Joe's story will leave you speechless. From childhood fears to devastating addiction, from losing everything to finding ultimate purpose - this is a journey of hope that proves NO ONE is beyond redemption.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• How childhood fears created a foundation for addiction

• The moment alcohol became his "solution" after gastric surgery

• Losing his mother during COVID while battling alcoholism

• The night his wife said: "I'd rather live on the street than watch you kill yourself"

• His first day of sobriety: April 28, 2022

• How losing his job became his greatest blessing

• The "victory smile" that proves transformation is possible

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains detailed discussions of addiction, family trauma, and suicidal thoughts.

✨ THE MESSAGE: If you're struggling with addiction, mental health, or feeling like you don't belong anywhere - Joe's story is proof that your darkest night can lead to your brightest dawn.

Joe's 3-Step Message for Recovery:

Trust God

Clean house (address your past)

Pass it on to others

🙏 Need Help Right Now?

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

• SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

• Alcoholics Anonymous: aa.org

Connect with Love Shaped Life:

🌐 Website: loveshaped.life

📧 Email: [email protected]

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In this follow-up conversation with Abby Owens, we revisit her journey after the release of her first story. The initial episode detailed her upbringing in a complex religious environment where her father served as a pastor, creating a challenging dynamic between church life and home life. Despite these difficulties, Abby found solace during her time at a church-run academy, but at age 18, she faced an unexpected pregnancy that led to a pressured marriage.

This marriage evolved into a harrowing twelve-year period marked by consistent abuse, both physical and verbal. During this time, Abby endured severe physical trauma, often bearing visible signs of abuse such as black eyes and bruises. During this period, she gave birth to two children before the marriage ultimately ended, marking a significant turning point in her life.

The conversation now shifts to focus on Abby's healing journey, particularly highlighting a pivotal moment involving her son. After experiencing difficulties that led him to spend time on the streets, her son unexpectedly became the catalyst for her spiritual reconnection by inviting her to church. This invitation, though met with initial hesitation, marks the beginning of her path toward healing and restoration.

In this moving episode of our Story Sessions podcast, Abbie Owens shares her journey from growing up as a pastor's daughter in a dysfunctional home to finding genuine healing and faith. Despite being raised in a Christian environment, Abbie's early life was marked by family turmoil, including her parents' marital struggles and an abrupt move from Puerto Rico to Florida that left her feeling isolated and desperate enough to attempt suicide at age 16.

The trajectory of Abbie's life took a devastating turn when she was date raped at 18, resulting in pregnancy. Rather than receiving support, she faced judgment and rejection from her church community, leading to her disfellowship. Pressured into marrying her abuser, Abbie endured 12 years of physical and emotional abuse before finally breaking free. A second marriage ended in further trauma when her husband was convicted of molestation, leaving her financially and emotionally bankrupt.

Through these dark chapters, God was quietly working in Abbie's life, though she couldn't see it at the time. The turning point came through her son's transformation and his invitation back to church. This led Abbie to rediscover God not as the stern, judgmental figure she once feared, but as a loving, pursuing Father. Along with her son and third husband, Abbie found healing and a new understanding of divine love, eventually being baptized together. Her story powerfully illustrates how God can work through life's deepest wounds to bring about healing and restoration.

In this powerful episode of Story Sessions with Loveshaped Life, host Bob sits down with Tim Hawkins to explore a journey of faith, transformation, and unimaginable loss. Tim shares his compelling life story, from growing up in Baltimore's contrasting East and West sides to joining the military and navigating complex family dynamics. Through it all, we witness Tim's evolving relationship with God and how his understanding of faith dramatically shifts over time.

The heart of the episode revolves around Tim's experience going deeper with God. Which profoundly changed his perspective of Gods character. As a result Tim candidly discusses how he transitioned from being a strict disciplinarian to fostering loving relationships with his children, mirroring the relational nature of God he discovered through his studies. This transformation prepares his heart in unkown ways for the devastating event that would test Tim's faith to its core.

In a heartwrenching turn, Tim recounts the tragic loss of his son TJ, a beloved young man whose life touched many. As Tim grapples with overwhelming grief and anger, he shares how his newfound understanding of God's character became his anchor. Through tears and raw emotion, Tim reveals how he found strength to support his family, questioned everything he believed, and ultimately held onto his faith. This episode is a testament to the power of community, the endurance of hope, and the unshakeable presence of God in life's darkest moments.

For more info, go to loveshaped.life