From Striving to Surrender: Finding Your Identity in the Heavenly Father (feat. Dr. Mary-Ruth Hackett)

In this episode of Rough Edges Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett an Educational Psychologist, author, and speaker to explore the powerful intersection of faith, identity, and psychology. With a background in parenting and identity development, Mary Ruth shares her personal and spiritual journey from her early desire to be a stay-at-home mom to becoming an author, podcaster, and voice helping others navigate intentional, faith-filled living.

Throughout the conversation, we cover the importance of pursuing knowledge with humility, integrating faith with developmental psychology, and making intentional parenting decisions rooted in both research and spiritual truth. Mary Ruth also reflects on her journey into podcasting and writing, the role of community and discernment in following God’s calling, and how her family has been part of that process.

We also talk about what it truly means to embrace your identity as God’s beloved daughter inspired by her book Daughter by Design. Mary Ruth opens up about how writing the book deepened her relationship with God, particularly in understanding and connecting with Him as a loving Father. She also shares how prayer, surrender, and obedience have shaped her spiritual life and influenced her work.

If you’ve ever struggled with identity, felt distant from God, or wanted to grow in both faith and self-understanding, this episode offers practical encouragement and a reminder of the beauty of being fully known and loved by God.

This episode also explores:

● How to build a deeper, more personal relationship with God as Father

● The role of reflection, prayer, and intentional living in spiritual growth

● How Daughter by Design helps readers reconnect with their identity and heal from

broken perceptions of fatherhood

● The importance of aligning your vocation with God’s calling

● The value of slowing down, reflecting, and actively engaging with what we consume

Resources and links mentioned in the episode:

● You can find Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett on social media through her INSTAGRAM!

● Purchase Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett’s book Daughter by Design HERE via Amazon on her website

● Check out her new book Discernment of Spirits for Beginners HERE

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