When life doesn't unfold the way we expected, it can cause us to question God's love and His kindness. In seasons of sadness and disappointment, today's podcast reminds us that the Lord is still at work—bringing good on our behalf and glory to His name.

In this episode, Lauren Kelly, who shared at our Vestavia, Alabama live gathering, vulnerably tells the story of an unexpected journey. From being a single young adult to becoming the wife of a widower and the mother of three children, Lauren faced the challenges of stepping into grief, loss, and the feeling of living life in a fishbowl. Along the way, she also experienced the heartbreak of two miscarriages.

Through it all, Lauren has seen how God brings beauty from hard places. Her story reminds us that while we aren't promised an easy life, we are promised a God who is our comfort, strength, and ever-present help.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Not one of all the LORD's good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." Joshua 21:45

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Where are you letting your eyes focus on your feelings and expectations rather than on the goodness and kindness of God? Get your eyes focused on God's Word and Who He says He is.

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Listen to a similar story: Episode 201- Jimma Smith: "Working All Things for Good"

Join us for our Stories of Hope luncheon on March 11th in Birmingham (registration ends March 9th)!

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Lauren and any of our past storytellers!

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access new stories straight from our live gatherings around the country!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

If you've ever cared for someone with Alzheimer's—or loved someone who has—you know the quiet heartbreak of watching a person you cherish slowly fade, even while they are still physically present. It's a journey marked by grief, exhaustion, and a longing for strength that often feels just out of reach.

In today's episode, storyteller Jennifer Roberts from our West Cobb community outside of Atlanta, Georgia, shares her experience of walking alongside her father-in-law as her mother-in-law battled Alzheimer's. With honesty and tenderness, Jennifer reflects on the weight of caregiving, the sorrow woven into the disease, and the unexpected ways God met her family in the middle of it all. Her story is a powerful reminder that when God calls us into a difficult season, He also equips us with perseverance, sustains us with His presence, and leads us forward with hope, joy, and strength.

If you are a caregiver—or know someone who is—this is a story you won't want to miss, and one you'll want to share.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

If you know someone who is caretaking for a loved one, reach out to them this week by sending an encouraging message, making a call to check in on them, or offering to be of some assistance.

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Listen to Jennifer Roberts' sisters' story from season 8- Ep. 300- Laurel Henson: "The Providence of God: A Story of Love After Loss." Listen to a similar story: Ep. 299- Kenzie Hightower: "When We Can't, He Can: A Sister's Story of Support."

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jennifer and any of our past storytellers!

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access new stories straight from our live gatherings around the country!

Join us for our Stories of Hope luncheon on March 11th in Birmingham!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Ulcerative colitis affects more than two million people in the United States, most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 30. In this episode, we shed light on the hidden suffering of this chronic illness and the strength it demands.

Anna Catherine "AC" Brenny, team leader of our Charleston, South Carolina community, shares her powerful journey of walking through the physical pain, relentless side effects, and ultimately three life-altering surgeries. Through it all, AC reveals what the Lord taught her about endurance, the shaping of character, and a hope that does not fade.

Her story is a reminder that in seasons of hardship, we are never alone. When we lean into Jesus, He is at work—bringing purpose, healing, and hope even in the most difficult chapters.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

Romans 5:3-4 "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Are you in a season of suffering or hardship? Practice leaning into God and allow Him to give you the endurance to persevere, the character to face your challenges with strength, and the hope that will anchor your soul.

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Hind's Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Listen to a similar story: Ep. 352- Kristen Jones: "A Second Chance at Life- A Story of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of AC and any of our past storytellers!

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access new stories straight from our live gatherings around the country!

Click here for further details on our Stories of Hope luncheon on March 11th in Birmingham!

Click HERE for a free sample of our When God Shows Up: Stories of Faith bible study

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Walking the path God calls us to can feel heavy, uncertain, and overwhelming—but we are never walking alone. When we trust Him, God goes before us, leveling the path ahead and sustaining us for the journey, even when the road feels impossible.

In this special episode, Chip and Wendy Frazier, who shared their story at our live gathering in Tupelo, Mississippi, invite us into their journey of faith as Chip awaited a life-saving heart transplant while battling hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Through seasons of depression, fear, surrender, and steadfast hope, they witnessed God preparing the way, meeting them in the waiting, and answering prayers in unexpected and loving ways.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Teach me how to live, oh Lord, lead me along a level path." Psalm 27:11

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Spend some time this week counting God's blessings to you and allow the assurance of those blessings in your past to give you strength for the future.

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Click HERE to access Spotify and listen to any of our couples who have shared for the StoryTellers Live podcast in the past! Not a Spotify-er? Click on a particular story below:

Ep. 17- Sarah Beth & Clay Hagler: "A Second Chance- A Marriage Story"

Ep. 18- Amanda & CJ Blount: "Freedom As One" Ep. 54- Rachel & Brian Stockard: "Redemption After Addiction"

Ep. 98- Andrea & Greg: "Broken and Restored"

Ep. 144- Cassie & Nic Brown: "A Good Day for a Miracle" (listener favorite!)

Ep. 154- Keisha & Ricardo Reeves: "Redemptive Love"

Ep. 230- Susannah & David Ash: "Wandering Canvas" Ep. 259- Shannon & Aaron Eissler: "Life Change in Community- A Marriage Story"

Ep. 309- Katie & JT Thornbury: "Seek and You Will Find-: A Marriage and Salvation Story"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Wendy & Chip and any of our past storytellers!

