StoryTellers Live

Today's storyteller, Martha Jane Wolters, from our StoryTellers Live community in Nashville, Tennessee, was enjoying a full and beautiful season of life. She had a husband who loved her, four children, and a supportive community around her. But then, life took an unexpected turn.

Martha Jane entered a season of deep suffering, experiencing the loss of loved ones while also enduring the physical pain and limitations of four knee replacements. As she describes it, she became "acquainted with grief." It was a humbling and helpless season, and she discovered that nothing could sustain her like the peace of Jesus.

Little did she know, God was preparing her for challenges still to come.

When her husband struggled with alcohol addiction and eventually entered rehab, Martha Jane found herself taking a deeper look at her faith and wrestling with what grace and forgiveness truly mean. As the truth of the gospel began to sink in, she discovered something powerful: through Christ, she could do hard things. She didn't have to manufacture the strength, mercy, or grace she needed on her own. God would supply it - one day at a time.

Promise of the Week: No matter what happened yesterday - our mistakes, failures, or hardships - God meets us each morning with a fresh, undeserved supply of mercy and grace.

Verse of the week: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23___________________________________________________________________________

This ministry is sustained by generous donors who believe in the power of sharing stories of hope. To support the mission, give in honor of Martha Jane by Venmoing @storytellerslive or click HERE. Click HERE to dive a little deeper into today's devotional! Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE! Order our NEWLY RELEASED devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

Looking for a live gathering near you or want to start one in your own community? Click HERE Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country periodically posted on Mondays and Fridays!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith. When are live gatherings and upcoming events happening? Click HERE to find out! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

CONNECT with us by sending a message on our website!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!

Life can change in an instant. A sudden diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, an unexpected illness, or a job loss can leave us wondering where hope can be found. But today's storytellers, Ashley and Pete Jones from our Fairhope, Alabama community, remind us of a powerful truth: God never wastes our pain.

In this special episode, Ashley and Pete share the story of Pete's sudden diagnosis of autoimmune limbic encephalitis - a rare condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells - and the long road to recovery that followed. Through seasons of uncertainty and suffering, they discovered the power of persistent prayer, experienced God's presence in profound ways, and witnessed Him bringing purpose from the darkness.

Promise of the week: God is with you in your suffering and brings purpose from your pain.

Verse of the week:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

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This ministry is sustained by generous donors who believe in the power of sharing stories of hope. To support the mission, give in honor of Ashley and Pete by Venmoing @storytellerslive or click HERE.

Click HERE to dive a little deeper into today's devotional!

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Order our NEWLY RELEASED devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

Looking for a live gathering near you or want to start one in your own community? Click HERE

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country periodically posted on Mondays and Fridays!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

When are live gatherings and upcoming events happening? Click HERE to find out!

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

CONNECT with us by sending a message on our website!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!

Has God ever called you to something that felt far beyond what you were equipped to handle? Today's storyteller, Jan Burcham from our Auburn, Alabama community, knows exactly what that feels like.

If you're an Auburn fan, you likely remember the heartbreaking tragedy more than seven years ago when beloved sports announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, were killed in a car accident. As Rod and Paula's closest friends, Jan and her husband, Andy - who also co-hosted Auburn sports broadcasts with Rod - were named guardians of their two children.

In this deeply moving story, Jan shares how God faithfully went before them, preparing the way and providing everything they needed to step into a role they never imagined. Through every challenge, He proved that His provision was enough.

This week's promise: If God called you to something, He will provide what you need and equip you to do it.

Verse of the week: The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. 1 Thess. 5:24

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This ministry is sustained by generous donors who believe in the power of sharing stories of hope. To support the mission, give in honor of Jan by Venmoing @storytellerslive or click HERE.

Click HERE to dive a little deeper into today's devotional!

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Order our NEWLY RELEASED devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

Looking for a live gathering near you or want to start one in your own community? Click HERE

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country periodically posted on Mondays and Fridays!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

When are live gatherings and upcoming events happening? Click HERE to find out!

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

CONNECT with us by sending a message on our website!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!

Today on the podcast, we continue our Rooted in Hope: Grounded in God's Promises series with a powerful story from our newest StoryTellers Live community in North Dallas, Texas.

Alvie McNair shares her journey through heartbreak, divorce, and a long custody battle - a season she calls her "12-year wilderness." Through it all, God refined her faith, reminding her that He had never left her and would faithfully lead her every step of the way.

