027 Victory in the Valley: Tina Medlin on Crohn’s, Faith, and Building Community

In this conversation, Tina Marie Medlin opens up about 30+ years with Crohn’s disease, drug reactions, major surgeries (including an ostomy), and the spiritual warfare of not giving up—like enduring six days with an NG tube and a terrifying arterial bleed she faced fully awake. Through it all, Tina discovered a calling: Warrior Braids Ministry, personalized “Warrior Boxes,” and a monthly faith-based support group that makes sure no one walks the chronic-illness road alone. We talk about pacing life with limited energy, the sting of “you look good,” why transparency matters, and how community becomes a vessel for hope. If you’re in a valley, Tina’s story offers practical compassion and a steady reminder: God still has work for you here.

⏱️ Highlights:

• From denial in her 20s to drug-induced lupus and multiple biologics that failed
• Ostomy surgery and living with ongoing complications
• “Why I still push myself”—serving when you know it’ll cost spoons
• The “mustard seed” moment: hearing God’s whisper to start a ministry
• Warrior Boxes: personalized care for the newly diagnosed or struggling
• Christ & Coffee Time: creative merch that funds ministry work
• The hardest truths: appearance vs. reality, and not being defined only by illness
• Support systems through different seasons: kids, spouse, parents, and church friends
• That brutal NG-tube week and the awake arterial-clamp surgery—choosing not to give up
• What “warrior” means now: honesty, community, and never quitting

🗣️ Memorable Quotes:

• “If my eyes opened this morning, God still has work for me to do.” —Tina
• “A warrior isn’t unbreakable; a warrior is honest. Your story can be someone else’s guide.” —Tina
• “He didn’t give me Crohn’s, but He gave purpose to my having it.” —Tina
• “I push because it’s not about me—it’s about what God asked me to do.” —Tina

🛠️ Tools, Resources & Mentions:

• Warrior Braids Ministry: warriorbraidsministry.org
• Instagram: @warriorbraidsministry
• Christ & Coffee Time (proceeds fund ministry projects & Warrior Boxes)

🧭 Reflection / Journal Prompt: Where have you felt that quiet “mustard seed” nudge in your own valley? What one small step could you take this week to follow it?

🪴 One Tiny Step for the Week: List three people who help you feel less alone (or three you’d like to know better). Send one text today—ask for prayer, a check-in, or a coffee on Zoom.

🙋‍♀️ Guest Info:

• Name: Tina Marie Medlin
• Bio: Founder of Warrior Braids Ministry, Tina advocates for women living with chronic illness through personalized Warrior Boxes, a monthly faith-based support group, and creative merch that funds care initiatives.
• Links: warriorbraidsministry.org | Instagram @warriorbraidsministry

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🎬 Credits: Host: April Aramanda Guest: Tina Marie Medlin Editing & Production: April Aramanda Music: “The Invisible Illness Club” theme Show Notes & Assets: Cherry (ChatGPT) © The Invisible Illness Club