Debbie Simmons is a nonprofit leader, speaker, and mother of thirteen—nine through adoption and four forever in heaven. With over 14 years of experience in ministry and nonprofit leadership, Debbie is the founder and CEO of Anchor Point, a faith-based organization that provides hope and healing to women and families facing crisis, trauma, and unexpected pregnancies. Her personal journey includes walking through infertility, the loss of quadruplets, and the joys and challenges of parenting children from trauma backgrounds. Debbie’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of taking the “next best step” in the face of overwhelming circumstances. She is passionate about equipping others with practical tools and spiritual encouragement to build lives and legacies that matter. Whether leading in business, mentoring parents, or supporting broken-hearted women, Debbie brings wisdom, compassion, and real-world experience to every conversation.

Can the depths of grief become the foundation for a legacy of hope?

In this compelling episode of the Healing Through Love Podcast, host Sharlene Lynch engages in a profound conversation with Debbie Simmons, a woman whose life embodies the journey from sorrow to purpose.

Debbie recounts the devastating loss of her quadruplets and how this tragedy became the impetus for founding Anchor Point, a faith-based nonprofit that offers support to women and families in crisis. Her story is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and the belief that intentional action can lead to healing and transformation.

The episode delves into:

• The origins and mission of Anchor Point.
• The challenges and triumphs of adopting nine children from trauma backgrounds.
• Practical steps for those navigating grief or considering adoption.

Debbie’s journey offers valuable insights into trauma-informed parenting, nonprofit leadership, and the power of faith in overcoming life’s greatest challenges. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to find purpose in the aftermath of loss.

Tune in to discover how Debbie Simmons turned her personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. (witnessespodcastj.podbean.com)

📌 Three Key Takeaways

1. Transforming Grief into Purpose: Discover how intentional action and faith can turn personal loss into a mission that benefits others.
2. Trauma-Informed Parenting: Gain insights into adopting and raising children from trauma backgrounds with compassion and understanding.
3. Building a Legacy Through Service: Learn how founding a nonprofit can create lasting impact and offer healing to communities in need.

For more information on Debbie Simmons and her work, visit The Debbie Simmons and Anchor Point. (thedebbiesimmons.com)

Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

• The episode of Healing Through Love podcast is introduced by Sharlene Lynch.
• The podcast aims to increase awareness of domestic and family violence and empower survivors.
• The guest, Debbie Simmons, is introduced as a not-for-profit leader, speaker, and mother of 13 children through adoption and four who have passed away.
• Debbie is the founder and CEO of Anchor Point, a faith-based organization providing hope and healing to women and families in crisis. 

Debbie Simmons’ Personal Journey

• Debbie shares the story of her journey to become a young grandmother, including her desire to marry and have children early.
• Debbie and her spouse faced infertility issues and underwent a fertility study to conceive.
• Debbie discovered she was pregnant with quadruplets after initially being told she was having twins.
• At 26 weeks, Debbie’s water broke, leading to the premature birth of her quadruplets, all of whom passed away shortly after birth.
• Debbie discusses the emotional turmoil and the question of ‘why’ that arose after the loss of her children.
• Debbie shares how God guided her to change her question from ‘why’ to ‘how do I survive?’ 

Strategies for Coping and Healing

• Debbie emphasizes the importance of breathing as a foundational step in coping with grief and trauma.
• Debbie introduces the concept of taking the ‘next best step’ rather than the ‘next right step’ to navigate through difficult times.
• Debbie shares examples of simple next best steps, such as pulling the covers off or brushing teeth, that helped her on her healing journey.
• Debbie discusses the transition from surviving to thriving and the importance of asking ‘how do I thrive?’ to move forward.
• Debbie highlights the role of community and safe people in helping individuals figure out and take their next best steps. 

Debbie’s Book and Ministry

• Debbie has written a book titled ‘The Heart of Legacy’, which details her story and provides steps for living a focused, faithful, and fearless life.
• The book includes stories from Anchor Point, the ministry Debbie founded, showcasing how others have navigated their journeys.
• Debbie’s ministry aims to encourage people to share their stories in safe spaces to foster community and reduce feelings of shame and isolation. 

Debbie’s Vision for the Future

• Debbie’s goal is to use her story to inspire others to share their own stories and find courage in community.
• Debbie believes in the power of storytelling to break down shame and guilt and to reconnect people in a ‘reconnect economy’. 

Final Words of Wisdom

• Debbie encourages the audience to recognize their deep value and worth, even in challenging times.
• Debbie invites listeners to take the next best step they can think of, no matter how small, to move forward.

• Introduction of Debbie Simmons, a not-for-profit leader and founder of Anchor Point, who shares her journey from grief to grace.
• Debbie Simmons recounts her personal story of infertility, pregnancy with quadruplets, and the tragic loss of all four babies, highlighting her journey through grief.
• The concept of taking ‘next best steps’ in overcoming challenges and healing is discussed, emphasizing the importance of small actions and support from safe people.
• Debbie Simmons talks about her book, ‘The Heart of Legacy,’ which details her story and offers guidance on living a focused, faithful, and fearless life.
• Debbie Simmons shares her vision for the future, which involves using her story to inspire and empower others to share their own stories and find community and support.
• Debbie Simmons offers words of wisdom to the audience, encouraging them to recognize their value and take the next best step in their journey.