StoryTellers Live

Our God is a miracle-working Father... Just ask today’s storyteller!   Jamie Pope, from our community group in Trussville, Alabama, shares the terrifying yet faith-filled journey she and her family walked through when her son, Grayson, was critically injured in an accident when a tree fell on his golf cart.  After suffering a traumatic brain injury, thousands of brain bleeds, orbital fractures, and cranial surgery, the world would tell her to lose hope in her son’s recovery. But God.    This story will remind you to never give up, to keep petitioning through your prayers, and to always focus your eyes on Jesus—your only source of true hope.    IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - In times of trials, cling to your mustard seeds of faith!  - Look for miracles - they are all around you each and every day.  - God may not always answer your prayers the way you want, but He promises to always be with you and never forsake you!   Listen to “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans   Listen to a similar story:  Jala & Jessica Jenkins- Ep. 289: "God's Not Finished- A Traumatic Brain Injury Story; Juleigh Green- Ep. 150: “Pray Big, Believe Big”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jamie and our past storytellers.    Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a “Story Within the Story” with Robyn, Jamie, and Grayson!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham (TODAY is the last day to register!): Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

Pleading with God through desperate prayers and waiting for Him to answer can create havoc in your spiritual journey unless you arm yourself with God’s truth.   Amber Robinson, from our community group in West Cobb, Georgia, shares her journey of waiting patiently for her marriage partner, then subsequently struggling with infertility and waiting to get pregnant, and then painstakingly waiting to deliver her baby. This is a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you hear the Lord reveal His truths to Amber and encourage each of us to know He is always good, always sovereign, and always with us.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:   - If you give the enemy a seat at your table, his lies will begin to seem like truth. - God wants you to pray boldly and pray continually. - If you never had moments where you had to trust God, you would never know He is trustworthy.   Links:   The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson   Don’t Give The Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio   Listen to a similar story:  Ep. 99- Rachel H.:  “The Discipline of Waiting”, Ep. 90- Jenna Tyson: “The Gift of Waiting- A Story of Singleness”, Ep. 311- Meghan Brown: “The Goodness of God” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Amber and our past storytellers.    Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content.   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” Psalm‬ ‭40‬:‭2‬   Life is full of “pits” - some self-imposed, some at the hands of others, and some at the expense of living in a fallen world.  But, be encouraged! Today’s storyteller is going to remind you of God’s deepest desire - to take you out of that “pit” and set your feet on solid, secure, and safe ground.   Sarah Robinson, from our Fairhope, Alabama community, paints a vivid picture of her life story as she shares her (and her family’s) struggles with alcoholism and loss. The journey she takes you on will assure you of the pursuing love of your Heavenly Father who specializes in the grace-filled gifts of redemption and restoration.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - God is constantly speaking to you through people, events, and life circumstances. - Hope has two sisters - anger and courage… anger in the way things are and courage that they       don’t have to stay that way. - Pursue godly things, and you will leave a legacy! Links:   Listen to a similar story:  Ep. 8- Rachel Stockard: “Experiencing God Through Addiction” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Sarah and our past storytellers    Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Where Are They Now with Tait and Rob Stoddard from Tait’s Episode 112- “When Things Aren’t What They Seem- A Story of Marriage Redemption”   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story    

Studies show there has been a rise in mental illness over the past few years, with one out of every four adults reporting experiences with the disease. However, as today’s storyteller reminds us, there is HOPE!   Aimee Caverly, from our community group in Raleigh, North Carolina, vulnerably shares her story of battling mental illness for most of her adult life.  From extreme anxiety, fear, and paranoia to delusional visions, intense lies from the enemy, and multiple trips to the psychiatric hospital, Aimee is raw about the suffering she faced as she was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. It wasn’t until she accepted her diagnosis and turned to the Lord that she found healing, purpose, and hope, knowing God can bring light into the darkest of places.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:   - It is imperative to have God’s Word infused in your life because “self” creeps towards the negative. - When you don’t claim your true identity, you claim the lies of the enemy. - Following Jesus is a lifelong process of God making us more like Him.    Do you need help with mental illness, or do you struggle with suicidal thoughts?   Wellspring Christian Clinic  Suicide Hotline   “The Truth”  by Megan Woods   Listen to a similar story:  Jenny Strickland- Ep. 290:  “God’s Healing in A Story of Mental Illness.” Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of our past storytellers and the 4th annual Stories of Hope Luncheon!   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

The Bible tells us to let God’s Word dwell richly in our hearts (Col. 3:16), focus on what is true (Phil. 4:8), and keep our eyes set on eternity (2 Cor. 4:18).   Today’s storyteller is going to beautifully remind you of the benefits that come from living out these verses.   Emily Holman, from our Tupelo, Mississippi community, shares her journey of strengthening her faith in God and trust in His Word as she walked through two of her life's most challenging and heartbreaking seasons. This powerful story will encourage you to develop deep roots in your faith and learn the importance of, in Emily’s words, putting “oil in your lamp.”   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - When you find yourself in darkness and pain, you must speak God‘s truth - Like Peter walking on the water, you can do the impossible as long as you keep your eyes focused on Jesus. - With the help of God, suffering can turn to beauty.    Links:   Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the 10 Virgins   Listen to a similar story: Amy Grote- Ep. 20: “Healing Through Heartache- The Loss of A Child;   Kara Potts- Ep. 173: Suffering in Hope- A Mother’s Story.   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Emily and past storytellers.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including Amy’s discussion with past storyteller Jessica Roberts (Jessica Roberts- Ep. 42: “Longing to Be Known”) on meaningful ways they honor and celebrate memories of their loved ones. Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!  

