The Way of Freedom with Ruth Chou Simons

Have you ever looked at a flower by the side of the road and thought, “What can this possibly teach me about my anxiety, regrets, and pain?” In this holiday season episode, Candace and artist/author Ruth Chou Simons slow down long enough to actually answer that question. Ruth shares the wildflower stories behind her book The Way of the Wildflower and unpacks how sunflowers, Queen Anne’s lace, and tiny mountainside blossoms can become living parables of freedom, resilience, and God’s tender care. Candace opens up about the regrets that still “pop into her mind,” the places where she struggles to forgive herself, and the tension of wanting closure and resolve right now—especially when things are out of her control. Together, she and Ruth walk through what it looks like to stop replaying the past, release shame, and trust Jesus with the things you can’t fix. Then they turn to a difficult listener question from Swags: “My 12-year-old son has been fighting cancer since he was seven years old. He beat it once, but this time it's winning. Why does God allow this to happen instead of just getting rid of the cancer?” Ruth doesn’t rush to an easy answer. Instead, she gently walks through the reality of a broken world, the hope of the cross, and the way God’s kindness can show up in stories we would never choose—especially in a season that’s supposed to be “merry and bright.” If you’re carrying anxiety, regret, or deep questions for God this Christmas, this episode will help you remember you are seen, loved, and not alone. Connect with Candace and Ruth Candace on Instagram @candacecbure Follow the Podcast on Instagram @candacecameronburepodcast Follow the Podcast on TikTok @ccbpodcast Follow Ruth Chou Simons on Instagram: @ruthchousimons Website: https://ruthchousimons.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RuthChouSimons Sponsors For This Episode -Grand Canyon University: https://www.gcu.edu/ -Harper Collins nivapplicationbible.com -IFCJ ifcj.org -Code CCB for 40% off at CozyEarth.com -Mr. Pen http://candacepens.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices