Lessons from Living

From the time Melody Crosby Hale was a child, a birth defect led her to believe that God would not love a flawed child.  In a desperate attempt to feel empowered, she learned to lean on alcohol and painkillers, leading to stronger and stronger drugs.  Follow this remarkable story of how God found Melody in the darkness and gently but insistently offered his love.  Today, she walks free of addiction and instead leans on the power of God and his everpresent Spirit in her life.  Through her testimony and victory over the chains of addiction, she teaches others to do the same.

Freedom to Fly: From Persecution to Prosperity, A Life Story of Salvation

Are you one to focus on disappointing situations that come your way, causing you to become immobilized?  It's time to reframe disappointment as an inevitable part of being human but learn to give it the limited focus it deserves. Beth gives examples of how lack of progress might indicate a timing issue but encourages us to move forward nonetheless.  Informed by the Holy Spirit, God doesn't want us to be afraid to make bold moves and doesn't want us to be discouraged when things don't go as planned. It's time for action, people! Enjoy a nice dose of encouragement today.

Diagnosed with fatal Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at six, Elijah Stacy refused to let his condition define him. Instead, at just 15, Elijah founded Destroy Duchenne to fight for a cure. Now, his work extends into biotech, public speaking, and nonprofit leadership. He shares how his experiences have shaped his character and why adversity is often the best teacher. We are privileged to enjoy this special encore visit with our friend, Elijah, which will be featured in Podcasthon, an event highlighting non-profits all over the world.

Show notes:

A Small If: The Inspiring Story of a Seventeen-Year-Old with a Fatal Disease and a Mission to Cure It, Elijah J. Stacy

elijahjstacy.com

Twitter: @elijahjstacy

Facebook: @FBelijahjstacy

TikTok: @elijahjstacy

Instagram: @elijahjstacy

destroyduchenne.org

Twitter: @destroydisease

Instagram/ Facebook: @destroyduchenne

Loneliness is shaping hearts and health, with many people reporting that they often feel isolated. In this episode of Lessons from Living, Beth explores why intentional community matters for well-being, faith, and everyday life.

Through honest stories, Scripture, and hard-won lessons, she shares how real connection takes commitment yet brings strength, clarity, and hope. From a small group that stalled to friendships that lasted decades, you will hear how community can lift burdens, sharpen character, and, at times, help save a life.

Corwin “CJ” Johnson (CJ Moneyway) opens up about the road from reckless living to a purpose-filled life rooted in faith. He shares how early “fighting” instincts became a calling to fight spiritually, what real success looks like, and why genuine love and integrity must lead the way.

Through stories about family, fatherhood, and mentors, CJ explains how to listen for God, use your talents, and live intentionally rather than carelessly. If you are in the middle of a mess or guiding the next generation, this conversation offers practical hope and clear steps forward. Connect with CJ on Instagram at @cj_moneyway and listen to the C.J. Moneyway Show.

Beth looks back over the year of inspiring episodes we have shared, explaining why one in particular holds a special place in her heart.  She gives an update on the Graham Fam, and forecasts what's in the future for Lessons From Living.  There's a special podcasting announcement at the end of the episode.  Happy New Year!

From losing jobs, friends, and family to being triggered by an early sexual assault, Brittany Young knows what it's like to suffer.  She spent a large chunk of her life living the unsustainable and dysfunctional life of an alcoholic.  The good news is that Brittany also knows the victory of living in sobriety for more than a decade.  This is a hopeful story for anyone suffering from addiction, or dealing with a loved one who is.  We cover it all:  how she was drawn to alcohol at a young age, how she lived as an alcoholic, what the addiction cost, and how healing began after surrendering to God.  Brittany offers encouraging words to those who might be walking her old path, and is a shining example of hope for anyone willing to take those steps toward surrender and healing.

BrittanyYoungWealth.com

Instagram @brittany_m_young

LinkedIn

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?  Our Thanksgiving guests and all of the Grahams share their thoughts on Thanksgiving, and what they're thankful for.  Some were quite surprising!  Enjoy this sneak peek into the Graham family that will leave you feeling warm and inspired.

There has been much said about the best way to motivate and inspire our younger generations, but today we hear directly from a GenZ representative who has been carefully observing the examples of leadership she has personally witnessed. With these observations and impressions, Laura Ray Read offers listeners a fresh perspective on what it means to be a leader, and how to do it with excellence. We talk about whether everyone has the capacity to be a leader, and the importance of mentors in your life. Enjoy this unique opportunity to experience a familiar subject through innovative eyes.

Show notes:

theverdantleader.com

Have you ever suffered a psychological wound from someone in authority in your life?  Sometimes we allow these events to affect us far into the future, impacting our potential success.  Dr. April Minatrea says it doesn't have to be so: we can make a different decision to heal, and learn lessons from these life crises--including how to treat others with compassion.  Dr. Minatrea is an articulate, inspirational advocate for becoming healthy ourselves so that we can encourage good health in others throughout the layers of our society.  We can learn to treat each other with care and consideration, and it is time we see a proliferation of this kind of positive interaction.