This episode contains references to a suicide attempt.

Many Christians today express fear when it comes to sharing their testimony. I have felt the same way. What if they reject me? What if they don't like what I have to say? What if they have questions I can't answer? The what if game is strong from the enemy. This season, you have heard from many of my incredible friends as they shared their messy stories of great faith, and today, I am sharing my own messy story. I really wanted this episode to be practical, so rather than sharing my testimony alone, I am breaking my testimony down as an example of how you can share YOUR story. This episode will cover four steps from Acts 22 that Paul uses to share his testimony, the Romans Road, and even how God can turn an NCIS episode into a gospel conversation starter. Don't miss this final episode of Season 1!

My goal for you today is that you would feel empowered and unstoppable to step into gospel opportunities fearlessly, knowing that your Father in Heaven is proud that you share boldly!

I can’t thank you enough for all the amazing and kind words you have spoken over me this last season and for supporting the growth of this podcast through sharing, downloading, and review-ing. The next few months are exciting for me because of the conversations we are about to have, but for now, thank you for being here for the real stuff because, friends, that's the good stuff! Have a great week :)

"Continue to ask the Lord and believe that you will be free. Because it is attainable for all of us as sons and daughters of the Most High God. Freedom is a part of our inheiratance."

This episode is Part 2 of the conversation with my childhood friend Jonathan Gonzalez. Growing up as an outsider to the "in-crowd," I would have told you that Jonathan had the perfect life. He was a basketball player. He hung out with all the cool kids at school. On the outside, Jonathan's life looked perfect, yet he was battling pornography addiction. Pornography is a super uncomfy and cringey topic for many Christians, but sin, regardless of what it is, is common to us as humans. This episode will help shed light on the often unseen battles many face behind closed doors.

We have centered this conversation on overcoming sin and fighting for God's promises, whatever that may look like for you. Whether you struggle with porn or not, I hope this final part of our conversation gives you a wealth of resources to fight sin in your own life and lay claim to the life Jesus died to give you. Jonathan's story serves as a reminder that no one is immune to the challenges of temptation, but through resilience, faith, and community support, redemption and healing are possible.

SHOW LINKS:

15 Mind-Blowing Statistics About Pornography and the Church

Christian Women and Pornography: What the Statistics Might Not Tell You

What You Should Know About Christian Women and Pornography

MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Jonathan Gonzalez is a Team Lead for Yardi Systems. He has also served as a youth leader for the past three years at Dwell Church, where he equips the next generation with the Word of God. His passion and mission are to shepherd God's people into a place of deeper intimacy with Him. Connect with Jonathan here.

CONNECT WITH US:

@madifranquiz and @unpolishedfaith on Instagram

Pornography. I tend to cringe when that word is said. This topic can be uncomfortable to talk about, but getting uncomfy can be good when we seek to bring light to a dark subject that affects us all in one way or another.

Pornography is often only discussed as an issue among men. While only 13% of self-identified Christian women say they never watch porn—87% of Christian women have watched porn, and 45% say that they struggle with a porn addiction. This addiction is infiltrating every ministry of our churches and even the pulpits. It is no longer a "just a dude" issue.

I'm sitting down with my childhood friend Jonathan Gonzalez in this week's episode to talk about overcoming strongholds of sin. Growing up as an outsider to the "in-crowd," I would have told you that Jonathan had the perfect life. He was a basketball player. He hung out with all the cool kids at school. On the outside, Jonathan's life looked perfect, yet he was battling pornography addiction. This episode will help shed light on the often unseen battles many face behind closed doors.

We are centering this conversation on overcoming sin and fighting for God's promises, whatever that may look like for you. Whether you struggle with porn or not, I hope the next two weeks give you a wealth of resources to fight sin in your own life and lay claim to the life Jesus died to give you. Jonathan's story serves as a reminder that no one is immune to the challenges of temptation, but through resilience, faith, and community support, redemption and healing are possible.

SHOW LINKS:

15 Mind-Blowing Statistics About Pornography and the Church

Christian Women and Pornography: What the Statistics Might Not Tell You

What You Should Know About Christian Women and Pornography

MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Jonathan Gonzalez is a Team Lead for Yardi Systems. He has also served as a youth leader for the past three years at Dwell Church, where he equips the next generation with the Word of God. His passion and mission are to shepherd God's people into a place of deeper intimacy with Him. Connect with Jonathan here.

