StoryTellers Live

We are never more near to our Savior than when we are suffering. In that way, we are able to thank Him for it—even when the suffering is unimaginable. For EA Montgomery, of our Homewood community, a lifetime of loss has given way to an eternal mindset, and grace upon grace has given way to gratitude. Following the unexpected passing of her two-year-old daughter, EA shares a raw and honest account of what it’s like to journey from the pits of despair to a place of joy and peace. In this episode, you will learn: — The Lord will never lead you to where his grace cannot sustain you. — When you fully trust Him, you can face anything. — He is merciful, gracious, and loving in all circumstances. — Your only hope in life and in death is in your Savior, Jesus Christ. If you would like to donate in honor of this story: Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider

The path to His promises is never predictable. But for Amanda Myers, of our Jackson community, what felt like a detour proved to be the way. Amanda shares about her precious, ongoing relationship with Guatemala and its people. In making sense of the Lord's work, He changed her mind as much as He changed her plans. In this episode, you will learn: - His ways are bigger, better, and beautiful—and often very different from ours. - We are called to faithfully follow God and lean on His promises in seasons of interrupted plans. - He is sovereign over our circumstances and provides peace and provisions along the way. Check out the StoryTellers Live scripture card set! Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider

Our great God goes to great lengths to love us and redeem us. Still, He works in seemingly small ways, too. For Lauren, He did both. Lauren shares a detail-rich story that proves the Lord is always gracious, always near, and always working. Listen and learn how an unplanned pregnancy, accompanied with fear and shame, were met with grace and goodness at every turn. You won’t believe the powerful affirmations the Lord brought about in Lauren’s life! In this episode, you will learn: The Lord longs to redeem and restore his lost sheep. He places just the right people in our lives—at just the right times. We are who He says we are; judgment and shame fall away when we rest in Him. StoryTellers Live listener survey (closes 4/19) Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider

Have you ever found yourself saying “I got this” to God? Erin Yost, from our Homewood community, spent years striving for physical and spiritual perfection, living out a false-gospel narrative that told her everything was up to her. Eventually, she found herself completely broken and in the grips of a full-fledged eating disorder. Through moment-by-moment surrender, persistent prayer, and running to Him for help, Erin shares how she found rescue, recovery, and freedom in Jesus. In this episode, you will learn: — His grace is sufficient; it’s not up to us. — Coming to the end of ourselves is an opportunity to learn full reliance on God. — Surrender to the Lord often requires moment-by-moment trust and obedience. Links: Ep. 117- Mari Beth Poor -"The Octopus of Anorexia" Listen on Patreon to the Story Within the Story with Mari Beth Poor Book by Brennan Manning: Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider StoryTellers Live listener survey

Verse: "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29) Sajeda Wilson lived decades before opening a Bible. Yet, even from birth, the Lord prepared and pursued her heart in beautiful and surprising ways. Sajeda, a former devout Muslim who shared in our Vestavia community, led a works-based lifestyle that eventually left her lacking—and looking. Hear how years of reading and research, together with the work of the Spirit, resulted in surrender to Jesus. In this episode, you will learn: – The Lord prepares and pursues the hearts of His people. – He is sovereign over our upbringing and uses all parts of our lives to draw us to Himself. – Jesus longs for all people across different cultures, traditions, and religions to know their creator and true purpose in following Him. Links: Audiobook by Nabeel Qureshi: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider StoryTellers Live Listener Survey

**Disclaimer: Please listen with caution and away from little ears as this story is about suicide and abuse.** Verse: Psalm 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. Have you ever felt like everything is falling apart around you? Take heart from our Fairhope storyteller Tami Lindsey: “God will recycle your pain for His purpose.” Tami shares how the Lord’s presence got her through years of trauma and tragedy. She will encourage you to focus on the beauty and blessings found in even the hardest of times. In this episode, you will learn: — We can choose to see the good in our difficult circumstances. — The Lord provides His presence and His people when we walk through heartache. — God knows the big picture, and He has a plan for our lives. StoryTellers Live When God Shows Up Bible Studies: Freedom & Hope Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider

Jayne Burns’s turning point in life came with her world turning upside down. Ripped from her comfort zone (her words) over her son’s multiple health challenges, Jayne tells of bending to the will of God, no matter the outcome. From our Montgomery community, Jayne's account of living in our fallen world is raw and honest. Listen, and you’ll find that the Lord speaks audibly to His hurting people, loves them deeply, and always knows what’s best. In this episode, you will learn: Seeking to submit is a difficult but right response during hardship. God is good, but our world is fallen. What will you do in your brokenness? Peace and wholeness are only found in Jesus. LINKS: Thank you to our Stories of Hope 2024 Sponsors! Jenn Louthan Interiors Sarah Beth Hagler Jewelry @SBHJewelry Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider

When we journey through a valley of loss and grief, we often emerge asking, "What now, God?" April Gonzales wondered the same after losing her husband of 21 years. But as she leaned in ever closer for His answer, He sweetly responded. Listen and learn how April, from our Trussville community, experienced God recentered in her life as Father, friend and guide. Perhaps you'll proclaim as April now does: never say never with God. In this episode, you will learn: If and when you face the unimaginable, God's got you. He's not done with you. Rely on God to help you take the next best steps toward His plans and purposes. Only God can redeem and renew our hardest chapters. LINKS: "Goodness of God" by Cece Winans Thank you to our Stories Of Hope Luncheon sponsors: Jenn Louthan Interiors Sarah Beth Hagler Jewelry on Instagram- @SBHJewelry Become a Patreon Insider Give to StoryTellers Live

When we face the death of our desires—or even death itself—what then? Where now? Julie Cochran, of our Vestavia community, shows us that in seasons of suffering and surrender, praise can persist. Following the unexpected loss of her infant daughter, Julie's mindset transformed as she focused on the Word, the Father, and his faithfulness. In this episode, you will learn: A mind renewed by the Word relies on hope and withstands hurt. We name our hard stories "good" when we focus on who God is. Regularly celebrating his faithfulness helps us heal. Links: Voyage to the Star Kingdom by Anne Riley Jenn Louthan Interior Design Sarah Beth Hagler Jewelry King Cotton Fabrics Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider

Even those who belong to Christ can find themselves hard at work on the hunt for happiness. Becca Smith, of our Memphis community, brings a relatable story of relying on self for success and meaning. But when Becca experienced a life-altering fall, the Lord literally and physically brought her low. In her year of healing, she put aside performance when the true object of her faith came into focus. In this episode, you will learn: The Lord uses suffering to grow our faith and remind us of truth. He teaches us to trust Him—but it takes time and is often through trials. We are only ever truly known and successful in Christ. LINKS: Jenn Louthan Interior Design Sarah Beth Hagler Jewelry @sbhjewerly Become a Patreon Insider Give to StoryTellers Live Join us at the 2024 Stories of HOPE Luncheon

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." For Erin Hamby, of our Homewood community, desperate times didn't call for desperate measures. Instead, the call came from the Lord—who personally spoke promises to Erin during a dangerous pregnancy. Erin's story traces the sweet transition from head knowledge to heart knowledge. Listen and you will witness the Lord strengthening Erin's faith in amazing and surprising ways. In this episode, you will learn: When we don't know what He is doing, we can know that He is faithful. The Lord meets us in times of desperation and dependence. He is a God of miracles and a God who speaks. LINKS: King Cotton Fabrics Give to Storytellers Live Become a Patreon Insider Join us at the 2024 Stories of HOPE Luncheon

Today’s podcast is a beautiful reminder that no matter what you are going through, God always goes before you. Elizabeth Ann Howell, from our Jackson, Mississippi community, shares her story of God’s sovereignty and provision before, during, and after a life or death situation with her husband. In her story, you will see how God always “works upstream” and consistently prepares you for what lies ahead in this journey of life. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: There is nothing you go through that God is not in the middle of. You can live a life of coincidences or a life of miracles. God is always working ahead of you on your behalf. LINKS: Become a Patreon Insider Give to StoryTellers Live Join us at the 2024 Stories of HOPE Luncheon

Choosing God Over Circumstances: Diane Bryson’s story:: [Episode 260] Today’s podcast is an incredible reminder that God can take the ugliest of life circumstances and do immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine. Diane Bryson, from our Auburn/Opelika community group, shares her journey of radically trusting God through a season of severe health challenges and devastating heartbreak. This incredible story will help you see the goodness of the Lord and the power He has to bring healing in any physical, emotional, or spiritual battle. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Every season of your life has a purpose. In a difficult season, these three things can bring healing - Scripture (fights the lies), Praise music (focuses your eyes on Heaven), and People! Faith in God and His goodness is the ultimate healing agent. LINKS Listen to Episode 232 Sand Price (featured in our Patreon Marriage Series This Week) Listen to Episode 216 Brendt Blanks (featured in our Patreon Marriage Series Next Week) Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider Join us at the 2024 Stories of HOPE Luncheon

Happy Valentine’s Day! To celebrate this day of love, we are bringing you a special podcast on the power of community in your life. Shannon and Aaron Eissler, from our community group in Tupelo, Mississippi, share their journey of finding each other, the highs and lows of their first few years of marriage, and the role their community of believers has played and continues to play in their lives. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Your past serves your purpose. Your insufficiency is where Christ is sufficient. Life change often happens best when surrounded by community. LINKS Restoration Ranch Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider Join us at the 2024 Stories of HOPE Luncheon!

