Emunah (Hebrew for faith, belief)

This podcast explores ways to live lives that honor Jesus.

Emunah (Hebrew for faith, belief) is a religion podcast hosted by Tamara M. Cooke Henry, Ph.D., with 128 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Tamara M. Cooke Henry, Ph.D. hosts Emunah (Hebrew for faith, belief), a religion show with 128 episodes published.

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  Episode #127

  Fighting Temptation: Know Your Weak Spots

  Sep 18, 202653 min

  Why are some temptations harder to resist than othersand do you know where you are most vulnerable? Temptation is something every Christian faces. Spiritual maturity does not make us immune, but Scripture teaches us how to recognize temptation, understand where it comes from, and respond before an invitation to sin becomes an act of disobedience. In this episode of Emunah , Dr. Tamara Henry welcomes Pastor Ronnie D. Simmons for a practical, Bible-centered conversation and teaching on fighting temptation and knowing your weak spots .  Pastor Simmons explains what temptation really is, how it differs from a test or trial, and why understanding our personal areas of vulnerability matters. Using Scriptureincluding Jesus temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4he offers biblical strategies for resisting temptation, exercising self-control, relying on the Holy Spirit, and standing firm when temptation comes. Pastor Ronnie D. Simmons is the inspirational pastor and founder of House of Faith Christian Center , a Word of Faith, non-denominational church in Smyrna, Tennessee. Key Topics          What temptation isand what it is not          Why temptation itself is not sin          Why every believer faces temptation, regardless of spiritual maturity          How to identify your personal weak spots and areas of vulnerability          The source and progression of temptation          The difference between a test from God and temptation to sin          How our own desires and the values of the world can make us vulnerable          What Jesus teaches us about resisting temptation in Matthew 4          Why knowing and speaking the Word of God matters          The role of the Holy Spirit and self-control          How prayer, Christian community, and accountability strengthen us          What to do when you fall into temptation Takeaways          Temptation is not sin; it is an invitation to sin.          No one is beyond temptation. Spiritual maturity does not eliminate vulnerability.          Knowing your weak spots can help you recognize temptation before it gains momentum.          God does not tempt us to do evil.          Scripture is one of our most powerful defenses against temptation.          Jesus demonstrated how to confront temptation with the truth of Gods Word.          The Holy Spirit empowers believers to exercise self-control and choose obedience.          We should not try to fight every spiritual battle alone; godly community and accountability matter.          Giving in to temptation does not have to be the end of your story. Confession, repentance, and Gods forgiveness provide a way forward.          Resisting temptation requires intentional choices: recognize it, reject it, speak Gods Word, flee when necessary, pray, and seek support. Sound Bites Temptation is just an invitation to sin. God never tempts anyone to do wrong. Say no to temptation and speak the Word. Scriptures for Further Study James 1:1315 Understanding the source and progression of temptation James 4:7 Submit to God and resist the devil Matthew 4:111 Jesus is tempted in the wilderness Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation 1 John 1:9 Confession, forgiveness, and cleansing 1 John 2:16 The desires of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life 1 Corinthians 10:1213 God provides a way of escape Psalm 119:11 Hiding Gods Word in your heart 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness Ephesians 6:1018 Putting on the whole armor of God Proverbs 28:13 Confession, repentance, and mercy Galatians 6:1 Restoring someone who has fallen with gentleness Connect with Pastor Ronnie D. Simmons Email: RDSimmons2@att.net Connect with Emunah Emunah wants to hear from you. What is one lesson from this episode that will help you recognize or resist temptation? Email: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com Visit Women of the Word : wordconsulting.com Emunah explores how biblical truth speaks to the real challenges of everyday life and helps us live God-honoring lives.

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  Episode #126

  "Just Pray About It": Can Christians Go To Therapy?

  Sep 11, 202659 min

  Can Christians go to therapyor does seeking professional counseling mean you dont have enough faith? For generations, many Christiansparticularly in Black communitieshave been told to just pray about it. Prayer is powerful, but does trusting God mean we should never seek help from a therapist? Can faith, prayer, Scripture, and professional mental health care work together? In this episode of Emunah , host Dr. Tamara Henry sits down with therapist and ordained minister Rev. Dr. Marva Jones for an honest conversation about Christianity, therapy, mental health, and the stigma surrounding counseling in many Black communities. Together, they explore what therapy really is, why seeking counseling is not necessarily a sign of weak faith, how Christians can find appropriate mental health support, and the important role the church can play in encouraging emotional and spiritual well-being. Why Is Therapy Still Stigmatized? For many people, admitting I need help isnt easy. Within some Black families and faith communities, generations have been taught to be strong, keep family problems private, endure hardship, and take their struggles to God in prayer. But what happens when just pray about it isnt the whole answer? Dr. Henry and Dr. Jones discuss how cultural expectations, historical mistrust, misconceptions about mental health, and some church traditions have contributed to the stigma surrounding therapy. They also consider an important question: Can seeking professional help actually be an act of faith and wisdom rather than evidence of spiritual weakness? Meet Rev. Dr. Marva Jones Rev. Dr. Marva Jones is founder and president of The Tree of Life Counseling and Training Center, Inc. , with offices in Westlake and Avon Lake, Ohio. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision Designation and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor . Dr. Jones and her staff provide individual therapy addressing a variety of mental health and substance-use disorders, as well as family therapy. Their work includes co-parenting issues involving divorced and separated parents, blended families, marriage counseling, sports-performance concerns, and helping athletes navigate life transitions. Dr. Jones is also the author of The Dance (The Power of the Father) , which addresses co-parenting through divorce and separation. Her experience as both a mental health professional and ordained minister gives her a unique perspective on the relationship between psychological care and Christian faith. In This Episode, We Explore          What therapy isand what it isnt          Whether Christians can go to therapy and still trust God          Why seeking counseling does not necessarily indicate a lack of faith          Why mental health care has been stigmatized in many Black communities          How cultural and generational attitudes influence our willingness to seek help          The relationship between prayer, Scripture, faith, and professional counseling          How God can work through therapists, counselors, pastors, physicians, and other people          What Christians should consider when choosing a therapist          Why cultural competence matters in mental health care          The role churches can play in reducing mental health stigma          How open conversations about emotional health can help individuals, families, and congregations Key Takeaways          Therapy can provide a safe, collaborative environment for emotional healing and personal growth.          Seeking therapy can be an act of wisdomnot weakness.          Faith and professional mental health care do not have to compete with one another.          Churches can play an important role in removing shame and stigma from conversations about mental health.          Finding a qualified counselor who understands your cultural background and respects your faith can make a significant difference.          Education and honest conversation can help break generational barriers surrounding mental health care.          Asking for help does not mean abandoning faith. Sometimes help may be one of the ways God answers prayer. Sound Bites Seeking therapy is an act of wisdom, not weakness. God works through people, including therapists and counselors. Education is key to erasing the stigma around mental health. Scriptures to Consider Proverbs 11:14 The value of wise counsel Proverbs 12:15 The wisdom of listening to advice Proverbs 17:22 The connection between a joyful heart and well-being Proverbs 24:6 The importance of wise guidance Psalm 41:3 Gods care in times of sickness and weakness 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encouraging and building one another up One Question to Consider Whats the difference between trusting God to heal you and refusing the help He may have already provided? God can work through prayer. He can work through Scripture. He can work through pastors, physicians, family members, supportive communitiesand trained mental health professionals. Seeking help doesnt have to be the opposite of faith. With wisdom and discernment, it can be an expression of it. Join the Conversation What do you think? Can Christians go to therapy? Have you ever struggled with the belief that seeking counseling meant you werent trusting God enough? Emunah would love to hear from you. Email: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com Visit Women of the Word at wordconsultingllc.com. Emunah explores ways to live God-honoring lives by bringing biblical truth into conversation with the issues we face every day.

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  Episode #125

  Autism & Back to School: Parents, Are You Ready?

