From Homeless to the House Floor: The Grit, Grace, and God-Given Mission of Rep. Reed Ingram

In a raw, heartfelt conversation, Alabama State Rep. Reed Ingram sits down to share a story that’s far more than politics—it’s a powerful testimony of redemption, resilience, and purpose. From living homeless on a beach in Pensacola as a child to becoming a successful entrepreneur and lawmaker, Ingram’s life is a vivid reminder that no past is too broken for God to redeem.

The episode kicks off with a lighthearted dive into the secret behind the famously delicious watermelons at Sweet Creek, Ingram’s popular farm market located right off the beach-bound highways of Alabama. But it quickly goes deeper as he opens up about a childhood scarred by addiction, instability, and years without schooling. Taken by his mother at age seven after his parents' divorce, he spent much of his early life sleeping in roadside parks and restrooms—avoiding crime by hiding in the safest places he could find.

At 17, after a brush with the law and a near-tragic incident involving a stolen car and the governor’s mansion, Reed found himself at a crossroads. What followed was a divine intervention—marrying the daughter of a preacher, starting a business with nothing but faith, and slowly rebuilding his life. By God’s guidance, he launched six successful businesses and became a steady presence in Alabama’s legislature.

Yet Reed has never forgotten where he came from—or the God who carried him. Sweet Creek is more than a fruit stand; it’s a ministry in motion. With 800 young applicants each year, he’s instilling work ethic, teaching life skills, and connecting families back to their roots in agriculture and community.

This interview is a wake-up call, reminding us of what’s possible when someone refuses to be defined by their past—and instead lets purpose, faith, and hard work define their future.

Listen in and be inspired.