Lauren Sterling Garcia

Oct 2, 2025

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Trigger Warning: This episode includes themes of loss and grief. Please use discretion when listening.

In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Lauren Sterling Garcia—a remarried widow, mom of eight, real estate agent, “pretend farmer,” and host of the Ordinary Grit podcast. Introduced by a mutual friend (and later realizing they’d just attended the same family camp!), Briana and Cherise invite Lauren to share her story of loving well, walking through an eight-month cancer battle with her late husband Scott, and choosing to keep running her race with Jesus—through grief, through healing, and into unexpected redemption.

Lauren shares how simplifying purpose—to know God and glorify Him—reframed everything. From hospital rooms and back-porch conversations during COVID to sacred moments with community, she reminds us that God’s truth is still true on our worst day, and that presence often matters more than perfect words.

What We Cover

Lauren’s faith journey: from ministry and blended family to adopting five children and welcoming an eighth
Walking through an aggressive cancer diagnosis during COVID and the sacred legacy Scott left
“Walk to the water” faith: when deliverance looks different than we hoped
Parenting grief across ages—and why purpose doesn’t die when a spouse does
The ministry of presence: listening, Scripture, worship, and community care
Compassion reshaped: giving others the benefit of the doubt in seasons of pain
Finding love again: healing, discernment, and running your race with Jesus

Key Quotes

“If it’s true, it’s true on my worst day. God’s truth doesn’t change when I don’t get what I want.” “My purpose didn’t die because Scott died—I still have my race to run.” “We don’t move on; we move forward with Jesus.”

Connect with Lauren

Listen to Ordinary Grit: ordinarygrit.com Follow Lauren on Instagram: @mamademucho | Lauren Sterling – Realtor

Join the Conversation

Where have you seen God’s truth carry you through pain? We’d love to hear your story! Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group.

Take the Next Step

Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here.

Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. Book here.

Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Lauren’s. Until next week, friends! 💛