This Was Never the Plan

Just a year and a half after a tragic car accident claimed the lives of her son and daughter, a grieving mother shares what it means to wrestle with God in the midst of unimaginable loss—and still refuse to let go of Him. Mimy's story is an honest conversation about raw grief, surrendering what cannot be understood, and learning to rest in the character of God when answers do not come. Because sometimes faith looks less like having grief tied up in a pretty bow and more like clinging to God through the darkness—wounded, wrestling, and yet anchored in the sure hope of Christ and Heaven.        

A brain tumor diagnosis has given writer, poet, and musician Christian a new opportunity to practice the truths she has long written and sung about. One week before brain surgery, she shares how creativity can help us process grief, express what is difficult to say, and rest our hearts in the providence of God.  

In this episode, we explore how God's Law reveals our deepest grief—our separation from Him—and how His abounding grace through Jesus brings life, forgiveness, and hope. Rooted in Romans 5:20 and 2 Corinthians 2:4, this conversation invites listeners to see how grace can breathe real joy into the midst of sorrow.  

If you have walked through deep grief, you have likely experienced seasons of anger—anger over suffering someone else caused, anger at circumstances you never wanted, or perhaps even anger toward God. Shepherds in the Valleys pastor Todd Smith joins us to explore a biblical view of anger: where it comes from, when it becomes sinful, how we can respond to it, and how God brings healing to hearts wounded by suffering.    

Jacob was never expected to survive, but God had beautiful plans for his life. In his 37 years, Jacob taught those around him to enjoy life, cherish one another, and celebrate every blessing from the Lord along the way.  His parents sit down with Emily to share the remarkable ways God used Jacob—not in spite of his disabilities, but through them. His story is a beautiful reminder that every life has immeasurable value, God-given purpose, and the ability to leave a lasting impact on others.

Even our most carefully laid plans can take an unexpected turn. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "The mind of a person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Vaneetha has walked through polio, the loss of an infant son, infidelity, and an unwanted divorce—sorrows she never would have chosen or planned. She joins us to share how, through each unexpected turn, God has faithfully directed her path for her ultimate good and His glory. Our lives may not unfold according to our plans, but no part of our story is without purpose. Even the paths we never planned can be filled with hope.

Have you ever avoided talking to a grieving person because you didn't know what to say? This episode, with one of our Shepherds in the Valleys, is filled with wise advice for how to be a blessing to the hurting and avoid wounding them with thoughtless words.  

The men and women we turn to in life's scariest moments are often left to silently carry the weight of all they have seen. On this episode we sit down with Los Angeles County Fire Captian, Sven Michaelson and his wife, Alisha. They help us understand the unique challenges first responders face and how the church can serve these families who serve ours so sacrificially.  

The Christian race can feel impossible to endure when we encouter trial after trial, but there is hope! Jesus has given us all we need to run our race with perservernce and encourage our brothers and sisters during the hardest seasons.  

When their daughter, Faith, was diagonosed with Trisomy 18, John and Gillian teathered themselves to the anchor of their faith in the raging sea of uncertainty. They found the Lord to be faithful, even in the midst of great sorrow.