Exiles

Christy experienced 3 major bipolar episodes from the age of 15 until her daughter was born in 2005. In part 2 of her story, God redeems all that was lost in the war. God redeems her motherhood, her work life, her purpose, and her ministry. God shows up in power, in process, and in people.  Listen in on a discussion with host, Beth Ferreira, and Christy's family about mental health and how we can help those who are suffering. 

Christy Burke suffered from bipolar disorder. She experienced her first major episode as a teenager. Through her battle with bipolar disorder, Christy came to know Jesus, met her husband, and had a baby. Each episode pushed her deeper into a darkness she could not escape. Christy's mental health affected all those around her. Hear from her husband, Rob, her dad, and her sister as they walk through this harrowing story of darkness and light. 

de novo means, from the beginning Trent's life didn't look like what his parent's dreamed. He couldn't move, couldn't eat, would never grow beyond the newborn developmental stage. Yet, he lived! Far beyond what the doctor's thought, far beyond what anyone thought would be possible. Trent's life was nothing like anyone expected; but God used him mightily. From the very beginning God embedded in his DNA what would make Trent's life so remarkable. His life was no accident, he was exactly who God made him to be: a warrior, fiercely loved.

When grief strikes, we often ask "Why". But for the grieving, the why is often unanswered. In today's episode Beth talks to author Heather Enright about her new book, "Sowing in Tears : The Father's Heart to the Grieving." Enright takes readers through the book of Ruth, seeking out what God has to say to those who grieve, what promises He has for our earthly losses. This new resource helps the grieving process and look for God in the midst of their anger, their dark night, and their pain.  Find more of Heather's works at https://www.boxclub.me/box-club-story Buy "Sowing in Tears" on Amazon For more stories from Redeemed go to www.redeemedvoices.com Music Written By Andrew Dean Piland ; Performed By Gold Coast; Produced By Gold Coast https://app.soundstripe.com/songs?filter%5Bq%5D=retreat+gold

**This episode contains depictions of violence, including sexual violence. This episode was recorded in conjunction with a breakout session on storytelling at Proclaim Truth.  How does God redeem a life spent in slavery? Rebekah (Bekah) Charleston was trafficked for 10 years as a teen and young adult. Her story of rescue and healing inspires thousands around the nation as a warrior, rather than a victim, for those still in bondage. Bekah Charleston is a nationally respected leader and a dynamic public speaker whose story of survival, triumph, and determination has been featured in communities across the United States and at the national level by numerous media outlets including Deadline Crimes, Daystar, Dallas Morning News, and the New York Post. After enduring a decade of abuse and exploitation, she built a career dedicated to the empowerment of Survivors and focused on community collaboration at all levels. In 2013, she launched Bekah Speaks Out to provide customized training and consultancy services to law enforcement, service providers, and community leaders alike. Since then, she has earned degrees in criminal justice and criminology, filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Nevada over the legalized prostitution industry, and worked with senators to advocate for the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act which provides victims the opportunity to vacate or expunge federal convictions resulting from their victimization. She previously served as the executive director of a non-profit that provided emergency housing, advocacy, and customized care to sexually exploited individuals and their families where she managed daily operations, programming, and community outreach initiatives. She has been an active member of the Fort Worth and Dallas Human Trafficking Task Forces for several years, has been publicly recognized for her critical work in the anti trafficking field, and has delivered a passionate talk at TEDx entitled “Tragedy to Triumph” that focused on the importance of resilience. In her current role, Bekah serves as the Strategic Initiatives Director at The Jensen Project, where she manages projects, partnerships and strategic initiatives that help fuel the end of sexual violence by identifying best practices and leveraging resources to raise the bar at a local and national level. Through her personal and professional platforms, she provides guidance and coaching for program development, strategic planning, and economic empowerment initiatives for survivors of trafficking. Dedicated to creating sustainable changes in policy, culture, and victim-centered responses, Bekah continues to educate audiences on the evolving dynamics of survival, from trauma to healing to community reintegration, and all of the challenges in between. In 2020, her advocacy efforts came full circle when Bekah herself was granted a full pardon by the President of the United States for crimes she was forced to commit during her victimization, reminding us all to hold steadfast to hope and to never stop fighting for justice. Speaking from the heart, she delivers a message of hope rooted in science, empathy, self empowerment, and transferable skillsets that every audience can grasp. Bekah’s goal is not only to change  perceptions, but to leave a legacy that demonstrates the dignity and strength of Survivorship. For more about Rebekah : http://www.bekahspeaksout.com/ Proclaim Truth Conference : https://www.proclaimtruth.com/conference2021 Other Resources: www.valianthearts.org Music Written By Andrew Dean Piland ; Performed By Gold Coast; Produced By Gold Coast https://app.soundstripe.com/songs?filter%5Bq%5D=retreat+gold