CONNECT WITH US:

@madifranquiz and @unpolishedfaith on Instagram

"What is an influencer?" "What is influence?" "Am I really an influencer?" These are questions that hit close to home, right? Here's the deal: whether you realize it or not, every interaction you have makes an impact. Yes, you are an influencer! Every encounter somehow shapes someone's thoughts, feelings, or actions. But here's the kicker: if you're a follower of Christ, you're not just any influencer but representing Him in every interaction. Today, we're diving into this truth with my friend Melvin Adams, who's using his passion for basketball to spread the gospel to those who need it most.

If you struggle with understanding your calling, purpose, or influence, we encourage you to lean in and allow God to speak into those areas of your life!

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Madi Franquiz

Connect with Melvin Adams

Melvin Adams: Harlem Globetrotter & Motivational Speaker

You are not alone. No matter what you might be feeling right now, God is right in the midst of your pain with you. I think it's really easy to look around at the chaos on the news and be grieved about the state our world is in. Although grief is often only addressed when related to death, the feeling of loss is much deeper and broader than this. It is not only appropriate to grieve when someone dies, but it is appropriate anytime anything of value is lost! I've experienced this in my own life, and I KNOW someone needs to hear this this week. Remember the words of the prophet Isaiah. "For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones." (Isaiah 49:13b).

My long-time family friend, Shelly Genovese Calhoun, is on today's show. Her life changed forever on 9/11 when she lost her husband and the father of her daughter in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centers in 2001. Yet, through the grief and pain, God was gracious, so much so, that Shelly would say she has been twice blessed.

In our conversation, we discuss the complexities of grief and emphasize the importance of community in the healing process. We're confident that you'll enjoy this episode, be equipped with the knowledge to help someone experiencing grief, and be encouraged to lean into the community in times of tragedy.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shelly Genovese Calhoun is an author, speaker, wife, and mother. A former fashion model, she represented East Texas in the Miss Texas USA pageant. She worked for Anne Klein, Neiman Marcus, JCPenney, Panhandle Slim, Dillards, and many other notable companies during her modeling career. She resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with her husband, Heath, and their two children. Daughter Jacqueline is a senior at Texas A&M University, and son Cash is a freshman in high school.

SHOW LINKS

Connect with Madi

Shelly's Website

Twice Blessed

SHOW NOTES

At around 45:15, sexual abuse recovery is briefly mentioned in the context of community share groups. Listener discretion is advised.

Today's episode is a continuation of our conversation last week. Lauren closes out her story with a demonstration of the Lord's faithfulness, even through the worst of times. Resources and links to several organizations that help sexual abuse survivors have been provided in the description, along with the sexual abuse hotline, and the link to Watermark's Courageous Hope class.

Lauren and I extend a heartfelt invitation for you to find solace, insights, and encouragement in this discussion. For those who haven't experienced sexual abuse, we urge you to equip yourselves to stand as advocates for the voiceless. And for those who have yet to share their story, we understand the immense courage it takes to embark on a journey of healing and restoration. We firmly believe that through Christ Jesus, reclaiming your identity and discovering hope amidst the pain is possible. Sometimes, it takes seeing someone else stand up to do the same. So, we'll go first.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Lauren was born in a small town in Vermont. There, she developed her love for hiking, swimming, biking, skiing, and all the outdoorsy things. She got married in September of 2023 to Jake, who she fondly calls "the greatest man alive." They live together in Dallas, Texas. Lauren is currently in the residency program at Watermark Community Church, where she is being trained and equipped to care for survivors of sexual abuse.

SHOW LINKS

Sexual Abuse Recovery; Regeneration Teaching from John Elmore

Courageous Hope

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

What is Grooming?

National Sexual Abuse Hotline- 1-800-656-4673

CONNECT WITH US

Follow Lauren on Instagram

Follow Madi on Instagram

Follow Unpolished Faith on Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Remember, you are loved.

