StoryTellers Live

Recorded at our community group in Katy, Texas, Lori’s story is one of devastating circumstances mixed with the presence and power of God. Lori speaks openly and honestly about her walk with the Lord as she journeyed through her husband’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent passing. This story is filled with joy as Lori leads us to look at life through the lens of eternity.

“Hiding in Plain Sight” Casey vulnerably shares about her struggle with chronic pain, her competitive spirit, and her consistent “shushing” of Jesus in her life. Her story is a beautiful reminder of the pursuing love of Jesus and how sometimes He uses the most unexpected circumstances and people to speak His truth to us.

Kelley, the StoryTellers Live Podcast host, briefly shares how God has shaped her dreams and calling over the last few years. As she's learned to trust God and His timing, it's involved a balance of patiently waiting and faithfully acting. Sometimes following God means holding back, while other times it calls for stepping forward in faith. And on occasion, it requires heading in a new direction. The StoryTellers Live Team will also share some exciting updates about what's ahead for the ministry and podcast in 2020!

For years, Ivy wrestled with resentment toward her father for abandoning her family. The pivotal point in their relationship came when she discovered the depths of God’s grace for her which in turn helped her extend grace to her dad. Once she made that choice, Ivy discovered the incredible healing and freedom that forgiveness brings. (Shared at gathering in Vestavia, Alabama)

Courtney talks honestly about the many masks she’s worn over the years to cover up fear, shame, loss, and pain. As she has begun replacing the masks of falseness with truth and reality, God has used her vulnerability to display His faithfulness and reveal His presence. (Recorded in Katy, TX)

Like many of us, Emily has struggled to bridge together life on this earth and an eternal perspective. But that shifted when her son was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a serious genetic disorder. The grief and anxiety Emily felt actually made her physically sick, leading to her own diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Emily is very honest about her day-to-day challenges, but she celebrates how they've brought her to a place of longing for heaven… anticipating the day when her son can run into the arms of Jesus and be made whole. (Recorded in Jackson, MS)

Suzanne’s recovery from alcohol addiction began with a realization that her drinking was more than a daily habit or a way to unwind. It had become her method of coping with the pressures of marriage, motherhood, career, and life in general. One of the significant lessons she learned is that addiction does not discriminate. Even a suburban mom with a happy childhood, great family, and an upbringing rooted in faith can be susceptible to the allure and power of addiction. The beauty of our Savior Jesus is that His goodness and love are present even when we're in the midst of sin and struggle. We are never beyond God's reach. (Recorded in Vestavia, AL)

A panel of three moms (Peggy, Pam, and Mallory)share their stories and experiences of parenting from a Christian faith-based perspective. The women discuss many topics including sibling conflict, friendship drama, sports team tryouts, technology, social media, and most importantly, spiritual investment. One of our greatest legacies may be raising children who love Jesus. (Recorded at Birmingham 280 Gathering) This episode is sponsored by Holland & Birch. Visit hollandandbirch.com.

Ingram shares how she's learned to lean on God and trust for His provision during years of financial strain. Budgeting can be a challenging, ever-changing process that requires us to continually exercise gratitude and evaluate where we’re placing our security, pride, and worth. The weight of debt or limited means can lead to stress, anxiety attacks, depression, marital strife, and more. Ingram’s story highlights what it looks like to depend on God when in need, and be satisfied in Him when in want. (Recorded in Vestavia, AL)

Brandye's life was instantly altered nine years ago when it was discovered she had a cancerous tumor in her brain. As a wife and mom of three kids, living with a brain tumor and undergoing monthly chemo treatments, she has learned to relinquish all control of her life over to God and let Him be the driver. She lives with the motto... Pray. Believe. Expect. On days when it's hard to believe, her prayer is "Lord, increase my faith." And He hasn't let her down. (Recorded in Jackson, MS)

Margaret has battled the pressure of perfection since childhood, feeling a need to always present herself as a steady, reliable, dependable person who has it all together. But whenever that picture of her has been challenged, particularly by motherhood, shame and loneliness have crept in. As many moms will agree, the unpredictability of parenting can sometimes push us to our limits and stir up anger. But it’s through this struggle with perfection and control that Margaret came face to face with who God is and who He made her to be. Margaret’s story is a beautiful reminder that we are limited... but the God we worship is limitless. (Recorded in Memphis, TN)

Trafficked at the age of 17, Dixie found herself caught in a business built on deceit and manipulation. Pain, loneliness, and fear drove many of her decisions as she tried to survive. In her most desperate moments, she knew the God she had surrendered her life to as a young teen was with her... and He was showing her a way out. The path of recovery has been challenging, but she rejoices in God's faithfulness to continue the work He began in her. (Recorded at Birmingham 280 gathering)

During her struggle with infertility, Katie became overwhelmed with the process she described as "totally mind consuming." Through all the ups and downs, Katie began to question where God was in all of it. For some women, conceiving a baby is effortless. But for others, it’s an emotional rollercoaster that only gets more intense with hormones, countless doctor appointments, perfectly timed injections, and more. Katie's discovery of God’s goodness wasn’t in an answered prayer but in His constant presence. (Recorded in Vestavia, AL)

Facing unimaginable health challenges, Lauren learned to choose joy in the difficult moments, trust God through circumstances beyond her control, and allow her sufferings to become a megaphone for her faith. Lauren's crisis was also interwoven with tiny miracles from the Lord, reminding us that we serve a God who is always working behind the scenes. (Recorded in Katy, TX)

Surprised by pregnancy as a sophomore in college, our storyteller Laura shares how God revealed hope and unconditional love through several unexpected developments... including her parents’ gentle, grace-filled response to her news and the family God led her to when placing her baby for adoption. One of the most profound discoveries Laura made was that grief doesn’t necessarily mean regret. This realization gave her freedom to acknowledge her sadness while also resting in confidence that she had done what was best for her son. (Recorded in Statesboro, GA)