Today on the podcast I’m welcoming Jackie Ellwood. She has worked with Atlas Free for 7 years. She is currently the Donor Relations Manager and works to curate experiences, communication and connection between the Atlas Free donor community and the impact they are making worldwide. As you listen to today’s episode, you’ll come to better understand sex trafficking and how prevalent it is around the world, especially in the United States (which may surprise you)! You’ll become more aware of what’s happening around us daily, how to keep your own children safe, and how we can each work towards freedom for all!

 

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Come to understand the many forms of human trafficking and how prevalent it is around the world.
• Learn how Atlas Free works to free people globally by engaging from all angles of the issue.
• Learn how Atlas Free partners with network members to fight sex trafficking globally.
• Learn how to keep your own children safe.
• Come to understand the perspective of having empathy for perpetrators, in addition to victims of trafficking.
• Hear inspiring stories of freedom!
• Learn how we can all work towards freedom!

 

Thank you to Jackie for taking the time to share more about the topic of human trafficking, and specifically, sex trafficking. It’s so important to stay aware of what’s happening around us and what it looks like. What a gift it is to have the chance to join Atlas Free in the fight for Freedom too!

Learn more about Atlas Free at Atlasfree.org

 

Well Lovely, that’s a wrap on season 2 of The Lovelight Stories Podcast! We’ll be back with season 3 launching on November 12, 2025. I have so many powerful stories lined up for season 3 already, and I just can’t wait for you to join us! 

 

Here on The Lovelight Stories Podcast, we’re out to find more empathy, love, and true connection in our world! I’m so glad you’re here, Lovely! See you on November 12 for season 3!

 

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

 

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jen Jacobson Brusa, founder and owner of Beloved Cheesecakes. You’ll hear her story of abuse, both as a child and in her marriage, and how God is using the greatest trials in her life to serve up love through her wildly successful “Beloved Cheesecakes” business!

 

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Hear Jen’s childhood story of neglect and abuse, and how her longing for love and a family left her feeling broken.
• Come to see how shame can sometimes guilt us into doing things God may not want for us.
• Understand how trauma can cause us to operate out of pain and lead us down a path that further harms us.
• Hear Jen’s testimony story of how God pursued her through a series of encounters with strangers.
• Celebrate the story of Beloved Cheesecakes, and how God has restored her life through her business!

Before you jump in, I want to put a little disclaimer out there that Jen’s story covers multiple difficult topics you might not want little ears to hear. Thank you to Jen for her openness and vulnerability in sharing her story so that we can come to understand some of the lessons she’s learned through tremendous trials, be inspired by the way God has moved in her life, and celebrate alongside her for the life she’s living today!

Learn more about Beloved Cheesecakes!

 

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

 

SHOW NOTES

Today on the podcast I’m welcoming Lina Robie! She is a United States native currently living in western Ukraine serving vulnerable children in the orphan care system. In this episode, you’ll hear her story of being called to love some of the most vulnerable in our world. You’ll hear how God has uniquely equipped and prepared her to advocate on behalf of orphans in Ukraine. You’ll learn about the many layers of the orphan care system, and come to better understand our shared humanity through her refreshing perspective!

 

Topics discussed in this episode:

- Hear Lina’s story of her childhood and how God put protection and grace over her as a child, equipping her for the calling in which He made her for! - Listen as she shares her story of moving to Ukraine from the United States just days before the war broke out, and why she decided to stay. - Be inspired by Lina’s faith and conviction to serve children in the Ukraine orphan care system. - Come to better understand the orphan care system in both the United States and Ukraine. - Understand how our broken human experience can help us find empathy for orphans around the world. - Like Lina, see and understand our responsibility in serving children around us!

 

Lina’s faith, conviction, and heart to serve is so inspiring! This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

 

Follow Lina on Instagram @allinakay Learn more and donate at shadeforchildren.org

 

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

 

SHOW NOTES

Today on the podcast I’m welcoming Durwood Snead. Durwood is a co-founder of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a retired International Missions Pastor from North Point Ministries and a 35-year resident of Forsyth County, GA. 

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Durwood as he shares the story of the racial cleansing events of 1912 in Forsyth county, GA. Hear how he stumbled upon the deep-rooted history of racism in the very county in which he lives, and how he and other Forsyth county residents are changing the narrative from being known as “the most racist county in America” to becoming one known for love!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Hear how Durwood Snead, a resident of Forsyth county, discovered the horrific racial cleansing events of 1912 in the very community in which he lives.
• Hear stories of the families who were expelled, and how present-day descendants are still affected by the county’s racist past.
• Walk away better understanding racism and it’s effects on a macro-level through this micro-level story.
• Learn about the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship and other efforts in the community to change the narrative of Forsyth County moving forward.
• Understand how the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship is acknowledging the racist past of Forsyth County with acts of love. Understand why this is not “reparations”, but instead, acts of love to acknowledge the hurt.
• Learn how the scholarships are moving the conversation forward by creating space for discussion and keeping their families’ stories alive.
• Ultimately learn how Forsyth County, the county Oprah once called “the most racist county in America”, is becoming one known for love!

