#42 | Reading Scripture and Why It Matters (incl. Ask Uncle Brad)

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Justin sit down with Mississippi State assistant baseball coach Matt Kirby to talk about character, relationships, and the people and experiences that shape who we become. Coach Kirby shares his journey through college baseball and coaching, the mentors who left a lasting impact on his life, and how his faith has developed along the way.Whether you're an athlete, coach, leader, or simply someone who wants to be intentional about the person you're becoming, this conversation is a reminder that the game eventually ends, but character and the way we treat people leave a lasting impact.Leave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany, Brandi, and Darius wrestle with the question: Does who I am matter more than what I accomplish? They talk about the pressure to perform, the difference between being gifted and having character, and why the qualities athletes develop off the field or court matter just as much as the skills they develop on it. Talent may get an athlete noticed, but character shapes how they handle the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that come their way.The hosts also explore how the people around athletes can help them see beyond their performance and why the way they live today prepares them for circumstances they haven't faced yet. Accomplishments tell part of an athlete's story, but character reveals something deeper. The goal isn't just to achieve something great, it's to become someone who makes a lasting impact.Resource Links Mentioned in this Episode: Word Study: Character and Mental Health Article Leave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Uncle Brad sit down with Mississippi State cross-country and track athlete Madelyn Keating to talk about developing a personal relationship with God, learning to engage with Scripture, and sharing the Bible with others. Madelyn shares how tearing her ACL in high school challenged her understanding of God and ultimately helped her move beyond simply knowing about Him to talking with Him and trusting Him through difficult circumstances.Whether you're learning how to read the Bible for yourself or looking for ways to share its truth with others, this episode is an encouragement to start where you are, keep seeking God, and discover how His Word can shape the way you live.Leave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Justin sit down with Trey Kilgore, Mississippi State's women's soccer strength and conditioning coach, to talk about pursuing Jesus, asking questions about faith, and allowing Scripture to shape how we live. Trey shares his journey of exploring church history and different Christian traditions, why his faith is the foundation for his work and relationships, and how consistent time in God’s Word has shaped his perspective on life.The conversation also explores practical ways to study Scripture, from reading for familiarity and digging into context to personal reflection and studying in community. Whether you feel like you don’t know enough about the Bible or you’re ready to go deeper, the challenge is simple: start where you are and keep going. Leave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Justin talk about what it means to be ready when your number is called—both in sports and in your walk with Jesus. They explore the difference between consuming Christian content and truly engaging with Scripture, sharing why spiritual growth requires more than just taking in information. The challenge? Don’t just consume the Word—let it change you. Learn to receive, reflect on, and respond to Scripture while embracing your own walk with God instead of comparing it to someone else’s.Resource Mentioned in the Episode: Power of 4+ (Center for Bible Engagement Study)Leave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany, Brandi, and guest co-host Brad Smith continue their What Matters series with a conversation about Scripture and why getting into God’s Word is about so much more than checking a box, finding an answer, or collecting Bible knowledge. They talk about what it looks like to know God—not just know about Him—and how Scripture helps us recognize His voice, understand His character, and grow in relationship with Him.The crew also introduces Ask Uncle Brad, a new segment where Brad brings his wisdom, stories, and life experience to questions from college students. They tackle dating as a freshman, how to lovingly speak truth to a friend in an unhealthy relationship, what makes us “love blind,” and how to recognize maturity in the people we surround ourselves with.Resource Link Mentioned in this Episode: Word Study: ScriptureBible Project Links:What is the Bible?How the Bible was FormedHow to Read the BibleLeave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Darius and Bethany invite Andric Knott (aka “Spiffy”) to the podcast to set the record straight on what it takes to be a mascot at an SEC school. Bethany pulls receipts from a conversation she, Darius, and Justin had back in Episode 3 about whether or not mascots are athletes—and invites Spiffy to give the inside scoop on what it really takes to be Bully.The conversation covers mascot tryouts, training camp, secret identities, terrifying children, Spirit Squad life, the Bully cart, weddings, free concessions, and why being a mascot might be a lot more athletic—and demanding—than you ever realized.If you’re looking for some fun, easy listening with plenty of stories, laughs, and a few lessons along the way, this episode is for you!Leave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Brandi are joined by Shayla Pierce to continue the conversation about worship—not just as something we sing, but as a lifestyle and a choice. Shay shares part of her own journey with Jesus as they explore what it looks like to represent Christ through the way we live, what we prioritize, and what we look to for fulfillment and sustenance.The conversation takes a deeper turn: How does something good become an idol? Athletics, relationships, family, success, ministry, social media, recognition—even things God has given us as blessings—can slowly become things we depend on to sustain us. Through the story of the golden calf, the struggle of waiting on God, and the connection between control, attachment, and contentment, they unpack some of the subtle clues that reveal when something may be taking the place of God in our lives.Ultimately, this is a conversation about recognizing what has our hearts, being willing to admit where we’ve become attached, and discovering the freedom that comes when we can enjoy God’s gifts without allowing them to control or sustain us. Resource Link Mentioned in this Episode: Word Study: IdolLeave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Brandi are joined by Jeremiah Pierce for a conversation about what worship actually means—and why it is so much more than a song.Jeremiah breaks down the difference between praise and worship, including the idea that praise can be about what God has done while worship is about who He is. The conversation also explores how different denominations and church traditions express worship, from contemporary worship music to hymns, silence, liturgy, sacraments, and everything in between.But the conversation eventually moves beyond the church service. If worship is about giving something the right to influence us, what are we worshiping every day? Our sport? Our relationships? Our success? Our reputation? And what happens when the things we worship inevitably fail us?So the question isn't whether you're worshiping. The question is: What are you worshiping?Scripture Discussed in this episode: Romans 12:1Resource Link Mentioned in this Episode: Word Study: WorshipLeave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Darius, Brandi, and Bethany continue their conversation around “What Matters” and take a deeper look at the word "believe." They explore the difference between superstition and biblical belief, the human desire for control, and what it means to trust Jesus rather than trying to create a desired outcome through our own efforts.Questions discussed in this episode include: If we are saved from sin and death and saved to life, what does it actually look like to live from that reality? Are we practicing spiritual disciplines because we are trying to be saved—or because we are already saved? And what happens when belief moves beyond simply knowing something is true to actually trusting and relying on God?Along the way, they talk about performance, works, gratitude, spiritual disciplines, God’s character, seasons of growth, and learning to trust Him with both the big things and the little details of everyday life.Scriptures Discussed in this episode: John 20:31, Romans 4:3, Acts 4:12Resource Link Mentioned in this Episode: Word Study: BelieveLeave Us a Comment!Send us your comments! Either use the comment link above or email [email protected] the Created to Be podcast on Instagram: @createdtobepodcastFollow Hailstate FCA on Instagram: @hailstatefca_Follow Hailstate FCA on Facebook: FCA at Mississippi StateCheck our website for newsletters, updates, and events: www.msufca.orgDonate to Hailstate FCA