One thing I love about this podcast, is hearing the different ways Jesus calls people to follow him. Everyone has a unique story but the resounding theme is that Jesus has the power to save, redeem, and bring life to souls. There is so much brokenness in the world, and unfortunately as a child, Brittany was exposed to abuse that left her feeling insecure and powerless. Brittany shares how a relationship with her heavenly Father has brought her security and value which were lacking in her childhood. A theme in her Brittany's story is how church community has become family to her and the power of God has been seen through their genuine love, support, but also helping her fight sin and grow in maturity.

In this interview, Kristen shares her experiences of walking with Jesus through struggles of worth and identity. She has wrestled with the messages that people have intentionally and unintentionally pushed on her related to her experiences of being a larger- bodied woman. She happily calls herself "fat" and shares how Christ has helped her to have love for her body.

In the church, it is common to talk about diversity related to race, age, demographics, etc., and my chat with Kristen has helped me see another way that people feel ostracized and/or unrepresented – body size and shape. In the image of God, people are made different in color, height, bone width, shape, and metabolism. I hope and pray, that we can continue to move forward in celebrating the beauty of all of these diversities.

I hope you enjoy Kristen's story.

Today I introduce you to my spunky friend Anna, a palliative doctor. Anna tells of her experience growing up in a cult church that made up their own rules apart from the Bible. In her story, she shares how new experiences in college freed her up to discover what God really thought about her. Hear also about how she ended up in Japan for a year as a brand new believer.

Matt is an art professor at the University of Missouri, a husband, and a father of 4 young kids.

In this interview, we get to hear from a man that has been trusting Jesus and pursing God since he was a child. I was amazed at the deep thoughts that Matt experienced in early adolescents regarding who God was and what his purpose was in life. Matt shares how God has walked with him in his desire for purity in his marriage as well as how God has called him to not just have good theology but live a life of action in this broken world.

I found it very insightful and challenging as I thought upon my own deepening of my faith and remembering that Christ calls us to live out our theology of loving others and bringing light to the world!

Anna, a senior in college, shares how entangled her life was in unhealthy relationships and how she had no direction for life. Eighteen months ago Anna met some new friends who had a different way of living. Though she was tempted to hide her past, Anna learned (and still is learning) that Jesus takes her as she is and makes her new – leading her down a path that is good and safe.

Anna was so brave to share her story. As all of us, she is continuing to learn what it means to trust in Jesus that we fight to keep the faith. Her story brought the following scripture to mind:

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2

Jesus sets us free!

This interview with Derek was a full circle moment as he was greatly influenced by his friend Bobby, whom I interviewed in episode 9. Derek and Bobby were party buddies until Bobby met Jesus.

Derek shares his initial perspective on Bobby's conversion to Christianity. Then you'll get to hear of how Derek finally ended up trusting in Jesus too and how it changed his life!

I hope you are encouraged by the impact that friends can make on one another and the value of a loving community.

Derek mentioned three people I've interviewed – Bobby, his wife Charlee, and Brooke – I highly recommend you go back and listen to those if you haven't already!

Small town Mississippi girl, Charlee, grew up in a southern society where going to church and calling yourself a Christian is expected even if your life looks nothing like Jesus' call to live. In that environment, Charlee started having sex at age 13 and spent the majority of her freshman year of highschool drunk – to the point of hiding vodka in a water bottle at school.

God had his eyes set on Charlee and through her story you hear how God pursued her and showed her that comfort, approval, and satisfaction are ultimately found in a relationship with his Son Jesus. She shares how she fought through deep rooted unhealthy sexual behaviors and a time of depression and isolation after getting married. Christ met her in both of those places and showed her the way to true freedom.

Depression. Suicidal thoughts. Bipolar. Agnosticism. Ryan had everything going against him and many in the early part of his life would be shocked that he now loves Jesus, is married to a lovely believing woman, is fathering 3 children, and serving the God that he once hated.

Listen to the story of how God pursued Ryan and ultimately broke the chains of blindness to the truth and feelings of unworthiness.

Also, Ryan shares the contrast of his experience of depression and suicidal thoughts as a Christian through the love of a church community.

I am thrilled to share this interview with you today. I've known Steve for quite some time and when I married my husband, Steve became my uncle. Steve has won teacher of the year awards in Sedalia and is very well loved by his community. He has more friends on facebook then I could ever dream of!! Today Steve shares his story of his experience running hard and fast away from God. As Steve said, he needed God to hit him over the head with a frying pan to get his attention. Listen and be encouraged of the power and grace of God in Steve's life.

In last week's episode, I interviewed Maureen and she shared about some of the tough seasons their family has been through. This week, I interview her husband, Aaron. He shares his internal struggles with pride and confusion during his season of unemployment. He gives a great insight into some of the ways that the man of the house can struggle with leading his family while also depending on Christ.

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13