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecc. 3:11   God’s timing in the plan of your life is everything. But what do you do as you wait for that plan to unfold? Today’s storyteller reminds you exactly what to do: you pray, you seek, and you trust!   Jessica Prier, from our Vestavia, Alabama, community, shares her journey of growing in her faith and in her gifting as she recalls the ways in which the Lord has led her to where she is today. If you’re in a season of needing guidance from the Lord, this story is going to remind you to have patience and know He is working behind the scenes to bring good to you and glory to Him.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - God places giftings and talents within each of us early on in life. - Sometimes, God closes a door and opens another one. - God wants to do immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine.   Links:   Listen to Jessica’s mother-in-law’s story-  Marilyn Prier- Ep. 15: "Giving God the Frat House"    Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Jessica and past storytellers   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!

“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” John 21:25   When life doesn’t go as planned, do you get paralyzed by your circumstances, or do you focus on God and His past faithfulness? Today’s storyteller, Meghan Brown, from our Fairhope, Alabama community, will encourage you to see the love of God in the midst of life's twists and turns.   Through detours, disappointments, and a devastating loss, Meghan shares her story of learning the importance of looking intently for God’s goodness, especially when life's challenges leave you asking why.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:   - In challenging moments, focus on the characteristics of God. - There is a difference in believing what is true and resting in what is true… believe God’s plan is good because He is good. - Good things, hard things, and holy things can occupy the same space.    Links:   Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard   “Goodness of God” by Cece Winans     Listen to a similar story: Leslie Presson- Ep. 223: “Hope Blooms”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Meghan and past storytellers.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Lacy Isbell of our Trussville, Alabama community!   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!

As believers in Jesus Christ, we know we are not immune to grief, but as believers in Jesus Christ, we grieve with hope - hope in life after death, a new world that awaits us, and an eternity filled with the glory of God.   Diane Lee, from our community group in Montgomery, Alabama, reminds us of these truths as she shares her journey of finding purpose in the loss of her daughter. This story will point you to the many promises found in God’s Word when you are walking through sorrow and suffering, and Diane’s joyful delivery will leave you strengthened in your faith and God’s love in the most heartbreaking of circumstances.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: - In dealing with grief, allow God to be your strength. - Your suffering is never in vain. - Your pain can fuel your passion - use your story to glorify God and comfort others.   Links:   Do you need help with mental illness, or do you struggle with suicidal thoughts?   Wellspring Christian Clinic  Suicide Hotline   Listen to a similar story:  Toma Knight- Ep. 254: “Living In Light of Eternity.”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Diane and past storytellers.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Q & A from the room after Diane shared her story.   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!

This Valentine’s Day week, we’re bringing you a couple’s story that is rare and raw. From our Homewood community, JT and Katie Thornbury openly share about the profound emptiness in their lives and marriage prior to knowing Christ—and how they miraculously came to know Him, together, well into their 30s.   For years, troubled pasts and past experiences influenced how JT and Katie approached life and faith. Plus, striving in their careers and in their parenting meant they usually focused on themselves and not on each other. But through a series of hard circumstances and intense searching, JT and Katie found their hearts and marriage healed by Him.   What better way to celebrate Valentine’s than to cheer on the Thornburys and their saved marriage? And even better, their secured salvation in Christ!   In this episode, you will learn:   –Without Christ’s loving direction, all areas of your life will bend toward emptiness.   –Seek Him and you will find Him; He can use your doubts to draw you to Himself.   –Even after we come to know Christ, every day requires surrender and dependence.   Links:   Reason for God by Tim Keller   Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis   The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel   Listen to a similar story:  Andrea & Greg Carlisle- Ep. 98: “Broken & Restored: A Marriage Story and  Sand & Oscar Price- Ep. Taste of Patreon   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Katie & JT and past storytellers   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content   Register for the local workshop being offered on April 9th in Birmingham: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!   Our 4th Annual Stories of Hope Luncheon is on March 12th!

Hannah Finch, of our Oxford community, always looked forward to married life and mom life. As the years crept by, however, she found herself decidedly single. Disappointment and sadness settled in her soul.    Hannah never expected the reality of singleness—in fact, she had bigger expectations of God, initially believing that if she did what God asked, He would deliver.    Listen as Hannah walks us through her important and profound journey of fighting for faith while living in singleness. It’s what she stakes her life on these days—but no one said it's easy. Hannah gets honest about her big feelings and unmet desires, and proves that accepting how we are made is what allows God to meet us where we are.    Do you need to hear that God doesn’t cause your disappointments, but is there when they happen? Hannah’s story will do your weary heart some good.   In this episode, you will learn:   –Sometimes, even the good desires God gives you may remain unrealized.   –God is in control. He is on your side, and He is not holding out on you.   –You can trust God’s heart even when you can’t see His hand.   Links:   The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis   Listen to a similar story:  Jenna Tyson- Ep. 90:  “The Gift of Waiting: A Story of Singleness”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Hannah and our past storytellers.   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus contact~ including a “Where Are They Now?” with past storyteller Whitney Hubbard from episode 26: “Gaining a New Heart and a New Perspective.”   Register for the online workshop being offered on February 6th-  Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story.   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith! Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings! Our 4th Annual Stories Of Hope Luncheon is March12th!