#216 | Shennette Sparkes: Living With Lupus, Faith & Identity Beyond Illness

What happens when you’re praying for healing but still waking up in pain? Author and Lupus advocate Shennette Sparkes shares how faith, family, and purpose have shaped her life with chronic illness.

On this episode of Talks with Gallagher, John Gallagher welcomes Evangelist Shennette Sparkes for an honest conversation about living with Lupus, navigating changes in appearance, and finding confidence beyond a diagnosis.

Shennette shares the story behind her book, The Story Behind the Story: Butterfly Warrior, including her experience receiving a Lupus diagnosis as a Division I college basketball player. She reflects on the fear and uncertainty she faced, the role of prayer in her daily life, and why being vulnerable with God and the people around her mattered.

The conversation also explores marriage, motherhood, accepting support, and learning to rest without feeling the pressure to do everything. Shennette discusses her beliefs about healing and closes with a prayer for listeners.

Topics include:

• Living with Lupus and finding hope after diagnosis

• The meaning behind “Butterfly Warrior”

• Hair loss, appearance, self-esteem, and identity in Christ

• Finding purpose without being defined by pain

• Honest communication in marriage and family life

• Accepting help and building a support system

• Faith, prayer, and encouragement during difficult seasons