“Faith doesn’t mean life will be easy—it means you’ll never have to walk through the hard parts alone.”
– Debbie Adams
Debbie Adams is more than just an author—she’s a beacon of light for anyone navigating life’s darkest storms. After enduring personal hardships including a battle with cancer, job loss, and the heartbreaking death of her husband, Debbie found herself at a crossroads. Instead of allowing grief and despair to consume her, she leaned into her faith and discovered her true calling: writing inspirational, faith-based books that offer hope, strength, and healing to others. Her powerful trilogy—Unlocking the Code to Bliss, Divine Promises, and Straighten Your Crown—serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the grace of God.
In this uplifting and heartfelt interview, Debbie sits down with Stacey Chillemi to discuss the deeper meaning of faith, how to embrace inner strength, and the importance of living with intention and purpose. She opens up about the journey behind her bestselling books, shares how small moments can ignite profound transformation, and encourages readers to trust in the greater plan—even when life feels uncertain. Whether you’re searching for healing, inspiration, or a reminder that you’re not alone, Debbie’s words offer a comforting embrace and a gentle nudge to keep the faith.
Thank you so much for joining us, Debbie! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you so much for having me, Stacey. It’s always a joy to share what’s on my heart. I’ve loved books ever since I was a little girl. I’d spend weekends at the library, losing myself in different stories, places, and lives. Books became a way for me to escape but also to understand the world better. As I got older, I realized the powerful role stories play in healing and transformation. After walking through some of the darkest times of my life—cancer, the loss of my job, and then losing my husband—I felt this undeniable calling from God to use my pain for purpose. That calling led me to write books that would uplift others, offering hope to those who may be feeling lost or overwhelmed.
What does faith mean to you personally, outside of religion or tradition?
Faith, to me, is about trust—deep, soul-level trust in something greater than yourself. It’s believing that even when you don’t understand the “why,” there’s still a “how” unfolding behind the scenes. My faith is firmly rooted in God. I trust that He sees what I don’t, that He knows what I need even when I feel confused or broken. Faith is knowing that when I reach the end of my strength, He’s just getting started. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about knowing I don’t need to, because I believe God holds them.
Did you grow up with a foundation of faith?
Yes, I did. I was raised in a home where going to church was part of our rhythm. Faith was always present, but like many people, I didn’t fully grasp what that meant until much later in life. As a child, I knew about God—but I didn’t really know Him in a deep, personal way. It took experiencing heartbreak, loss, and healing to understand just how faithful He truly is. I even went through a period where I felt like I’d lost my faith. For about a year, I tried navigating life on my own. But eventually, I was drawn back, and once I reconnected with God, my faith became stronger than ever.
What helped you reconnect with your faith during that difficult time?
It was a combination of things. I reached a point where I just couldn’t do it on my own anymore. I was exhausted—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. One night, I just broke down and cried out to God. And slowly, through prayer, quiet moments, and reconnecting with scripture, I felt Him gently guiding me back. I realized that my strength would always run out, but His never would. That realization became the cornerstone for the books I write today.
Let’s talk about finding faith in everyday life. How do you personally cultivate faith on a day-to-day basis?
Faith isn’t reserved for Sunday mornings—it’s something we live and breathe daily. I think we find faith in small moments: in a sunrise, in a kind word, in a quiet prayer whispered while washing dishes. Life is full of challenges. I’ve gone through cancer, job loss, losing my spouse—all back to back. During that time, I learned that faith isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s about knowing that God walks with you through it. That’s what I write about in Straighten Your Crown—how to hold onto hope even when the world is shaking.
Can you share more about what readers will find in Straighten Your Crown?
Absolutely. Straighten Your Crown is about reclaiming the power God placed inside each of us. The title itself came from a neighbor who, during a tough conversation, casually said, “We just need to straighten our crowns and move on.” That phrase stuck with me. Later, God placed it on my heart as the title for this book. Each chapter dives into areas like inner strength, confidence, purpose, and unwavering faith. I talk about how the “crown” we wear isn’t visible—it’s in our hearts. What we store in our hearts—bitterness, joy, peace—affects our words, our actions, and how we treat others.
