Passion Meets Purpose with Sarah Taylor

Hope Darst’s journey is proof that God can take our “Is it too late?” and turn it into something beautifully unexpected. She stepped into her music career at 40 with a mix of faith, grit, and a whole lot of joy—and now her songs are lifting up the church in powerful ways. Her story reminds us that when we follow God’s lead, even the hard seasons can turn into something worth singing about.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4jTFQ8n

Content warning disclaimer for this episode. It's best listened to without little ears around, so put on your headphones as Mary discusses some more sensitive topics based on her time in the FBI.

In part 2 of Mary Hudon’s story, we follow her deeper into a life shaped by God’s guidance—from confronting fear in law enforcement training to embracing His call across nations. Her journey reminds us that when we surrender to God’s leading, He weaves our experiences into a testimony of courage, purpose, and service to His people around the world.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4qew5nT

Content warning disclaimer for this episode. It's best listened to without little ears around, so put on your headphones as Mary discusses some more sensitive topics based on her time in the FBI.

As a young girl, Mary was afraid of loud noises. She grew up to be part of the FBI and her story plays out like a fantastic screenplay - only its real life! The theme of the next two story-driven episodes are Faith Over Fear. Certainly timely to what is happening in the world right now that could cause so many to feel afraid. Listen for a Vitamin B-12 shot for your faith.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4qjH6nb

Sometimes the hardest beginnings lead to the most beautiful stories of redemption. Carly Ann Taylor’s journey from a broken childhood in Hawaii to finding hope, family, and faith through music reminds us that God can bring light out of even the darkest places. Now signed with Curb Records, her testimony and songs—like Why Should I Worry inspired by Matthew 6—shine as a powerful reminder of God’s provision and love.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/44sSnJI

Have you ever wondered if miracles are more than just ancient stories—if they’re still happening today? Lee Strobel, once a skeptic and staunch atheist, set out on a relentless quest for truth. What he discovered not only transformed his own life but continues to inspire millions.

In his journey, he dives deep into the heart of Christianity: the miraculous birth of Jesus, the world-shaking reality of His resurrection, and the undeniable evidence of God’s hand at work in our modern world.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4rUx3a3 

Takeaways:

• Lee Strobel was a former atheist who became a Christian.
• He defines miracles as events brought about by God's power.
• Strobel emphasizes the importance of credible eyewitnesses in miracle claims.
• He spent two years investigating the resurrection of Jesus.
• Strobel believes it takes more faith to be an atheist than a Christian.
• He highlights the significance of Jesus' birth and resurrection as miracles.
• Miracles often occur in places where the gospel is spreading.
• Strobel shares a documented case of a miraculous healing in Mozambique.
• He expresses a desire to share his faith with as many people as possible.
• Strobel is working on a new book set to release in 2027.

Sound Bites

• "It took more faith to be an atheist."
• "The God of eternity became time bound."
• "I felt electric shock go through my body."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lee Strobel and His Journey
02:55 Defining Miracles and Their Criteria
05:57 Personal Transformation: From Atheism to Faith
08:50 The Significance of Jesus' Birth and Resurrection
11:36 The Ongoing Nature of Miracles Today

Keywords: Lee Strobel, miracles, Christianity, atheism, faith, resurrection, documentary, Case for Christ, Case for Miracles, spiritual transformation

Prepare your heart for Christmas by walking through the Gospel of Luke — one chapter each day. We're already a few days in, but it isn't too late to join us on this journey... We're giving you the gift of the first episode to give you a little taste of what's to come. If you'd like to continue the journey, find and follow our "Luke: A 24-Day Journey to Christmas" podcast mini-series on Purposely.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Merry Christmas from Purposely!

Podcast Info: Luke: A 24 Day Journey to Christmas

• Follow on Apple
• Follow on Spotify
• Follow on YouTube
• Follow on Amazon/Audible
• Follow on iHeart

Brent Dawes is here to share his story of chasing creativity while staying true to faith, and navigating the messy but meaningful intersection of art and belief. From his journey as an actor turned animator to the 11-year creation of the David film, Brent shows how vulnerability and authenticity can transform storytelling into something that resonates far beyond cultural boundaries.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3MjXxBg 

Takeaways

• Brent's childhood passion for creativity led him to pursue acting.
• A sudden shift in desire led Brent away from acting to ministry.
• Brent's journey involved a significant move to the USA for church involvement.
• His experience in advertising was successful but felt unfulfilling.
• Brent found his true calling in stop-motion animation.
• The transition from animator to director was a gradual realization.
• Brent's faith journey included a crisis that challenged his beliefs.
• Writing the screenplay for 'David' came from a place of vulnerability.
• Brent emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
• The hope for the film is to inspire and resonate with audiences.
• Communicating with the creator of heaven and earth is essential.
• The David film has been a long journey of 11 years.
• Funding for the film was a significant challenge.
• The project felt like it was meant to be.
• Leadership themes in the film contrast fear and love.
• David's character is multi-layered, reflecting both strengths and weaknesses.
• The film aims to present true leadership.
• Music plays a crucial role in conveying the story.
• The film is designed to resonate with a global audience.
• God's character is portrayed as patient and understanding.

Sound Bites

• "The desire to act had gone."
• "I knew that I wasn't home."
• "I started to question a lot about faith."
• "I didn't know what I believed."
• "I believe, but I also really don't."
• "What do we know?"
• "It felt like it was meant to be."
• "We didn't look at other movies."
• "The Lord is my light."

Chapters

00:00 From Dreams to Reality: Brent's Journey
10:52 Navigating the Wilderness: Faith and Doubt
21:00 Writing from Emptiness: The Creative Process
25:13 The Beginning of Understanding
26:01 The Journey of the David Film
29:01 The Challenge of Funding
32:18 Leadership Themes in David's Story
34:46 Exploring David's Character
38:31 The Musical Layers of the Film
43:10 Reflections on God's Character

Keywords
Brent, journey, faith, creativity, wilderness, storytelling, animation, Hollywood, church, authenticity, David film, leadership, faith, animation, storytelling, God's character, music, themes, creativity, patience

Rachael Lampa opens up about her journey of embracing her son Leo, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Through love, family support, and the joy Leo brings, Rachael shares how acceptance transformed their lives and inspired the documentary Made With Love. Her story, alongside her song Superpowers, shines a light on breaking misconceptions and celebrating the unique strengths of individuals with Down syndrome.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47TgeD4

What does it mean to live with purpose when life feels uncertain or painful? In this episode, worship leader Patrick Mayberry shares how his journey through faith, music, and personal struggle has helped him embrace joy, grief, and identity as a beloved child of God. His story is a powerful reminder that healing and unity begin when we live authentically and extend kindness to others.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4qv1faU

Tyler Mabry, an NFL veteran and free agent, shares how his faith in God and the power of scripture have guided him through challenges in his life and his career. Passionate about mentoring others, he uses his ministry, The Circle, to encourage people to live purpose-driven lives rooted in Christ. Tyler is an inspiration to trust in God's timing and stay grounded in our identity in Christ.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3TyS1ez