“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.  Hear the full interview with Lee and Terry, featured on the Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast. 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/

Melissa shares how one act of obedience became a powerful confirmation for someone desperate to know that God sees, hears, and loves her. Melissa stepped into a conversation with a woman and felt God’s presence in a way she couldn’t ignore. Then, God asked her to do something bold: tell a complete stranger, “I love you.” Fear and doubt held her back, but what happened next showed God’s perfect timing. 

As a rising star at a Fortune 500 company, Hope Reagan Harris thrived on the thrill of getting the next promotion and pay raise. A bigger house, more expensive car, and international travel were all the stuff that was supposed to signify success and happiness.  But after six years of climbing the corporate ladder at a dizzying pace, Hope realized she’d been so determined to move ahead, she didn’t recognize her heart and soul were getting left behind.  Hope is the author of Now Over Next: Conquering the Fear of Missing Out and the founder of Purpose Doesn’t Pause, a movement to offer encouragement to women through handwritten cards.     

In the Bible, mountaintops symbolize moments of spiritual clarity, renewal, and connection with God. For Averil Shadd, a new widow navigating the profound grief of her darkest valley, the mountaintop became more than a metaphor. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, not just to find healing but to offer hope to others walking through the shadows of loss. As Averil explains, "I wanted to do something that would stretch me so far that I would embrace suffering, so they would know someone could see them and love them." In this episode, she shares how her faith and determination turned her despair into a mission of love and purpose. Note: Averil first shared her story on the podcast A Widow’s Heart, hosted by Pam Lundell (Episode 32). Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify

Chris Baker has devoted his life to helping people walk out the words of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” As the founder of Ink 180, Chris has given away more than two million dollars' worth of free tattoos.  Not just any tattoos- these are tattoo cover-ups and removals for people who are making a change in their life, like former gang members, sex trafficking survivors, or domestic violence survivors.  He takes something that was a mark of shame and fear and transforms it into something beautiful.      https://www.instagram.com/ink180boss/  https://www.facebook.com/Ink180 

Despite achieving material success, Derek Mason found himself consumed by emptiness and despair—so much so that he considered taking his own life. In a moment of desperate prayer, an unexpected encounter with sparrows led him to Matthew 10:29–31, revealing that he was profoundly seen and cherished by God. This pivotal sign brought radical transformation, shifting Derek’s life from hopelessness to a renewed sense of purpose. His story reminds us that, even at our lowest, God’s love has the power to bring hope and meaning. Hear Derek on episode 100 of the Manly with Andy podcast on Apple or Spotify. Or learn more about Derek's book, Embracing Our Full Victory in Christ: The Journey from Darkness to Light.  

Bob Goff has spent decades trying to convince people God is over the moon about them. If you struggle to believe God loves you and if you long to live a life of adventure, Bob’s story will inspire you. Bob is known as the guy who included his phone number in the back of his first book Love Does, because he loves people and wanted to be available. Since then, he’s written multiple New York Times bestselling books and included his number in every one of them.  Bob says his greatest ambition is to love people and inspire others to follow Jesus into a life of adventure, whimsy, and wonder. In this episode, Bob talks about starting a zoo, getting gored by a cow, shot with a pellet gun, and visiting the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. His new book is Catching Whimsy.  It’s an invitation to wake up each day expecting to live a more meaningful life, a more engaged faith, and a more intentional future.   Show Notes:  https://www.bobgoff.com/      https://www.instagram.com/bobgoff/  https://www.facebook.com/bobgoffis 

Rick and McKenna bring us the story of Megan Woods. At a crucial moment in Megan's life, God's word came to life for her, and a call to sing for Him seemingly came out of nowhere.    Here's the full episode on Apple or Spotify, where you can subscribe to The Morning Focus with Rick and McKenna for daily encouragement in God's Word!      

When you wait for years for an answer to prayer it’s easy to get discouraged. The Band Jaren is fronted by two sisters, Jaren- lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, and Jade- who sings and plays electric violin.  These super-talented young women started playing music before they started school.  Now, at ages 20 and 19, they have an unusual clarity about the call on their lives.  Their passion is to play music that brings wandering hearts to Jesus.  It’s a prayer their mom, Sonya, has been praying for decades.  Answers to those prayers have come in the most surprising ways.   Show Notes:  https://www.instagram.com/thebandjaren/  https://www.youtube.com/@thebandjaren