StoryTellers Live podcast

29:44

Sin followed by subsequent shame and guilt can send us into some of the darkest places of loneliness, isolation, and weariness… places where the Lord never intended for us to be. After all, Jesus came to bring abundant life (John 10:10) and rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-29). Dawson Cooper, who spoke at our live gathering in Mountain Brook, Alabama, beautifully reminds us of these truths as she recounts her journey of walking through an unplanned pregnancy and subsequent marriage to becoming a parent and letting go of childhood dreams. In her story, Dawson sweetly shares the gospel message of redemption, as she encourages us to look to Jesus alone to fulfill our needs and see the moments of life where His Holy Spirit has shown up - reminding us His fingerprints are all over our stories. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - Admitting your weaknesses to others can be powerful in the hands of God. - God never intended for you to carry shame and guilt - He longs for you to bring those heavy burdens to Him. - Your past doesn’t define you - you are righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ. Links: Listen to similar stories: Ep. 82- Addie Lamberth : “The Unexpected Gift of Life”; Ep. 219- Chapple Chandler : "A Life Renovated" Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Dawson and our past storytellers. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content. Need a summer Bible study?! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for our online workshop being offered on May 6th: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story…

StoryTellers Live

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From Learning Disability to the Lord's Destiny :: Kendra Morgan’s Story :: [Episode 318] 30:49

4 days ago30:49

30:49

Coping with a learning disability can be frustrating and discouraging, not to mention emotionally, mentally, and spiritually challenging. But… what if you saw that disability as a gift directing you to God’s purpose for your life? On today’s podcast, Kendra Morgan, from our Tulsa, Oklahoma community, shares her story of struggling through school and the difficulties she faced in the classroom until one professor was determined to figure out how she learned best. The results of his testing were life-changing for Kendra and led her to God’s vision for her life. This inspiring story will encourage you to know that God is indeed purposeful in your pain. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - Sometimes, a learning disability just requires a shift in how you are taught. - With the right tools, your brain can train itself in how it retains information. - God can bring great vision to those who are seeking His calling. Links: Building All Children - Kendra's non-profit ministry Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kendra and our past storytellers. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content. Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for our online workshop being offered on May 6th: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story…

StoryTellers Live

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A Walking Miracle - A Story of a Son's Traumatic Brain Injury and Healing :: Jamie Pope :: [Episode 317] 45:04

9 days ago45:04

45:04

Our God is a miracle-working Father... Just ask today’s storyteller! Jamie Pope, from our community group in Trussville, Alabama, shares the terrifying yet faith-filled journey she and her family walked through when her son, Grayson, was critically injured in an accident when a tree fell on his golf cart. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, thousands of brain bleeds, orbital fractures, and cranial surgery, the world would tell her to lose hope in her son’s recovery. But God. This story will remind you to never give up, to keep petitioning through your prayers, and to always focus your eyes on Jesus—your only source of true hope. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - In times of trials, cling to your mustard seeds of faith! - Look for miracles - they are all around you each and every day. - God may not always answer your prayers the way you want, but He promises to always be with you and never forsake you! Listen to “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans Listen to a similar story: Jala & Jessica Jenkins- Ep. 289: "God's Not Finished- A Traumatic Brain Injury Story ; Juleigh Green- Ep. 150: “Pray Big, Believe Big” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jamie and our past storytellers. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a “Story Within the Story” with Robyn, Jamie, and Grayson! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham (TODAY is the last day to register!): Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story…

StoryTellers Live

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Clinging to What is True- A Story of Waiting on God :: Amber Robinson :: [Episode 316] 37:48

16 days ago37:48

37:48

Pleading with God through desperate prayers and waiting for Him to answer can create havoc in your spiritual journey unless you arm yourself with God’s truth. Amber Robinson, from our community group in West Cobb, Georgia, shares her journey of waiting patiently for her marriage partner, then subsequently struggling with infertility and waiting to get pregnant, and then painstakingly waiting to deliver her baby. This is a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you hear the Lord reveal His truths to Amber and encourage each of us to know He is always good, always sovereign, and always with us. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - If you give the enemy a seat at your table, his lies will begin to seem like truth. - God wants you to pray boldly and pray continually. - If you never had moments where you had to trust God, you would never know He is trustworthy. Links: The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson Don’t Give The Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio Listen to a similar story: Ep. 99- Rachel H.: “The Discipline of Waiting” , Ep. 90- Jenna Tyson: “The Gift of Waiting- A Story of Singleness” , Ep. 311- Meghan Brown: “The Goodness of God” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Amber and our past storytellers. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content. Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story…

