Podcasts about finding faith

In this episode of the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, host Diana Winkler interviews Pastor Mark Sowersby, who shares his powerful testimony of overcoming childhood abuse and finding forgiveness and healing through faith. Mark recounts his early life filled with abuse, meeting Jesus at 16, and wrestling with his identity as a victim. Through the love of his church community and personal determination, he not only found freedom but also pursued education and ministry. He also speaks about reconnecting with his birth father and how the loss of his mother catalyzed the launch of his ministry, 'Forgiving the Nightmare'. The episode serves as an inspiring account of transformation, resilience, and the power of unconditional God's love. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:47 Welcome to the Podcast 01:25 Introducing Pastor Mark Sowersby 01:40 Technical Difficulties and Apologies 02:17 Pastor Mark's Testimony 05:49 Childhood and Abuse 07:10 Finding Faith and Forgiveness 18:06 Weight Loss Journey and Healing 23:08 Dyslexia and Education Struggles 24:42 Writing a Book and Ministry 28:14 Reading the Bible: Audio vs. Written 28:27 A Life-Changing Christmas Story 29:20 Overcoming Illiteracy with Help 30:14 A Love Story Blossoms 30:56 College Journey and Divine Guidance 32:49 Answering the Call to Ministry 33:13 Struggles with Self-Worth 35:15 Finding Confidence in God 35:56 Weight Loss and Self-Love 40:01 Victim to Victor: A Personal Transformation 45:00 Reuniting with Birth Father 48:20 Launching Forgiving the Nightmare Ministry 54:40 Final Thoughts and Prayer   website: www.forgivingthenightmare.com email: mark@forgivingthenightmare.com    Bio:  Reverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 17 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Christian Assembly of Schuyler in beautiful upstate New York. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Upstate New York, spending time with his family.   Website: https://dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Transcript: [00:00:00] Special thanks to 7 5 3 Academy for sponsoring this episode. No matter where you are in your fitness and health journey, they've got you covered. They specialize in helping you exceed your health and fitness goals, whether that is losing body fat, gaining muscle, or nutritional coaching to match your fitness levels. They do it all with a written guarantee for results so you don't waste time and money on a program that doesn't exceed your goals. There are martial arts programs. Specialize in anti-bullying programs for kids to combat proven Filipino martial arts. They take a holistic, fun, and innovative approach that simply works. Sign up for your free class now. It's 7 5 3 academy.com. Find the link in the show notes. Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, [00:01:00] Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Welcome back. You made it well. I have a great guest for you today. I told you about him last week. Pastor Mark Sowersby and he has knocked this interview out of the park, and we had an amazing time. We did not have an amazing time with the Zoom platform. I could not hear him, but he could hear me, and it was a half an hour of back and forth trying to get it to work. So I wound up having to record this episode on our phones with the earbuds. So I don't normally do [00:02:00] that. I usually have my $300 studio microphone. So if it doesn't sound as good, I apologize. But this content is so great that I think you'll forgive me, but I'll try to do some, post-production, to make it sound better. So without further ado. Here is Pastor Mark. Yeah. Nice. Nice to meet you. Yes, nice to meet you also. And I saw your wife there too, so, and I think you saw my husband's beard anyway. Yes. And my wife is the strength and the brains of this operation around us. I'm blessed. I'm a blessed man there. Amen. Thank you. Yes. So we got the, um, the technical, uh, demons outta the way. Well, I appreciate that. We tried two computers and my Apple phone. And I have to tell you, I am a novice at computers at best, so Yeah, me too. So we're kindred spirits for sure. Amen. Amen. And I read your testimony about your [00:03:00] website and your faith and your podcast and everything. What a beautiful testimony you have. Oh, thank you so much. So you, you're in Arizona, is that correct? Yes. Wow. Wow. Well, I have to tell you of one of my bucket lists because I'm a northeast guy. I'm a New England, New York. We have snow. It's freezing. They're saying we could have a possible blizzard tomorrow. Uh, I love that. Go to the Grand Canyon. That's my, on my bucket list. My, my family. Hear me speak about that all the time. I've never seen it. But I long to, let me tell you, it's more breathtaking than you can imagine. The pictures don't do it justice. I've been there many, many times, of course. And yes, you should come as soon as you're allowed to travel. I would be over here. Yeah. There's so much more to see. We long to go. We really want to see it. You know, if somebody said, you really see the significance when you look at that great canyon and you see how [00:04:00] small you are, it humbles you and reminds you of what a great big God we serve. So, you know, we just, uh, amen. Thank you for hearing my story and my testimony, and it's an honor to be here with you and celebrate the victories that we have in Christ. Amen, brother. We're gonna get to know you a bit here for my listeners. So why don't you tell the, listeners a little bit about yourself. My name is Mark Sowerby. I'm a husband, a father, a friend. I'm a sports fan. I eat too much. I talk too much, but I'm a pastor and a servant of Jesus Christ. I was looking at all your pictures and stuff, and I saw your progression of your weight loss. That is so amazing. Thank you. Thank you. And my weight loss journey is really just a symptom. Or result of the greater healing that's taken place in my life. Uh, I'm very proud of it. It's something [00:05:00] I have to work hard for and be very disciplined in. So yes, there's a work towards it, but really it's the sub to the main plot. The main plot is what Jesus did in my heart to help me forgive and help me heal the abuses and the pains. And as that began to fill my life, this weight loss journey with the discipline and that burning good habits and exercising, and I'm up to running, uh, six miles a day on the treadmill. So, wow. Six miles. Yeah. So well, remember, we're not in Arizona heat, so it's not hot, well, I have a treadmill. That's usually what I exercise on. I have an exercise room, I don't run unless somebody's chasing me or the laxative has started working. Those are good reasons to run. so let's start at the beginning. So what was your childhood like? Well, unfortunately I have a story of brokenness, pain, and sorrow. I was born from an affair. Uh, so my [00:06:00] father never really had a relationship with him. I am assuming that as soon as he, uh, got the news, he, he left. So I was raised by my mom. I have two siblings that my mom had from a prior marriage. So the three of us kind of lived together at my grandmother's house, and that's what I knew. That was what life was. I was seven years old. A young man came into our family, and that young man eventually married my mom 20 years, her younger, and when he came into our home, he brought abuse and pain. He brought death and destruction. He brought lies and poison. And as any abuser, those abusers have touched many people. And as not only did he abuse my mom in a and. With just vulgarness and pain, but he also abused me and with sexual abuse and physical abuse and emotional abuse. And it was just a very difficult time in my life. So from seven to 14, that's kind of the world I knew. Not only did he abuse my body, not only did he steal from [00:07:00] me, my dignity, my value. Not only did he try to control me, but he also sold me for other men to abuse me. Mm-hmm. Other men to take my body. He stabbed me and beat me and burnt me. And at 16, I was invited to church, I ran into a youth group. And, uh, there's a whole story in that. But let me tell you, I ran into youth group and I ran into Jesus. Jesus was Amen loving. Amen. Jesus's loving arms. He wrapped him around me and started me on the journey, journey of forgiveness. And it's been a journey up. I just turned 50. We just lost my mom earlier this year. Wow. They say a flu. Some say COVID, but we lost her earlier this year and it was really kind of a season for me to walk through some even deeper, deeper healing. We have a lot in common. 'cause I just lost my brother this week. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for your loss. Yeah. So we both have losses today. Yes. Yes. I'm so [00:08:00] sorry for your loss. You as well. Thank you. Your mother was a believer? She was at the end of her life. As we say, the 11th hour of Thief on the cross remember me. Mm-hmm. My mom did have one of those kind of conversions. Unfortunately, she never, the last few years of her life, she came to understand Jesus, but she never forgave herself or forgave. Her pain. She lived with the regrets and the shames and the guilt of her pains. She knew the love of Christ, and I believe that when she closed her eyes on this earth, she opened her eyes there because of what Christ did for her. But she carried this burden of shame and guilt and hurt. But I forgave her, not because I'm special, not because I'm better. I forgave her because Christ forgave me. And in that journey of learning with to forgive people say to me, how could you forgive such a great thing? I just forgave what was in front of me. That's it. Step by step, precept by precept. That's how I forgave. I [00:09:00] couldn't think about the whole journey all at it was too hard. What's in front of you? Well, we'll definitely get into, your process of forgiveness. Would it be okay to, circle back to your stepfather coming into your life? Now it sounded like it was a very violent to way he treated you. Did he do any grooming of you to start the abuse or was it violent right away? I believe there was grooming, again, being so young and, uh, being so, uh, naive. I probably didn't recognize it, but I'm sure there was grooming you know, there was this natural longing. From a child without a father to find a father figure. Mm-hmm. Um, being so young, not understanding the process of that, and any person that would gimme attention, I would run to them to try to find somebody who would govern me or lead me or [00:10:00] guide me or accept me. So I'm sure there was some manipulation in that, as I became more groomed or broken or became more pliable, if you would, because of my young immaturity. He began to have more of his way on it, just so you know. And I always refer to him as my mother's husband. Never as my stepfather? Yes. Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah. Oh, no, you didn't offend. No, I have forgiven him. I think in forgiveness, it's okay to have, uh, some boundaries. Sure. I think that, to have some healthy boundaries, I've forgiven him. I've put him in the hands of God, and I pray the grace of God will meet him and his pain and his sorrow, and only God can reach him. Uh, but again, there's some healthy boundaries around my life and my families. So what was your relationship with God when you were going through all this abuse? We grew up in a very religious home. I was a New England Protestant, so most of New England are [00:11:00] Irish Catholic, Italian Catholic, Polish Catholic, French Catholic. But I was the rare Protestant. And I remember saying to my grandfather one day, I asked him, I said I, well, let me back up and say, I always knew what I wasn't. I knew I wasn't a Catholic, but I didn't know what I was. So, grandpa used to tell us we weren't Catholic. He announced that pretty clearly. But one day I asked him, I said, then if we're not Catholic, what religion are we? And all he said was, go ask your mother. So, you know, we didn't really grow up in any kind of. Formal faith-based community, uh, you know, sometimes went to Christmas Eve service, you know, those kind of what we call Sea Easter and Christmas. The CE. The CE crowd. That's right. But it really wasn't, a church was not a part of my life. We knew God was there, be good and you go to heaven, be nice to people, you go to heaven. But there really wasn't a faith-based situation. I'll be honest with you, uh, the [00:12:00] only religion I got, or the only faith I got was the one album that was played in our home. It's not a Christian album, it was Jesus Christ Superstar. I'm a kid of the seventies. Yes, I'm very familiar with that. Yeah. And but God's name is so powerful now as a Bible college graduate, as a pastor, I could see all the holes of the theology in that and how it was really written, dragged down the gospel. They say Jesus Christ, and as a child, that name is so powerful. So, I mean, I didn't know anything. So here I was, I, I remember seven years old with a big headset on sitting in front of the speakers and listening to Jesus Christ Superstar. And, and now I realize what a mockery it was. But then just the name has power. Yeah, there was no resurrection in that movie. No, no, no. You know, when you have Mary Magdalene sing to, to him and say, you're just a man, [00:13:00] only a man. I mean, it's such a mockery. But again, at eight years old, 10 years old, I thank God that all truth belongs to God. Amen. And his name is so, amen, powerful. Amen. That every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. And as that name, Jesus was smoking, it pierced my darkness. Now, I didn't know about crying out. I didn't know about prayer, but God was preparing me for such a time. And at 16 the lifeguard at the apartment complex invited me to church. She was a pretty girl, and I didn't wanna say no. Uh, she invited she invited me and picked me up with her boyfriend. Oops. We went, yeah, we went to church that night and there began my journey into meeting Christ, knowing his mercy and grace into my faith walk and it's been a journey ever since. So is that when you, met the Lord for real [00:14:00] and got saved? Exactly, I was 16 years old. It was the early part of the summer and I went to that youth group and everybody told me that. To throw away my rock and roll music and to cut my hair and take my earring out. And everybody wanted to hug me and I didn't wanna be hugged by anybody. It's an evangelical Pentecostal church. And I was like, I don't, yeah. But come to find out, the youth pastor lived in the same apartment complex I did. I had a ride to church anytime it was open. So, later on that summer, mid-August, I remember a man inviting me, a young man from the youth group. It was raining. He was giving me a ride home. We got into his car and he asked me right there, uh, mark, do you wanna ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior? And we prayed right there the sinner's prayer. And I recognized the grace of God and the mercy of God and the Spirit of God. And at 16 years old, I asked Jesus Christ to be my Lord. And I thank him that he was calling me at such a time. So, and then I [00:15:00] had to grow up. Wow. And then I had to grow. I was still 16 with a messed up background and, still was spilling life all over myself. But that church loved me. They hugged me and kicked me in the can at the same time. Now were you out of your mom's house? Away from your abuser? Well. When the abuse first became, and I don't wanna say public, but when it became outside of the family when I meant the first person I confessed it to or, or shared it with, was my uncle. And I think that people have to remember my abuse happened from 19 7 7 to 1984. And the awareness and the advocacy that's out there today wasn't there then. And things like this happen behind closed doors. And I think culturally, not everybody, but culturally in most families said, we keep that stuff behind closed doors. We don't share it. We handle it as families. I told my uncle at [00:16:00] 14 years old. He was the first person I confessed to, and I ended up living with my uncle for about a year. He became my defender. So from about 14 to about 15 and a half, I lived with my uncle, and about 15 and a half I moved back with my mom. And yes, her husband was still there. But he, uh, he was very sickly at this time. So, he wasn't able to hurt me physically anymore. And I was strong enough to not allow anybody to hurt me anymore. So Now you said the word confess. Well, you didn't do anything wrong. Thank you. I, yeah, I just meant, I told. You shared your story, your abuse, uh, your victimization. So yeah. You don't have to apologize for anything. Amen. Thank you. That's right. It was probably a poor choice of words. I was just reading. I announced to my uncle, or I, I shared out, I took it out. I took it outta that simple family unit that I would tell my mom, [00:17:00] my mom having so much hurt and pain in her life, didn't know how to handle that. And just would say, well, he promises not to do it again. And he promised not to do it. And of course, so in a lot of ways I felt like my mom was a victim. And, and. Even though I've had to learn to forgive my mom because of what she allowed to happen, but in some ways, not that I justify it, but I've begun to understand it. Because she was abused by her first husband who broke her heart because, uh, just pain who had many affairs on her, and she was so broken down, so hurting and she did not understand love. I think she, um, interpreted love in a very, uh, trying to think of the word here you know, an enabling way. My mom was more of an enabler and I think she interpreted her love in enabling. So she enabled people. I mean, it sounds like [00:18:00] codependency. Was that the word you're looking for? Yes. Okay. Yeah. Thanks. So you struggled with your weight for years. Was that a symptom of your. Abuse your childhood? I, I think it was, you know, I'm, I'm not a psychologist or, a social worker. I'm a preacher, but you know, I think what I was trying to find in food was comfort, friendship. It always accepted me, uh, it comforted me when I was having a bad day and it rewarded me when I was having a good one. But like any drug, if you would, it lies to you. And it says, Hey, is everything will be okay. Just have a little bit more, have a little bit more, and, it just is. So for me, food became my drug of choice. Mm-hmm. Uh, it became where I found comfort, found peace, found acceptance. I punished myself with it. Boy, I'm no good. I'm going to eat ice cream. Oh, I'm having a great day. I'm gonna eat [00:19:00] ice cream. So, you know, it was one of those things. Uh, what I tell people is that I wish I could say to you that, that God has taken away all the hurt, all the pain, all the sorrow. It's still there in my life. It's still a familiar. Familiar pain that continues to call to me. But what God did is he became bigger. He became bigger than the pain. He became bigger than the shame. He became bigger than the hurt. So is it still there? Sure. And the flesh wants to run to it. And the psyche wants to run to it because I know it, it's comfortable. I, I know my role there. I, I understand what my protection and my manipulation that I can find there. But God became bigger. God became bigger. You know, I was telling a friend today, and I climbed a mountain after I lost about 50 pounds. I climbed a mountain. And it was about a half a mile long. And to me it was Everest. It was the biggest mountain in the world. And it took me hours [00:20:00] to go up and I had blisters on my feet and bruises on my toe. I was very proud that I climbed it. But after I lost about a hundred pounds, I climbed the biggest mountain in the state of New York called Mount Marcy. And what was the difference between those two mountains? One was bigger and I think that's the same thing. What happened to me is that even though that sometimes the enemy wants to try to bring me back to those familiar pains, those familiar insecurities, those familiar foes, God became bigger. His word, his spirit his love all became bigger. And I have to hold onto that and I have to claim, not claim it, but I have to run into it. You know, I have to run into that every day. So. Oh, you would love the mountains here. We have so many mountains to climb. So yeah. If you come to Phoenix, then we'll have to go hiking together. Yes. I wanna see that Grand Canyon. I wanna come to Phoenix. I am a New Englander, but it's cold [00:21:00] all the time here. But I hear that you guys leave for the summer and go back in the winter. We leave for the winter to warm places because it's so hot in Phoenix in the summer. Yeah. We're not snowbirds. We are here all year. Now we get to 110 every year. That's, that's normal. It gets to 120 here every summer. But this year it was 55 days of 110 degrees. Wow. Which, um, that killed all my plants and, uh, two of my trees, so Wow. Yeah, it's 70 degrees outside now, but in the summertime it's brutal. Wow. Don't come in the summer. Come in the winter. Okay. I, um, I did get to do a mission chip for Juarez, Mexico, which is obviously south of you guys and a little east, but at the same time, I got a touch of hot weather and I have done a lot of missions trips to Central America and the Caribbean, but they do have a different climate because of the sea and the water. So it's not that dry heat. [00:22:00] It's, definitely that, more moist, heat. Yeah, I think you'll do fine. Like I said, I looked forward to it. We were just in Israel in, November November, 2019, and it was 85 degrees. In Jerusalem and I roasted, I had such a hard time because the elevation was different and the humidity from the from the sea. Yeah. I don't know if you've been to Israel, I have not. Another, another bucket list, yeah yes, definitely recommend that for sure. Thank you. My wife and I, we love to travel. You know, we, we have four children, so right now our kids are in the ages of 15 to seven, so we are right in the midst of it. You know, we're, we're mom and dad, taxi and, and we homeschool. So my wife is going a hundred miles an hour all the time. Pastor wife. Homeschool mom and she's taking care of [00:23:00] me. So, I mean, this is, God bless her. If there's a hero in this story, it's my wife. Your wife's a homeschooler. Um, you had said in your story that you had dyslexia growing up. What was that like? Well, you know, I think that I still have it. Uh, God hasn't, hasn't healed me from it. So what happens is, is I tell people when the way I was raised, I survived my childhood. I wasn't raised, you know, I didn't have parents that, that looked out for me. I didn't have somebody who wanted to govern my experiences or, or was an advocate for me. So I, I really just kind of survived my childhood and one of the casualties of that. Was my education. Uh, it was the early seventies, so I think there was a lot going on with sight reading and some different kind of philosophies of teaching. So here I was in a broken home with a learning disability. I [00:24:00] was being bullied at school because the way I felt about myself and, you know, so yeah, reading has always been a chore for me. It still is a chore today. But again, the lord, he helps and he, he brings me through and he gave me a brilliant wife. Uh, she is a, a teacher by education. And my children love to read. My son will walk into walls. He reads books this thick. I mean, and I remember holding him the moment he was born, praying, Lord, give him just a heart for reading. And he does. I mean, my son 15 says, dad, can we go to the library? Love the library. Oh, he, yeah, we're friends with the librarian. Uh, if they need somebody to help him out, move books and they call him. But yes, reading has always been a chore and I, believe it or not, I'm in the midst of writing a book. Oh, I was just gonna ask that if you had a book out or not. We are just started to speak to a publisher, it's self-publishing company. Uh, so we're definitely in [00:25:00] conversations. We have written, just kind of let it pour out of me. It's been there for 50 years, so just kind of. And, uh, now we've kind of put it in front of people who really know what they're doing. I tell everybody, I wrote it my ways, I handed it to my wife and she interpreted it and made it legible. And, uh, we have some local friends who have done some basic editing, so they're kind of editing for us, and now we're sending it to the publisher who knows how to edit in a professional way. So, so, you know, the Lord told me years ago that this testimony would be written down. I remember I chuckled when he told me that because I said, Lord, I can barely read or write. And I remember saying to the Lord, Lord, if you want this written down, what am I gonna call it? He said, you'll call it Forgiving the Nightmare. So that's why the name of the ministry, the name of the book, the name of the website is called Forgiving the Nightmare. I think everybody uh, regardless of [00:26:00] how one came, you know, yours and I came in by probably hands of other people's, but sometimes nightmares come in by all different ways. Loss, regrets pains, hurts. And we all have to kind of say, Lord, how do we go through that? And I know as Christians, we want it instant, you know, we wanna stand on the word, we wanna claim it, we wanna save. Lord, give it to me. But I think sometimes we have to, uh, go through the process. I think of Jacob and how he wrestled with God, or he wrestled with the angel and they wrestled all night long. And, and God, the angel touched his hip and then he said, what do you want? And Jacob said, I want a new. And he became Israel, the promise. Mm-hmm. So he left deceiver, as you know, and he became Israel promise. And I think sometimes in that journey of forgiveness as much as Christians and people, we want it and we want it so true and so earnestly, [00:27:00] but sometimes we have to wrestle. We have to wrestle with the past. We have to wrestle with ourselves, we have to wrestle with the fears, and wrestling doesn't make us bad, doesn't make us sinners, doesn't mean God has left us. I think God's working with us, the process as a pastor, I've seen so many people who are unwilling to go through the process. And they get stuck. They get stuck in the cycle, in the the hurts and the pains of life. Just kind of build up on them. And I know God