Through a sudden diagnosis in high school to a career detour in college to adoption and IVF in marriage to a ministry calling that made it all make sense, this story is one of God weaving His sovereignty and goodness in unexpected ways.

Jessica Gilmer, from our community group in West Cobb, Georgia (a suburb outside of Atlanta), shares her journey of learning to trust God’s plans for her life in the midst of disappointments and realizing that sometimes the unknowns of life can also be His perfectly wrapped gifts set to open at a later date.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- The detours of your life can lead you to God’s ultimate path for you.

- In the moments where you are carrying heavy burdens, go to Jesus - He will give you rest.

- God alone is the Creator of life! 

Links: 

Listen to a similar story~ Kitty Hurdle- Ep. 274: “Will You Trust Me?”

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jessica.

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Story Within the Story with Jessica about Mustard Seeds ministry, AND…

Have you ever wanted to attend a StoryTellers Live gathering but don’t have a city near you?  We are thrilled to offer our Patreon members the opportunity to virtually attend our Tulsa live gathering via Zoom on November 19th at 7:15 PM.  Not a Patreon member?  Join here today, and you’ll receive all the details!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series - the third in the series, Discovering God in Stories of Faith, is now available!!!

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God reminds us over and over again in His Word to not be afraid and that He alone is our Provider and Sustainer. Today’s episode is an unbelievable picture of these truths.

Elizabeth Garner, from our community group in Memphis, Tennessee, shares her journey of walking through the loss of her first husband to cancer and her second husband to a plane crash. In the midst of this unthinkable suffering and pain, Elizabeth beautifully reminds us of the power of God’s peace, the promise of His daily mercies, and the fullness of life found only in the Word of God.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- Even in the midst of tragedy, God is weaving a tapestry for His glory to be revealed in your life.

-  When you store up God’s Word in your heart, it will never return void.

- In your suffering God longs to comfort you so that you can then be a comfort to others. (2 Cor. 1:4)

Links:

Listen to a similar story~ Rachel Faulkner Brown- Ep. 97: “Your Pain is Your Superpower”

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Elizabeth

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content.

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates.

For today’s first Monday freebie we have a new story from our brand new community group in Raleigh, North Carolina!

Angie shares her heartfelt story as she gives us a glimpse into the beautiful role her father has played in her spiritual life over the years, while also vulnerably revealing the insecurities she fights on a daily basis as she compares that same spiritual life with his and those around her.  This story will remind you that comparison is in fact the thief of joy, you must take your thoughts captive to Christ and stop listening to the lies of the enemy, and most importantly, ALL the Lord really wants from you is relationship.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- Everyone’s spiritual walk is unique to the personality and gifts God has bestowed on that person.

- No one’s spiritual walk is superior to another’s in the eyes of the Lord.

- Relationship with the Lord is all about talking AND listening… prayer and reading His Word. 

Links: 

Listen to a similar story as Angie’s~ Martha Dazzio- Ep. 80: “Striving to Be Known”

Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson

“The Truth” by Megan Woods

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Angie Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including an interview with Karen Sabo,  the team leader in StoryTellers Live’s new Raleigh, NC community!

  Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

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Ashley Byrom, from our Homewood, Alabama community, shares her story of walking through childhood trauma and tragedy, as well as how God has met her and shaped her over the years as a result.  From learning to trust God with her own children to letting go of a destructive relationship with her mother, Ashley helps us to understand we should never judge a book by its cover as we are all a work in progress…and we should always lead with compassion as we never know the path someone has walked.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- There are moments when painful memories from childhood trauma can be stored in your spirit and emerge later in life.

- If you keep things in the dark, they will often stay dark. Bring your darkness to the light by sharing your struggles with a trusted, godly friend.

- In the reconciliation of a relationship, it takes both parties to participate for healing to occur.

Links: Listen to a similar story as Ashley’s ~ Sana Latrease- Ep. 110: “Foster Care to Freedom”

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Ashley

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Statesboro, GA native Liz Corbett

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!

”I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?“ Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭

Today’s storyteller reminds us that in the midst of deep grief and sorrow, we must remind ourselves of the truths of God.

Emily Porter, from our community group in Jackson, Mississippi, shares her journey of walking through her son’s heart diagnosis of bicuspid aortic synopsis when he was only a few weeks old to the unexpected loss of her son at the age of sixteen.  You will find Emily incredibly encouraging as she beautifully reminds us God never changes; He is not only good but also kind; and it’s okay to hold joy in sorrow.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- As the great Redeemer, God is in the business of turning your tears into your testimony.

- Your love for God can’t be situational.

- It’s important to choose joy and love every day even if you have to create it.

Links:

Listen to two past storytellers who are creators and hosts of “The Big Boo Cast” podcast: Sophie Hudson- Ep. 152: “A Cheerful Voice” & Melanie Shankle- Ep. 177: “The Parenting Struggle” 

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Emily

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Fairhope native Andrea Higginbotham

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!

Brooke Preus’ life was on a peaceful path for years—and then it veered. Pain and suffering settled upon her family’s world with diagnosis on top of diagnosis.

In her story, Brooke, from our Fairhope community, will candidly talk you through her son’s blood disorder and cancer journey—but what you’ll really get is a rich education on how to suffer well as a follower of Christ.

Through her study of lamentations, deep prayer, and even worshiping in a storage closet for six months, Brooke learned the pathway from heartbreak to hope. She will encourage you to look outward in your own suffering, and to align your heart and will to the Lord’s.

