Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

Bo Stern and Justine Froelker have walked dark roads filled with grief and lost hope. Today, Bo and Justine share how God gave them strength during and in the aftermath of their personal heartaches, especially at the holidays. Author and pastor Bo Stern had a happy home filled with four children, lots of friends and a loving church family. After two decades of marriage, her husband Steve’s health gradually began to deteriorate and they came to learn he was battling the first signs of ALS. In her book When Holidays Hurt, Bo recalls how painful and disorienting the Christmas season was during Steve’s illness, and how she wrestled with how to hold sadness and joy in her heart during the holidays. As therapist and author Justine Froelker has grown closer to God and studied with shame and vulnerability researcher Dr. Brené Brown, she has learned how to share her painful journey so she can help others. One of Justine’s most painful battles has been her struggle with infertility, all the while witnessing her friends’ growing families. In an unlikely encounter with God on Christmas Eve, Justine realized He had been with her during every painful step of her journey, and He had great plans for her, though they might look different than Justine’s own plan for her life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Andy Stanley are two gifted communicators. Today, they tell us about the ways they reach out to inspire people young and old with the love and gifts God has for them. Up first, Kathie Lee Gifford is a television host, singer, songwriter, and author. She is the co-host with Hoda Kotb of the fourth hour of NBC's TODAY Show. When we spoke with Kathie Lee about her various successes, she talked about how her faith has kept her grounded through it all. She also shared about a new project she has been working on: a children’s book called The Gift That I Can Give, which encourages kids to recognize the unique gifts God has given each of us. In 1995, pastor Andy Stanley founded Atlanta-based North Point Ministries. Andy is one of the world’s most influential pastors, and one of the most prolific: he’s written more than 20 books, including his latest, Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World. Today, we talk with Andy about why he has a heart for connecting in a relevant way with people who haven’t been to church or have left the church, and about why he feels it’s important to reach people the way Jesus did: by showing His love to others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Country gospel singer Susie McEntire Eaton and professional team roper and minister Trey Johnson grew up in the world of Western sports and are spreading the message of Christ’s love through music and speaking. First up, Susie McEntire Eaton grew up in rural Oklahoma, the youngest of four kids in a family who worked their ranch and competed in rodeos across the state. She recalls the stories of her early music days, touring with her sister Reba, and meeting her husband on the rodeo circuit. When she became pregnant with their first child, Susie’s marriage took a turn she never expected. She candidly shares how she struggled with years of abuse and shame. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Country artist Aaron Watson and rodeo broadcaster Anthony Lucia are entertainers dedicated to sharing their struggles openly, along with the faith that has carried them through. First, we catch up with Aaron Watson, a man of deep conviction who uses his music to spread hope and joy, whether through albums dedicated to hurricane relief or filling our hearts with Christmas cheer. He also tells us why he’s so transparent with his fans about the joys and heartaches he’s faced, and how he’s able to find God’s peace through it all. Rodeo star and broadcaster Anthony Lucia was born into a family well-known across the rodeo scene. His father was a rodeo performer, and Anthony began joining him in performances at age 8. As Anthony’s star began to rise, he moved out his father’s shadow and into his own identity. As a result, Anthony’s relationship with his father became strained, but he tells a beautiful story of reconciliation and healing between father and son. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Rodney Atkins and Rope & Candice Myers join us to talk about their careers in music and Western sports, and why allowing God to guide their steps has help them celebrate success and heal from painful struggles. Rodney Atkins is a prolific artist who works to create music that connects with his fans. When we was just days old, Rodney was surrendered to the state by his birth mother. Today he tells us how he found his family, how he nurtured his love of music from a young age, and how his faith paved the long road to success in Nashville. Rope Myers came from a family of rodeo athletes and started competing at a young age. In 2001, Rope become the World Champion Steer Wrestler, breaking National Finals Rodeo records along the way. He and his wife Candice, a Christian singer and speaker, had the world at their feet until they were dealt a tough blow to their family and learned to rely on God new ways. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s guests, author and internet sensation Candace Payne and singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb, are invested in finding joy each day and showing others that they too can find joy, even during the most difficult seasons. Candace has a joy that is infectious. Her viral video of trying on a Star Wars Chewbacca mask is one of the most viewed Facebook videos of all time. Candace has written a new book called Simple Joys, where she helps readers connect with joy that is all around us. Today she tells us about the unlikely places she has found joy in her life, about her evolving faith, and how each of us can obtain the joy God has for us on a daily basis. Ellie began her musical career by touring the country with her husband in the Americana band, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Her latest projects include a children’s book and music EP, both titled Who Sang the First Song? Ellie talks to us about how she tries to bring joy through her music to those who are hurting, and her heart for sharing the truths of God’s Word with others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we talk with guests who have experienced and witnessed deep hurts and have helped others find hope and healing in Christ: Joni Eareckson Tada and Dedee & Greg Lhamon. Joni Eareckson Tada is the Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center, and an international advocate for people with disabilities. In 1967, when Joni was just 17, a diving accident left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, without the use of her hands. Today, she encourages us that even when we think there is no answer to our deepest hurts, we can find strength in Christ. Dedee and Greg Lhamon are the founders of The Covering House in the St. Louis area, a home for girls who have been involved in sexual trafficking or exploitation. Dedee and Greg recount how they have been used by God to reach many girls in their darkest moments and give them hope for a life free from the bonds of their hurtful pasts. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

These two men of faith strive every day to use their platforms for good: multi-platinum country artist Josh Turner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell. Throughout his career, Josh Turner has spoken frequently about his Christian faith, and he just released his first gospel album called I Serve a Savior. Josh tells us about his deep roots in the church and gospel music, how he and his family joined Bill and Gloria Gaither to produce the album, and why he feels compelled to be a good example for his fans. Michael McDowell has been racing since he was three years old, and always dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver. He achieved this dream, but not without challenges along the way. He tells us about the ups and downs throughout his career, and how, through it all, he’s learned to surrender control and rely on God for true success. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today we talk with two women whose lives were touched by painful struggles and can now see, despite their pain, that God has a plan to use their stories for good: author Rachel Hollis and cancer activist Gil Schaenzle. Rachel Hollis is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Wash Your Face. Rachel is a top motivational speaker and CCO of The Hollis Company, a media and lifestyle company, plus a mother of four. She shares some deeply personal tragedies and triumphs along her journey to success, and why she challenges women to reach for a better version of themselves every day. Gil Schaenzle is a tireless advocate for cancer awareness. When Gil’s daughter Anna was just 20, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of neuroendocrine cancer and passed away just nine months later. To raise awareness for the horrific disease, Gil decided to run through all fifty U.S. National Parks in just nine months, a dream she and Anna shared together. Today, Gil tells us about her daughter and their dream, and how she finds the strength every day to press on in her memory. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our guests this week have experienced what it’s like to be made whole through Christ: Christian musician Russ Taff and Proverbs 31 author and speaker Wendy Pope. Russ Taff is a GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning vocalist who has been hailed by Billboard magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music.” Russ shares harrowing experiences from growing up in an abusive and alcoholic home, his own battle with alcoholism, and his lifelong battle with shame. His experience and musical journey has been dramatized in the new film Russ Taff: I Still Believe. Wendy Pope has a heart for speaking to women and helping them step boldly into the lives that God has designed for them. Today, Wendy tells us about her newest book Yes, No, and Maybe: Living with the God of Immeasurably More. She shares how we can see past our disappointments and unfulfilled dreams and instead how we can discover treasures in our lives we may not be able to see at the surface. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.