wants to set 'em free, but again, it, you have to learn to die to self crucify the old man, you know, tame the tongue. And it's hard. It's hard, especially when everything in the, especially when everything in the world tells you you're okay to have that. It's okay for you to hate. It's okay for you to be angry. It's okay for you to, when God says, for us to let him go first, let Him lead us. And God is, if we forgive those who trespass against us, he'll be faithful and just to forgive us. [00:28:00] And that scripture boy haunted me for a long time because I said, Lord, I'm not ready to begin. I'm sorry I'm preaching. No, you're awesome. I'm enjoying this. Um, I'm curious how you read your Bible. Do you use an audio bible or do you, um, do use an actual written Bible? Well, I do read Bible. I like the ESV, I like the NIV, I like those verses. I do read it. I do listen to audio at times. What happened was, is about 20, I was in my early twenties and a woman at church asked me to read the Christmas story out of Luke in front of the youth group. Now, when I say youth group, we had about a hundred youth in our youth group, maybe even 150. It was a large youth group and she was the kind of woman who would not take no for an answer. You know, the church lady? Yeah. I think every church has one of those. Yeah. And you know, I tried to give her every excuse in the [00:29:00] book, I lost my glasses. I was too embarrassed to say that I couldn't read. So I got up in front of the youth group and I read out of Luke chapter two and I. Stumbled over my words and I read slowly and I read broken up. And people were very kind to me that day. The youth pastor and the youth group, they were not cruel. And after service, that woman came back to me and said that she homeschooled her children and she would like to homeschool me if I'd want to. Now I was, I was a grownup. I was 23 and I went back to her house and there I sat with her 6-year-old, five-year old as she was teaching her 5-year-old, 6-year-old how to read. She was also teaching me phonics. I never learned phonics. I tell everybody, when I learned TION and Sean and not ion, it changed my life. Unbeknownst to me that church lady had an older daughter [00:30:00] and that older daughter watched me. Watch me struggle over my words, watch me go to the house and sit with her five-year-old sister and learn ae IOU and learn the rules of bowels and phonics. Well, years later, that older daughter would become my wife. Oh. Oh. So, yep. So, you know, she told me that she fell in love with me and she watched me there. And so that, that's a little bit of our love story. But yeah, she watched me from afar and, and now today we have four kids together and she still helps me read. So I do read. I a much stronger reader than I ever was. Uh mm-hmm. So I, I can read a much better than I could then. Well, I certainly can see looking back that you had so many people in your corner to that God sent to help you, and what a blessing. Now, did you go to college? I did. I [00:31:00] graduated from what's now called North Point Bible College. At the time, it was called Zion Bible College. It was in Barrington, Rhode Island. It was a very focused school for ministry only. Uh, so I did go there. I didn't wanna go there. I'm a New Englander. I knew about the school. It was in my backyard. I wanted to go to Southeastern to Florida. I wanted to go to pennsylvania and go to Valley Forge. Uh, those doors were not open to me. I remember saying, the Lord, I'm done. Lord, I've tried. Everybody's rejecting me because of my education. And he said, go to Zion. I went in and I met with the Dean of students. In that meeting, the dean of students said to me, mark, do you have a call? I said, yes, I believe I do have a call. He got up from his desk and he went to a big picture window, a woman who was walking in front of his picture window, and he tapped onto the window and he called this woman in. As she came [00:32:00] into his office, he introduced me to a woman named Jan Kruger. He let me know that Jan was led by God to go to school, to go to Zion the week earlier than me to start a learning center. And Jan and I became our first student in the learning center and we worked hard. The first year, most of my, classes were uncredited 'cause I had to learn how to be a student. I didn't know what a syllabi was. I didn't know how to take tests. Uh, we sat in that learning center. I cried, I complained. She was a mom. She hugged me sometimes and she told me to. To suck it up sometimes. And, uh, that was the best advice I could get. So yeah, i'm a proud graduate of Zion Bible College, and I'm ordained with the Assembly of God. So when did you get called into the ministry? Well, pretty much after, it was about my 17th year, 16 years old, I got saved and 17 years old, I was [00:33:00] at a Youth convention, and I pretty much felt like the Lord called me then. Now, I ran from that call for a long time because of my insecurities, my fears, my inabilities. See, when I walked into the room, I always felt like I was junk. Like I was dirt. Like I could offer nobody, nothing. And I was, no, you know, I, that's how I felt about myself. So who would let me be that pastor? What do I have to offer? I could barely read. Look what happened to me. So. For many years I wrestled with it and about 24, 25 years old, I had a brand new truck, little S 10 pickup truck. They called it Bernie because it was purple. I was listening to Petra, remember a Petra? I love Petra. And I was, I was listening to Petra from the seventies not the nineties. Petra and I remember I was listening to Petra and the Holy Spirit filled with the cab of that car and that truck I had to [00:34:00] pull over. I was on old post road. I'll never forget tears coming down my face. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, mark, choose this day whom you'll serve. I've called you and I will equip you. And I said, God, I want you. That's when the journey of. Colleges, and I wish I could tell you it was all roses and cherries after that. It wasn't, you know, there's still a lot of growing up and a lot of overcoming, and a lot of dying to self. And, and there still is. But yeah, that's how I got called and I went to that school and they loved me. They were honest to me. You sound like you had a lot , in coming with Moses with his speech impediment. He was, exiled to be a goat and a sheep herder. They're not gonna listen to me, Lord. You know? Did you feel like that? Oh, sure. I sure did. Like I said, I, for most of my life, I felt like what can I offer? So what I did is I put a facade on myself or I, I lived up to the role that I [00:35:00] thought people wanted from me, or a role to, to find acceptance or protection. So, if I had to be the clown, I was the clown. If I had to be the fool, I was the fool. If I had to be the weak, I was the weak because I felt those things about me. Recently in this weight loss journey and this giving, God has given me confidence. And I say that with much humility because I know it's not my confidence, it's confidence in him. But I've never had confidence before. I feel like a carpenter with a new tool. I feel like, you know, a businessman with a new suit that I've never had confidence before. Now again, it's not confidence in what I have. Because I'm still weak, but it's a confidence going, my Abba father makes a way for me. My Abba father heals me and, and goes before me. So it's, it's a kind of a new season for me to be confident and say, you know what? I can live a healthy life. People ask me why I lost the weight. [00:36:00] And I remember I was reading the scripture, and you're probably familiar with it, is when the Pharisee comes to the Lord or it says to him, Lord, how does one enter the kingdom of heaven? And the Lord says, well, what is written? He says, Lord, love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your strength, and with all your spirit, and love your neighbor as yourself. I've read that a million times. I've preached on it. I've studied it. One day I was reading it, he said, Lord, I know you love me, mark, but you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love yourself, so you can't love your neighbor. And I realized because I didn't love myself, I wasn't taking care of myself. I love my children. I love my wife. I wanna take care of 'em. They don't need me. I wife can, but I want to. I wanna do things for, I wanna take care of 'em. I wanna help 'em be better and stronger and smarter and wiser, and love the Lord. And I realized I didn't love myself. So the weight loss journey, forgiving the nightmare, forgiving my mom, forgiving the abusers, forgiving those [00:37:00] who betrayed me as a child, helped me begin to love myself again. No visions of grander. I'm still a just a normal guy saved by grace. Uh, I still put my big foot in my mouth, my wife can come in and tell you all the stories, but, uh, but you know, I started to love myself and. It sounds like, you found your self worth in the Lord Jesus because Jesus sees you as his child. You are a child of God, and that's where your worth is. So it sounds like your healing journey brought you to that place. Yeah. It's not self-confidence like the world says it is. It's how God sees you. You're precious and you're loved. Amen. And you're valuable. He died for you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You're gonna get me going now. Hallelujah. Hallelujah, hallelujah. I want others to [00:38:00] experience this. You know, I, my whole ministry, I've been surrounded by hurting people and hurting churches. I've worked with people that have had major traumas in their life. Not that I ever sought it. I can't. I think the Lord just led me to it. And as I've worked with people, people say that I've been able to bring comfort. I'm easy to talk to. I thought, well, okay, Lord. And I want people to find that freedom that I have. I understand being shackled to pain in the past. I understand allowing those things to form the way you think about and believe about yourself, and never truly being set free. Waking up with that numbing feeling of brokenness all the time. All the time, just constantly. But God truly set me free. He set me free. And because he set me free, I'm nobody special. And being a pastor, I see so many people that have a [00:39:00] form of this and they don't. They haven't gone through it. So they're still living with a confession in Christ, but still the hurts of the past. Blame them. I don't, I'm not putting fingers, I'm not taking the log out on my own eye before I take the twig from their eye. But I'm saying the freedom that God has for his people. Uh, and again, do we still stumble? Yeah. Do we still need refining? Sure. Are we still the clay? And he's still the potter of court, but there's a freedom that we find as a pastor. I've just met so many people who will say, pastor, I'm killed. I'm delivered. And you realize it's, it's only an inch deep. It's, you know, as soon as they get tested, as soon as they get, get bothered, it just spills out. It pulls out of them in, in a defense or in, in a rejection or in a way they, they have a self view of the world or of themselves. Now God's consent is free. God can set [00:40:00] us free. So, what's the difference between being a victim and being victorious? Hallelujah. Well, in my humble opinion, a victim is somebody who always sees themselves broken, sees themselves in a way that, that that allows them to stay in their victimhood. For a long time, my victimhood became my identity. I remember one day when the Lord brought me to the altar and he said those words to me. He said, mark, I want you to give this up. And I literally said, in an audible voice, Lord, if I'm not a victim, then what am I? Because all I knew was the, the role of being a victim. Oh, my victimhood was good. I could manipulate with it. I could win every argument with it. Oh, when I was 16 years old, my mom, who was a single mom with not much money she bought me a car. I had a phone in my room. I had cable on my own [00:41:00] tv. She made me breakfast in bed. Why she owed that to me. Why? Because I was a victim. And I got to see how I could win every argument at school. I could put my head down and I could lift up my head and go, well, who here else was molested? I was, and no one would say anything. And the Lord rebuked me at that and said, said, yeah, that's what victims do. At least that's what I did. He said, I wanna make you victorious. And I remember him saying, me saying to the Lord, if I'm not a victim, what am I? And he said, you're victorious in me. I had to learn what it meant to be victorious. Amen. I had to learn to let that facade go. Let that personality go, let that old man die and let the new man of Christ rise up inside him. That is awesome. I just love that. I've never heard anybody describe it like that. Now, I prefer the, word survivor instead of victim. But I think you took [00:42:00] it up another notch. We are, victorious in the Lord. Well, my victimhood, you know, as much as I was a victim, but I used it for my own gain. Mm-hmm. Which made me just as not guilty of what happened to me, but made me not a healthy place. It put me in a Right. But it's all I knew, you know, I could manipulate, I could win the argument. Right. I was the guy. Who else here was stabbed and burnt and abused? I could show you my scars where they stabbed me. I could show you the burn marks. I was prostituted for other men to abuse me. Boy, you know, I could really win the, the argument. But that was wrong. Yeah, it was wrong. It was wrong to put that on my mother, it's wrong to put that on my family. It was wrong to put that on others. And the Lord had to rebuke me and, uh, wow. And he did, because he loves, he rebukes the ones he loves, so he rebuked you. I just so appreciate your raw [00:43:00] and honest, telling of your story. Because, you've heard stories where they just put the fluff or they put the stuff that's gonna, bring up the ratings or whatever. But you really, kept it real. And I think you're a great pastor because people see that you're a real person. You're not some fake up there that can't relate to your congregation's problems, do you feel that way? Oh, definitely. You know, my congregation, as you know, like we talked earlier, I wrestle with dyslexia and every once in a while I'll stumble over a word while I'm reading the Bible and in front of my congregation. And, and that really bothered me for a long time. My Lord, I'm a pastor. How can I not read this and now. When I stumble over a word, my congregation yells it up to me. So I'll be on the platform. And you know what? They'll see me stumbling and you know, they'll yell it up to me and it's just a term of endearment. [00:44:00] It's not been one of rejection or shame, and I say, you know what? I'm doing that just to make sure you're in the Bible. That's what I tell 'em. But I'll be reading the scripture and, and my dyslexia kick in, or, or the word will be all scrambled. And, and they're the kind voices. Oh, pastor, that's, that means this. And, and it's kind of a nice direction. I tell people the church I pastor is a real church with real people serving a real God. Wow. So, wow. Fancy fluff. Church don't come to us because, you know, we're real and we cry together, we do life together. We step on each other's toes. We don't always agree, but we always love God. That is so awesome. Pastor of Christian is Alia Scott. That's right. I didn't announce your church name. I wanted to ask you to tell another story about. You said that you met your birth father at one point. What happened during that reunion Union? [00:45:00] Well, I was 45 years old and I wanted to reach, I wanted to know, I tell people my birth father and I met at the right place in life. I think if I would've met him younger, I would've still been angry. Rejected Kyle, but I was 45. I was the father of four. I've made my own mistakes, my own problems. I learned to mature a little bit. To be really frank, my father's wife passed on, so he was more ready to meet me. So his wife that he had the affair on to si me, if you would, she passed. So he was more open to meet me and uh, I just didn't meet him, but the whole family met him together. We met in a restaurant, we met in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the family came in and the kids instantly. Started to call him grandpa. I thought, I don't know if I'm okay with that. And he never rejected it. So the last few years of [00:46:00] life, we just lost him. I, I had him for about four years. It wasn't warm and fuzzy, daddy and son, but it was something, we had a relationship. We'd talk about sports, we'd talk about life. He was a snowbird from Massachusetts to Florida and he just kind of let me know. So I'm very thankful for the four years I had. Again, it wasn't, Hey buddy, I'm proud of you kind of moment, but I got to find out a little bit about. Who my dad was and who some of my relatives are on my father's side. I got to learn about some of the health conditions of, of my father. And you know, he said he was pretty, he made it to 84. He liked to drink and he liked ladies, I like Jesus, I like one lady, Wow. That's an incredible story. I tell people it was the right time. Again, if I would've met him at 25, I would've been angry. I would've said, you know, why did you abandon me? 45 was a good time because. You know what, by that [00:47:00] time I, I stepped in enough life of my own to, to not, to be slow to judge, oh, God does have the perfect timing. I haven't spoken much about my story at all on here, but my husband and I talk about, boy, I wish that we had met, long time ago, you know, and skipped all the pain because we were both victims of abuse from our previous spouses. I'm sorry. And, um, but we thought about it and we thought we were different people. If we met at that time, I don't think I would've been interested in you and you wouldn't have been interested in me. And, I think that God brought us together this time of our life. No, we've been married 11 years. Congratulations. Thank you. So, God brought us together at our time of life because that was the perfect time and Sure. We're best friends. We never even have had a real fight. We didn't disagree, of course, but now you should write a book [00:48:00] about that. Okay. I mean, we disagree and, um, get on each other's nerves, but the Lord has just, you're normal. Just blessed us. Yeah, we're definitely normal. Um, especially during pandemic. It's like you learn about your spouse when you're stuck with them 24 7. Right? That's true. That's true. Yeah, we had to make some adjustments. Amen. And, um, we still love each other, and that it's great when you're talking about times of life, you know, for such a time as this, and I think for me, the Lord spoke to me years ago about forgiving the nightmare ministry. He actually spoke to me when I was in college about this. I didn't know it was gonna, uh, blossom or what it was gonna look like, but he spoke to me years ago about writing it down and it was always inside me. And I kept, my wife knew about it. We would always think, how's the, what's the Lord gonna do with this? Is it distant inside me to guide me through life? Is it more for others? Is it, Lord, how's it, how's it [00:49:00] gonna? Blossom if you would manifest. And we lost my mom and I have to tell you that, not immediately, but pretty quick. After losing my mom, I felt like this ministry could just launch. And it has launched. God has brought, brought a web designer into our life. He's brought some, um, producers into our life to help me tell the story. We're talking with a, an editor and a publisher. All this has happened fairly quickly. And I think, Lord, why now? And I think, to be honest with you, and this is just my opinion, I, I don't know if I have chapter and verse to back this up, but my mom was so embarrassed. She was so full of shame because of my upbringing every time for the last 20 years of my life, every time me and my mom were alone together, she would just apologize. And I don't just mean say, sorry. She would grovel and I would say, mom, I forgive you. I forgive you, [00:50:00] Marky. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. And if my mom knew that I was speaking to podcasts or writing a book, she would've been so, so embarrassed. So she may, it would've just troubled her so much. So I think outta the grace of God, and again, don't have chapter and verse, but I think upon her passing released me to be able to share this story, to be able to bring others into it, to just think God was being merciful to my mom on her journey. And again, it was almost pretty instant after her, uh, her own passing that I remember being on the treadmill one morning and the Lord just kind of. Just impressing upon me by giving the nightmare. Remember those words? I spoke to you. This is where it's gonna take place. And since then, we've made a couple videos, uh, we've launched a website. I'm talking to wonderful people like yourself and just trying to get the [00:51:00] story out of forgiving the Nightmare and trying to say to people whatever that nightmare was. Was it physical and sexual abuse like mine? Was it a tragedy in your life? Is it regrets? Is it fears? Is it the loss of a child or a loved one? Whatever that pain is that your nightmare. I want you to know that God can help you forgive it and overcome it and break the shackles so we don't have to be the man or the person. The hurt tried to make us. We no longer have to be Jacob. We can become Israel. Your mom would be so proud of you. And I think that, thank you. If, the Lord's probably told her, you know, the good things that have come out of a terrible situation, she said she had, you said she had some shame. Oh. I think if she was looking down at you now that, that shame would be gone. [00:52:00] That shame is no longer there. Look how God's using my son, my, my wonderful son to spread the gospel and to help people. And so Well, thank you. I'm so thankful for you, brother. Thank you for saying those words, sister. It's very kind of you. I used to say to my mom, even up to her last days, I would say, mom, who's your favorite? And she would say, I love you all, all the same. And I'd say, mom, stop lying to my siblings. I'm the youngest of three. My older brother and my older sister never made me feel like a step or a half brother. Uh, we just kind of always lived in the same house. We got real family problems and just life, but they've never left, never met me, felt, never let me feel like I was less than even to today. So I'm very thankful. My oldest sister, who is, a second mom to me, my oldest sister, she is my second mom and I'm thankful for her. So. Wow. Well, we [00:53:00] just had just a great time tonight. When your book comes out, please contact me. I would love to have you on the show again, to promote your book because obviously you, your story is so powerful and we wanna get it out to as many people as we can. So, tell the folks how to connect with you. Well, the best way to connect with me is@forgivingthenightmare.com. Forgiving the nightmare.com. Forgiving the nightmare.com is the best way to connect with me. If you go there, you'll find a email, it's called mark@forgivingthenightmare.com. That comes directly to me, right on my phone. So that's the best way to connect with me. Also you can go to our Facebook page called, forgiving the Nightmare. For giving Nightmare Facebook page. I try to put up pictures and little devotions there and stories there. So that's the two. Best way through Facebook, after Giving the Nightmare, after giving the Nightmare do [00:54:00] com, those are the best ways to connect with me. And I hope to get so Arizona someday. You have an open invitation. Wow. I'll be a tour guide for you. I know that Arizona like the back of my hand. Wow. Wow. Now my children could hear you in the background, so they're gonna be pretty excited about that invitation. There's so much stuff for, for their Edge group as well. So, we will hook you guys up. So thanks for being patient with the tech stuff and I'm glad we pushed through and didn't let the devil get the victory tonight. We found a way to get you on here. That's right. May I pray for you as we close. Oh yes, please. Thank you. Father God, we just come to you tonight and we thank you again for your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we thank you for the sacrifice that he gave to us upon the cross, Lord. And we pay the price we could not pray, Lord. And we thank you for the gift of life [00:55:00] and life more abundant. Lord, we thank you for the promises. It says in this life there will be many troubles, but fear not because you are with us always. And Lord, tonight I pray for my sister. Father, I thank you that you're using her Lord. To spread the gospel to share, hope to be a light and a dark place. But Father, now, I pray that you come beside her father as she's shared that she's lost her brother this week, Lord. And I pray you comfort her. Lord, you said you had to go so the comforter could come. I pray, the comfort of the Holy Spirit will come beside my sister and be with her and her family as they grieve their loved one, their family member, their friend, Lord. So Lord I pray peace upon my sister. I pray Lord that you use her, continue to bless her. I thank you for the testimony of her and her husband, 11 years that you've brought together for such a time as this. I pray, Lord God, that they grow closer to you so they can grow closer to each other. And Lord, we thank you tonight [00:56:00] that Lord, we're no longer Jacob. You've made us Israel Father, no longer do we have to be shaped by our past, but now we can hold on to the promises. Lord, no longer does, we have to be shackled by somebody else's abuse, and we can be set free by your word. So, Lord, I pray that you fill us. You lead us, and may we be the light and may we be the salt, and may we lift up your name. We pray for a unity across our nation. We pray for a healing across our land, and we pray, Lord, for a revival of your salvation to come to our our country again, in Jesus name, amen. Thank you so much, brother. God bless, sister. Thank you. Take care yourself. Bye now. Bye. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us at [00:57:00] DSW Ministries dot org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.

