This is Life with Shawn Johnson

Philippians 4:8 tells us in every circumstance, good or bad, if there be "any virtue" or "any praise" that we are to think on those things and be thankful! What about when we are consumed by anxiety and fear? How can we think about positive things when our minds are telling us to panic! In today's episode Shawn discusses how to have access to peace when everything around us tells us otherwise.

On October 14, 2015 Chris's daughter Ariya, at 4 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer. On that day not only was a diagnosis given but a battle begun and the entire family's life was turned upside down. Life is never certain but no one expects to be told that their daughter, who hasn't even started kindergarten, has stage IV cancer. These series of episodes are tragic, sad, hopeless and hopeful but ultimately inspirational. Hear from a Father's perspective how he stood by his daughters side during this battle that should have never had to be fought.

Special Guest: Chris R..

What would it look like for us to say "You are more important than me"? Can you imagine a world where a majority of people preferred others more than themselves? This is exactly the kind of world that God has instructed us to live in. Even when we are hurt by someone or they are caught in a sin, we are instructed to restore that person gently. This episode explores the freedom we can have in loving and preferring one another above ourselves without jeopardizing our own self worth.

Shawn, Adam and Matt attended a book release event hosted by Washburn University featuring Author Megan Phelps on her book "Unfollow: A Memoir of Loving and Leaving the Westboro Baptist Church"

Book Description: The activist and TED speaker Megan Phelps-Roper reveals her life growing up in the most hated family in America

At the age of five, Megan Phelps-Roper began protesting homosexuality and other alleged vices alongside fellow members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Founded by her grandfather and consisting almost entirely of her extended family, the tiny group would gain worldwide notoriety for its pickets at military funerals and celebrations of death and tragedy. As Phelps-Roper grew up, she saw that church members were close companions and accomplished debaters, applying the logic of predestination and the language of the King James Bible to everyday life with aplomb - which, as the church's Twitter spokeswoman, she learned to do with great skill. Soon, however, dialogue on Twitter caused her to begin doubting the church's leaders and message: If humans were sinful and fallible, how could the church itself be so confident about its beliefs? As she digitally jousted with critics, she started to wonder if sometimes they had a point - and then she began exchanging messages with a man who would help change her life.

A gripping memoir of escaping extremism and falling in love, Unfollow relates Phelps-Roper's moral awakening, her departure from the church, and how she exchanged the absolutes she grew up with for new forms of warmth and community. Rich with suspense and thoughtful reflection, Phelps-Roper's life story exposes the dangers of black-and-white thinking and the need for true humility in a time of angry polarization.

Special Guests: Adam R. and Matt Quick.

On October 14, 2015 Jessica's daughter Ariya, at 4 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer. On that day not only was a diagnosis given but a battle begun and the entire family's life was turned upside down. Life is never certain but no one expects to be told that their daughter, who hasn't even started kindergarten, has stage IV cancer. These series of episodes are tragic, sad, hopeless and hopeful but ultimately inspirational. Jessica helps us to see life in a new perspective. When faced with no choice but to fight, we all have the capability to reach down deep inside and overcome any obstacle set in front of us.

Special Guest: Jessica W..

On October 14, 2015 Jessica's daughter Ariya, at 4 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer. On that day not only was a diagnosis given but a battle begun and the entire family's life was turned upside down. Life is never certain but no one expects to be told that their daughter, who hasn't even started kindergarten, has stage IV cancer. These series of episodes are tragic, sad, hopeless and hopeful but ultimately inspirational. Jessica helps us to see life in a new perspective. When faced with no choice but to fight, we all have the capability to reach down deep inside and overcome any obstacle set in front of us.

Special Guest: Jessica W..

What if you were a young twenty something in a relatively new relationship with a person who just found out that their daughter had cancer, possibly even terminal cancer? What would you do? Would you stay? Would you be willing to take on that responsibility? My guest today faced all these questions and more. Albeit separated, Ariya's Mother and Father knew they had no choice but to fight this battle set before them. Out of the abundance of sincere deep love and affection for Jessica and an unmatched bond he already had with Ariya, Charles knew what he wanted and needed to do. He was going to fight along side the rest of the family and give Ariya the best chance to survive this horrible disease.

Special Guest: Charles W..

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Philippians 2:15 What does it mean to be blameless? Can you be blameless but still struggle with sin? Shawn tackles this awesome subject as we continue to study how to be shining lights of inspiration and love in a dark world.

On October 14, 2015 Jessica's daughter Ariya, at 4 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer. On that day not only was a diagnosis given but a battle begun and the entire family's life was turned upside down. Life is never certain but no one expects to be told that their daughter, who hasn't even started kindergarten, has stage IV cancer. These series of episodes are tragic, sad, hopeless and hopeful but ultimately inspirational. Jessica helps us to see life in a new perspective. When faced with no choice but to fight, we all have the capability to reach down deep inside and overcome any obstacle set in front of us.

Special Guest: Jessica W..

On October 14, 2015 Jessica's daughter Ariya, at 4 years old, was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer. On that day not only was a diagnosis given but a battle begun and the entire family's life was turned upside down. Life is never certain but no one expects to be told that their daughter, who hasn't even started kindergarten, has stage IV cancer. These series of episodes are tragic, sad, hopeless and hopeful but ultimately inspirational. Jessica helps us to see life in a new perspective. When faced with no choice but to fight, we all have the capability to reach down deep inside and overcome any obstacle set in front of us.

Special Guest: Jessica W..