Reading Between the Lines

Reading Between the Lines is more than a podcast—it’s a conversation between friends. Hosted by author and editor Debra Butterfield, each episode offers real talk about life’s hardest moments, healing, and finding hope again.

Whether Deb’s reflecting on her own journey through trauma, faith, and resilience—or unpacking the deeper themes hidden in her fiction—she brings honesty, wisdom, and hard-won perspective to the mic. No fluff. Just real stories, grounded faith, and practical tools to help you move forward.

Deb is a survivor, a believer, and a storyteller. Her first book, Carried by Grace, tells the true story of walking through the unthinkable: her daughter’s abuse, the breakdown of her marriage, and the fight to rebuild. Now, nearly a decade later, she’s sharing what she’s learned—the pain, the process, the healing, and the grace that carried her through it all.

In this show, we “read between the lines” of everyday life. Expect honest conversations about life.

Listen on:

Episodes

Mar 12, 2026

13 min

When doubt whispers and temptation knocks, what’s your response? In this episode, you'll find a powerful reminder straight from Scripture: God’s Word is your weapon. 
As a royal child of God, you’ve been given power and authority to push back against fear, temptation, and lies. The key is learning to replace those thoughts with truth from the Bible and declaring it out loud. 
In this episode, you’ll discover: 
Why Scripture is a powerful weapon against doubt and temptation
How speaking God’s Word strengthens faith and renews your mind 
Simple ways to start using specific verses to confront personal struggles 
If you’ve ever struggled with negative thoughts, spiritual discouragement, or wavering faith, this episode will remind you that you’re not powerless—you’re equipped. 
Stand on the Word. Speak the truth. Live like the royalty God says you are. 
Podcast referenced: When Doubt Creeps In  Every Day in His Presence, 365-day devotional, Charles Stanley (This is an affiliate link. I may earn a commission if you purchase through this link at no extra cost to you.)Unshakable Faith: Living Strong in the Kingdom of God 

Mar 12, 2026

13 min

Feb 5, 2026

11 min

Have you ever looked at the vision for your life and quietly wondered if it will ever really happen? If so, you’re not alone—and struggling with doubt doesn’t mean you lack faith.
In this episode, we’re talking honestly about doubt: where it comes from, why resisting it actually makes it stronger, and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to acknowledge doubt without letting it run the show, how to turn your focus back to truth, and how God’s promises still stand—even when your faith feels shaky.
We’ll walk through powerful scriptures like Numbers 23:19, James 1:5–8, Mark 9:23–24, and Philippians 4:8 to uncover what God says about belief, trust, and possibility. And yes—there is grace for the prayer, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”
If you’re facing a situation that has you questioning, wavering, or second-guessing God, this episode will help you refocus on what’s true and strengthen your faith right where you are. 
 
https://DebraLButterfield.com

Feb 5, 2026

11 min

Where It All Began

Jan 22, 2026

Jan 22, 2026

20 min

I never set out to become an editor, even though I’ve now been doing it for 15 years. Today, I sit back to enjoy a conversation with the writer who hired me to edit her book, and began my career as a freelance editor. Catherine Brakefield is the award-winning author of the Destiny Series and more. 
Find Catherine at:
https://www.CatherineUlrichBrakefield.com
Sign up for her newsletter at: https://www.catherineulrichbrakefield.com/newsletter-sign-up-form.html
Love's Final Sunrise: https://www.crossrivermedia.com/product/loves-final-sunrise/
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/CatherineUlrichBrakefield/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-brakefield-4710b315/
For more information on From Dream to Debut coaching: https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/from-dream-to-debut-enrollment/ 

Jan 22, 2026

20 min

Jan 8, 2026

35 min

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode contains a discussion of sexual abuse and steps to healing.
Today, I’m visiting with retired nurse Nancy Manassero whose written a book to help sexual abuse victims heal from their abuse. Nancy is an abuse survivor, and today’s show is packed with encouragement and practical steps for healing. Her advice can be applied to healing from any trauma. Nancy’s book Heartmending includes an appendix on grooming tactics used by sexual predators and one on signs of abuse in youth.
Find Nancy at:
https://www.nancymanassero.com
To sign up for her newsletter, Hope for Healing: https://www.nancymanassero.com/signup 
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/nancymanasseroauthor
https://www.instagram.com/nancyannmanassero/
Heartmending: https://tinyurl.com/heartmendingNM
For more information on From Dream to Debut coaching, visit: https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/from-dream-to-debut-enrollment/ 
 