** Please note that this episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and childhood sexual abuse, as well as brief explicit language that may be offensive to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

At Unpolished Faith, we are committed to shedding light on topics that Christians and the Church often overlook. Today's conversation, while challenging, is of utmost importance. We've seen the profound healing that comes from sharing our burdens, and this week, we're addressing past experiences of sexual abuse. Lauren and I are fully aware of the gravity of this issue and approach it with sensitivity and care.

This is the first two-part episode we have for our community. We just had a lot to say. Over the next two weeks, you will hear about our journey toward healing. It didn't involve bypassing or burying pain but rather moving through it together in community. Revelation 12:11 has been a beautiful reminder for us both—we have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our Testimony.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Lauren Roberts has been my group leader for a class at our church called Courageous Hope. This class is for survivors of sexual abuse. She has quickly become a dear friend. I texted her this week to tell her I've decided she will be one of my besties. I am exceedingly thankful for her influence.

Lauren was born in a small town in Vermont. There, she developed her love for hiking, swimming, biking, skiing, and all things outdoorsy. She got married in September 2023 to Jake, whom she fondly calls "the greatest man alive." They live together in Dallas, Texas. Lauren is currently in the residency program at Watermark Community Church, where she is being trained and equipped to care for survivors of sexual abuse.

Lauren and I extend a heartfelt invitation for you to find solace, insights, and encouragement in this discussion. For those who haven't experienced sexual abuse, we urge you to equip yourselves to stand as advocates for the voiceless. And for those who have yet to share their story, we understand the immense courage it takes to embark on a journey of healing and restoration. We firmly believe that through Christ Jesus, reclaiming your identity and discovering hope amidst the pain is possible. Sometimes, it takes seeing someone else stand up to do the same. So, we'll go first, sharing our stories with the hope that they will inspire and encourage you.

Remember, you are loved.

** Please note that this episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and childhood sexual abuse, as well as brief language that may be offensive to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Have you ever thought, "God, you've answered their prayer. So why won't you answer mine?" It's a thought that many of us can relate to. We've all experienced moments of longing and frustration when it seems God's plans for us are different from what we had hoped or expected.

Today, we're diving into a topic that resonates with many: adoption and the challenges of when God's plans diverge from our own. Whether you're grappling with adoption questions or seeking guidance for navigating life's unexpected turns, this conversation is for you. Join Micah Buster Reis and me as we explore how to trust God's sovereign plan even when it's different from our desires.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Understand the common experience of longing and frustration when faced with perceived differences between our desires and God's plans;
• Gain insights into the adoption process and the HUGE need in America for Christians to take seriously the call to care for the vulnerable;
• Learn how to cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan, even when it differs from ours.

MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Micah and Nick Reis have been married for fourteen years, and the Lord grew their family through the gift of adoption.  Micah is passionate about encouraging Christians and the Church to step up to the calling of caring for the vulnerable.  Internationally, there are 140 million orphaned and vulnerable children; less than 1% will have the opportunity to be adopted.  In America, there are about 400,000 children in foster care, and about 100,000 of those are available for adoption and waiting for a family.  Every year, about 20,000 kids will age out of the foster care system without a family... Christians, what are we doing about these vulnerable children in our backyards?

Find Micah on Instagram.

SHOW LINKS:

Chosen Conference: https://prestonwood.org/chosen/

Lifeline Children's Services - Families Count: https://lifelinechild.org/families-count/

Lifeline Children's Services- Heritage Builders: https://lifelinechild.org/heritage-builders/

Lifeline Children's Services - Adoption Information: https://lifelinechild.org/apply/

CONNECT WITH MADI

I am STOKED for this episode! Friends, this is a good one. Laura Wilkinson and I met at a conference that we spoke at last year together. When I saw Laura, I yelled across the room: "OH MY GOODNESS, YOU HAVE AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL!?! CAN I TRY IT ON?!" By the grace of God, she did not think I was a weirdo, and we have stayed connected ever since.

Laura is an Olympic Gold Medalist, speaker, wife, mom, and friend. We talked about facing disappointment, letting go of the past, how to prepare for purpose, the life of David, training for an eternal crown, waiting, and much more. Remember to download and share it with someone (or multiple someones) who needs to hear it!

In this episode, you'll:

• Discover practical strategies for preparing yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the purpose that God has ordained for your life;
• Learn how to face disappointment head-on and view it as a catalyst for growth and transformation in your life;
• Gain valuable wisdom from Laura's perspective as an Olympic Gold Medalist and how she trained for her ultimate goal, drawing parallels to the preparation needed for our eternal calling.

