In this hope-filled conversation, Jenifer Foxworthy shares how faith, family, and community have carried her through unimaginable loss—her husband, step daughter, brother, father, and most recently her son, James (“Foxy”). Recorded at the Fore Foxy Memorial golf outing, Jen reflects on raising her family, the dinner-table values that shaped them, and the ways God met her in the very moments of grief. She also introduces her new book Finding Love in the Confessional, written in a single Spirit-led sitting, and talks about turning sorrow into service through the annual scholarship in James’s name.

What We Cover

Memorable Quotes

Resources & Links

Are You There, Mary? (reflection and healing after loss)

Finding Love in the Confessional (on the grace of confession and encountering the Trinity)

Fore Foxy Memorial Golf Outing: Supports an annual scholarship in James’s name.

In this heartfelt and joy-filled episode, Lexie sits down with Steveann Devoe-Granger — the mother of one of her greatest mentors and closest friends, Aunt Danielle. This episode is a birthday surprise for Danielle, airing on the day she and Lexie share their special day.

Steveann reflects on her childhood in Albany, raising her family, walking through seasons of deep loss, and learning to live with gratitude and faith through it all. 

Want to gift a Words of the Wise podcast for someone special in your life? Email us at [email protected] to learn more about the process! 

Happy Birthday, JJ Lynch!

My cousin, JJ Lynch turns 18 the day this episode airs — and honestly, he’s one of the wisest “young adults” I know. He’s a coach’s kid and the oldest of six, which explains a lot about his servant heart. JJ’s an old soul who loves deep talks, random t-shirts, and tennis, but more than anything, he loves Jesus. His life reflects a maturity that can only come from walking closely with the Lord — humble, funny, thoughtful, and grounded beyond his years. This conversation captures all of that and more as we celebrate JJ stepping into adulthood with a heart that’s already anchored in wisdom.

In this Words of the Wise episode, Lexie sits down with Larry Delaney, an 83-year-old lifelong Christian minister whose calling began at 15 watching a pastor pray over his stepfather in the hospital. Larry shares how early influences—radio sermons at his family’s Sunday table, jail visitation during college, migrant-camp outreach, and work at the Muncie Mission—formed a ministry defined by compassion and presence. What began with eight folding chairs in his basement grew into decades of preaching, shepherding, and mentoring.

Larry’s story is stitched together by gratitude and grace. “I’m not a self-made man—there are fingerprints of all kinds of people on my life,” he says, urging listeners to “practice an attitude of gratitude.” He reflects on seasons of weakness and resilience—“Our sufficiency is in God”—and on aging with purpose: after preaching recently, someone told him, “You still got the fire in the belly,” to which he replied, “Yes, I do.”

From his “apple-dumpling days” of childhood to learning he’s content being a “tender willow” rather than a “strong oak,” Larry’s wisdom is gentle, practical, and deeply hopeful. The conversation is made even more special with his grandson Carter Anderson sitting in—an image of legacy unfolding “for such a time as this.”

Listeners will come away steadied by Larry’s simple north star: know Jesus, make Him known, love your family, and give thanks—every day.

In this kickoff to the Practicing Proverbs mini-series—rooted in Proverbs 3:6 and the broader Words of the Wise theme that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”—Lexie sits down with her childhood best friend, Stella Anderson, to talk about identity in Christ, getting married young, and learning to lead and be led in marriage. Stella shares about moving to Kentucky, finding church community, and the everyday practice of seeking counsel and wisdom. She opens up about miscarriage and God’s comfort (“It Is Well”), the “poppy” reminder of hope, and the redemption of welcoming her son, George, one year later to the day. The conversation turns to motherhood (childlike faith, dependence on God), discerning a move back to Muncie and a surprising sign of “abundance,” and forming family purpose, values, and beliefs—practical ways to acknowledge God in all our ways.

Former Butler player, head coach, and longtime administrator Ken LaRose reflects on the three pillars that shaped his life: faith, family, and football. He shares tender memories of growing up in Cincinnati, the impact of his parents and siblings—especially his deaf brother Michael who taught him eye contact and empathy—and the coaches who became second fathers (Gerry Faust, Bill Sylvester).

Ken recounts choosing Butler, captaining the team, and returning to coach—eventually becoming head coach during the turbulent transition to non-scholarship Division I. He tells the story behind Butler’s 1996 game in Cologne, Germany, and later, his pivot into development, helping raise $65M+ for facilities and programs under AD Barry Collier.

Woven throughout are Ken’s life rules: appreciate what you have, start each day with an attitude of gratitude, and life is 10% what happens, 90% how you react. The result is a portrait of a welcoming, genuine servant-leader who loves helping people—and who proudly answers to Dad, Pops, Coach, and “Butler guy.”

