“I’ve often felt I can be too much, but the more emotive I am, the more God surprises me.”  Nigel Masenda learned early on that revealing his heart—tears, frustrations, and all—could open the door to unexpected moments of divine kindness. Growing up in a family and culture where men were often reserved, he felt out of place for expressing his emotions so freely. But when his mother traveled abroad for a funeral and couldn’t return for two long years, loneliness and unanswered prayers pushed him deeper into raw, honest faith. Through caring neighbors, silent prayers, and a tenacious hope, Nigel discovered that embracing vulnerability before God not only shapes our perspective—it can transform our very lives. 

Justin and Trisha Davis appeared to be living the dream—a beautiful family, successful ministry, and a future filled with promise. After planting their first church, Justin had an affair with a staff member who was also Trisha's best friend. Their marriage, family and careers were simultaneously blown apart and they were forced to come to terms with their brokenness.  It seemed their story would be one of failure and loss, but Justin and Trisha found grace, healing and redemption for even the most shattered parts of their lives.  Justin and Trisha are the founders of RefineUs.org and the authors of One Choice Away from Change: Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back.    Justin and Trisha Davis' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refineus/ 

Becky Crane has always been captivated by the power of a good story. From her childhood days curled up with books to sharing Bible stories in kids’ church, she’s seen God show up in the simplest, most surprising moments. Becky recounts how Billy Graham’s words and C.S. Lewis’s depiction of Aslan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe helped shape her faith. If you’ve ever wondered how God might speak through stories, this conversation will both encourage and inspire you. 

Jinger Duggar Vuolo grew up on television.  From the age of 10 until she was 27, her family appeared on TLC’s reality shows 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On. As the sixth child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, she grew up in a strict religious system led by a teacher who claimed to speak for God.  That belief system contributed to a view of God as an angry judge waiting for her next mistake. Motivated by a fear of rejection, she was driven to be a people pleaser, trying to keep everyone happy all of the time.  But as she grew to know and understand God’s love, she realized the loving thing to do was speak the truth.  Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the author of Becoming Free Indeed, and People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations.  Website: https://www.jingerandjeremy.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingervuolo/ 

“My wife was desperate, and in that moment, God intervened.” Much like the determined woman in Scripture who reached out for Jesus’s garment, J.D. King’s wife refused to let her circumstances define her future.  This story is featured in the book, "Mighty Like Gideon".

When Brandon Heath heard the Gospel as a teenager, he was hungry for truth, love, and healing. His parents’ broken relationship had left him hurting and carrying a heavy load of resentment. When he heard God is love, and more specifically, God loves him, it was life-changing. But transformation and healing take time. God was putting people in Brandon’s life, including a guy named Bob Goff. They were mentors who saw things in Brandon he couldn’t see in himself. Brandon Heath is a singer and songwriter who’s been nominated for multiple Grammys and won eight Dove awards for songs like “Give Me Your Eyes,” “See Me Through It,” and “I’m Not Who I Was.”  Brandon’s latest project is called "The Ache."  

Does God still transform lives in an instant today? Pastor Josh Brewer would say yes. As the leader of Transformation Youth Camp, he’s seen firsthand how God breaks through even the hardest hearts. In this episode, Josh shares the powerful story of a young girl who arrived blind to God’s love—only to encounter Him in a way that removed the scales from her spiritual eyes. She didn’t just see—she was filled with an overwhelming love of God. "She didn’t want to be there. And then, God broke through." 

Twelve years ago, Gina’s husband passed away after a short battle with cancer.  She was left with two young children, and it was so hard. She couldn’t imagine ever loving someone that way again.  Across the country, Jeff was feeling the wounds of a hard divorce.  Marrying again seemed so unlikely. But as the years passed, both Gina and Jeff began to pray, and their friends started praying, too.  Was it possible that God might have someone they could love?  In this special Valentine’s episode of The Unfolding, we share a beautiful story of hope, trusting God, and finding love.  Show Notes:  Find wedding photos here: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast  And here: https://www.instagram.com/the.unfolding.podcast/ 

“We prayed for her to wake up on Valentine's Day. And she did—but in heaven.” Every year, Lee and Terry commemorate their daughter Amanda’s passing with a homecoming celebration. In this deeply moving episode, they share the painful journey leading up to Amanda’s diagnosis, the heartbreak of losing her, and how their faith was tested in unimaginable ways.  In 1985, they noticed Amanda was experiencing sickness—vomiting, headaches, and eventually struggling to walk. What seemed like minor symptoms led to a devastating discovery: a brain tumor. As they walked through grief, anger, and doubt, they encountered God’s presence in ways they never expected. Their story is one of sorrow, faith, and the unlikely survival of their marriage despite overwhelming loss.  The full interview with Lee and  Terry will be featured on the Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast on February 18th. Subscribe so you don't miss it! Apple or Spotify 

Riley Kehoe was 10 years old when her family’s island vacation turned into a nightmare.  On the morning of December 26, 2004, an earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia. Riley’s family had to run for their lives from a tsunami with waves up to 100 feet high. It was a terrifying experience that took the lives of more than 200,000 people. In the aftermath, fear threatened to rule Riley’s life. It would take years to understand the wounds she carried and even longer to find freedom from fear. Riley is the author of Three Seconds of Courage: How Small Acts of Bravery Lead to Big Change.      You can follow Riley Kehoe on Instagram, at https://www.instagram.com/rileywithcourage/