SHOW NOTES:

A small correction: At about minute 36, I discuss David's preparation before he fought Goliath. I promise I know that David fought a lion and a bear, but I panicked and forgot the word for Lion while recording. I'm sure David ran off and killed plenty of coyotes, wolves, and other creatures that threatened the safety of his sheep, but the Bible does not mention them. Encounters with these types of predators would be a near-everyday experience for a shepherd, but because it's not explicitly in God's Word, I wanted to mention it here.

MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Laura Wilkinson’s first leap of faith from the 10-meter platform was at 15. After one of her teachers told her that she was too old to start a new sport, Laura plunged into diving anyway. Nine months later, she was kicked off her high school diving team for being a “waste of space.” The next year, Laura won her first US National Title, made the US National Team, and earned a bronze medal at the World Cup.

Laura overcame great obstacles to win her first major international gold medal, the 1998 Goodwill Games. She is the only American diver to win a gold medal at this prestigious competition. In 1999, after winning her second NCAA Division 1 title, Laura left her college scholarship behind to return home to chase her Olympic dream.

Shortly before the 2000 Olympic Trials, Laura shattered her right foot in a training accident. But with a persevering heart, she was not deterred by this injury. Together, Laura and her coach, Kenny Armstrong, designed unique training methods to utilize the mental aspects of diving to keep Laura’s “head in the game.” She had just three weeks back in the water to physically train before the Olympic Trials. The mental training began to pay off when Laura won the Trials, making her first Olympic Team. Three months later, while wearing protective shoes to walk up the ladder to the platform, Laura made history in Sydney, Australia.

Beating what many said were impossible odds in one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history, Laura, starting in eighth place with a broken foot, came from behind to win the 2000 Olympic platform gold medal.

Laura also won the 2004 World Cup and the 2005 World Championships, becoming the first woman in history to win all three coveted world titles in platform diving. She has won 19 US National Titles, been voted by the American public as the 2000 US Olympic Spirit Award winner, and was nominated for an ESPY award. Laura has also been inducted into the University of Texas Women’s Athletics Hall of Honor, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Texas Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame, the World Acrobatics Society Gallery of Legends, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Show Links:

Watch this episode on YouTube

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

You can learn more about Laura here.

Follow Laura on Instagram.

Listen to Laura's podcast, Pursuit of Gold.

CONNECT WITH MADI

This conversation is with my friend and mentor, Chrissie Dunham. Chrissie has been discipling me for almost six years now. Today, this episode is super raw as you get insight into our discipleship breakfasts. We talk about Chrissie's testimony, my recent struggle in my walk with Christ, what to do when God feels distant, and more. I am confident you need to hear this episode, especially with all it took to get this live! Whether you're experiencing doubts, struggles, or feelings of disconnection, or you're on the mountaintop with God right now, you will love this podcast, and I hope you share it with your friends!

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Discover how each piece of spiritual armor can help you withstand spiritual battles and draw closer to God, even in challenging times;
• Learn practical strategies for navigating spiritual dry seasons and overcoming feelings of distance from God;
• Discover the value of sharing struggles, seeking guidance, and walking alongside fellow believers to strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with God.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCED:

Ephesians 6:11-18: Putting on the whole armor of God

MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Chrissie was born in Oklahoma but has made her home in Plano, Texas, with Charlie, her husband and high school sweetheart. With deep roots in both Women's Ministry and Corporate America, Chrissie has a unique perspective on what it is to equip and engage women where they are in life.

Chrissie is passionate about her walk with the Lord and lives by her favorite slogan, “The Party Don’t Stop!” She hopes every believer knows that eternal life begins when you meet Jesus and that there will be a party in heaven in your honor forever!

Show Links:

Watch this episode on YouTube

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

You can learn more about Chrissie here.

Book Chrissie to speak to your organization or group here.

Follow Chrissie on Instagram.

After listening to this episode, if you want more content about hearing from God, navigating spiritually dry seasons, and what to do when God feels distant, check out this post from the Unpolished Blog: 5 Things to Do in a Spiritually Dry Season.

CONNECT WITH MADI