“Why Does God Allow This?” with Ruth Chou Simons - Candaces Podcast Season 12 Episode 3

Have you ever looked at a flower by the side of the road and thought, “What can this possibly teach me about my anxiety, regrets, and pain?” In this holiday season episode, Candace and artist/author Ruth Chou Simons slow down long enough to actually answer that question. Ruth shares the wildflower stories behind her book The Way of the Wildflower and unpacks how sunflowers, Queen Anne’s lace, and tiny mountainside blossoms can become living parables of freedom, resilience, and God’s tender care. Candace opens up about the regrets that still “pop into her mind,” the places where she struggles to forgive herself, and the tension of wanting closure and resolve right now—especially when things are out of her control. Together, she and Ruth walk through what it looks like to stop replaying the past, release shame, and trust Jesus with the things you can’t fix. Then they turn to a difficult listener question from Swags: “My 12-year-old son has been fighting cancer since he was seven years old. He beat it once, but this time it's winning. Why does God allow this to happen instead of just getting rid of the cancer?” Ruth doesn’t rush to an easy answer. Instead, she gently walks through the reality of a broken world, the hope of the cross, and the way God’s kindness can show up in stories we would never choose—especially in a season that’s supposed to be “merry and bright.” If you’re carrying anxiety, regret, or deep questions for God this Christmas, this episode will help you remember you are seen, loved, and not alone. 🕒 What's Inside 03:30 – Holiday check-in: Grown kids, in-laws, and sharing Thanksgiving 08:10 – Candace’s green bean recipe story and the danger of messing with tradition 12:45 – Ruth’s early art story: immigrant expectations, shame, and discovering GraceLaced 17:30 – Wildflower theology: Georgia O’Keeffe, God’s detail, and unnamed blooms 21:00 – Sunflowers and the Son: turning your face toward Jesus all day long 25:15 – Freedom like a wildflower: blooming where God plants you 28:40 – Anxiety, regret, and the shame that still haunts us 31:10 – Forgiving yourself, Paul’s story, and “forgetting what is behind” 34:45 – Forgiving others when you can’t control the outcome 37:00 – Ruth’s story of ministry loss, waiting years for reconciliation, and trusting God’s timing 40:00 – Listener Question from Swags: “Why does God allow this to happen?” 42:00 – Christmas hope, free Advent guide, and Together Community invitation - Listen & Share: Share this episode with a friend walking through anxiety, regret, or a hard holiday season. - Free Advent Guide: Download the free Advent guide based on Ruth’s 25-day devotional Emmanuel at Candace.com. - Together Community: Join the Together Community app at candace.com/together to ask questions and discuss episodes. Connect with Candace and Ruth Candace on Instagram @candacecbure Follow the Podcast on Instagram @candacecameronburepodcast Follow the Podcast on TikTok @ccbpodcast Follow Ruth Chou Simons on Instagram: @ruthchousimons Website: https://ruthchousimons.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RuthChouSimons Sponsors For This Episode -Grand Canyon University: https://www.gcu.edu/ -Harper Collins https://www.nivapplicationbible.com -IFCJ https://www.ifcj.org -Code CCB for 40% off at CozyEarth.com -Mr. Pen http://candacepens.com/ Each season of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast features one guest for a deep exploration of a single theme, encouraging viewers to grow in their experiences of faith, family and purposeful living. --- Best known as ‘D.J Tanner’ in the hit television series “Full House” and Netflix’s “Fuller House,” and as the actor and director who takes over your television around Christmas time.  Candace is also a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and CEO of CandyRock Entertainment. Candace has been interviewed many times over her decades on television, and in her podcast she hosts deep conversations with experts. Keep up with Candace: Candace's Website: https://candacecbure.com/ The Podcast Website: https://ccbpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candacecbure/    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candacecameron   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candacecameronb   Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/candacecbure/