Jan 8, 2026

35 min

Dec 4, 2025

15 min

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a tough week and the moment God met me right where I was—at the altar, overwhelmed and needing answers. As the holidays ramp up (and stress loves to commandeer the fun), I was reminded of an old friend: Psalm 37.
A simple birthday story shared in church cracked something open, sending me back to the first book I ever wrote and the truth I’d somehow forgotten: God tells us exactly how to lay down our fear and step into peace.
We’ll walk through the psalm’s life-giving steps: don’t fret, trust, delight, commit, and rest; and what it really means to believe you’ve received what you’ve prayed for, even before you see it.
If your mind’s been noisy lately, this one’s a deep exhale. 
Carried by Grace available on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4ryfCMi (affiliate link)

Dec 4, 2025

15 min

Oct 30, 2025

12 min

If you’re feeling stuck, there’s a good chance you’re avoiding a decision. Maybe you’re afraid of making the wrong move, or you’re waiting for absolute certainty before you act. But here’s the truth: clarity comes after you decide, not before it.
In this episode, Debra unpacks why indecision keeps us trapped and how fear of mistakes holds us back. She explains the Law of Polarity—everything has an opposite and it is equal and opposite—and why learning to see both sides helps us grow. You’ll also discover four powerful questions (from Life Is Now coach David Neagle) to guide your next decision with confidence and faith.
Key takeaways:
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re how we learn.
You don’t need to know the how to take the first step.
Every problem holds a lesson that will serve you later.
Decision is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be.
Challenge: This week, make one decision you’ve been putting off and commit to spending regular time determining what you truly want in life.
Blog post link: https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/4-simple-questions-for-decision-making/

Oct 30, 2025

12 min

Oct 16, 2025

17 min

For years I thought seeking the Kingdom of God meant denying myself, denying my dreams, my desires, my joy.But that’s not what Jesus meant at all.
In this episode, I share how a deeper understanding of Matthew 6:33 brought greater light to my faith walk. You’ll learn what it really means to seek first the Kingdom of God and how to align your thoughts with the divine pattern of abundance and peace.
Discover how to stop striving and instead rest in God’s promises.📖 Listen now and discover what it truly means to live in the Kingdom.
👇 Resources mentioned:📘 Unshakable Faith: Living Strong in the Kingdom of God—a 7-week Bible study to deepen your walk and strengthen your faith. 
🙏 Subscribe for weekly encouragement on faith, mindset, and spiritual growth.
https://debralbutterfield.com/ive-been-seeking-the-kingdom-all-wrong/ 

Oct 16, 2025

17 min

Oct 2, 2025

10 min

Are you skipping a professional edit on your manuscript because you’re afraid to hear criticism about your work?
Don’t be afraid! Feedback on your work is essential to make it better and to become a better writer. Debra encourages writers to develop a thick skin, but also gives you some suggestions on how to get feedback on your manuscript outside of professional editing. 
Get editing help today. Buy Self-editing & Publishing Tips for Indie Authors. 

Oct 2, 2025

10 min

Sep 18, 2025

7 min

Why is it so hard to ask—for help, for opportunities, for the sale? Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given” (Matt. 7:7), yet many of us hesitate, held back by old programming that says asking is greedy or selfish. In this episode, I open up about my own struggles and how childhood messages still shape the way we live today.
We’ll look at the truth of Scripture—James 4:2 and Romans 12:2—and how renewing our minds with daily repetition of God’s Word can free us from the fear of asking (or anything else). You’ll learn practical steps to replace false beliefs with biblical truth, and finally embrace the courage to ask—not just for the bare minimum, but for God’s best.
Join me as I share lessons I’m still learning from my coach and from God Himself. Discover how you, too, can overcome the discomfort of asking and step into a fuller life of faith, confidence, and abundance.
https://debralbutterfield.com
https://themotivationaleditor.com 
https://www.facebook.com/DebraLButterfieldAuthor 

Sep 18, 2025

7 min

Sep 4, 2025

31 min

Join me for an interview with Danny Barnhill. Danny utilizes decades of singing, teaching and speaking the gospel message into his newly discovered passion of writing. He crafts true inspirational stories, imaginative fictional stories and dramatic biblical narratives he hopes will touch hearts, inspire Christians, and exalt the Savior.
Danny shares how he creates such heartfelt stories we all can relate to. Listen in and discover what you can apply to your own Bible study time and your writing. 
You reach Danny here:Email:   danny@DannyBarnhill.com or DannyB0822@yahoo.com Danny’s FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/danny.barnhill.5201/  
Find me:Https://themotivationaleditor.comHttps://debralbutterfield.com 

Sep 4, 2025

31 min

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