Forsyth County has a dark, racist past and county residents are now working to make it a place of redemptive love!

 

Learn more about the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship! Grab a copy of Blood at the Root: A Racial Cleansing in America by Patrick Phillips!

 

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

SHOW NOTES

Today on the podcast I’m welcoming Jackson Hughens, a filmmaker and passionate advocate behind the movie, Made With Love and the “Stories Made With Love” documentary series. Listen-in as he shares his own personal story of meeting his friend with Down syndrome, and how meeting Jay has ultimately changed the trajectory of his life!

 

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Hear Jackson’s personal story of meeting his friend with Down syndrome and how Jay has changed the trajectory of his life!
• Understand how Jay opened Jackson’s heart through the love and joy of their friendship, and how Jay ultimately has changed the way Jackson sees and understands people with disabilities.
• Hear Jackson’s story of coming to faith, realizing the unending love of God, and how Jay even had a part in his testimony story!
• Listen to Jackson’s story of walking through anxiety, the self-worth he gained through His faith in God, and how that same faith now propels him to want to highlight the self-worth of others!
• Hear the story of how Made With Love (the movie) came to be, and how you can help support the film and watch Jay become a movie star!
• Learn how Jackson and his dad are traveling around the country to capture the “Stories Made With Love” video series, documentaries of inspiring stories of individuals with Down syndrome — and watch them on YouTube!

 

Jackson’s dad joined me on the podcast all the way back on episode 16 “Behind the Curtain with David Hughens, Screenplay Writer of Made With Love (the movie)”. In that episode, we heard from David Hughens, the screenplay writer of the movie, as he shared his experience with Jay and why he decided to write the script! Now, we get to meet the “son” of the father-son duo behind the movie AND the documentary series, “Stories Made With Love”!

 

Follow @madewithlovethemovie on Instagram, and stay up to date with all the happenings! 

Watch the documentary series, “Stories Made With Love” on YouTube!

Learn more about Made With Love (the movie)

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

SHOW NOTES

Today on the podcast I’m welcoming my new friend, Monica! She is a wife, mother, author and founder of “A Joyful Advocate”. In this episode, Monica shares her family’s story of welcoming their son with Down syndrome, and the impact he’s had on her other children. This conversation will help you see and understand the surprise gift of Down syndrome and why we consider ourselves “the lucky few”!   Topics discussed in this episode:

• Hear Monica’s story of the surprise Down syndrome diagnosis of her son at birth, and her immediate reaction that will inspire you!
• Learn the daily joys and difficulties of raising her son with Down syndrome.
• Understand how welcoming Isaac to their family has given Monica a different lens by which to teach her children about others who are different than themselves.
• Hear how Isaac’s life is positively impacting her other children and shaping who they’re becoming because of Isaac’s presence.
• Hear how Isaac has impacted Monica’s relationship with her husband.
• Be inspired by Monica’s faith and how loving Isaac has deepened the faith of her entire family!
• Learn about Monica’s Book, “Different by Design”, her platform, “A Joyful Advocate”, and ways you can help your church become resourced to serve those with disabilities.

  Monica is the sweetest soul and so full of faith and light — of which you'll learn for yourself after listening to this episode!     www.ajoyfuladvocate.com Follow Monica on IG @ajoyfuladvocate Grab Monica’s book, Different by Design    

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

 

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Charlynda Scales. You’ll be encouraged as you hear Charlynda’s personal story of rising from “Rock Bottom”. Hear her story of walking through a difficult divorce and learn how she managed to come out on the other side as a strong business woman and single mom! Her story is definitely one of resilience and grit.

Charlynda is a serial entrepreneur, serving as founder and CEO of Mutt's Sauce LLC and Executive Director of the OH Taste Foundation. She is a sought-after speaker and coach for women's empowerment and small businesses. Her military career spans over fifteen years; she's currently an Air Force Reservist stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Topics discussed in this episode: - Hear Charlynda’s personal story of rising from “Rock Bottom”: walking through a difficult divorce while navigating life in the spotlight and building her business. - Understand her experience of growing up as a young black girl in Tennessee with a Nigerian last name, including her story of being the target of outward racism and how it affected her into adulthood. -  Glean the wisdom Charlynda’s mother gave her when she felt like she couldn’t go any further. - Be encouraged as she shares many stories that fill her book, Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline - for moments when there’s nowhere to go, but up!

There’s so many nuggets of wisdom and encouragement in this episode, and I can’t wait for you to listen-in! 