In this episode, you will learn:

—The Lord longs to enter into the misery and suffering you’re experiencing.

—Share the hope you have in Him even as you suffer—He will put other suffering people in your path.

—When you endure pain with faith in focus, a new purpose is found.

Links:

Listen to a similar story on surviving cancer~ Leslie Presson- Ep. 223: “Hope Blooms”

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Brooke

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a “Where Are They Now?” episode with Leslie Presson also from Fairhope!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!

**DISCLAIMER:  Please listen with caution and away from little ears, as this story references suicide**

Get ready for Jenny Strickland’s story! She will leave you on the edge of your seat while detailing the throes of a physical and spiritual battle with postpartum psychosis. You’ll find yourself cheering Jenny on!

From our Trussville community, Jenny doesn’t hold back in sharing the darkness she endured alongside depression, detachment, and suicidal thoughts, and you will so appreciate her vulnerability and authenticity. Plus, this story of a supportive family and healthcare team will warm your heart.

Listen and discover the freedom from mental illness that happened in Jenny’s life—and that the Lord didn’t leave Jenny in the depths. In fact, He was right there with her.

In this episode, you will learn:

—Believe and trust no matter what emotions you feel.

—Mental illness affects everyone, and shame and embarrassment is not from the Lord.

—He can walk you from the darkness in your life to His great light in any circumstance you’re facing. Links:

“Made For More” live by Bethel Music Do you need help with mental illness or do you struggle with suicidal thoughts?  

Wellspring Christian Clinic 

Suicide Hotline

Listen to another story similar to Jenny’s~ Savannah Harrell- Ep. 246: “It’s Not What I Thought- A Postpartum Story” 

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jenny 

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including an interview with social worker and clinician Tammy Bond from Wellspring Christian Clinic about the signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis.

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!

Season eight’s first Monday freebie is one unlike any other! Jala Ross from our Tupelo community shares her story, alongside her mother, Jessica Jenkins, of being in a devastating ATV accident, leaving her in a six-week coma after suffering a traumatic brain injury and five strokes. As they recount their journey that began only 15 months ago, you will be amazed at their joy in the Lord and be blessed knowing God’s not finished with you yet!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- Spiritual healing is far greater than physical healing.

- God is writing your story, and He’s not finished with you. (Philippians 1:6)

- You can have victory in the battle.

Jalasjourney.com

Listen to a similar story~ Marti Guest- Ep. 59:  “Redefining Reality”

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jala and Jessica Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

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For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re bringing you an encouraging survivor’s story from our Mountain Brook community. Kathryn Tortorici will remind you that the Lord knows your days and will equip you for what’s next.

Through her struggle with breast cancer, Kathryn says she learned to fully trust—and that it's possible to be full of tears and full of joy.

Plus, you’ll love hearing how Kathryn and a friend were diagnosed at the same time. Together, they developed a heart for God and a heart for others.

In this episode you will learn:

- Life is like a train track with trials and tribulations as the tracks, but it will take you to a destination. Links: Song: “Do I Trust You” by Twila Paris

Two by Two: Conversations Between Friends Navigating Breast Cancer by Kathryn Tortorici & Nancy Bynon

Listen to a similar story~ Jehan Corbin- Ep. 121: “Jesus Plus Nothing Equals Enough” and Lindy Walker- Ep. 13: “Surrender Her Agenda”

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kathryn

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Where Are They Now with Lauren Beckner- Ep. 109: “Open Hands”

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!

We love adding communities to our StoryTellers Live circle! Today you’ll hear from our newest gathering near Atlanta, Georgia (West Cobb). Listen as Tamara Estes shares the challenging stories of losing both her son and her husband in separate instances. Grief, loss, and tragedy seemed commonplace in her world for many years.

But instead of living in a state of “why,” Tamara learned to trust and believe—and she always trusted in the Lord to provide. Ultimately, God was constant, and His promised presence made all the difference.

In this episode you will learn:

- It’s not our place to ask “why,” it’s our place to trust and believe. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

- God is always available as a constant strength for you.

- God never promised you an easy life, but He did promise He would walk with you and carry you when needed.

Links:

“Praise You in This Storm” by Casting Crowns

Listen to a similar story~ Amy Grote- Ep. 20: “Healing Through Heartache- The Loss of A Child”

Stories about grief on Spotify

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including the Vestavia Live gathering with Kelly Connelly 

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Tamara 

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!

September is Addiction Awareness month, and today we bring you a story from Barbara Bice of our Montgomery community. Life took a sudden turn when her husband became addicted to cocaine after years of marriage. An era of hardship and heartache ensued for Barbara and her family.

Listen and be amazed to hear how, even while her husband journeyed to recovery, Barbara was on her own path to healing and forgiveness. She leaned into the Lord over the long haul, and He revealed deeper struggles and battles within her own soul. When life wasn’t pretty, Barbara learned to say, “His ways are not my ways.”

In this episode you will learn:

- Never let the giants in your life take away your hope!

- When in a crisis, focus on the “here and now” and avoid going down the “rabbit trails” that haven’t occurred.

- If you are in a dark place, just wait - God is still in the business of miracles! Links:

Listen to a similar story on addiction~ Hope Aldred- Ep. 229: “Breathing In Faith- Trusting God Through A Spouse’s Addiction”

Addiction Playlist on Spotify 

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Barbara 

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story out of our Statesboro community with Anna Claire Newman

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates!