Fortitude
Everyone has a story of Fortitude! When we tell our stories of pain in adversity - stories of courage, redemption and hope - we give others permission to speak up and get the help they need. Each episode will give the listener a look inside what overcoming adversity looks like no matter what life throws at you. Each story is uniquely different - stories of alcoholism/addiction, infidelity, rape, abuse, loss of a child/children, cancer, rare disease, tragic accidents...etc.! We are in this life together to support one another and build community around hope and redemption. I am your host, Heather Kittelson, and I am so excited to have you here as part of the Fortitude community!
Fortitude
Episode 68: Sometimes “choose joy” gets used like a cute quote. But real joy is not denial" With Laura Pedersen
We’re live right now.
Episode 68 just dropped, and I’m saying this clearly: this one is for the person who’s been trying to stay strong while quietly falling apart.
Today’s conversation is with Laura Pedersen. She doesn’t give you a polished testimony. She gives you the real version. Loss, heartbreak, and the long road of choosing joy when life hurts.
And that’s the point.
Sometimes “choose joy” gets used like a cute quote. But real joy is not denial. It’s a decision you make while you’re still healing. It’s faith in motion, not faith as a performance.
If you’ve ever asked:
- How do I keep going after loss?
- How do I trust God when life doesn’t make sense?
- How do I stop pretending I’m okay?
- How do I find joy without minimizing my pain?
This episode is for you.
We talk about resilience, grief, faith, and what it actually looks like to let God rebuild you from the inside out. This conversation goes deeper than inspiration. It’s honest. It’s tender. And it’s the kind of episode that helps you breathe again.
Fortitude is about this.
One story at a time.
Hope through the hard parts.
Not skipping the pain. Not rushing the healing. Just walking it through together.
So here’s what I’m asking today:
- If you have been asking, “How do I keep going?” this conversation is for you.
Watch and listen:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
Support Fortitude:
Patreon: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
Give (Stripe): https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10
Connect:
X: https://x.com/FortitudePod
Courses: https://fortitudellc.myKajabi.com - Comment one word that describes what you’re carrying in this season
- Share this with one person you care about who needs hope but won’t say it out loud
🔴 We’re live. Come in the room.
Drop a comment and tell us where you’re tuning in from and what you’re believing God for right now.
And if someone came to mind while reading this, tag them. You might be the reminder they needed today.
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As a fan of our podcast and mission to spread Hope and Healing through the message of Jesus Christ - We would appreciate your financial support!
We are 100% listener supported!
TO GIVE TO FORTITUDE:
- Patreon: patreon.com/FortitudePodcast
- Stripe: https://bit.ly/fortitudedonate
- Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/fortitude10
PERSONAL GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FortitudePod
- Twitter: https://x.com/FortitudePod