Episode 48 of Words of the Wise features one of the most decorated and respected leaders in American high school sports and education: Coach J.T. Curtis. At 78 years old, J.T. is not only the winningest football coach in the nation with over 600 victories and 28 state championships, but also serves as Head of Schools at John Curtis Christian School—the very school his parents founded.

Throughout our conversation, JT reflects on his upbringing in a pastor’s home, the leap of faith his father took to start the school, and the lessons he carried into coaching, education, and ministry. “My dad was a man who didn’t understand walls. He’d go over them, around them, or through them. And he taught me you’ve got to be qualified—you can’t just rely on a name, you’ve got to earn it.”

J.T. shares stories of the mentors who shaped him, from his high school coach Bob Whitman to Arkansas coaching legend Frank Broyles. He also opens up about building not only a football dynasty, but a school community rooted in consistency and faith: “The key to success is consistency. Innovation is important, but you change because it’s better—not just because it’s new.”

Beyond football, J.T. reflects on his greatest legacy: his family. He speaks with gratitude for his late wife Lydia—“She was a servant, a wonderful mother, and I miss her every day”—and for the chance to watch his three children and ten grandchildren grow. As Head of Schools, coach and pastor, his life message is simple: “There’s no substitute for the grind, for the hard work. But most importantly, your relationship with God through Christ is all that matters.”

This episode isn’t just about football history—it’s about faith, family, and a life lived pouring into others.

If you have someone wise in your life—a grandparent, coach, mentor, or friend—whose story deserves to be captured, I’d love to interview them and preserve their wisdom forever. You can email me at [email protected] or send us a message on social media. It makes a great holiday or birthday gift.

Hey friends! In this special solo episode (with some very sweet guest voices), I’m exploring what it really means to have childlike faith. We’ve all heard Jesus say to become like children, but recently, through study, conversations, and even music, I’ve started to see His words in a new way.

Before I dive in, I want to give a special shoutout to my cousin Max Lynch, the talented designer behind the Words of the Wise cover art. PLEASE DO NOT COMPLIMENT HIM ON IT. HE DOES NOT LIKE ATTENTION! BUT, I had to brag on him just a little! His drawing of a family meal set and ready perfectly reflects the anticipation of sitting at the Father’s table—and it beautifully ties into today’s theme.

From discipline talks with my dad, to clips from some of my favorite young voices Beau Lynch, Harper Griffis, and Roland Lynch, to mentions of Forrest Frank’s joyful Child of God album—this episode is full of reminders that faith is both trust and delight.

John 13:7 – You don’t realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand

Proverbs 13:24 – The one who loves disciplines

Psalm 68:5 – A Father to the fatherless

Childlike faith isn’t just about awe and innocence—it’s reliance, obedience, and joy. It trusts God’s “no” as much as His “yes,” and believes His way is always better.

Episode 46 of Words of the Wise features longtime coach, mentor, and family friend, Coach Bob Bartolomeo—known to most as Coach Bart. From his childhood in Gary, Indiana, to his years as a player at Butler, and decades on the sidelines shaping college football programs, Coach Bart’s story is one of consistency and a passion for people.

Throughout our conversation, he reflects on the values passed down from his parents, the lessons learned from mentors, and the advice he has carried into every season of life. He also shares about the unwavering support of his wife, their marriage of over 40 years, and the joy of raising two daughters who have gone on to build lives of their own.

Coach Bart also shares his favorite memories of building programs, what it means to lead with consistency, and the joy of watching players grow not only into athletes, but into men.

This episode is filled with wisdom for coaches, athletes, and anyone who believes in the power of influence and mentorship.

If you have someone wise in your life—a grandparent, coach, mentor, or friend—whose story deserves to be captured and preserved forever, I’d love to hear from you. Email Lexie at [email protected] or send a message on social media so we can set up an interview and make sure their wisdom lives on.

Soli Deo Gloria!

In Episode 45 of Words of the Wise, host Lexie Manor revisits a conversation with Marilyn Culler. Marilyn’s life story is one of unexpected turns, deep faith, and steady kindness.

She recalls her idyllic childhood exploring the mountains and streams of eastern Pennsylvania, often saying: “Growing up in nature and being surrounded by such beauty has really stuck with me my whole life.”

Her career path is full of surprises—working as a freelance photographer, training law enforcement officers in photography, and eventually finding her calling at DePauw University. As she says: “I feel like I’ve followed breadcrumbs, and they’ve worked out.”

Throughout the episode, Marilyn reflects on what it means to guide young people, describing it as a high calling: “When parents entrust their children to us, I take that very seriously. Everything else falls in line behind that.”

She offers wisdom for both students and listeners alike:

This re-release is a celebration of Marilyn’s legacy at DePauw, her impact on generations of students, and the reminder that often the little things in life are the most important.