Struggling with the fear of suffering, control, and uncertainty? In this powerful episode, Heather Creekmore dives deep into why so many women wrestle with the need to avoid pain—especially when it comes to body image, health, and the quest for comfort. Discover the spiritual roots that drive our desire for control and comfort, learn how suffering can actually point us to God rather than away from Him, and hear the inspiring true story of how suffering transformed Tara’s life. Heather doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Are we trusting in our own ability to avoid discomfort, or are we open to what God can do through seasons of pain? With honest reflection, practical encouragement, and biblical wisdom, this episode explores how surrender can play a vital role in your faith journey—and how God can use suffering for a greater purpose. Plus, Heather shares resources to support you, details about the upcoming In His Image conference in Dallas, and ways to connect for ongoing encouragement. Ready to find hope in unexpected places and finally stop fearing suffering? Hit play and discover the freedom that comes with faith beyond your circumstances. Mentioned in this episode: Improve Body Image resources In His Image conference (Dallas, Texas) Previous episodes about the fear of rejection and body image. Connect with Heather and the team by visiting: www.improvebodyimage.com and find out how you can get coaching, join one of our courses or groups, check out Heather's books and Bible reading plans, and so much more. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes, the more complicated life gets, the easier it is for faith to be tucked into the corners instead of standing front and center. It's not that we ever mean for that to happen. It just seems like the busyness of schedules, chores, unexpected events, and the little emergencies that pop up, all have a way of crowding in. Before we realize it, our days are running us instead of us running our days. If you are struggling to find a way to incorporate  a little more faith in your simple life, then listen in and learn how to take the first step.Send us a textSupport the showThe Farm Wife (website)Let's Visit! (email)Amazon Shop PageGreat Products by The Farm Wife:The Simple Life WorkbookSimple Life Home Finance BundleThe Art of HomemakingFind other helpful Simple Life Products in The Farm Wife ShopDo you want to learn more about living a simple life? Then a great place to start is with the books in my Simple Life Series! Living a Simple Life on the Farm (my story) The Search for a Simple Life How to Cook a Possum: Yesterday's Skills & Frugal Tips for a Simple Life (don't worry – this isn't a cookbook!)Faith & a Simple Life FICTION The Strangers Room

