Today, we are thrilled to air our first story from our newest community group in Charleston, South Carolina. We know it will leave you longing to seek God’s heart and trust His perfect timing!

Reagan Barfield shares her story of walking through several difficult seasons of her life, including an accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury, the loss of her best friend to cancer, her struggles with infertility, and the devastating experience of two miscarriages. But… through it all, Reagan explains she would never trade the moments of suffering as they led her to experience the loving hands of a God Who provides and transforms her heart.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

- Oftentimes, it is in moments of crisis where God leads you to daily prayer.

- True peace is not found in answered prayer but in God walking with you in your sufferings.

- Through prayer, God’s desire is to give you more of His heart.

Links:

Listen to a similar story: Ep. 316- Amber Robinson: “Clinging to What is True: A Story of Waiting on God”

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a bonus story from Misty Hedspeth from our Raleigh community!

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Reagan and our past storytellers

We want to hear from you, and today is the last day to participate! Please complete our Listener Survey.

Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered in-person on June 18th, 6:00-8:30 PM CST

Future dates- Online on July 8th; 9:30-11:30 AM CST and August 20th; 9:15-11:15 AM CST

Need an idea for a summer Bible study? Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series!

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭

Did you know one person dies every 52 minutes from an eating disorder? This is a devastating statistic that is addressed firsthand on today’s podcast by Erica Antonneau, our storyteller who spoke at our Tulsa, Oklahoma community.

Erica vulnerably shares her journey of struggling with perfectionism and self-sufficiency which ultimately led her down the destructive path of anorexia. Her candidness about the idolatry of body image in her life and in our society will give you fresh insight into the world of eating disorders and how easy it is for someone to fall into this trap. However, in the end, Erica points us all to the saving grace of our Father who can take any weakness and turn it into the glory of His strength.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- Surrendering your life is foundational in experiencing Jesus as Savior.

- Eating disorders can oftentimes reflect a spiritual disorder of the heart.

- Opening your palms to surrender to the Lord is a way of physically acknowledging God’s sovereignty and expressing your trust.

Links:

Listen to a similar story:

Episode 117- Mari Beth Poor: “The Octopus of Anorexia”

Episode 269- Erin Yost: Rescue, Recovery and Freedom- An Eating Disorder Story

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Erica and our past storytellers

We want to hear from you! Please complete our Listener Survey

Register for one of our two workshops being offered this summer!

In-person on June 18th from 6:00-8:30 CST

Online on July 8th at 9:30 AM CST:

Register here: Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

Need a summer Bible study?! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!

We live in a world full of change with unexpected suffering and situations beyond our control, and it’s easy during that time to get caught up in our circumstances and miss God in the details.

Kim Johnson, on our new Pinehurst, North Carolina community team, reminds us in those moments where life has taken a turn it’s important to remember God is good, faithful, and loving. As Kim shares her story, you are going to be inspired to begin looking for God in the everyday and practicing the discipline of gratitude. And, if you’re not someone who journals, Kim just may motivate you to start!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- Don’t get so caught up in the outcome of your prayer request that you miss God in the details.

- Look past your circumstances and cling to the character of God.

- Seek and you will find- Seek for God’s faithfulness!

Links:

Listen to a similar story: Ep. 211- Nichole Baker: “Miracle Upon Miracle”

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kim and our past storytellers

We want to hear from you! Please complete our Listener Survey

Need a summer Bible study?! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!

**DISCLAIMER: Please listen with caution and away from little ears as this story references abortion

Being in the midst of suffering, heartbreak, and tragedy can be painstakingly lonely and the most desperate time of your life. You can be left questioning God, confused as to why He isn’t answering your prayers, and even downright angry with Him.

Today’s storyteller, Beth Mull, from our Raleigh, North Carolina community, experienced all of these emotions as she walked through the unraveling of her marriage and the terminal diagnosis of her baby daughter. But, as Beth recalls through her story, it was in those feelings of helplessness that she can clearly see the Father’s persistent pursuit of her heart through His unconditional love and redemptive power as He led her to His unique purpose for her life. This story’s ending just may surprise you!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- God’s Word is powerful, strengthening you for what lies ahead.

