What Does It Mean to Feel Validated?
Validation is the acknowledgment of someone’s essence, experience, and perspective. It’s not merely listening—it’s taking notice of another person’s heart. Many of us have never truly experienced that kind of acknowledgment, nor have we learned how to offer it to others.
About AFFIRM Ministries
AFFIRM Ministries is a Bible-based ministry designed to supplement and support local churches. Our mission is to help individuals experience spiritual healing through connection with God and an understanding of their need for validation.
We emphasize the power of acknowledgment through THE NOTICE Podcast, one-on-one mentoring, speaking engagements, books, support groups, and workshops.
Our specialty topics include:
- Prodigal parents
- Sexual betrayal and sexual abuse
- Co-dependency
- Conflict resolution and apology techniques
- Support for creatives
- Validation coaching
Mission
To provide mentoring, workshops, podcasts, and events that offer spiritual healing through deeper connection with God and a clearer understanding of validation needs.
Values
Safety – We provide a natural, therapeutic atmosphere that encourages exploration and honest disclosure.
Authenticity – We cultivate sincere, transparent relationships built on vulnerability and depth, not surface conversation.
Relevance – We design workshops around real, vulnerable topics in smaller settings to foster intimacy and personal connection.
Growth – We model and celebrate spiritual growth as a vital part of the sanctification journey.
Community – We create opportunities for belonging through shared experiences, fellowship, and encouragement.
Meet the Founder
At the heart of AFFIRM Ministries is Susan Hoekstra. For over 20 years, Susan has walked alongside individuals who have faced betrayal, abuse, fatherlessness, prodigal parenting, and the challenges of being a creative. She draws from the principles found in her book, A FIRM GRASP – Feeling Validated in a Notice-Me World.
After years as a professional classical musician, Susan experienced a personal crisis that led her to a deeper understanding of God’s mercy. Out of that experience came a calling to serve others through songwriting, small groups, Bible studies, women’s retreats, writing, and lay counseling.
Her work has been featured in Just Between Us magazine, Christian Devotions, on PROCLAIM FM radio, and on numerous podcasts. She is the host of THE NOTICE Podcast and God Stories LIVE.
In the spring of 2022, Susan and her husband purchased Maple Ridge PLACE, a peaceful 14-acre property that now serves as the home of AFFIRM Ministries and Freedom Farm Ministries. Together, these ministries offer workshops, mentorship, praise gatherings, equine therapy, gardening, and more—creating a sacred space for healing, growth, and connection.
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