There's a real move of God among college students, and they're the ones asking, “Where can I find a church and a Small Group?”Co-hosts Gina Robinson and Meghen Haggard talk with Margaret Turner, Director of Admissions & Recruitment for the ECU Honors College, about what's changing in campus life: a generation hungry for truth, forming Bible studies in dorms and Greek life, and showing up early to church.In this episode:Why Gen Z and Millennials are now leading in regular church attendance How students are starting their own Bible studies and finding fellowship fast Helping students root their identity in Christ instead of performance or comparison. Parenting through college transitions and decision-making confidence. Practical wisdom for exam week and healthy rhythms. How churches can support Christian faculty, staff, and studentsResources & Next StepsECU Connections: Christian faculty/staff list, campus ministries, and Pirate Academic Success Center (tutoring).Opendoor College: College Night (every other Wednesday, Immanuel Campus – walkable from ECU), Young Adult Small Groups, and Thursday services at Winterville.Hosts: Gina Robinson & Meghen HaggardGuest: Margaret Turner (Director of Admissions & Recruitment, ECU Honors College)Stay connected and send prayer requests: Email: ⁠renew@opendoorchurch.com⁠ Women's updates via text: text RENEW to 45000If this encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a rating, and subscribe so you never miss a new episode. You're welcome here, and you don't have to run on empty.

In Episode 364 of MY LIFE NOW, host Chris Buscher sits down with Ryan Jones, author of Crazy Times and Mad Hope: HSAM, OCD, Mania, and Faith.Ryan's life is one of the most extraordinary stories you'll ever hear. Born with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), he can recall every day of his life in perfect detail. But that same gift became a battle - leading him through obsessive-compulsive disorder, a manic breakdown, and the heartbreaking loss of his brother.In this powerful conversation, Ryan opens up about:The beauty and burden of remembering everythingHis shocking manic episode where he believed he was “Neo” from The MatrixWrestling with mental illness as a ChristianThe moment faith became his lifelineWhy he believes honesty and vulnerability can change livesThis isn't just a story about mental health — it's about finding hope, redemption, and purpose when life feels out of control.

This conversation explores the profound journey of Bevelyn Williams, a pro-life activist who faced legal challenges after her activism. She shares her personal experiences with abortion, the mental health struggles that followed, and her eventual redemption through faith. The discussion highlights the importance of grace, community support, and the fight against the abortion industry, culminating in her story of being pardoned by President Trump. Bevelyn emphasizes the need for truth and grace in the pro-life movement and encourages others to embrace their stories and advocate for the vulnerable. Bevelyn's Ministry: atwellministries.org Will You Help Me Now? Pro-Life Story from Rev. Walter Hoye | Ruth Institute Survivors Summit Walter Hoye Interview: https://youtu.be/BqaviSCQoA8 00:00 The Journey of Regret and Redemption 02:41 Facing the Legal System: A Pro-Life Activist's Story 05:27 The Impact of Abortion on Mental Health 08:22 Finding Faith and Purpose in Activism 11:08 The Struggles of a Pro-Life Advocate 13:44 The Role of Grace in Healing 16:19 Confronting the Abortion Industry 19:33 The Fight Against Abortion: A Personal Mission 22:10 The Legal Battle: Indictment and Trial 24:53 The Aftermath of Indictment: Reflections and Insights 27:51 The Power of Community and Support 30:34 The Role of Politics in Pro-Life Activism 33:29 The Importance of Truth and Grace 36:05 Pardoned: A New Chapter Begins 38:46 Building a Family and a Future 41:34 A Call to Action for Pro-Life Advocates Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Have a question or a comment? Leave it in the comments, and we'll get back to you! Watch the full episode, uncensored, on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/Theruthinstitute Subscribe to our YouTube playlist: @RuthInstitute Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/theruthinstitute https://twitter.com/RuthInstitute https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthInstitute/ https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/newsfeed Press: NC Register: https://www.ncregister.com/author/jennifer-roback-morse Catholic Answers: https://www.catholic.com/profile/jennifer-roback-morse The Stream: https://stream.org/author/jennifer-roback-morse/ Crisis Magazine: https://crisismagazine.com/author/jennifer-roeback-morse Father Sullins' Reports on Clergy Sexual Abuse: https://ruthinstitute.org/resource-centers/father-sullins-research/ Buy Dr. Morse's Books: The Sexual State: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/the-sexual-state-2/ Love and Economics: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/love-and-economics-it-takes-a-family-to-raise-a-village/ Smart Sex: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/smart-sex-finding-life-long-love-in-a-hook-up-world/ 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/101-tips-for-a-happier-marriage/ 101 Tips for Marrying the Right Person: https://ruthinstitute.org/product/101-tips-for-marrying-the-right-person/ Listen to our podcast: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ruth-institute-podcast/id309797947 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1t7mWLRHjrCqNjsbH7zXv1 Subscribe to our newsletter to get this amazing report: Refuting the Top 5 Gay Myths https://ruthinstitute.org/refute-the-top-five-myths/ Get the full interview by joining us for exclusive, uncensored content on Locals: https://theruthinstitute.locals.com/support

Two Mothers, Two Sons, One Epidemic: Katrina Simmons & Kristi Kastler | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this deeply emotional and unforgettable episode, Katrina Simmons and Kristi Kastler open their hearts to share the devastating realities of losing their beloved sons, Dylan and Devan, to fentanyl and addiction. Katrina begins by recounting Dylan's early years, the warmth of his personality, and the gradual unraveling of his life after moving away from home. She describes the torment of watching her son slip through her fingers despite desperate attempts to save him, the sleepless nights filled with fear, and the haunting phone call that confirmed her worst nightmare. Through immense grief, Katrina speaks of finding solace in faith—believing Dylan is finally at peace—and even hearing his voice in moments of prayer reminding her, “I took it too far, Mom.” Kristi then shares her journey as a mother fighting for Devan's life, recalling how his addiction began when he was injected with heroin at just fifteen years old. She recounts the heartbreak of the night before his death, the helplessness of being turned away from treatment programs, and the emotional toll of watching her son battle a disease that consumed him. Together, these two mothers bring raw truth and humanity to the growing fentanyl epidemic, exposing the cracks in the system, the stigma families face, and the enduring pain of loss. Yet amid the heartbreak, their voices carry a message of faith, resilience, and love—a call to action for awareness, compassion, and change, and a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.#thehopeaholics  #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:46 – Katrina Begins Telling Dylan's Story00:04:12 – The Double Suicide That Shattered Their Family00:05:19 – Watching Dylan's Life Spiral After Moving Away00:08:12 – The Call That Confirmed Fentanyl Took Her Son00:09:08 – Losing Herself Trying to Save Him00:11:48 – The Day Dylan Passed Away00:12:23 – Finding Faith and Accepting Dylan Is at Peace00:18:09 – Hearing Dylan's Voice Say “I Took It Too Far, Mom”00:21:35 – The Fight to Get Him Help During the Fentanyl Era00:22:26 – Remembering Their Final Beach Walk Together00:28:59 – Kristy Begins Telling Devan's Story00:38:51 – Devan Is Injected with Heroin at Fifteen00:41:06 – The Night Before Devan's Death00:43:14 – The Rehab That Couldn't Take Him Back00:51:00 – “Devan Hated Being an Addict But Loved Drugs”

What was meant to be a five-day trip to visit my daughter for her birthday in Thailand…turned into two very unforgettable weeks in foreign hospitals when Marley had yet another unexpected medical emergency. In this episode, Ryan and I share our experiences with Marley – from having the time of our lives on a tropical island with Marley, to the dreadful night it all went downhill and the hospitals became our hotel.Without giving it all away, I'll say this… God has a way of delivering incredible little gifts of light in hard and heavy circumstances. This trip was no exception. A thing that felt so scary to experience on the other side of the world turned into quite the experience full of bonding mother-daughter moments, inside jokes and laughter, and mind-blowing top-notch medical care from Bangkok.Bonus? If you ever want to REALLY get to know the person you are dating, have a family emergency 30 hours away that extends your trip while being stuck in a hospital room with them. Safe to say, Ryan passed with flying colors.In this episode, I share:Our entire medical experience in Thailand: hospitals visited, cost of care, insurance usedThe story behind it all – including how Marley is healingAll about our Thailand travels – Bangkok to Koh SamuiThe beautiful gifts of grace that we found along the waySome pretty sweet relationship lessons I'm learning from Ryan's kindnessWhy learning to let someone else lead changed everythingThe hidden strength that emerges when you're running on emptyIf this episode moved you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share. It truly helps our little community grow. ❤️ Watch the full episode on YouTube here or head to https://www.youtube.com/@RealHeidiPowell.Here are the key moments from the episode:0:00 The Story Behind This Episode5:25 The Call Every Parent Dreads7:25 Fear in a Foreign Hospital10:58 What Saved Us in Thailand14:46 First Impressions of Bangkok18:02 The Side of the City No One Sees21:43 Jet Lag, Street Markets & Getting Scammed26:10 When I Finally Let Go of Leading30:04 Learning to Be Led33:56 Love That Survives Life's Tests37:48 When Parenthood Pushes Your Limits41:29 Finding Faith in Fear45:18 The Gift Hidden in Breakdown49:04 When a 5-Day Trip Turns Into 2 Weeks of Survival53:10 Gratitude in the Messiest Moments57:42 The Lesson I Didn't Expect1:02:25 The Spiritual Side of Surrender1:07:01 Parenting Grown Children1:11:42 The Beauty of Being Fully Present1:16:18 Coming Home Changed Forever1:23:22 Why Hard Seasons Reveal Who We Are1:27:58 How Love Looks Different After This1:32:43 From Fear to Faith: The Lesson I'll Never Forget1:37:16 What I Hope You Take From This StoryConnect with Heidi:
Website: https://heidipowell.net/ Email: podcast@heidipowell.net Instagram: @realheidipowellFacebook: Heidi PowellYouTube: @RealHeidiPowell
Train with Heidi on her Show Up App: https://www.showupfit.app/

In this powerful episode of The Journey to Becoming Podcast, I sit down with Brittany, whose faith was deeply refined through her battle with breast cancer in her 20s. What began as a season of fear and isolation became a testimony of courage, purpose, and unwavering trust in God's plan. Brittany shares how her diagnosis changed her perspective on life, motherhood, and calling — and how choosing to “do it scared” became her anthem for stepping into God's purpose, even when nothing made sense. From walking through chemo to writing her first book, her story is a beautiful reminder that you are never too old, too far gone, or too late for the dreams God placed in your heart. If you've ever faced a season of uncertainty or loss, this episode will encourage you to keep going, keep believing, and trust that God is still writing your story. Because it's not about what we can do — it's about how big our God is.

In this engaging conversation, Ruslan KD discusses his journey from being a refugee to becoming a prominent content creator and author of 'Godly Ambition.' He shares insights on the impact of trauma, the importance of community, and the balance between ambition and purpose. The discussion also delves into the evolution of content creation, time management, and the significance of character over talent. Ruslan emphasizes the need for in-person experiences and the value of building skills in a distracted world, offering practical advice for those seeking to navigate their own paths with integrity and ambition.   Know more about Ruslan KD:  Watch Ruslan's Content on Youtube Get the Book "Godly Ambition"   Know more about Sathiya's work: Join Deep Clean Inner Circle - The Brotherhood You Neeed (+ get coached by Sathiya) For Less Than $2/day Submit Your Questions (Anonymously) To Be Answered On The Podcast Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, Your Blueprint For Recovery Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This     Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Book Launch (03:06) The Journey of a Refugee (06:03) Experiences of Trauma and Its Impact (08:53) Finding Faith and Purpose (11:56) The Evolution of Content Creation (14:45) Navigating Ambition and Purpose (17:50) The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth (20:52) The Importance of Community and Support (23:38) Understanding Godly Ambition (26:45) Time Management and Productivity (29:47) Building Skills and Overcoming Distractions (32:45) Daily Routines and Practices (35:51) The Future of Content Creation (38:39) The Importance of Character and Grit (41:46) Navigating Monetization in Christian Content (44:43) The Balance of Work and Rest (47:42) The Changing Landscape of Education (50:29) The Value of In-Person Experiences (53:32) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Finding Faith and Family at the Festive Walls of Yerushalayim Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-10-26-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: ירושלים התמלאה בקריאות של שמחה, תפילות ושירה.En: Yerushalayim was filled with calls of joy, prayers, and song.He: הסתיו הגיע ולעיר העתיקה היה ניחוח של רימונים ותמרים טריים.En: Autumn had arrived, and the Old City had the fragrance of fresh rimonim (pomegranates) and tmarim (dates).He: בערב סוכות, כיכר הכותל המערבי הייתה מלאה באנשים מכל העולם.En: On the eve of Sukkot, the plaza by the Kotel haMa'aravi (Western Wall) was full of people from all over the world.He: סוכות מעוטרות בירק עירמו ברחבי הכיכר, וילדים שיחקו סביבם בצחוק.En: Sukkot adorned with foliage piled up around the plaza, and children played around them with laughs.He: אָבנֵר, אדם מהורהר עם מחשבות משתוללות, ישב על ספסל בפינת הכיכר.En: Avner, a contemplative man with chaotic thoughts, sat on a bench at the corner of the plaza.He: הספקות בנוגע להשתייכותו התרוצצו בראשו כמו רוחות הסתו העדינות.En: Doubts about his sense of belonging raced in his mind like the gentle autumn winds.He: אחותו יעל, עם החיוך הכובש שלה והתלהבות שאין לה גבול, תפקדה כרגיל כמובילה המשפחתית.En: His sister Yael, with her captivating smile and boundless enthusiasm, functioned as usual as the family leader.He: "אל תתן לזה להכביד עליך," היא אמרה לו, מושכת אותו בעדינות לעבר הקהל.En: "Don't let it weigh you down," she said to him, gently pulling him towards the crowd.He: "אני פשוט לא בטוח איך אני מרגיש עם כל זה," אבנר השיב, מביט סביבו בהתלבטות.En: "I'm just not sure how I feel about all of this," Avner replied, looking around hesitantly.He: יא ׳ץעטעל חלק 2 מען זאל אונז מדינה אויף אינטערעסע׳ל באקומען זי ברענגט עם מאלקול דו ווילסט אויך צו הערן וואס איז שמועס? אויל, זייערע פאלק י-הודי איז אין דאזיקע מכילתוEn: 'יא ׳ץעטעל חלק 2 מען זאל אונז מדינה אויף אינטערעסע׳ל באקומען זי ברענגט עם מאלקול דו ווילסט אויך צו הערן וואס איז שמועס? אויל, זייערע פאלק י-הודי איז אין דאזיקע מכילתו'He: "אנחנו חייבים להחזיק במסורת שלנו," ענתה יעל בתקיפות רכה.En: "We have to hold on to our tradition," Yael replied with gentle firmness.He: "זה מה שמחבר אותנו."En: "That's what connects us."He: באותו רגע הגיעה לידם מרים, חברתם הוותיקה של המשפחה.En: At that moment, Miriam, the family's longtime friend, approached them.He: מרים הייתה מישהי שכולם כיבדו ושאפו לשמוע את דבריה.En: Miriam was someone everyone respected and sought to hear from.He: אך אבנר חשב אחרת הפעם.En: But Avner thought differently this time.He: הוא הבחין במשהו מוזר בהתנהגותה לאחרונה, והשאלות רדפו אותו.En: He had noticed something strange in her behavior lately, and questions haunted him.He: הוא ידע שעליו לעמוד מולה.En: He knew he had to confront her.He: "מרים," פנה אליה אבנר, קולה קטוע מעט עם חשש.En: "Miriam," he addressed her, his voice slightly shaky with apprehension.He: "יש לי שאלה, את מסתדרת עם האמונה שלך?"En: "I have a question, are you at peace with your faith?"He: מרים נעצרה, הסתובבה באיטיות והביטה בו בעיניים מלאות חום ורוך,En: Miriam paused, turned slowly, and looked at him with eyes full of warmth and tenderness.He: "מה בדיוק אתה רוצה לדעת, אבנר?"En: "What exactly do you want to know, Avner?"He: הבט אחורה ופנים כל המקומות המעלים געגועים מירושלים ועד סוכות, הרעיון הזכיר עם מרים נוסח משותף יקר מאוד להמשפחה.En: Looking back and within, all the places that evoke longing from Yerushalayim to Sukkot, the idea brought up a shared cherished version for the family.He: תחושת זהות אחת.En: A sense of one identity.He: "בכנות, אני רוצה לדעת על מה שחריץ לי.En: "Honestly, I want to know what's been troubling me.He: משהו שמעולם לא דיברת עליו," הוא הסביר.En: Something you've never talked about," he explained.He: קולו היה חלש יותר מההמולה שסביבם אך חד מספיק להדהד במוחה של מרים.En: His voice was softer than the commotion around them but sharp enough to resonate in Miriam's mind.He: מרים הניחה את ידה על כתפו של אבנר.En: Miriam placed her hand on Avner's shoulder.He: "זוהי באמת עונת החג," היא פנתה ליעל,En: "It really is the holiday season," she turned to Yael,He: משהו מרמז בצחוק עולמה מלא חרדה ואהבה להמשפחה.En: something hinted with laughter in her world full of anxiety and love for the family.He: השקט שתפס את הדמיון לא השאיר מילים, רק תפילה.En: The silence that captured the imagination left no words, only prayer.He: עד שיאמר הכל, התחילו לשיר ולרקוד סביב הכותל באהבה חסרת גבולות.En: Until they spoke everything, they began to sing and dance around the Kotel with boundless love.He: כולו נרגש הפך אבנר למאזין פעיל יותר,En: Filled with excitement, Avner became a more active listener.He: יעל עמדם בזדהומים על גבול אמיתי עם הרוח הגבית שלה ביכולות שלו.En: Yael stood beside him glowing at the true border with her confident belief in his abilities.He: ולבסוף, אבנר הבין שהאמת לא תמיד קלה לגלות, אך היא מביאה את ההשלמה שתמיד חיפש.En: Finally, Avner realized that the truth is not always easy to discover, but it brings the completeness he always sought.He: הכותל הוסיף ודיבר לקחת נשימות, אמר תודה והציב את עצמו בין חיבור אישי לבין המסורת של משפחה,En: The Kotel continued to speak, to take breaths, said thank you, and placed himself between personal connection and family tradition,He: משהו שיביא לנטיות של אהבה קבועה וקירבה.En: something that would bring a constant tendency for love and closeness. Vocabulary Words:fragrance: ניחוחadorned: מעוטרותcontemplative: מהורהרchaotic: משתוללותdoubts: ספקותbelonging: השתייכותcaptivating: כובשenthusiasm: התלהבותfirmness: תקיפותapprehension: חששwarmth: חוםtenderness: רוךlonging: געגועיםcherished: יקרtendency: נטיותuncommon: לא שכיחtroubling: מטרידhaunted: רדפוsilence: שקטimagination: דמיוןcompleteness: השלמהplaced: הציבconnection: חיבורboundless: חסרת גבולותasserted: טעןrespect: כיבדוhesitantly: בהתלבטותtraced: חורץevoke: מעליםreiteration: לחזורBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

In this episode of Peacemakers, host Yonathan Moya welcomes Kristel Acevedo, Spiritual Formation Director at Transformation Church. Kristel shares her journey from growing up in a diverse Miami community to embracing her faith and calling in ministry. Together, they explore the themes of identity, spiritual formation, and the transformative power of community.Tune in to discover how Kristel's experiences have shaped her understanding of faith and her mission to help others find God in the wilderness.

The Hidden Lightness with Jimmy Hinton – Across America, a powerful spiritual revival is unfolding as Gen Z and millennial men return to church in record numbers. From college campuses to city streets, faith is rising where few expected it. Amid division and doubt, a new generation is finding purpose, unity, and hope through a rediscovery of biblical truth and community...

In one of the most emotional and powerful episodes of Domestic Dad: Cleaning Up the Mess, host Nick Barnett sits down with Jason Comer, a husband, father of five, and living testimony of how God's grace can turn devastation into destiny.   Jason's life is a raw reflection of brokenness, rebellion, incarceration, relapse, forgiveness, and divine restoration. This episode traces his complete journey—from a troubled childhood and early substance use, to meth addiction, prison, family separation, and the miraculous road back to sobriety, faith, and fatherhood.   Through tears, laughter, and hard truths, Jason opens up about what it means to be a man redeemed. He shares how Hope City Church, mentorship, and a community of believers gave him the spiritual and emotional tools he never had growing up. His story reveals the brutal reality of addiction—but more importantly, the beauty of God's redemption story when we finally stop running.   This is more than a story about getting sober. It's a story about becoming whole, about how God can take the pieces of a shattered life and build something new—something strong enough to lead a family, raise kids with love, and inspire others to believe that no matter how dark the pit, there is always a way out.   If you're a parent fighting your own battles, a man seeking purpose, or someone walking through the ashes of addiction or shame—this episode will meet you right where you are.   ⸻  

Sermon- Luke 18:1-8 Finding Faith by Community Lutheran Church

" As soon as you have Christ and understand that you can give everything to him and He's got you, I mean, He's got us. He's got us. I know it. I mean, every time. I'm a dummy, you know, I'm a dummy and have done dumb things and been in the darkest places and He is right there "Come on, let's go." He'll pull you right out and He'll put all those people around you that need to be. It might not happen right away, but He'll put everybody around you that you need and those blessings just flourish."00:00 I Let the Adversary in My Home07:11 Shane Meets Carla and Early Struggles09:54 The Downward Spiral16:37 Finding Faith in Prison20:24 Answered Prayers23:00 Challenges in Marriage25:21 Finding Community in Church28:00 Sealed in the Temple31:28 What it's Like With the GospelCozy Earth code COMEBACK for 40% off https://cozyearth.com/Mike's Auto Shackhttps://mikesautoshack.com/Serve Clothing code COMEBACK for 15% offhttps://serveclothing.com/Memor Jewelry code COMEBACK for 10% offhttps://memorjewelry.com/If you have a story to share please contact ashly.comebackpodcast@gmail.comFor inquiries contact info.comebackpodcast@gmail.comCome Back Team:Director, Founder, & Host: Ashly StoneEditor: Cara ReedOutreach Manager: Jenna CarlsonAssistant Editor: Michelle BergerAssistant Editor: Britt SmallzeArt Director: Jeremy GarciaProduction Director: Trent Wardwell

Tune into Season 3, Episode 6 of The Restoration Club podcast for a powerful conversation that goes beyond business.This week, hosts Danny Christiansen and Ryan Grammatico sit down with Ryan Cummings of Palmetto & Pine Golf Co. Ryan shares the raw, honest story of relaunching his brand, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and—most significantly—finding Jesus along the way. This episode is a must-listen for anyone rebuilding, refocusing, or simply seeking inspiration in their work and faith journey.It's a story of restoration in both life and business.Don't forget to connect with us!Website: Check out more stories at www.restorationclub.coInstagram: Follow our journey and join the conversation: @restoration_club

In this heartfelt episode, Britney Johnson shares her personal journey of faith, motherhood, and self-discovery. She reflects on her experiences as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the challenges of being a special needs parent, and the importance of community and support. Britney emphasizes the power of scripture and personal growth, encouraging listeners to invest in themselves and trust in the Lord's guidance. With a focus on gratitude and future aspirations, she inspires her audience to embrace their worth and pursue their passions.We invite you to share this podcast on all your platforms to help others Find their own Faith in Everyday Life. You can follow Britney Johnson on Instagram @sassymamaandherlife

Do you trust that God is your King? Do you lean on what God says? When you don't know what to do, and you don't know what is right… “DO NOT LEAN on your own understanding. Do not lean solely on human understanding. In a world with so many voices: From our academic institutions and our theological tribes, from our political parties and our media algorithms… There are so many messages being communicated in regards to what people are convinced is the right way. AND THEY MIGHT BE ACTUALLY RIGHT… But whatever you think is right in your own eyes, in all your ways, STILL acknowledge God, and he will make your paths straight. Whether you're wandering in the wilderness or fleeing a famine… Will you come before God and trust GOD as King? Will you open up His word, and earnestly seek the Lord in prayer?

In Part 2, Ricky Daniels dives deeper into life back in theU.S., rediscovering purpose, and finding faith after years of searching. From navigating lockdowns in Australia to stepping into the MMA cage and ultimately walking into a new season of spiritual growth, Ricky shares lessons onresilience, balance, and the relentless pursuit of truth. His story is a reminder that the hard path often leads to the brightest light.Timestamps:00:00 Foreigners in China: A Night Out00:18 The East China Sea Dispute01:18 Unity Amongst Foreigners03:38 Introduction to the Podcast04:24 Ricky Daniels' Journey: From China to Australia05:16 Life in Australia: Challenges and Triumphs17:09 The Impact of COVID-1918:00 Reflections on Government and Society24:46 Transitioning Careers: Fitness to Firefighting26:39 Spiritual Awakening and Personal Growth30:43 Psychedelics and Perception33:55 Exploring the Concept of Light and Hell34:27 Are We Already in Hell?35:21 The Light Within Us36:12 Fighting for the Light37:09 Choosing a Sober Life39:14 Seeking Struggle and Growth41:52 The Art of Combat and Personal Growth44:47 Spiritual Warfare in Everyday Life46:59 The Power of Ideas and Beliefs56:56 The Many Paths to God01:03:57 Final Reflections and Relentless Pursuit#RelentlessPursuit #RickyDaniels #MMAandFaith #LifeTransformation#ChoosingTheHardPath

Text me a message! I would love to hear from you!Read the blog post for this podcast here: Choosing to Believe: Finding Faith in Jesus When Doubt Creeps InWhat does it really mean to believe in Jesus? In this episode, I share my own journey of faith—through doubt, questions, and God's steady presence. Whether you're struggling to believe or wanting to grow deeper, this message will encourage your heart. Support the showI've released my new book!!! Get your copy here: Seek First: 31 Quiet Moments With JesusIf you enjoy this episode and want to buy Audrey a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ajmccrac73d Subscribe to My Weekly Email List! Visit GraceForMyHome.com Follow me on Facebook.Follow me on Instagram.Contact me via admin@graceformyhome.com

We trace Fresno roots, gang life, prison politics, and the long road back to purpose as Cin Say tells a raw story of survival, grief, ingenuity, and faith. The talk moves from riot smoke and lost years to boundaries, music, and a simple mandate: get up and keep going.• Fresno culture, underground scene, and early influences• Belonging, gang pull, and the weekend that changed everything• Parole math and how numbers can own a life• County lessons, racial lines, and non‑designated yards• Level 2 to 180 yard, points, weapons, and survival choices• Stabbed after marriage, retaliation pressure, and restraint• Dehumanization, riots, suicides, and CO dynamics• Prison ingenuity: tattoos, spreads, and making tools from scraps• Grief for a mother, spirals, and choosing to live• Cutting hard drugs, setting boundaries, and embracing emotion• Faith, authenticity, and refusing the highlight‑reel trap• Music as purpose, day‑one loyalty, and what's nextFollow on Instagram @cin_say7Follow us @ brokeboyz_ff on Instagram and TikTokIntro Music by Rockstar Turtle- Broke Boyz (999)Christmas Intro Song by Nico

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Joe Adams sitsdown with Ricky Daniels to explore a journey that spans continents, battles, and transformations. From childhood struggles and feeling boxed in, to life abroad in China and Australia, Ricky shares the raw experiences that shapedhim. Along the way, he reflects on MMA, cultural clashes, and the lessons of freedom and faith discovered in unexpected places. This is a story of resilience, discovery, and choosing the hard path when it matters most.Sponsors:- Fresh Coat Services- Lake & Land Detailing- True Friends Moving Company- Protein Snack Shop- Speakeasy AestheticsTimestamps:00:00 Childhood Visions and Struggles01:06 Introduction to the Podcast01:38 Meet Ricky Daniels02:39 Ricky's Current Life Goals05:11 Ricky's Upbringing and Family Background12:09 Spiritual Encounters and Paranormal Experiences23:32 Understanding Shadow People and Spiritual Dimensions39:16 Striving for Positivity40:04 Inmates and Paranormal Experiences41:25 Adolescent Struggles and Spiritual Awakening42:10 Challenges with Church and Youth Group45:12 Teenage Rebellion and Identity Crisis55:37 Navigating Racial Stereotypes01:06:48 Embracing Individuality and Rebellion01:14:15 Overseas Experiences and Personal Growth01:14:23 Regretting a Film Degree01:15:37 Navigating the 2008 Economic Crash01:16:04 Challenges in Hollywood01:17:33 The Rise of Reality TV01:18:50 Struggles of Young Filmmakers01:24:20 Teaching English Overseas01:26:48 Living in Rural China01:28:48 Learning Mandarin01:43:34 Moving to Australia01:50:59 Sponsorship Message#RelentlessPursuit #RickyDaniels #FaithAndFreedom #MMAJourney#ChoosingTheHardPath

Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Judy Lane Boyer… a ghostwriter, writing coach, and storyteller who helps others bring their words to life. We first connected here in Austin, crossed paths again at Podfest, and after a couple of failed recording attempts, we finally made this conversation happen.Judy shares her powerful story of breaking free from a strict upbringing, finding faith in her own way, and embracing her passion for writing. We talk about what it means to trust the process, to pivot when life calls for it, and to honor the gifts that make us unique.From traveling to Oxford for a faith-based fantasy conference to launching her very first writing retreat, Judy's journey is a reminder that it's never too late to choose differently and create a new chapter for yourself.This episode is about courage, creativity, and listening to that quiet voice that says: “Why don't you let me handle it?”Take a listen. Let it inspire you. And maybe ask yourself… what story inside you is waiting to be told?Connect with Judy:

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com / intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com / intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsle... We are all called to hospitality. Multiple times in Scripture, actually. Hospitality looks different for different people, and for different cultures. Andrew talks to Ryan and Hope Bailey about how they have practiced hospitality in discipleship, and the impact it has had on others, as well as in their own lives. RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Pathway Series Finding Faith – Free Gospel Resource Discipleship101 - 8 Videos and Discussion Guide Original Release Date: 09/25/25 SUBSCRIBE to our free weekly newsletter SHOP the ITH Store ******************** Want to Help Us Grow? •  Subscribe and give us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify •  Share this episode on Facebook •  If you believe in what we're doing and want to help us reach a wider audience, become a monthly supporter The post #251 – The Open Door: How Hospitality Fuels Disciple-Making appeared first on Into the Harvest

Episode 100 – Part 2: Finding Faith Healing and Purpose with Matty Fiorenza In part two of our 100th episode celebration, Conrad Weaver reconnects with firefighter Matthew (Matty) Fiorenza, one of the central voices from the documentary PTSD9-1-1. Matty opens up about life since the film's release—the ups and downs of recovery, his faith journey, breakthroughs in treatment (including the powerful impact of the Stellate Ganglion Block), and his new role supporting first responders through treatment programs, speaking, and mentorship. He also shares the deeply personal story of how his healing journey not only transformed his mental health but also made way for new life—literally—with the birth of his daughter after treatment. Matty's honesty, humility, and encouragement are a beacon of hope for first responders navigating their own storm.   Support Matty's Non-Profit: https://frprfoundation.com/   +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST   Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC   Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved. If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen to retired officer Desireé Palmer's update on her inspiring journey from isolation to purpose. Together, these conversations mark a milestone in the podcast—and in the ongoing story of PTSD9-1-1.    

In this powerful episode of Let's Break the Silence, I sit down with Brooke Deanne — Trauma Healing Mentor, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), NLP Practitioner, and host of The Cult Diaries Podcast.Brooke courageously shares her journey of breaking free from religious abuse, toxic relationships, and domestic violence. As a former Jehovah's Witness, she experienced deep trauma but transformed her pain into purpose through holistic healing of the mind, body, and spirit.She is also the author of:

What happens when you do everything society tells you—earn the degrees, land the secure job, build the perfect life—only to find yourself feeling empty? Why do so many men chase grit, competition, and accomplishments, yet still end up lost? And what if the real answer isn't in choosing between education or trade skills, city or wilderness, but in forging a life that blends both?Our guest today, Zach Hanson, has lived that journey. A former AI and machine-learning product management expert who helped build technology at the cutting edge, Zach walked away from the “safe” path to pursue something deeper. His story took him from competitive Jiu Jitsu and a tech career to the most remote town in Idaho, where he rebuilt his life after divorce through hunting, trapping, writing, and faith.Zach is not only an avid hunter, trapper, and trade advocate, but also a thought leader who bridges two worlds—the resilience of hands-on trades and the innovation of artificial intelligence. Today, he lives with his wife and three children at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in rural Idaho, proving every day that success isn't about titles or paychecks, but about discipline, curiosity, and a God-centered life.In this conversation, Zach shares hard-won lessons on self-reliance, the dangers of over-education without real skills, and why rediscovering community, faith, and practical knowledge may be the antidote to the frustrations so many men face.Quotes:"The arc of the book is, what I found out is I actually found community there. I found God there. And it was all through my trying to run away and have these experiences which were great, but took me full circle to realize that I actually really need community.""If you have the desire, you will find a way. Now there is a component of grit to that, but it is desire full stop, and that has kind of changed my mindset very recently.""When people ask, that's what I you know, that's my identity. Now, it's not I'm some fancy worker, whatever like I'm talking about the things that bring me joy as an individual, and those things do."Key Takeaways:Expand your definition of education – Don't settle for “college or bust.” Ask yourself: What practical skills could I learn right now that would make me more self-reliant? Start with something simple like changing your own oil, learning basic welding, or even gardening.Audit your identity – How do you introduce yourself? Do you define yourself only by your job title, or by the passions and skills that truly bring you joy? Reframe your identity around what aligns with your values and long-term vision.Practice relentless curiosity – Treat everyday tasks as opportunities to learn. Instead of outsourcing everything, ask: Could I figure this out myself? Watch a tutorial, take a class, or shadow someone skilled.Prioritize communication and honesty in relationships – Daily devotionals, hard questions, and open dialogue can prevent small frustrations from eroding intimacy. What's one honest conversation you've been avoiding? Have it this week.Balance grit with desire – Discipline will get you far, but true growth comes when your actions align with what you deeply desire. Reflect: Am I grinding out of obligation, or pursuing something I truly want?Zach's story is a reminder that fulfillment doesn't come from following a prescribed path, but from daring to carve out your own. Whether it's through sharpening practical skills, deepening your faith, or embracing relentless curiosity, the challenge is the same: stop outsourcing your growth and start owning it. His journey—from artificial intelligence labs to the remote mountains of Idaho—proves that resilience and wisdom are forged not in comfort, but in the willingness to step into the unknown.

Rebecca welcomes Vaneetha Risner for a candid conversation about suffering, unanswered prayer, and the presence of Christ in our deepest pain. Vaneetha recounts her story (childhood polio, the death of her infant son, an unwanted divorce), how John 9 reframed her “why,” and why Christian hope rests in the character of God—not in guaranteed outcomes. They also explore lament, community, and practical ways to walk with those who hurt.Resources mentioned:Watching for the Morning (90-day devotional): vaneetha.com/watching-for-the-morningDesperate for Hope (7-session Bible study): vaneetha.com/desperate-for-hopeVaneetha's website: vaneetha.comJoni Eareckson Tada & Steven Estes, When God Weeps: AmazonJohn 9 (Jesus and the man born blind): ReadJohn 11 (Jesus with Mary & Martha): Read0:00 Exploring Faith and Suffering Through Personal Trials3:12 Finding Faith Amidst Life's Trials and Unanswered Prayers14:05 Finding Faith and Comfort Amidst Suffering and Loss19:53 Unexpected Suffering and the Journey of Writing Through Pain23:11 Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering Through Faith32:19 Exploring Faith, Suffering, and Devotionals with Vaneetha RisnerSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send us a textWhat if your daily suffering isn't in vain, but preparing you for something deeper?After surviving a traumatic car accident, Pebbles Wireman has spent over 20 years battling invisible illnesses like chronic migraines and pseudo tumor cerebri.Support the showBe sure to subscribe and rate us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other forums you use. Check out Transformed on FB.

What if the struggle that nearly broke you was the path God used to bring you back to His light?Aussie mom and former maximum-security corrections officer, Jac Woodhouse, hit rock bottom in a myriad of ways—dehumanizing workplace misogyny, parting from a 15-year career, navigating her son's serious health challenges, and fighting her own battle with suicidal ideation. It felt as though one more misstep would've broken the camel's back, until one tender mercy flipped everything around for the better.In this week's episode of Latter-Day Lights, Jac walks Scott and Alisha through the quiet signs the Lord placed in her life that eventually set her on the covenant path. What started out as an encounter with a Plan of Salvation pamphlet on her son's nightstand turned into a beautiful chain reaction—Church with neighbors turned into missionary lessons, which turned into a family baptism. Now, she and her husband serve weekly at the Sydney Australia Temple and in their ward, choosing faith over fear each day.If Jac's journey resonates with you, let it be a reminder that God is in the details and the mundane. So the next time life feels heavy, look for a small sign and move toward it. Often, that's enough.*** Please SHARE Jac's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/Z7eowq3MK68-----To READ Jac's media interview on News AU, visit: https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/former-prison-guard-lifts-lid-on-life-inside-goulburns-notorious-supermax/news-story/3357e33af12015fa58f40391490fccddTo READ Jac's media interview on ABC AU, visit: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-06/nsw-corrective-services-toxic-boys-club-culture/11934444?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=linkTo READ Scott's new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/-----Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylightsAlso, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Fitness League, Joelle, Alessandra, and Josh dive into the deep, often unspoken link between spirituality and health. They start with a vulnerable, personal conversation about their own spiritual journeys—what shaped their beliefs, how they've evolved, and why this topic matters more now than ever.  Then, they shift into the science—breaking down research on how practices like mindfulness, prayer, and community-based faith impact physical and mental health outcomes. From navigating organized religion and personal convictions, to the influence of social media, modern culture, and parenthood, this episode isn't about giving answers—it's about asking better questions. It's about simplifying what spirituality can look like in real life—and why it could be the missing piece in your pursuit of health. Whether you're grounded in faith or simply curious, you'll walk away from this episode reminded of one powerful truth: real change starts with you. And when you grow, everyone around you feels it. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://quest.lvltncoaching.com/project-b Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Intersection of Spirituality and Health 02:47 Personal Journeys: From Skepticism to Curiosity 05:33 The Role of Community and Social Media in Faith 08:10 The Impact of Current Events on Spiritual Exploration 11:14 Finding Faith in Times of Struggle 14:09 The Science Behind Spiritual Practices 16:58 Navigating Personal Beliefs and Skepticism 19:47 The Importance of Simplifying Spiritual Concepts 22:41 Interfaith Perspectives and Parenting 25:24 The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth 28:14 Concluding Thoughts on Spirituality and Health

In light of the heartbreaking news surrounding Charlie Kirk, I felt it was important to pause today and acknowledge the grief, fear, and questions so many are carrying. This episode is a space for comfort, faith, and encouragement — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God is still near. I'll be sharing past conversations and messages to help us lean on His promises, find healing, and move forward with courage and hope together.Thanks to my Sponsors:Ritual: Get 25% off your first month at https://www.ritual.com/OVER50Branch Basics: Head to https://www.BranchBasics.com to shop the Premium Starter Kit and save 15% off with code OVER50Live It Up: Head to https://www.letsliveitup.com/FLOURISHING and use code FLOURISHING for 15% off your first Super Greens orderGruns: Visit https://www.gruns.co and use code FLOURISHING at checkout for up to 52% off your first orderBau: Visit https://www.BAUmovie.com to watch the trailer and learn moreBrickhose: Visit https://www.tonetoday.com and use code FLOURISHING to save 20% off your first orderKeep in Touch:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dominiquesachse.tv/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dominiquesachse.tv/book/Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dominiquesachse/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DominiqueSachse/TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@dominiquesachse?lang=enYouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@dominiquesachsetvHave a question for Dominique? Submit it here for a chance to have it answered on the show! https://forms.gle/MpTeWN1oKN8t18pm6Interested in being featured as a guest? Please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠courtney@dominiquesachse.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We want to make the podcast even better. Help us learn how we can: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From hit lists on social media to calls for political violence on campus, this episode dives into the shocking trend of glorifying assassinations and the urgent need to hold those responsible accountable. We discuss Clemson University's controversial handling of faculty and staff celebrating the death of Charlie Kirk, the double standards in political response, and how students and citizens are taking action to stop this culture of violence. But this isn't just about politics—it's also about a cultural shift. The aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination has sparked a surge of young people, especially men, returning to church and exploring faith for the first time. Hear stories of a generation grappling with grief, morality, and hope, and discover why this moment is shaping the future of conservative activism, religious engagement, and civic responsibility.

Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why did God allow this?” Whether you're walking through grief, trauma, or unanswered prayers, this question can weigh heavy on your heart. In this episode of Affirming Truths, Christian Mental Health Coach Carla Arges reminds us that it's okay to wrestle with God, but we don't have to stay stuck in the “why.” Through Scripture, encouragement, and her own experiences, Carla explores how God's character never changes—even in suffering—and how shifting from “Why, God?” to “Where is God in this?” can bring peace, perspective, and healing. If you've ever felt buried by pain, this conversation will help you lean into trust and see God's goodness in the midst of struggle. Come join me as I wrestle in faith through struggle on my new substack https://substack.com/@carlaarges  Did you know that Carla is a Christian Mental Health coach? See if working with her is what you need in your current season.  Book a discovery call today! GET YOUR FREE RENEWING YOUR MIND WORKBOOK HERE Connect With Carla: Book a Discovery call with me https://calendly.com/cmsarges/discoverycall  Come hangout on IG with me @carla.arges Check out my blog and more at www.carlaarges.com   Resources: 5 Steps to Building Resiliency Rahab Bible Study Guide 5 Tips for Overcoming a Negative Body Image Who You Say I Am Biblical Affirmation Cards

From drug dealing and jail time to building a thriving RV rental franchise, Garr Russell's testimony is one of radical transformation, relentless faith, and restored purpose. In this raw and powerful interview, Garr shares how he went from the pit to God's promise, how entrepreneurship became a tool for redemption, and how you can bounce back from even the worst of seasons.

FREE RESOURCE!! Want to deepen your faith? Get our free 3-lesson series here: https://www.intotheharvest.org/finding-faith Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Merch ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► https://instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► https://facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter/ Disciple-making was normal in the early church—but why does it feel so rare today? In this episode, we dig into three reasons why disciple-making often stalls in modern Christianity. More importantly, we share what it will take to recover it. If you're longing to see disciples made and multiplied, this conversation is for you. RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Pathway Series Finding Faith – Free Gospel Resource Discipleship101 - 8 Videos and Discussion Guide Original Release Date: 09/11/25 SUBSCRIBE to our free weekly newsletter SHOP the ITH Store ******************** Want to Help Us Grow? •  Subscribe and give us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify •  Share this episode on Facebook •  If you believe in what we're doing and want to help us reach a wider audience, become a monthly supporter The post #250 – Why Is Disciple-Making So Rare Today? appeared first on Into the Harvest

In this episode, Rabiah talks with Ravi Holy—a vicar, comedian, and leader of a therapeutic program for adult survivors of child abuse. Ravi shares his remarkable journey from punk theater and addiction to recovery, faith, and finding his calling in the Church of England. He discusses the intersection of comedy, ministry, and therapy, the challenges of serving a community, and the importance of honesty and resilience. Plus, Ravi answers the Fun Five and shares how you can connect with him.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:34 Meet Ravi Holy: Vicar, Comedian, and Program Leader01:22 Ravi's Background: From Cambridge to London02:10 Punk Theater, Addiction, and Recovery04:14 Finding Faith and the Path to Sobriety06:04 Experiences with Religion: From Cult to Church of England09:45 Becoming a Vicar and Discovering a Calling13:30 The Realities and Surprises of Vicar Life15:00 Comedy and Ministry: How Standup Informs Preaching18:00 Getting Started in Comedy and Early Gigs21:00 Running Heal for Life: Supporting Survivors of Child Abuse25:00 Integrating Comedy, Ministry, and Therapy27:00 Burnout, Resilience, and Staying Sane as a Clergy Member29:00 Advice and Mantras: Honesty and Growth30:00 Fun Five Questions33:00 Where to Find Ravi and Closing ThoughtsNote from Host:Since they are people, a lot of comics are more than just comics. With Ravi Holy, that was obvious when I met him. He was dressed in clericals. I was intrigued that a vicar was performing comedy and loved his set. Since then we have gigged together and have had the chance to chat and now I'm sharing one of those chats with you. I know episodes have been sparse. I love sharing my conversations and will keep going until I don't love it anymore. And I'll try to share more regularly. Thank you for reading and thank you for listening. It is a privilege to have any ears or eyes on the podcast and I appreciate your time. If it is your first time here, check out more. There are over 100 cool people to listen to and find inspiration from! +++++ Find RaviInstagram: @revraviholyFacebook: Ravi HolyLearn more about Heal for Life: [Google "Heal for Life UK"] +++++ More than Work Social Media: @morethanworkpod (Facebook, Instagram) and @rabiahcomedy (TikTok)Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

Send Sherry a Text MessageWhat does “normal” even mean when you're a single mom? Culture may call single parenting the new normal, but if you've ever sat in a school auditorium surrounded by married couples, or explained to your kids why your family looks different, you know it rarely feels normal. In this episode of It's a Single Mom Thing, Sherry keeps it real—messy, complicated, and sometimes unfair—while pointing to the faith, strength, and purpose you can still find in the middle of it all.Whether you're co-parenting, flying solo, or simply navigating a season you didn't choose, this conversation will help you laugh, reflect, and reset. With honesty, sass, and hope, you'll discover:Why culture's definition of normal leaves us feeling anything but.How faith steadies you when everything falls apart.What your kids learn by watching you live through the mess.Why messy doesn't mean meaningless—and how God grows miracles in chaos.This isn't a life sentence—it's a lesson in living. And maybe, just maybe, it's the start of your new normal. Normal? Please.Support the showIt's a Single Mom Thing, Not the Single Thing That Stops You!

