Overcomers Overcoming

Kareemah Emordi addresses connected relationships from a biblical perspective using the example of the relationship lessons of Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi. God's account of their relationship can serve as a model for connected relationships. Finding the right life partner can seemingly be an arduous process. However, as we know what to look for from God's perspective and His design for creation, we can know who aligns with His criteria. Life fulfillment can come through connected relationships.

Ron and Marty Cooper discuss a part of their life story and how they overcame "mountains," "troubled seas," and "spiritual deserts." Are you a victim or a victor? Are you an opportunity optimizer? Do you believe there are multiple solutions to any life dilemma? Religion sometimes manifests itself as a plastic, artificial façade that, for some people, as they explain the value of a relationship with Jesus Christ. What value and priority do you place on biblically-based values?

Sharon Hughes briefly describes a portion of her previous life where a "date" treated her as a valueless commodity. Seven hours after being drugged, a friend discovered her in a garage. Hoping for compassion, she did find what she needed in others. Through a committed relationship with the God of the Bible with whom she confirmed her value, she began the process of developing a healthy self-confidence while providing hope to others through her recovery journey. Her book "The Girl in the Garage - Three steps to letting go of your past" is available on amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Sharon is also available for speaking engagements.

Jack Beavers explains, in this episode, his experience with three daughters who were bullying targets. He describes his perspective of this near-epidemic societal topic where the bully focuses on denigrating and intimidating others. While we may have little control over the bully, we do have an adult responsibility to nurture our children and/or grandchildren to ensure they have a healthy self-image. What perspective do you have on bullying?

Keyboard combatants and verbal assailants. Our world seems to be full of those who need to win or even crush the "competition." Some people look for opportunities to engage in a debate because winning is all-important. However, with life and work experience, and mentors who have great people relationship skills, we can change a combative mindset. Let's consider, 1) What are your values", 2) What is the greater good of the encounter, 3) Listen for underlying clues, 4) Throttle back the rhetoric, and 5) Determine what is more important – being right or having a relationship?

Pastor Greg Jackson, Jr. was a division one college basketball player who was born with Sickle Cell Disease. Having to endure a bone marrow transplant, multiple collapsed lungs, and a double lung transplant, Greg relied on his faith in Jesus to carry him through each trial. Listen to how his life and faith were shaped by his family's love and support. "There were times I thought it didn't matter what happens to me, anything was better than waiting and the pain." A life restored, faith tested, and purpose found! This episode describes the early diagnosis and the following actions. This episode describes what the medical staff discovered with the birth lungs and what had to be done for follow on actions.

Harjeet immigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom in 2001. She is the mother of four children. She separated from her husband in 2009 and was hospitalized with bipolar disorder in 2010. Her work performance between 2010 to 2015 was up and down, and she published a romantic fiction novel in 2015. She has not had physical or verbal contact with her first two children through manipulations. She has grown through her life experiences while managing a Quora space to allow others to share their stories. Her mental health has suffered, but she has found a way to move forward. As a mother, there is a fear of judgment to speak out, so she is a voice for those enduring a similar life experience.

Jimmy Clare is a motivational speaker, autism advocate, author, and fitness advocate. He is autistic but likes to refer to it as "slightly autistic" because he is not as severe as others. Doctors told Jimmy's parents he could not walk without braces or crutches. Irrespective, his Mom and Dad loved him for who he was. He was also bullied in school from elementary school through high school. He stood up to all the bullies and got some of them expelled. He endured nine ear surgeries, three of which were on one day. He lives with spinal stenosis, where the spine is pressing tight on the spinal cord, which makes it difficult for him to turn his head from left to right or up and down. Every day he continues to better himself by working out as many as nine times weekly. Three days a week, he practices kickboxing, while on the other days, he works out on Beachbody on Demand. He continues to prove people wrong with his persistence. You can learn more about Jimm at https://www.crazyfitnessguy.com/.

Elizabeth Bennett has over 35 years of teaching, administration, and coaching experience. She offers a unique blend of leadership, vision, and knowledge. As a retired, award-winning principal, she is passionate about empowering people to take on their lives with joy and love. She is dedicated to sharing her desire to create positive, connected relationships, focusing on community and business leaders, educators, and parents. She helps parents navigate the world of 'teenager.' If parents are dealing with yelling and screaming, defiance, door slamming, or her favorite, 'eye rolling,' she can help parents with strategies and skills to go from chaos to conversation. You can learn more from her book at https://courageousconversation.com/.

Pastor Greg Jackson, Jr. was a division one college basketball player who was born with Sickle Cell Disease. Having to endure a bone marrow transplant, multiple collapsed lungs, and a double lung transplant, Greg relied on his faith in Jesus to carry him through each trial. Listen to how his life and faith were shaped by his family's love and support. "There were times I thought it didn't matter what happens to me, anything was better than waiting and the pain." A life restored, faith tested, and purpose found! This episode describes the early diagnosis and the following actions.