StoryTellers Live

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A New Trajectory - Redeemed from Alcoholism and Pursued by The Father -Sarah Robinson :: [Episode 315] 35:26

23 days ago35:26

35:26

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm 40:2 Life is full of “pits” - some self-imposed, some at the hands of others, and some at the expense of living in a fallen world. But, be encouraged! Today’s storyteller is going to remind you of God’s deepest desire - to take you out of that “pit” and set your feet on solid, secure, and safe ground. Sarah Robinson, from our Fairhope, Alabama community, paints a vivid picture of her life story as she shares her (and her family’s) struggles with alcoholism and loss. The journey she takes you on will assure you of the pursuing love of your Heavenly Father who specializes in the grace-filled gifts of redemption and restoration. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - God is constantly speaking to you through people, events, and life circumstances. - Hope has two sisters - anger and courage… anger in the way things are and courage that they don’t have to stay that way. - Pursue godly things, and you will leave a legacy! Links: Listen to a similar story: Ep. 8- Rachel Stockard : “Experiencing God Through Addiction” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Sarah and our past storytellers Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Where Are They Now with Tait and Rob Stoddard from Tait’s Episode 112- “When Things Aren’t What They Seem- A Story of Marriage Redemption” Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story…

StoryTellers Live

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Defined by Jesus - A Story of Struggling with Mental Illness:: Aimee Caverly :: [Episode 314] 33:55

30 days ago33:55

33:55

Studies show there has been a rise in mental illness over the past few years, with one out of every four adults reporting experiences with the disease. However, as today’s storyteller reminds us, there is HOPE! Aimee Caverly, from our community group in Raleigh, North Carolina, vulnerably shares her story of battling mental illness for most of her adult life. From extreme anxiety, fear, and paranoia to delusional visions, intense lies from the enemy, and multiple trips to the psychiatric hospital, Aimee is raw about the suffering she faced as she was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. It wasn’t until she accepted her diagnosis and turned to the Lord that she found healing, purpose, and hope, knowing God can bring light into the darkest of places. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - It is imperative to have God’s Word infused in your life because “self” creeps towards the negative. - When you don’t claim your true identity, you claim the lies of the enemy. - Following Jesus is a lifelong process of God making us more like Him. Do you need help with mental illness, or do you struggle with suicidal thoughts? Wellspring Christian Clinic Suicide Hotline “The Truth” by Megan Woods Listen to a similar story: Jenny Strickland- Ep. 290 : “God’s Healing in A Story of Mental Illness.” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of our past storytellers and the 4th annual Stories of Hope Luncheon! Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story…

StoryTellers Live

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Filling My Lamp With Oil: Emily Holman’s Story :: [Episode 313] 49:15

5 weeks ago49:15

49:15

The Bible tells us to let God’s Word dwell richly in our hearts (Col. 3:16), focus on what is true (Phil. 4:8), and keep our eyes set on eternity (2 Cor. 4:18). Today’s storyteller is going to beautifully remind you of the benefits that come from living out these verses. Emily Holman, from our Tupelo, Mississippi community, shares her journey of strengthening her faith in God and trust in His Word as she walked through two of her life's most challenging and heartbreaking seasons. This powerful story will encourage you to develop deep roots in your faith and learn the importance of, in Emily’s words, putting “oil in your lamp.” IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - When you find yourself in darkness and pain, you must speak God‘s truth - Like Peter walking on the water, you can do the impossible as long as you keep your eyes focused on Jesus. - With the help of God, suffering can turn to beauty. Links: Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the 10 Virgins Listen to a similar story: Amy Grote- Ep. 20 : “Healing Through Heartache- The Loss of A Child; Kara Potts- Ep. 173 : Suffering in Hope- A Mother’s Story. Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Emily and past storytellers. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including Amy’s discussion with past storyteller Jessica Roberts ( Jessica Roberts- Ep. 42: “Longing to Be Known” ) on meaningful ways they honor and celebrate memories of their loved ones. Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!…

StoryTellers Live

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Hands Wide Open - A Story of Starting a Business :: Jessica Prier :: [Episode 312] 37:10

6 weeks ago37:10

37:10

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecc. 3:11 God’s timing in the plan of your life is everything. But what do you do as you wait for that plan to unfold? Today’s storyteller reminds you exactly what to do: you pray, you seek, and you trust! Jessica Prier, from our Vestavia, Alabama, community, shares her journey of growing in her faith and in her gifting as she recalls the ways in which the Lord has led her to where she is today. If you’re in a season of needing guidance from the Lord, this story is going to remind you to have patience and know He is working behind the scenes to bring good to you and glory to Him. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - God places giftings and talents within each of us early on in life. - Sometimes, God closes a door and opens another one. - God wants to do immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine. Links: Listen to Jessica’s mother-in-law’s story- Marilyn Prier- Ep. 15: "Giving God the Frat House" Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jessica and past storytellers Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!…

StoryTellers Live

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The Goodness of God: Meghan Brown’s Story :: [Episode 311] 39:56

6 weeks ago39:56

39:56

“J esus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. ” John 21:25 When life doesn’t go as planned, do you get paralyzed by your circumstances, or do you focus on God and His past faithfulness? Today’s storyteller, Meghan Brown, from our Fairhope, Alabama community, will encourage you to see the love of God in the midst of life's twists and turns. Through detours, disappointments, and a devastating loss, Meghan shares her story of learning the importance of looking intently for God’s goodness, especially when life's challenges leave you asking why. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - In challenging moments, focus on the characteristics of God. - There is a difference in believing what is true and resting in what is true… believe God’s plan is good because He is good. - Good things, hard things, and holy things can occupy the same space. Links: Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard “Goodness of God” by Cece Winans Listen to a similar story: Leslie Presson- Ep. 223: “Hope Blooms” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Meghan and past storytellers. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Lacy Isbell of our Trussville, Alabama community! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!…

StoryTellers Live

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Grieving with Hope and the Promises of God: Diane Lee’s Story :: [Episode 310] 25:24

7 weeks ago25:24

25:24

As believers in Jesus Christ, we know we are not immune to grief, but as believers in Jesus Christ, we grieve with hope - hope in life after death, a new world that awaits us, and an eternity filled with the glory of God. Diane Lee, from our community group in Montgomery, Alabama, reminds us of these truths as she shares her journey of finding purpose in the loss of her daughter. This story will point you to the many promises found in God’s Word when you are walking through sorrow and suffering, and Diane’s joyful delivery will leave you strengthened in your faith and God’s love in the most heartbreaking of circumstances. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - In dealing with grief, allow God to be your strength. - Your suffering is never in vain. - Your pain can fuel your passion - use your story to glorify God and comfort others. Links: Do you need help with mental illness, or do you struggle with suicidal thoughts? Wellspring Christian Clinic Suicide Hotline Listen to a similar story: Toma Knight- Ep. 254 : “Living In Light of Eternity.” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Diane and past storytellers. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Q & A from the room after Diane shared her story. Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings! Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!…

StoryTellers Live

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Seek and You Will Find: A Marriage and Salvation Story :: Katie and JT Thornbury :: [Episode 309] 36:50

8 weeks ago36:50

36:50

This Valentine’s Day week, we’re bringing you a couple’s story that is rare and raw. From our Homewood community, JT and Katie Thornbury openly share about the profound emptiness in their lives and marriage prior to knowing Christ—and how they miraculously came to know Him, together, well into their 30s. For years, troubled pasts and past experiences influenced how JT and Katie approached life and faith. Plus, striving in their careers and in their parenting meant they usually focused on themselves and not on each other. But through a series of hard circumstances and intense searching, JT and Katie found their hearts and marriage healed by Him. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s than to cheer on the Thornburys and their saved marriage? And even better, their secured salvation in Christ! In this episode, you will learn: –Without Christ’s loving direction, all areas of your life will bend toward emptiness. –Seek Him and you will find Him; He can use your doubts to draw you to Himself. –Even after we come to know Christ, every day requires surrender and dependence. Links: Reason for God by Tim Keller Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Listen to a similar story: Andrea & Greg Carlisle- Ep. 98 : “Broken & Restored: A Marriage Story and Sand & Oscar Price - Ep. Taste of Patreon Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Katie & JT and past storytellers Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings! Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!…