Romans Vol. 1 - Coming Under GracePaul shows us in Romans 2:25–29 that when we place our confidence in rituals or religious traditions, we miss the heart of what God wants. True faith comes from the Spirit transforming us inwardly, leading us to repent and trust in Christ rather than relying on outward signs of religion.Sermon Preached by Chris Lewis on September 7, 2025Foothill Church exists to glorify God by living as disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus. https://foothill.churchLearn about our For the Sake of His Name 2-Year Discipleship Journey: https://foothill.church/FTSOHN

Welcome BACK to the It Is Well podcast! This is a sanctuary of hope where the realms of untapped potential, vulnerability, and boundless joy intertwine. Join your guide, Taylor Nardone, a seasoned Speaker, Breakthrough Coach, and Performer, as he navigates the depths of the human experience in hopes of pointing us back home.Join The Gathering: https://www.skool.com/the-gathering-2855/aboutJoin Taylor's Email List: https://elegant-bread-591.myflodesk.com/bks2quqdkhWORK WITH TAYLOR 1:1: https://stan.store/taylorryannardone/p/your-time-is-now SPEAKING INQUIRIES: https://www.taylorryannardone.com/contact"The best is yet to come."

Sal Rodriquez, drummer of the legendary funk band WAR, sits down with me on the Third Man in the Ring Podcast to share his incredible journey through music, fame, and faith. From touring the world with WAR, playing festivals across Europe and the U.S., to finding deeper purpose in life, Sal opens up about his experiences on stage, the power of music, and how faith changed everything.

In this heart-wrenching yet hope-filled episode, hear the powerful testimony of standup comedian, author and writer Zach Rippey as he shares his journey through grief, loss, and spiritual transformation. Zach opens up about the tragic death of his best friend Armani during a river rafting trip in Tennessee, and how his faith in God carried him through the darkest times. Listen as Zach recounts how he discovered new purpose amidst the sorrow, started his podcast 'I Like Birds', and found deeper faith through sharing his story. Join us for an inspiring conversation about overcoming trauma with the strength of scripture and the support of a loving community. Don't miss this touching episode that highlights God's unexpected blessings even in the midst of grief.   00:00 A Sudden Tragedy 00:50 Introducing Zach and His Journey 02:14 Zach's Comedy Career and Faith Transformation 08:39 The Loss of Armani 17:14 Armani's Legacy and Miracles 26:05 Reflections on a Life Well-Lived 26:57 Scriptural Comfort in Dark Times 29:20 A Healing Journey to Tennessee 31:46 Divine Encounters and Symbolic Moments 40:32 Podcasting and Ministry Growth 46:38 Encouragement and Final Thoughts John 16:22 - So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.   Zach's website: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/   I Like Birds on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ilikebirdspodcast   About Zach Zach Rippey was pursuing a career in stand-up comedy when God led him to become a voice for Jesus instead. After going through the motions of Christianity for five years, Zach decided to read one of the Gospels during the chaos of 2020. The book of John changed everything and Zach was on fire for the Lord! After reading only a few books in the Bible, Zach felt led to start a podcast about Jesus. With doubts, low expectations, and fear of mockery from his peers, Zach decided to lean in and launch “I Like Birds” in May 2020. He's now an author, speaker, writer and podcast coach. 

In this episode of the Profitable Christian Business Podcast, Doug Greathouse sits down with LazRael Lison, an award-winning director, writer, and producer whose films have appeared on Netflix, BET, Amazon, and Lifetime. His latest project, Finding Faith, premiered nationwide in 800 theaters before becoming the #1 film in its Lifetime release. LazRael shares his inspiring journey from writing plays in junior high to directing major feature films, highlighting the power of storytelling as a tool for connection and transformation. He opens up about preparation, faith, and love as essential guiding forces in his life and career — and offers wisdom for aspiring filmmakers navigating Hollywood. You'll discover: Why storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others How faith and values can guide creativity in the entertainment industry Why preparation and flexibility are non-negotiables in filmmaking The importance of community, love, and support in a challenging industry How Finding Faith tackles themes of redemption and personal growth ✨ Whether you're an entrepreneur, filmmaker, or faith-driven leader, LazRael's story will inspire you to create with courage and stay true to your values.

What does it take to rebuild your life when you've lost everything?At just 21, Shawn Balva went from top football prospect to facing 40 years in prison. But prison didn't break him, it built him. In solitary confinement, he found faith. In structure, he found purpose. And through it all, he transformed from inmate to mentor.I sat down with Shawn to unpack how pain, discipline, and spiritual conviction reshaped his identity, and how he's now helping others find redemption in their own story.In this episode of Common Denominator, I unpack:

Join Tara Eastman in this heartwarming episode recorded at the Wild Goose Festival 2025, as she interviews Ellen Corcella, an ordained minister with the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and author of the book Walk with Me. Ellen shares her transformative experience with Mary Oliver's poem 'Wild Geese,' which provided her with hope and clarity during a challenging time in her life. Ellen discusses how this poem, along with her journey through seminary and chaplaincy, led her to understand the importance of witnessing and being a compassionate presence for others. Listen as Ellen reads the powerful 'Wild Geese' poem and offers insights into the spiritual and theological connections she found within poetry.Send Tara a Text MessageSupport the showRev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020. Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary's Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America). She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.

Chasing Euphoria & Finding Faith with Kat Sorensen | The Hopeaholics PodcastIn this compelling episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Kat Sorensen, a recovering alcoholic and rehab center owner, who shares her powerful journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose through faith and service. Kat candidly recounts her childhood in Denver, marked by feelings of alienation and sensitivity, which led to her discovery of alcohol at 13, sparking a 20-year struggle as she chased the initial euphoria it provided. She discusses her early resistance to Alcoholics Anonymous, her bouts of sobriety, and eventual surrender to the program, which transformed her life. Kat also highlights her passion for helping others, detailing her work with a treatment center and a unique therapy program involving rescue horses, emphasizing the parallels between their redemption and her clients' recovery. Interwoven with humor, raw anecdotes about rehab life, and reflections on faith, this episode explores the challenges of addiction, the importance of staying the course, and the miracles of recovery, leaving listeners inspired by Kat's resilience and dedication to serving others.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:55 - Faith and Church Discussion00:05:13 - Gifting a Devotional Bible00:10:16 - Childhood and Feeling Like an Outsider00:11:01 - Moving to the Beach to Avoid Cold00:14:17 - First Drink and Instant Connection to Alcohol00:19:55 - Rehab Ownership and Client Stories00:24:21 - Learning Boundaries in Rehab Work00:28:16 - High School Double Life and Progression01:05:53 - Comparing AA to Consistent Gym Work01:07:48 - Questioning "Trying" the 12 Steps01:09:33 - Acknowledging Recovery as a Miracle01:15:32 - Motivation for Starting a Treatment Center01:17:46 - Working with Rescue Horses for Client Therapy

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health struggles, which may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please seek local hotlines or immediate professional help in your country. What do you do when the one prayer you've begged God to answer doesn't get answered the way you hoped?In this powerful conversation, Ted and Hazel Semper open up about losing their daughter to suicide and the heartbreak that followed. They share the raw truth of wrestling with faith, questioning God, and learning to keep moving forward when life feels impossible.Their honesty will encourage anyone who's faced grief, walked through unanswered prayers, or wondered where God is in the middle of tragedy. This is a story of pain, yes—but also of healing, love, and the hope only God can bring.Chapters:[00:00] Podcast Preview[01:25] Topic and Guest Introduction[03:40] Introduction to Loss and Grief[04:45] Marcy's Struggles with Anxiety and Depression[07:35] Understanding Mental Health and Suicide[09:19] Signs of Mental Health Struggles[13:39] Praying and Still Facing Loss[17:30] Finding Peace After Tragedy[25:45] Grieving as a Couple Without Division [28:34] Why Suicide Needs to be Talked About in the Church[32:06] Grief Upon Grief: Multiple Layers of Loss[34:32] Respecting Each Other's Grieving Process[37:35] Career Transitions in the Middle of Grief[42:02] Finding Purpose After Loss[45:10] Leaving a Legacy of Faith and ResilienceGuests' bio:Ted Semper—also known in his radio days as Ted Kelly, Hollywood Harrison, and Brother Ted—is a veteran broadcaster with over five decades of experience as a program director and on-air talent. In 1983, he discovered a deep passion for Christian radio and music, a calling that shaped the rest of his career.In 2002, Ted launched HisAir.net, a pioneering digital trade publication dedicated to serving the Christian radio and records industry. For more than 20 years, HisAir.net has been an invaluable resource, connecting industry leaders, sharing news, and strengthening the Christian radio community.Alongside him is his wife, Hazel Semper, a dynamic and successful realtor. Together, Ted and Hazel have built a strong marriage of over 23 years. Their life and ministry reflect resilience, faith, and a desire to encourage others through both their professional work and personal story.Call to action:Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.comTo find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.All the links you need to subscribe to the podcast are at both our websites! And if you feel so inclined, we'd be honored if you were to leave a rating and review of our show. It definitely helps with us being more visible to more people.And if we like it, we might just read your review on the podcast!

Today, we dive into the disturbing findings from an Health & Human Services investigation into organ donation, revealing that some patients were still alive when the process began. We sit down with Dr. Raymond Lynch from HHS to unpack these issues, the reforms underway, and the redemptive hope organ donation offers when done right. Plus, we celebrate Christian music's mainstream surge with artists like Forrest Frank, react to Cosmopolitan's article about Relatable's impact, and address the troubling rise of $8,000 fake baby dolls, exposing their spiritual implications. Share the Arrows 2025 is on October 11 in Dallas, Texas! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sharethearrows.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for tickets now! Sponsored by: ⁠Carly Jean Los Angeles⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.carlyjeanlosangeles.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Good Ranchers⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.goodranchers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠EveryLife⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.everylife.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy Allie's new book, "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/4COtBxy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Timecodes: (01:27) Intro (05:45) Cosmopolitan article (18:00) Christian music is exploding (26:11) Reborn dolls (46:00) Organ donations (Dr. Raymond Lynch) --- Today's Sponsors: A'del — Try A'del's hand-crafted, artisan, small-batch cosmetics and use promo code ALLIE 25% off your first time purchase at AdelNaturalCosmetics.com Seven Weeks Coffee — Experience the best coffee while supporting the pro-life movement with Seven Weeks Coffee; use code ALLIE at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sevenweekscoffee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to save up to 25% off your first order, plus your free gift! Concerned Women for America — For a donation of $20 or more, you will get a copy of their new book, written by the CEO and President, Penny Nance, A Woman's Guide, Seven Rules for Success in Business and Life. Go to ⁠⁠⁠ConcernedWomen.org/Allie⁠⁠⁠ for your copy today. Paleovalley — When you choose Paleovalley, you're not just snacking—you're making a statement. Get 15% off your first order at ⁠paleovalley.com⁠, code ALLIE. --- Episodes you might like: Ep 1202 | Ohana Means... Foster Care? Why the 'Lilo & Stitch' Remake Is So Controversial https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1202-ohana-means-foster-care-why-the-lilo-stitch/id1359249098?i=1000712331902 Ep 1191 | Shane & Shane on Finding Faith in a Bar & Singing the Psalms https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1191-shane-shane-on-finding-faith-in-a-bar/id1359249098?i=1000709053612 --- Buy Allie's book, You're Not Enough (& That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://alliebethstuckey.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Relatable merchandise – use promo code 'ALLIE10' for a discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your greatest setback became your biggest calling? There are some moments in life that just stop you in your tracks—and this conversation is one of them. I sat down with Dan and Andrea Kotter, a couple whose journey through tragedy, faith, resilience, and relentless love has inspired me to my core. Dan fell 35 feet off a roof and was left paralyzed from the waist down. Andrea met him after the accident, while going through her own unimaginable heartbreak. But neither of them let their pain define them—they chose to build something even greater instead. This isn't just a story about surviving. It's about rebuilding—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Dan could have given up. Instead, he pushed through years of surgeries, chronic pain, and loss, while Andrea stood by his side, not seeing the wheelchair, but the strength that conquered it. They've blended families, faced down trauma, and raised six incredible kids, all while showing up on social media to shine light into other people's darkness. We talked about what it really takes to choose joy when life hands you suffering. How faith—real, grounded, daily faith—can carry you through when nothing else makes sense. How sometimes your life falling apart is exactly what's needed to put you on the path you were meant for. And how you don't need some “perfect” story to make a difference—your real life is enough. Their content has saved lives. It's made broken dads rethink fatherhood. It's helped people believe in God again. That's the power of two people showing up, being honest, and refusing to quit. Dan and Andrea reminded me—and will remind you—that no matter what you're facing, you've got more in you than you think. And you're never alone in the fight. Key Takeaways: The life-changing moment that left Dan paralyzed—and how he chose to respond. Andrea's decision to love a man in a wheelchair after her own heartbreaking trauma. The unshakable role of faith in their healing, growth, and purpose. How authentic social media content can literally save lives. Why real strength means showing up in the struggle, not hiding it. Listen now and share this with someone who needs a reminder that their story still matters. MAX OUT.