  Sep 4, 202657 min

  Getting ready for a new school year involves more than buying backpacks, notebooks, uniforms and school suppliesespecially when you are the parent or caregiver of an autistic child. In this episode of Emunah , host Dr. Tamara Henry welcomes back educator and autism specialist Dr. Terita Gusby for an important conversation about autism, back-to-school preparation, parent advocacy, special education and preparing autistic children for life beyond the classroom . Their message to parents is clear: Parents are their childrens first teachersand their most consistent advocates. Dr. Gusby explains practical steps families can take before the first day of school, including reviewing evaluations and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), establishing routines, communicating with teachers, addressing sensory and nutritional needs, and helping children develop self-regulation skills. But preparation shouldnt stop with the new school year. Parents also need to ask a much bigger question: What are we doing now to prepare our children for life after high school? What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how a person communicates, interacts socially, processes sensory information and experiences the world. It is called a spectrum because autism does not look the same in every person. Abilities, characteristics and support needs can vary significantly. Some autistic people live independently, attend college and build careers, while others may require substantial lifelong support. Characteristics may include:          Differences in social communication difficulty interpreting social cues, communicating in expected ways or navigating social interactions.          Repetitive behaviors and focused interests a strong preference for routines, repetitive movements or highly focused interests.          Sensory differences heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, tastes or other sensory experiences. Autism is a form of neurodivergence , not an infection or contagious disease. Understanding a childs individual strengths, challenges and support needs can help parents make better educational decisions and advocate more effectively. Key Topics in This Episode Parents Are Their Childrens First Teachers Schools play an essential role, but parents cannot turn over complete responsibility for their childs education to teachers, administrators or specialists. Dr. Gusby discusses why parents need to understand their childs diagnosis, evaluations, educational goals and support needsand why effective education requires a partnership between parents, teachers and other professionals . The conversation also addresses challenges facing special education classrooms, including teacher shortages, staffing changes and the possibility that some students may encounter educators or substitutes without extensive special education experience. Preparing an Autistic Child for a New School Year For some autistic children, sudden changes in schedules and environments can be particularly challenging. Parents can make the transition easier by reestablishing sleep schedules, practicing morning routines, preparing necessary personal supplies and helping children become familiar with what the school day will look like. Parents and teachers should also communicate early about the childs strengths, challenges, communication style, sensory needs, triggers and strategies that help the child regulate emotions and behavior. Understanding Evaluations, IEPs and Special Education Do you understand your childs Individualized Education Program (IEP) ? Parents should know what services their child is supposed to receive, what educational goals have been established and how progress will be measured. An IEP should not simply be paperwork that gets signed and forgotten. This episode encourages parents to ask questions, participate actively in meetings, review evaluations and speak up when they believe their childs educational needs are not being adequately addressed. The conversation also examines the changing federal education environment and what those changes could mean for families receiving special education services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) remains in effect , and eligible children with disabilities continue to have important federal educational protections. Parents should stay informed about changes in special education policy, funding, administration and enforcement rather than assuming that someone else will do it for them. Autism, Nutrition and Feeding Challenges Nutrition can be an important concern for some autistic children, particularly those who experience food selectivity, sensory sensitivities, restricted diets or feeding difficulties . Rather than assuming that particular foods cause or treat autism, parents should pay attention to their individual childs nutritional health and seek appropriate guidance from qualified medical, nutrition or feeding professionals when necessary. Overcoming Autism Stigma and Shame Fear of labels, embarrassment or denial should never prevent a child from receiving an appropriate evaluation or needed services. An autism diagnosis does not determine a childs worth or eliminate his or her potential. Parents can help their children thrive by learning about autism, accepting their childs individual needs, celebrating strengths and allowing qualified professionals to provide appropriate support. Advocacy begins with understanding and acceptance. What Happens After High School? Preparing an autistic child for adulthood should begin before graduation . Families should think ahead about possibilities such as:          College or continuing education          Vocational and job training          Employment          Independent or supported living          Transportation          Financial skills          Social and communication skills          Adult services and community resources The goal is not simply to help a child successfully complete school. It is to help that child develop the skills and support system needed to build the fullest possible adult life. 5 Key Actions for Autism Back-to-School Readiness 1. Adjust the sleep schedule. Begin transitioning from summer bedtime and wake-up habits before the first day of school. 2. Establish a predictable daily routine. Structure and consistency can make transitions easier for many autistic children. Begin practicing the school-year schedule before classes start. 3. Prepare personal and school supplies. In addition to traditional school supplies, pack any personal items your child may need, such as a change of clothes, hygiene products or other appropriate supplies. 4. Role-play the school morning. Practice waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, leaving home and getting to the bus or school. Rehearsal can make the actual first day feel more familiar. 5. Contact the teacher proactively. Introduce yourself before school begins when possible. Share information the teacher needs to understand your child, and follow up after the first weekparticularly when your child is non-speaking or has difficulty communicating what happened during the school day. Sound Bites Parents are the childrens first teachers. Allow professionals to provide necessary services. Parents need to become more informed advocates. Meet Dr. Terita Gusby Dr. Terita Gusby is CEO of Education Prescriptions , a minority woman-owned certified virtual education company serving students in grades K12 and specializing in education for children with autism. Education Prescriptions brings together trained professionals to help students strengthen academic skills, build self-confidence and improve educational outcomes. The company uses specialized learning approaches designed to help autistic students at different levels of the spectrum develop reading, writing, comprehension and other academic skills. Continue the Conversation: Dr. Gusbys First Emunah Episode This conversation is a follow-up to Dr. Gusbys June 5, 2025 appearance on Emunah : Unlocking the Gifts Embedded in Autism with Dr. Terita Gusby Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oRERBr2aq0iicLQgkZBvY?si=RqRKXjynQK2BuIHLUnC6ug Resources from Dr. Gusby Autism Support Tools for Parents and Caregivers Dr. Gusbys book addresses topics including signs of autism, nutrition and picky eating, developmental stages, travel tips, lesson plans and options for older autistic children. Autism Activity Kit The activity kit includes learning tools and manipulatives for math, reading, language arts and social skills. It is designed to support families with children who are homeschooled, homebound or participating in virtual learning and tutorials. Education Prescriptions: https://Educationprescriptions.org Contact Dr. Gusby: teritamcc168@gmail.com Connect with Emunah Emunah explores faith, everyday life and the practical challenges families and communities face while encouraging listeners to live God-honoring lives. Email: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com Women of the Word: https://wordconsultingllc.com

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  Episode #124

  The Hidden Caregivers: Compassion Behind Bars

  Aug 14, 202646 min

  This episode was first published on October 31, 2025   In this moving episode of Emunah , Dr. Tamara Henry sits down with Rev. Jamesina Greene to uncover an often-overlooked reality inside Americas prisons the quiet, unseen caregiving that happens every single day. While the public tends to view prisons only through the lens of punishment, Rev. Greene invites us to see another side: incarcerated men and women who care for the sick, the elderly, and the dying; who mentor younger inmates; and who offer comfort and hope to those society has forgotten. Together, they explore what this kind of caregiving reveals about faith, dignity, and redemption in the most unlikely places.   Statistics on incarceration are staggering. More than 1.2 million people are currently held in state and federal prisons, and two out of three are also workers. Their jobs mirror those outside the prison walls cooking, cleaning, cutting hair, landscaping, making furniture, uniforms, and even license plates. Some work in laundries and kitchens, while others perform vital public services like road repair and firefighting. Yet this labor, often exploitative, generates enormous profits for state prison systems and governments. According to an ACLU report, incarcerated workers produce more than $2 billion a year in goods and $9 billion a year in services that help maintain the very prisons where they are confined.   Rev. Greene is the founder of A Mothers Cry , a Maryland-based charitable organization supporting mothers of incarcerated children across the nation. Since 2000, the organization has provided critical resources and community outreach to help families navigate the financial, social, and emotional challenges of having a loved one behind bars.   Rev. Greenes commitment is deeply personal. Her son, Byron, has been incarcerated since age 25, serving a 50-year sentence for first-degree assault. Over the years, he has often been placed in a caregiver role within the prison. My son is living proof that even behind bars, love and compassion survive, Rev. Greene wrote in a Baltimore Afro-American op-ed on September 18, 2025 a sentiment she echoed in her conversation on Emunah .   Host Dr. Tamara Henry reflected, The hands that lift, feed, and comfort others remind us that Gods compassion cant be confined.   Byron himself shared insight into life behind bars: he rarely sleeps more than two or three hours a night. Its never quiet, its never dark, and its never safe, he said. Youre kept in a constant state of hypervigilance prison is a battlefield. His words paint a vivid picture of the mental strain faced by those incarcerated and the critical need for compassion, mental health care, and human connection.   In addition to her ministry and nonprofit work, Rev. Greene is also a self-published author whose books can be found on Amazon. Her titles include Help, I Dont Like Myself , A Mothers Cry: A Mini Book for Moms , Finding Me , and I Am a Voice .   Call to Action   This episode carries a strong call to action: Contact your state delegate and senator and urge them to support legislation granting credit to inmates who voluntarily serve as caregivers behind prison walls. To connect with Rev. Greene, email amcjami@gmail.com or call 443-669-5485 . To reach host Dr. Tamara Henry, email Wordconsultingllc@gmail.com or share your testimony at wordconsultingllc.com .  