Charles was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy at a young age. He spent the majority of his life unable to move any of his body, with the exception of a thumb he operated his wheelchair with. He could not breathe on his own. From the outside, his life seemed unbearable. How does someone who is fully dependent on technology and others live a life full of purpose and hope? Thank you to Spring Rutland for sharing Charles' story with the world.  Music Written By Andrew Dean Piland ; Performed By Gold Coast; Produced By Gold Coast https://app.soundstripe.com/songs?filter%5Bq%5D=retreat+gold

**This episode contains depictions of violence and may not be suitable for all listeners. As Christians God calls us to forgive. But what if that person has done something so evil to you, that you have a right to your anger? Does radical forgiveness apply in the case of those who deserve radical justice? Hear Whitney's powerful story of forgiving her kidnapper. Music Written By Andrew Dean Piland ; Performed By Gold Coast; Produced By Gold Coast https://app.soundstripe.com/songs?filter%5Bq%5D=retreat+gold Sound by Moulaythami from freesound.org 911elearning https://freesound.org/s/528760/ Chicago Police Scanner thatjeffcarter https://freesound.org/s/114397/

****Please note: This episode is about suicide. There are descriptions and discussions that may be triggering or difficult for some listeners. After the suicide of her husband Mike, Deanna finds herself a widow and a suicide survivor. Hear her story of hope as she walks through the deep waters of grief and healing. THIS EPISODE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF MIKE LOUGHMILLER. Resources :- Books    - A Grief Observed by CS Lewis https://www.amazon.com/A-Grief-Observed-C-S-Lewis-audiobook/dp/B000EAT1UG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+grief+observed&qid=1605921856&sr=8-1 - God Will Use This For Good by Max Lucado https://www.amazon.com/God-Will-Use-This-Good/dp/0849922402/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RD2WJWPWP7JS&dchild=1&keywords=god+will+use+this+for+good&qid=1605921925&sprefix=God+will+use+%2Caudible%2C286&sr=8-1 - Sowing in Tears by Heather Enright https://www.amazon.com/Sowing-Tears-Fathers-Heart-Grieving/dp/B08DSZ35MZ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=sowing+in+tears&qid=1605922160&sr=8-2 Scripture Hope: - General search on "hope" https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=hope&version=ESV - Book of Ruth https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%201&version=ESV -Book of Job https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%201&version=ESV Suicide and Mental Health Resources: National Suicide Hotline https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ National Association on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/home Alliance of Hope : Suicide Loss Survivors https://allianceofhope.org/ Thank you to author and speaker Heather Enright. Proclaim Truth Conference https://www.proclaimtruth.com/ Music Written By Andrew Dean Piland ; Performed By Gold Coast; Produced By Gold Coast https://app.soundstripe.com/songs?filter%5Bq%5D=retreat+gold

This week on Redeemed hear host Beth interview singer/songwriter Claire Westbrook. Claire uses her talents to tell her own redeemed stories and share the hope and love of Jesus through her own personal experiences and vulnerability. In this special episode, hear their discussion and enjoy a special treat at the end!  Hear more from Claire HERE or on Facebook Intro Music Written By Andrew Dean Piland ; Performed By Gold Coast; Produced By Gold Coast https://app.soundstripe.com/songs?filter%5Bq%5D=retreat+gold

How does a family cope when they've been displaced from their homes, by not one, but two major disasters? Listen to the Ortiz family share how God's faithfulness has carried them through literal and figurative, life-altering storms.