- Never let your past disqualify you for what God may be calling you to.

- God has something big for your life, so bravely follow Him!

Links:

Listen to a similar story: Ep. 270- Lauren: "Peeling My Shame Away"

The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a “Story Within the Story” with Beth and her role as director of Love Life in Raleigh

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Beth and our past storytellers

We want to hear from you! Please complete our Listener Survey

Need a summer Bible study?! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!

Happy Holy Week! The team at Storytellers Live is praying blessings over you this week as you celebrate our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. And, wow, do we have the perfect story to get your mind focused on the good news of Sunday?

Oftentimes, when life is not going as planned and our prayers aren’t being answered the way we want them to be, we are left questioning God and His ways. But, as today’s storyteller reminds us, our God is purposeful in the pain and the messy middle is where His best work takes place.

Anna Thompson, from our Memphis, Tennessee community group, shares her story of walking through the confusion, heartbreak, and anger she experienced when she desperately wanted a second child and her life’s picture was not developing as planned. Anna’s words are going to inspire you to rest in knowing that even in the midst of unanswered prayers God is weaving together a beautiful tapestry of His love, goodness, and grace.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

* God is faithful even if the answer to your prayer is no.

* The Lord and His love will sustain you no matter the circumstances. (Romans 8:38-39)

* Only in Heaven will you see the top side of the tapestry that God is weaving here on earth.

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8

Links:

Anna’s book- The One and Only You

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Anna and our past storytellers

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a “Continue the Conversation” of Anna’s story and Easter traditions with Robyn, Katie, and Lindy.

We want to hear from you! Please complete our Listener Survey

Need a summer Bible study?! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!

Register for our online workshop being offered on May 6th:

Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live’s weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings!

Sin followed by subsequent shame and guilt can send us into some of the darkest places of loneliness, isolation, and weariness… places where the Lord never intended for us to be. After all, Jesus came to bring abundant life (John 10:10) and rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-29).

Dawson Cooper, who spoke at our live gathering in Mountain Brook, Alabama, beautifully reminds us of these truths as she recounts her journey of walking through an unplanned pregnancy and subsequent marriage to becoming a parent and letting go of childhood dreams. In her story, Dawson sweetly shares the gospel message of redemption, as she encourages us to look to Jesus alone to fulfill our needs and see the moments of life where His Holy Spirit has shown up - reminding us His fingerprints are all over our stories.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- Admitting your weaknesses to others can be powerful in the hands of God.

- God never intended for you to carry shame and guilt - He longs for you to bring those heavy burdens to Him.

- Your past doesn’t define you - you are righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Links:

Listen to similar stories:

Ep. 82- Addie Lamberth: “The Unexpected Gift of Life”;

Ep. 219- Chapple Chandler: "A Life Renovated"

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Dawson and our past storytellers.

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content.

Need a summer Bible study?! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series, including the newly released Discovering God in Stories of Faith!

Register for our online workshop being offered on May 6th:

Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

Coping with a learning disability can be frustrating and discouraging, not to mention emotionally, mentally, and spiritually challenging. But… what if you saw that disability as a gift directing you to God’s purpose for your life?

On today’s podcast, Kendra Morgan, from our Tulsa, Oklahoma community, shares her story of struggling through school and the difficulties she faced in the classroom until one professor was determined to figure out how she learned best. The results of his testing were life-changing for Kendra and led her to God’s vision for her life. This inspiring story will encourage you to know that God is indeed purposeful in your pain.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

- Sometimes, a learning disability just requires a shift in how you are taught.

- With the right tools, your brain can train itself in how it retains information.

- God can bring great vision to those who are seeking His calling.

Links:

Building All Children - Kendra's non-profit ministry

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kendra 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 our online workshop being offered on May 6th:

Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story

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