I am so glad you’ve joined me today, because I get to introduce you to a truly beautiful soul and a vital voice in our growing neighborhood - Natalie Winters of Radiant War Flower.
Whenever we talk about the importance of building deep, relational connections instead of shouting at the masses, people like Natalie immediately come to mind.
She is a mother, an artist, and a fellow traveler who has navigated some incredibly tough wilderness seasons, only to discover that creativity, honesty, and a profound reliance on God’s love can build bridges where ordinary words often fail.
In our conversation below, we explore the courage it takes to finally un-stifle your voice, the healing power of authentic engagement, and why she believes we are stepping into a hopeful new era where every single person holds an essential piece of the puzzle.
I walked away from this chat feeling deeply encouraged, and I know her story will feel like a breath of fresh air for anyone who has ever longed for a safe place to simply be themselves. Let’s dive right into it.
Byron: Welcome, Natalie. Take us back to the moment you decided to start this publication. What specific conviction or quiet nudge made you finally say, “I need to write about this”?
Natalie: I don’t quite remember what led me to Substack at first, but I do remember the awe of stumbling onto what felt like social media for writers. I’ve felt a passion in my heart for over a decade to get my words out, but I couldn’t quite make out what specifically my message was. I have a lot to say, especially since my voice has been stifled most of my life.
I am a 47-year-old single mom of 4 beautiful children with neurodivergent and mental health challenges. Last year, I learned that I'm on the spectrum. I have struggled with mental health challenges most of my life. I’ve had a tough life. I’ve always used art as a means to express myself. For me, painting, poetry, photography, music, or dance speak when simple expression fails to communicate. It’s the language of the heart.
That’s what God is like. He speaks to our hearts, not our minds. He is perfect love. I can express myself creatively, more real and unmasked than ever before. It’s refreshing. My hope is to appeal to others like myself who have been through or are going through the same struggles and let them know they’re not alone.
Byron: Substack is unique because it’s less about shouting at the masses and more about building a deep, relational neighborhood. How do you intentionally cultivate connection with your readers rather than just trying to build a massive platform?
Natalie: I’ve only just begun to write on this platform; however, I am used to really engaging on other platforms. I’ve been a part of other small online communities. The key to me is engagement. I’ve seen it modeled, and I’ve modeled it too. Kindness and encouragement are the hallmarks of good communication.
When someone leaves a comment, it’s important to respond, not just like the comment. Engage in a conversation and ask questions as well. Everyone’s perspective is important, and everyone brings a piece of the puzzle. We all see in part, right?
I learned through some really difficult situations that quality is definitely better than quantity. I’ve never been the popular girl, but I have been bold enough to ask the tough questions. I keep my circle of friends small, and I stay true to who I am. I believe honesty and open-mindedness are a rare commodity. They are values I choose to live by. I may not always get it right, but I allow God to search my heart and correct me when I’m wrong. When conviction comes, it’s like a soothing balm, and I am taken to a whole new trajectory of loving people well.
Byron: When you look at the landscape of independent writing right now, what encourages you the most about the era we are stepping into as creators?
Natalie: Authenticity. This one word sums up what I feel most people are craving. I know that is what has driven me my entire life, although I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I’ve come to realize I want what most people want: honest conversations, encouragement, and support. In this new era, we all have a piece of the puzzle, everyone gets to play, and every voice matters.
I’ve always been a very passionate person. I didn’t always manage my emotions well, and it definitely wasn’t modeled for me. It’s been a long road, journeying through difficult wellness avenues and some lonely wilderness experiences to finally find solid footing. Music has been a lifeline, painting has been therapy, and dance has been not only healing but a way to share with the world without words what the Lord has done to set me free.
Art eludes time, language, and culture. It makes a way and builds bridges beyond what we can think or even imagine. We were created in God’s image, so I believe we are all creatives in our own ways. You don’t have to be a painter to be a creative. Even the flowers are intricate math representations seamlessly flowing.
When I look to the future and what God’s up to, I hear the signs of hope everywhere. I see the dawn of a new day rising. There’s so much untapped potential waiting to be explored. Maybe you were born for such a time as this. What are you waiting for?
Thanks, Natalie, for taking the time to respond and be here with us on Substack!
I don’t know about you, but Natalie’s perspective leaves me with such a profound sense of hope for this new era we are stepping into.
Her reminder that art builds bridges and that authenticity is what we are all truly craving feels incredibly grounding.
It’s exactly why we gather here in this space—not just to broadcast our ideas, but to walk alongside one another, share our unique pieces of the puzzle, and learn to love people well.
I would love to hear what resonated most with you from our conversation today. Have you been feeling your own quiet nudge to share your voice or lean into your creativity?
Drop a comment below, and let’s keep this honest, encouraging conversation going —just like Natalie does best.
If you would like to be highlighted on The Equipping Station, send me a message here on Substack, and we’ll connect.