In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol talks with pastor and author Terry Crist about his new book, Now You Can Stop Running. Together, they unpack what it means to stop fleeing from pain, purpose, or even God—and instead face what’s been chasing us with courage and grace. Terry shares his own story of reaching a breaking point when he could no longer outrun what God wanted to heal, revealing that running often masks deeper fears of rejection, failure, or being truly known.

Through candid conversation, Terry and Carol explore the connection between honesty, healing, and spiritual rootedness. They discuss how facing our inner struggles can restore connection with ourselves, others, and God—and how spiritual practices like solitude, Scripture reflection, and prayer can ground us when we feel the urge to escape.

If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding hard conversations, hiding behind busyness, or believing you don’t deserve to rest, this episode will help you recognize the subtle ways you might be running—and offer practical tools to stop, stay, and be fully present to God’s transforming grace.

Resource Referenced: Now You Can Stop Running: Finding the Rest Your Soul Desperately Needs

1. What are some ways you might be running from pain, purpose, or vulnerability in your own life—perhaps without realizing it?
2. When have you felt God gently calling you to stop running and face something hard? What happened when you did?
3. What fear tends to drive your fleeing behaviors—fear of failure, rejection, being known, or something else?
4. How might slowing down and telling yourself the truth—about your emotions, motives, or needs—open the door to healing?
5. Which spiritual practices (solitude, journaling, Scripture, community) help you stay grounded when you want to escape?
6. Do you believe you’re worthy of rest and belonging? What would change if you lived like that truth was real?
7. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Find Terry Crist:

On his website

On Instagram

Follow his work on Amazon

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website 

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