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access new stories straight from our live gatherings around the country!

Click here for further details on our Stories of Hope luncheon on March 11th in Birmingham! Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered online on February 18th from 9:30-12:00.

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. In honor of the nearly 30 million people in the United States affected by eating disorders, we're sharing a powerful story of hope, healing, and redemption in Jesus.

In today's podcast, Erin Hindman from our Tulsa, Oklahoma community vulnerably opens up about her long battle with anorexia—a struggle she once believed would always leave its mark. She describes living in the "smoke" long after the fire had burned, unsure if true freedom was even possible. But as you'll hear, God met Erin in the depths of her pain, revealing His limitless power to heal, restore, and make all things new. Erin's story is a beautiful reminder that no brokenness is beyond the reach of Jesus, and that lasting freedom is found in Him alone.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"… they saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them." Daniel 3:27

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Are you carrying around the "smoke" of past fires you've walked through? Today, find freedom, life, and new beginnings knowing you are washed clean by Jesus.

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Listen to a similar story: Ep. 323- Erica Antonneau: "A Posture of Surrender- Saved from an Eating Disorder"; Ep. 342 - Lindsay Wells: "All Pain Matters To God."

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Erin and any of our past storytellers!

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access more stories straight from our live gatherings around the country!

Click here for further details on our Stories of Hope luncheon on March 11th in Birmingham! Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered ONLINE on February 18th from 9:30 AM -12:00 CST.

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

What do you do when God's answer to your prayers is "no"?

In today's podcast, Ginny Reed, who shared at a live gathering in Memphis, Tennessee, invites us into her journey of walking through seasons of unanswered prayers. With honesty and vulnerability, Ginny reflects on the anger and bitterness she carried for years, the work of repentance and surrender God gently led her through, and the freedom that came from trusting His heart more than her hopes.

Her story is a powerful reminder that God's plans are always better, His wisdom is infinite, and even His "no" is an invitation to deeper faith and trust.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Cor 12:9

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Is there any area of your life where you are harboring anger or bitterness towards God because he has said no to you? Can you sit in repentance, ask for forgiveness and trust His plan?

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"Even If" by Mercy Me

"Hard Fought Hallelujah" by Brandon Lake

Listen to a similar story: Ep. 126- Alana Dawson: "Now Do I Have Your Attention?" Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Ginny and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access more stories straight from our live gatherings around the country!

Click here for further details on our Stories of Hope luncheon on March 11th in Birmingham!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Today's podcast honors God as being the Restorer and the Redeemer within relationships that seem irreparably broken. Kate Galat, from our West Cobb community (located just outside Atlanta, Georgia), shares her story of pursuing the Lord amidst the hardships within her marriage.

From separation to transformation through God and His Word to ultimately reconciliation with her husband, Kate beautifully illustrates what the Lord can do with a surrendered heart and how the unexplainable can happen when we position ourselves under His care.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God Isaiah 62:3

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

How is the Lord calling you to surrender to Him in your relationships? Practice the art of forgiveness and "out-serving" those around you.

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Listen to a similar story: Ep. 197- Brenna Naufel: "Grace Like Rain: A Marriage Story"

The Power of A Praying Wife by Stormy Omartian

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kate and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access more stories from our live gatherings around the country!

Details on our Stories Of Hope luncheon on March 11th coming soon!!!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

What if God is most powerfully found in the midst of the messiness of your sinful life? Today's storyteller reminds us of this truth.

Helen Hanson Smith, from our Fairhope, Alabama community group, shares her journey of struggling with alcohol addiction and trying to fight the battle on her own. In and out of rehab programs for years, it wasn't until Helen Hanson surrendered it all to God and found her desires were met only in Him that the Lord could heal her and take what was once her mess and make it His message.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

What battles are you fighting today? Are you fighting alone or with God? Allow God to fight for you!

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Listen to a similar story: Ep. 304- Kristy Bridgers- Let's Get Real: A Recovery Story

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Helen Hanson and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access more stories from our live gatherings around the country!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

1/7/2026

Happy New Year! At the StoryTellers Live ministry, we are expectant and excited to see what the Lord has in store for 2026, and we're kicking the year off with a beautiful reminder of the Lord's faithful provision.

Kristin Gee, from our community group in Charleston, South Carolina, shares her story of walking through an unexpected and uncertain financial season brought on by the pandemic of 2020. Throughout her journey, you will hear how the Lord worked on Kristin's heart and faith and ultimately led her into a vocation that gave her purpose in who and how He created her to be. This story will remind you of the importance of resting in God's promises and trusting in His plans, as sometimes He likes to work in surprising ways!

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Where are you finding your comfort? Are you finding it in your comfortable life or in God's promises?

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Listen to a similar story: Ep 67- Ingram Link: "Releasing Financial Burdens"

The Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in A Covetous World by Melissa Kruger

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kristin and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access more stories from our live gatherings around the country!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Today's story was originally aired on Patreon on August 27th.

Although this may be a different presentation than you are used to from our past storytellers, you will thoroughly enjoy this story from Amy Bates of our Jackson, Mississippi community!

As she reflects back on her life after turning 50, Amy creatively and lightheartedly shares her top ten list of how to age gracefully. As she says, "We can embrace it or fight it!". Amy will also leave you with some Biblical truths to apply on the journey.

And Happy New Year to all of you from the StoryTellers Live team!

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Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Amy and any of our past storytellers!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE!

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.