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. People are made different in color, height, bone width, shape, and metabolism. Let's celebrate the beauty of all of these diversities.

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 Mizzou, a husband, and a father of 4 young kids. 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.

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 she 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 and I hope you are blessed by listening.

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.

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.

She shares how she fought through unhealthy sexual behaviors and a time of depression after getting married. Christ met her in both of those places and showed her the way to true freedom.

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’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.