Alvie's story is one of trusting God through unimaginable circumstances, choosing forgiveness, and discovering that God can bring purpose from even our deepest pain.

If you're walking through a season where trusting God feels difficult, this story will encourage you to keep holding on. God is always at work, and He is able to redeem even the hardest chapters of our lives.

This week's promise God is able to redeem your story and bring purpose from what was meant for harm.

Verse of the Week: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20

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This ministry is sustained by generous donors who believe in the power of sharing stories of hope. To support the mission, give in honor of Alvie by Venmoing @storytellerslive or click HERE.

Listen to a similar story: Episode 267- Tami Lindsey: "Focus on the Good"

Click HERE to dive a little deeper into today's devotional!

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Order our NEWLY RELEASED devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

Looking for a live gathering near you or want to start one in your own community? Click HERE

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country periodically posted on Mondays and Fridays!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

When are live gatherings and upcoming events happening? Click HERE to find out!

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

CONNECT with us by sending a message on our website!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!

Looking for your value and worth in your appearance, your achievements, or the approval of others is an easy trap to fall into. Yet when we build our identity on the things of this world, we'll always come up empty.

On this week's podcast, storyteller Beth Glass from our West Cobb community just outside Atlanta, Georgia, shares her all-too-familiar journey of searching for identity in all the wrong places. As she chased acceptance and belonging, she was left feeling insecure, forgotten, and unloved.

Through her story, Beth gently yet boldly exposes the lies the enemy wants us to believe - lies that keep us trapped in feelings of unworthiness - and points us to the unchanging truth of God's Word: You are loved, valued, worthy, and redeemed. You are good enough, and you are His.

This week's promise: You are valuable to God and your identity is secure because God uniquely created you.

VERSE OF THE WEEK:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

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This ministry is sustained by generous donors who believe in the power of sharing stories of hope. To support the mission, give in honor of Beth by Venmoing @storytellerslive or click HERE.

Click HERE to dive a little deeper into today's devotional!

Listen to a similar story: Episode 57- Meredith Mann: "Removing the Weight of Body Image"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Order our NEWLY RELEASED devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

Looking for a live gathering near you or want to start one in your own community? Click HERE

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country periodically posted on Mondays and Fridays!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

When are live gatherings and upcoming events happening? Click HERE to find out!

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

CONNECT with us by sending a message on our website!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!

As we continue our special series, Rooted in Hope: Grounded in God's Promises, today's story is a powerful reminder that even in life's deepest heartbreak, God remains our strength.

Jada Scruggs shared her story at our newly established StoryTellers Live community in Nashville, Tennessee. With remarkable honesty and unwavering faith, Jada recounts the unimaginable tragedy of a mass shooter entering her daughter's school and the devastating loss of her daughter, Hallie. Though her story is filled with profound grief, it is ultimately a testimony to the sustaining strength and faithfulness of God.

As Jada points us to the truth of Scripture, we're reminded that God does not abandon us in our suffering. He upholds us, carries us through the darkest valleys, and gives us the strength to endure. And because of the hope we have in Christ, death is not the end—it is the doorway to eternal life.

This week's promise: God is your strength.

Verse of the week: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

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This ministry is sustained by generous donors who believe in the power of sharing stories of hope. To support the mission, give in honor of Jada by Venmoing @storytellerslive or click HERE.

Donate to the Hallie Ladelle Scruggs Scholarship in memory of Hallie.

Living Life Backward by David Gibson

Click HERE to dive a little deeper into today's devotional!

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Click HERE to browse the playlist of various stories organized by topics on our Spotify page!

Order our NEWLY RELEASED devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

Looking for a live gathering near you or want to start one in your own community? Click HERE

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country periodically posted on Mondays and Fridays!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

When are live gatherings and upcoming events happening? Click HERE to find out!

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

CONNECT with us by sending a message on our website!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!

We are so excited to welcome you back for a brand-new episode of StoryTellers Live! This fall, we're beginning a new series, Rooted in Hope: Grounded in God's Promises, where each week we'll take a closer look at a promise from Scripture and hear how God has faithfully lived it out in the life of one of our storytellers.

Our prayer is that these stories will encourage you to anchor your heart in the unchanging promises of God, no matter what season you find yourself in.

