Afraid of the Light - with Cynthia Ruchti

Episode 65 - In this special Christmas episode, Stephanie welcomes Cynthia Ruchti to discuss the role of light in our lives. Using her latest novel, Afraid of the Light, we tackle the root issues of any form of hoarding--whether as a mental illness, or a struggle, or a spiritual tendency reflecting a sin of the heart. 

To celebrate Christmas, Cynthia gave away two copies of her latest book, Afraid of the Light, to two Gospel Spice listeners! The winners were Marci R. and Sammy B. This particular giveaway is now closed, but we have several new ones scheduled! Go to gospelspice.com/giveaway to enter for a chance to win!

Also, please consider making a tax-deductible donation this year to support our ministry! We provide you with free high-quality content each week, and we hope that you will consider helping us spread the good news of Christ ever further! For details, go to gospelspice.com/donate. Thank you!

What is Afraid of the Light all about? This special Christmas episode invites you to delve into the little-known ramifications of hoarding. Whether you know a hoarder or not, you will find that Afraid of the Light beckons you into the depths of your own heart.

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope through novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and speaking events. She serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a frequent speaker at writers conferences across the country. She married her grade school sweetheart, and the two live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

Quotes from the book:

"Light had a way of piercing all kinds of darkness."

"The emotional darkness that enshrouds a person with a compulsive hoarding disorder keeps them from seeing. Normal to them is darkness. . . . . Your loved one isn't resisting the light. He or she may be afraid of it."
"She wasn't their saving grace. But if she could point them--Point them to it. Pull back the curtain and let in the light."

You will find Cynthia at cynthiaruchti.com and hemmedinhope.com

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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU!! 

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“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 isn’t a poetic suggestion — it’s a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn’t really work, or it’s not really possible – or they’ve kinda lost sight of it along the way.

In "Awaken Delight," I’m inviting you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God— not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is. Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you will learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.

"Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.

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