Grab her book, Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline! Find Charlynda on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @charlyndajean

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

 

SHOW NOTES

Today on the podcast I’m welcoming Branden & Lacy Terrell. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Branden and Lacy to hear their unique and redemptive love story filled with perseverance, resilience and love. You’ll come to better understand the topics of domestic abuse and incarceration through their personal stories. Branden shares his story of being incarcerated for 11 years for manslaughter, and Lacy shares her story of experiencing domestic abuse and the resulting trauma. You’ll learn how they met while Branden was in prison, how their marriage survived 6+ years of prison life, and how they’re thriving today too! Their story is a powerful redemption story and testimony of God’s goodness that will leave you with hope and encouragement!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Hear Lacy’s story of domestic abuse and the words of hope she has for other women enduring something similar.
• Hear Branden’s story of being incarcerated for murdering his best friend, surviving the violent walls of prison, and how God transformed his life and lead him on a path to restoration.
• Better understand what life in prison is like.
• Hear the story of how Branden and Lacy met, married while Branden was still in prison, and how their marriage survived 6+ years of prison life.
• Get a peek into what life was like when Branden finally came home, and the beautiful redemption story they’re living as a family!
• Learn how Branden is now helping others either coming out of prison or in need of rehabilitation support for any reason!

God has uniquely woven their personal stories together into a big redemption story, only He could orchestrate!

Follow Lacy @Stormy.Terrell and Branden on Instagram @Brandenterrellcoaching

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

 

SHOW NOTES

Today on the podcast I’m welcoming Danielle Flint! She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. In this episode, Danielle shares her intimate story of experiencing sexual assault and how it ultimately affected her life. Her story will help you come to better understand the internal trauma that can occur within those who’ve experienced this type of violation, and how one begins to heal. Today as a mental health therapist, Danielle graciously shares therapy strategies we can utilize to honor our own difficult experiences and begin to move through trauma.

 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• Hear Danielle’s intimate story of experiencing sexual assault and the deep-lasting impact it had on her life
• Understand how she came to be a mental health therapist
• Learn applicable therapy strategies we can utilize in our own lives to honor our emotions, move through our trauma, and begin on a path to healing!

 

I met Danielle in a couple’s small group through Northpoint Church multiple years ago already, and we’ve remained friends. She is poised, professional, and as you’ll come to see, very passionate about her work. I’m convinced we need more therapists like Danielle, and I think you’ll see why as you listen-in!

 

Connect with Danielle or other therapists at remainconnectedllc.com

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

 

SHOW NOTES

Today on The Lovelight Stories Podcast, I’m welcoming Garland Hunt. Hear his transformational experience of watching the aftermath of Dr. King’s death, ultimately leading him to becoming a young black activist. Come to learn how he later realized his racial perspective wasn’t aligned with a biblical worldview and how he began to transform his activism into promoting racial healing instead. In this conversation, you’ll also learn what he’s seen in the criminal justice system and how we can seek reform through a faith-based perspective!

 

Garland Hunt is the senior pastor of The Father's House in the Metro Atlanta area and co-founder of the OneRace Movement. A member of the Georgia Bar Association, Hunt is active in the political arena and is a long-time advocate of religious liberties. He has held multiple governor-appointed positions within the Georgia state government, including Chairman of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and Commissioner of Juvenile Justice. Hunt also served as President of Chuck Colson-founded Prison Fellowship. Hunt's passion and part of God's call on his life is to bring racial reconciliation to the body of Christ and to help Christians in their journey toward spiritual maturity. 

 

From time to time, I like to bring guests on the show in a thought-leader capacity to help us think about issues of humanity in a new way. This is one of those episodes where Garland shares what he’s learned through his numerous experiences in the spaces of faith, justice, race, and reconciliation. 

 

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Hear Garland Hunt’s transformational experience of watching the aftermath of Dr. King’s death, ultimately leading him to becoming a young black activist with interest in criminal justice.

 

• Come to learn how he later realized his racial perspective wasn’t aligned with a biblical worldview and how he began to transform his activism into promoting racial healing instead. Hear all the creative and powerful ways he’s done so too!

 

• Hear about his experience as the Chairman of the Pardon and Paroles Board of GA and what he witnessed about young people and the lack of fathers in the home.

 

• Hear his perspective on respect for life, no-matter your race.

 

• Learn the imbalances he’s seen in the criminal justice system and how we can seek reform through a faith-based perspective!

Learn more and purchase Garland Hunt’s book: Crisis in America: A Christian Response 

Connect with The Father’s House via their website or Facebook.

 

JOIN THE LS COMMUNITY!

 

FOLLOW STEPHANIE ON IG

 

FOLLOW THE LOVELIGHT STORIES PODCAST ON IG

 

SHOW NOTES