And, during this series, each week you will get a short devotional that will help you continue reflecting on the promise of the week. You can click on the link in our show notes or newsletter to receive it!

Today's episode features Scarlet Stearns, who first shared her story at our annual Stories of Hope Luncheon. Scarlet opens up about growing up with an alcoholic mother, finding refuge at the Big Oak Ranch, and the countless ways God pursued her through every season of uncertainty. As she reflects on His faithfulness, Scarlet reminds us that we are fully seen, deeply loved, and never beyond the reach of God's redeeming grace. Her story will encourage you to know that God can bring healing, blessing, and purpose even from our deepest wounds.

This week's promise: There has never been a moment in your life when God has not seen you or loved you.

Verses of the Week: From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind. From his dwelling place, he watches all who live on earth. He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. Psalm 33:13-15

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This ministry is sustained by generous donors who believe in the power of sharing stories of hope. To support the mission, give in honor of Scarlet by Venmoing @storytellerslive or click HERE.

Scarlet's ministry: Feel the Smile

Listen to a similar story on finding identity in Christ: Episode 379, Ashley Stockard- "Surrender and Follow: A Story of Finding Your Identity in Christ"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE!

Click HERE to dive a little deeper into today's devotional!

Order our NEWLY RELEASED devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

Looking for a live gathering near you or want to start one in your own community? Click HERE

Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country, periodically posted on Mondays and Fridays!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies: Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith.

Want to see when live gatherings and upcoming events are happening? Click HERE!

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for today's devotional, upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!

On the StoryTellers Live podcast, everyday women share personal stories of the hope found in Jesus Christ. From stories about sorrow and suffering to redemption and joy, these real life encounters with the Lord reveal what God can do when we trust Him with the details of our lives.

Listen in each Wednesday, and get ready for your faith to increase, for freedom in Christ to be found, and for your perspective to be shifted towards eternity!

As we conclude our Where Hope Meets You: The Story Continues series, Katie sits down with Leslie Presson for a conversation about God's faithfulness through life's hardest seasons.

Leslie's original story aired a little over three years ago and focused on the ways in which the Lord prepared her for and used her through her breast cancer journey. You can listen to her story by clicking here.

Today, Leslie shares how the Lord has recently walked her and her family through another significant health crisis with her husband and how God used her previous trials to strengthen her for this one.

Together, Katie and Leslie also discuss the importance of praying Scripture, staying tethered to Jesus, taking life one day at a time, and fighting the lies of the enemy in seasons of waiting. Leslie also shares how suffering can deepen our intimacy with God and offers practical wisdom for couples navigating difficult circumstances. Be sure to listen to the very end, where she shares the itinerary for her annual marriage retreat - a meaningful tradition filled with encouragement and intentionality.

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Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Leslie and all of our season 9 storytellers!

Check out Leslie's ministry Hope Blooms

Order our new devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

YES, you can continue to hear NEW stories over the summer! Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country periodically posted on Mondays and Fridays! You can also listen to previously posted stories on Throwback Thursdays over the summer!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Want to see details on any upcoming events? Click HERE!

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

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!

We're nearing the end of our six-week series, Where Hope Meets You: The Story Continues, and today we're honored to bring you a conversation with Susan Simon. Susan first shared her story in Episode 136, The Scars That Shaped Me, and today she joins us again to reflect on how God has continued to faithfully carry her through the years.

With wisdom, humility, and a deep love for God's Word, Susan reminds us that nothing is outside of God's sovereignty and that even our suffering has purpose. She encourages us to move beyond simply knowing about God to truly knowing Him in our hearts, continually pointing us back to the truth of who He is and who we are in Him.

If your faith feels weak or weary today, this conversation offers the encouragement of someone who has walked through life's deepest storms and found God faithful every step of the way.

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Susan and all of our season 9 storytellers!

Order our new devotional Where Hope Meets You: A Daily Reminder of the Comfort and Confidence in God's Promises by Katie Dunn!

YES, you can keep hearing NEW stories over the summer! Join us "In the Room" on Patreon to access stories straight from our live gatherings around the country!

Purchase or listen to one of our When God Shows Up Bible studies~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith

Want to see details on any upcoming events? Click HERE!

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

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for upcoming events, new podcast episodes, details on our live gatherings taking place across the country, and much more!!

FOLLOW US on Instagram and Facebook!