One of the themes you talk about is inner strength. Can you expand on that?
Absolutely. When we go through hardship, we’re forced to dig deep. And I believe God gives us that strength—we just have to tap into it. In one chapter, I write about how faith gives you the ability to rise above the situation you’re in, no matter how painful it is. That strength helped me walk into my radiation treatments with a smile. People would ask, “Why are you smiling?” And I’d say, “Because I have Jesus.” That peace and strength can’t be explained logically. It’s divine.
You also touch on positivity and confidence—why are those important parts of faith?
They go hand in hand. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you believe in what God is doing in you? Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance—it means knowing who you are in Christ. Positivity is choosing to see the light even in dark places. I write about people who always have a “but” for every good thing. “The sun is shining—but it might rain.” That mindset drags you down. Faith invites us to believe that good is possible, that joy is real—even when our circumstances suggest otherwise.
Can you talk about the chapter “Crowned Confidence” and what that meant to you personally?
That chapter is very close to my heart. Growing up, I struggled with confidence. I never really saw myself as capable. So when God told me to write, I thought, “Me? Are you sure?” But as I stepped into obedience, He began to show me what I could do. Confidence, I’ve learned, is built when we trust God’s assignment for us—even if we’re scared. When you start walking in purpose, you begin to see yourself through God’s eyes.
How do you respond to people who say they don’t have a purpose or can’t find theirs?
I’ve been there. I remember asking myself after college, “What am I even supposed to do with my life?” But here’s the thing: purpose isn’t always obvious, and sometimes it’s born through struggle. For me, it came after deep loss. That pain became a message I now share. I believe every person has a divine purpose. If you’re still breathing, you still have a reason.
Let’s talk briefly about your other two books. What’s Unlocking the Code to Bliss about?
That was my first book, written during the post-COVID fog. I needed more energy, more joy. It’s not a diet book—it’s about holistic wellness. I talk about changing how we eat, not necessarily what we eat, and getting outside, moving our bodies, soaking in God’s creation. It’s a reminder that God made our bodies wonderfully and we should care for them accordingly.
And what about Divine Promises?
Divine Promises dives into 10 promises God has made to us, like peace, provision, protection, love, and eternal life. I share my own experiences—like surviving a tornado—and how God kept every single promise, even when I didn’t understand what was happening. It’s for anyone who feels forgotten by God. I want readers to know that He’s still working behind the scenes.
What do you hope readers gain from reading your books?
I hope they feel encouraged and empowered. I hope they realize they’re not alone. I want them to understand that faith is not something you have to earn—it’s something you can lean into, especially when life feels impossible. My books are like a conversation between me and the reader, saying, “I’ve been there. You’re going to get through this. God hasn’t left you.”
You’ll be speaking at a conference soon. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes! I’ll be in Marietta, Georgia on May 10th for the Be Bold, Be Compassionate, Be Resilient conference. It’s a gathering of speakers focused on encouragement and empowerment. I’ll be speaking about resilience—how to not just survive but thrive through life’s challenges. I’m excited to return for my second year!
Where can people find your books and follow your work?
You can find all three books—Straighten Your Crown, Divine Promises, and Unlocking the Code to Bliss—on Amazon and in most online bookstores. You can also visit my website at www.debbieadamsauthor.org. There are descriptions, links, and upcoming blog posts. And if anyone wants to meet me in person or invite me to speak, they can send a message through my site!
If you were to leave the audience with one last thought regarding faith, what would it be?
Always believe in a higher power—God. And if you’re not there yet, just believe that something greater is out there. Hold onto hope, even when things feel dark. There is something better on the other side of the storm. Keep the faith. Stay strong. You are never alone.
Thank you so much, Debbie, for sharing your heart with us. Your story, strength, and wisdom are deeply inspiring.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s truly been a blessing to be here and speak from the heart. I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey. I hope it uplifts someone who needed to hear it today.