Does the Lord's timeline ever seem to stretch on and on? Gail Alverson of our Memphis community, reminds us not to give up. With decades of dedication in the face of fear, Gail endured a tumultuous marriage to an angry and unbelieving spouse. Her story will teach you that even when the Lord does not immediately shift our circumstances, he still works to change us and those around us. In this episode, you will learn: The Lord's timing can be trusted, even when his work spans many years. Eventual freedom is found when we surrender to Jesus in faith. Persistent prayer opens Spiritual doors for us and for those we love LINKS Listen to Episode 131- Katie Basden "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian Become a Patreon Insider Give to StoryTellers Live Join us at the 2024 Stories of HOPE Luncheon

In 2024, we are launching an extra episode each month called “First Monday Freebie,” and we are excited to kick things off with today’s podcast! We all know February symbolizes a month of love, and what better way to start the month off than by reminding ourselves of the ultimate love Christ has for us? Today’s freebie features Jeramy Meredith, from our community group in Fairhope, Alabama, who shares her journey from heartbreak to hope to healing to redemption. Her story will remind you of the importance of knowing the love of Christ is trustworthy, faithful, and always enough. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: There is a light at the end of any tunnel of despair due to the love of Christ. Power and hope are found when you focus your mind on God‘s word. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ "Your Life... Well Spent" by Russ Crosson Give to StoryTellers Live Become a Patreon Insider Join us at the 2024 Stories of HOPE Luncheon

24-year-old Lauren Bell, from our Homewood, Alabama community, shares her journey of living with caudal regression, a rare form of spina bifida, and how God gave her the freedom she so desperately wanted to walk in peace. Lauren will sweetly remind you that we are each made uniquely in the image of God, and we were each created to bring Him glory. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: God calls you to a life of freedom - one where you rest soundly in His plan for your life Every part of your body (even the parts you aren’t so thrilled with) was knitted together by God. God wants to meet you in the middle of your frustrations and speak truth to you. Legacy School of Discipleship Song "Goodness of God" Book The Final Quest Give to StoryTellers Live Join us at the 2024 Stories of HOPE Luncheon Become a Patreon Insider

Beth McCullen, from our community group in Oxford, Mississippi, shares her story of moving to a new city and questioning God as she watched her daughter go through a season of loneliness and depression. Beth ultimately shares how God faithfully brought both her and her daughter to a place of comfort, hope, and purpose. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: We overcome the enemy by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. Rev 12:11 If you are a believer you HAVE a story because you’ve been saved by Jesus Christ. Living for Christ and raising your children to be set apart can be very painful, lonely, and isolating, but the cost is worth it! LINKS "Though You Slay Me" by Shane and Shane featuring John Piper Become a Patreon Insider Become a Monthly Ministry Partner

On today’s podcast, Toma Ford Knight, from our Auburn/Opelika community, shares her wisdom and her heart as she recounts God’s faithfulness through the suffering and pain she has experienced in life. This is a story packed full of Scripture and layered with God’s truth… get ready to refocus your eyes and live for eternity! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: God will always comfort you IN your time of need. Memorize Scripture! God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). When bad news comes we have a choice to make right then… get mad at God or choose to trust even when we don’t understand. Listen to Susan Simon's story Listen to Allison Holt's story Become a Patreon Insider Become a Monthly Ministry Partner

Sometimes, the path God calls you on is full of twists and turns. Allison Holt, from our Trussville, Alabama, community group, shares her journey of being a professional dancer and how God called her to an entirely different direction. Her story will challenge you to trust in God’s timing in ALL aspects of your life because His best is always your best. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Until you find Jesus, you will always chase something to fulfill you. Obedience to God’s calling can be a challenging path to take. Sometimes, you have to hit rock bottom in order for God to give you a firm place to stand. RESOURCES Listen to the hymn "Trust and Obey" Shop for merch and register for the upcoming Discover Your Story online workshop Become a Patreon Insider