Today's entry is from Laurel. She reflects on a time when the needs of a fellow human being drew her out of an introspective stupor, and allowed her to experience the joy of serving an unexpected neighbor. As you take in her story, listen carefully to how your life's story might be echoed in hers. How have you been impacted by serving others? Can you think of a time when others have helped draw you out of a mental or emotional fog? How did it happen? Matthew 16:24-26 After reading...

This episode features Katherine. A mother who loves Jesus but struggles to connect with her young daughter, Katherine reflects on the shame and discouragement that this strained relationship brings. But she also reflects on how Jesus' words of comfort free her to live into his gracious love. Reflect on a time when you felt shame? How did it affect your ability to be there for others? How did you ultimately get free of it? Can you think of a time when your faith helped you in a troubled...

In this compelling episode, Michelle talks about the slow outworking of God's love in her life, worked out over decades. As you listen to Michelle's story, we invite you to reflect on the following questions: How have you changed as a person over long periods of time? If you had a chance to talk with a younger version of yourself, what would s/he be surprised about? Think about your life as a journey. Where have you been? Scripture: Ruth What strikes you as interesting in Ruth's...

This week's story features Anne. A compassionate woman with a professional background in social work. At a critical point in her life, Anne found herself stuck in an unhealthy client relationship. Augmenting this unhealthy relationship was a deep, authentically felt religious fervor. Anne's story is one about rediscovery the grace of God and rebuilding her life in the wake of a series of fateful decisions. Have you ever been in an unhealthy relationship? How did you get out? Do you know...

Today's entry is from Dwaine. As an AirForce veteran, he experienced significant trauma from his time in combat. This experience followed him home, causing personal and relational challenges. The effects of his trauma became so burdensome that he eventually decided to end his life--that is, until a persistent pastor's words finally broke through. As you listen to Dwaine's story, we invite you to reflect on the following questions: Are you currently carrying a burden alone? Do you have a...

Today's entry is from Dean Gruner. He tells a powerful story about how three men's lives--and especially their deaths--profoundly affected the trajectory of his life, slowly releasing him from a life of self-focus to one of purpose, meaning, and faith. As you listen to Dean's story, listen closely to how your life's story might be echoed in his. We would also like to invite you to consider a few reflection questions: How have loss and suffering changed how you think about the world? How...

Jia Starr Brown is a powerful communicator. In this episode, she talks about how God has been at work through her life in moments of suffering around divorce, guilt, and shame. As you listen to Jia's story, consider your own life: Are there echoes of her life in your own? Has suffering ever helped you grow in your relationship with God? As you take in Jia's story, pay careful attention to your own life and how the Spirit might be addressing you.

A masterful storyteller, Rolf Jacobson talks about what it was like to get stuck with cancer as a teenager. As you listen to Rolf's story, consider your own life: Are there echoes of his life in your own? Have you ever been hit with life-altering news? Has anyone around you been hit with life-altering news? How can you best bear that burden with them?

Dan's life has been marked by threads of tragedy and hope, bondage and freedom. At key points when he was particularly stuck, memorable people and significant decisions opened new chapters in life. As you listen to Dan's story, consider your own life: Are there echoes of Dan's life in my own? Does anyone know the struggles I am currently facing? Whose life have I impacted? Is there anyone around me who is stuck? How can I support them?

With wit and humor, Katie shares a moving story about being stuck in guilt and shame. As you listen to Katie's story, consider your own life: Are there echoes of her life in your own? What is currently weighing you down? Who helps you bear your burdens? Who around you is also bearing burdens? How might you lighten their load?