StoryTellers Live

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Unanswered Prayers of Good Desires: A Story of Singleness:: Hannah Finch :: [Episode 308] 42:47

9 weeks ago42:47

42:47

Hannah Finch, of our Oxford community, always looked forward to married life and mom life. As the years crept by, however, she found herself decidedly single. Disappointment and sadness settled in her soul. Hannah never expected the reality of singleness—in fact, she had bigger expectations of God, initially believing that if she did what God asked, He would deliver. Listen as Hannah walks us through her important and profound journey of fighting for faith while living in singleness. It’s what she stakes her life on these days—but no one said it's easy. Hannah gets honest about her big feelings and unmet desires, and proves that accepting how we are made is what allows God to meet us where we are. Do you need to hear that God doesn’t cause your disappointments, but is there when they happen? Hannah’s story will do your weary heart some good. In this episode, you will learn: –Sometimes, even the good desires God gives you may remain unrealized. –God is in control. He is on your side, and He is not holding out on you. –You can trust God’s heart even when you can’t see His hand. Links: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Listen to a similar story: Jenna Tyson- Ep. 90 : “The Gift of Waiting: A Story of Singleness” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Hannah and our past storytellers. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus contact~ including a “Where Are They Now?” with past storyteller Whitney Hubbard from episode 26: “Gaining a New Heart and a New Perspective.” Register for the online workshop being offered on February 6th- Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story . Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings! Our 4th Annual Stories Of Hope Luncheon is March12th!…

StoryTellers Live

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Divine Details: A Heart Transplant Story:: Jeanne Anne Love :: [Episode 307] 36:46

10 weeks ago36:46

36:46

It’s February and we’re bringing you some love! Jeanne Anne Love, actually. From our Vestavia community, Jeanne Anne and her heart transplant story are a perfect nod to American Heart Month—and to the lifelong goodness and faithfulness of her Heavenly Father. For as long as she can remember, Jeanne Anne suffered heart issues and related illnesses. Though she lived a pretty normal childhood, come middle school, a heart transplant was needed. As Jeanne Anne walks us through this story, what seem to be minor details suddenly resurface as major moments—and it's exciting! The Lord even brought Jeanne Anne comfort through a supernatural encounter. Now, nearly 30 years after receiving a new heart, Jeanne Anne is working with heart patients and parenting a child with a cardiac condition. Listen and be encouraged that the Lord is working every detail of your every day. In this episode, you will learn: –In all your trials, God is right there with you. –Be on the lookout for sweet reminders of His love and care throughout your hard journeys. –You can trust God; He is intimately involved in every area of your life. Links: Listen to a similar story: Whitney Hubbard- Ep. 26 : “Gaining A New Heart and a New Perspective” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jeanne Anne Love Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Taylor Gindlesberger of our West Cobb community! Register for the online workshop being offered on February 6th- Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!…

StoryTellers Live

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He Takes Care of You: A Story of Surrender: Kahlie Metz :: [Episode 306] 35:08

10 weeks ago35:08

35:08

Tuning into the Lord’s plans requires step-by-step surrender. In the case of Kahlie Metz from our Tulsa community, surrender was season to season and even state to state. Kahlie shares about years of uprooting and change, including a rocky relationship with her father, lost friendships, and several moves. An actress and singer, Kahlie says to combat the spiral of busyness and stress that had become her life, she performed at home just as much as she performed on the job. But as Kahlie started pouring into the Word, working on emotional wounds and taking her devastations to the Lord, she found peace even in her shakeups. He began speaking clearly to Kahlie through others, and her desires began aligning to His. This Scripture-filled story will remind you: He takes care of you! In this episode, you will learn: —His grace is always sufficient for you. –You can trust Him to lead you through life. –Lean into the Lord, and He will lean into you Links: Listen to a similar story: Allison Holt- Ep. 253 : Look at What the Lord Has Done. Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kahlie. Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Kim Currie of our Homewood community! Register for our online workshop ~ Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story, offered on February 6th! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series , including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings around the country!…

StoryTellers Live

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Giving Over Control: A Story of a Spouse's Addiction - Kelly Connelly :: [Episode305] 39:14

11 weeks ago39:14