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  Episode #123

  Grateful Living: Why No One Owes You Anything

  Aug 7, 202624 min

  Have we forgotten how to say "thank you"? In this thought-provoking episode of Emunah , host Dr. Tamara Henry examines the growing culture of entitlement and challenges listeners to embrace a lifestyle of biblical gratitude. No One Owes You Anything isn't a harsh messageit's a liberating biblical truth. When we stop believing the world owes us something, we're finally free to recognize every blessing as a gift from God." Drawing from Scripture, personal experiences, and research on the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of thankfulness, Dr. Tamara explains why grateful living is far more than good mannersit's a reflection of a heart transformed by God. Whether you're struggling with disappointment, wrestling with unrealistic expectations, or simply want to deepen your walk with Christ, this episode will encourage you to exchange entitlement for humility, complaints for contentment, and self-focus for worship. Discover why gratitude isn't just something we express occasionallyit's a way of life that honors God and changes us from the inside out. In This Episode Why gratitude is a biblical commandnot merely good etiquette The difference between gratitude, indebtedness, and politeness How entitlement quietly robs us of joy and contentment What Scripture teaches about developing a thankful heart The surprising mental, emotional, and physical benefits of gratitude Three common myths that prevent us from living gratefully Practical, everyday habits that cultivate a lifestyle of thankfulness Why the mindset, "No one owes me anything," can transform your relationships and strengthen your faith Key Takeaways Gratitude is recognizing that every blessing is a giftnot something we deserve. A thankful heart draws us closer to God and changes how we see the world. Scientific research continues to confirm what Scripture has always taught: gratitude improves emotional well-being, strengthens relationships, reduces stress, and supports better physical health. Gratitude isn't dependent on perfect circumstances; it is a deliberate choice rooted in faith. When we stop focusing on what we're owed and begin recognizing God's daily blessings, our hearts become more joyful, humble, and content. Living gratefully replaces entitlement with worship and complaining with praise. Memorable Quotes "No one owes us anything." "Everything we receive beyond God's grace is an undeserved gift." "Grateful living isn't just saying 'thank you.' It's living every day with the awareness that every good gift comes from God." "Instead of asking, 'What do I deserve?' ask, 'Lord, why have You been so good to me?'" Scriptures Featured 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Colossians 3:15 Psalm 107:1 Psalm 28:7 Ephesians 5:1520 James 1:17 Resources Crosswalk 21 Bible Verses About Gratitude and the Power of a Thankful Heart https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/the-power-of-a-grateful-heart Joe Primo, Grateful Living Moving Beyond Gratitude to Living Gratefully https://grateful.org Sara Debbie Gutfreund Debunking Three Myths About Gratitude https://www.chabad.org Tova Younger 12 Ways to Experience Gratitude Now https://www.chabad.org/the.JewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/5501812/jewish/12-Ways-to-Experience-Gratitude-Now.htm We'd Love to Hear From You How are you cultivating a heart of gratitude? Has God used thankfulness to change your perspective or strengthen your faith? Share your thoughts or your own grateful living journey with us. Email: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com Website: https://wordconsultingllc.com If this episode encouraged you, please follow Emunah, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend or family member. Your support helps more people discover the hope and truth found in God's Word. Music licensed through Soundstripe. License Code: T6QI755AJHOYB28N  

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