The Heart of the Home: Mental Well Being and Lasting Love with David Thomas, Sissy Goff, & Gabe and Rebekah Lyons

This week, we’ll hear from two incredible actors—Chrissy Metz, best known for her role on TV’s This Is Us, and Edwina Findley Dickerson, known for her roles on The Wire and Chicago Med. Through their transformative work as actors, they strive not only to compassionately portray their characters, they deeply inhabit them, telling powerful stories with empathy and grace.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Cole Prasse Upcoming interview: Justin Knoop   Chrissy Metz This Is Us Jim Carrey  Jack Black Robin Williams www.chrissymetzmusic.com When I Talk To God, I Talk About Feelings   Edwina Findley Dickerson  The Wire  Chicago Med Psalty’s Christmas Calamity Duke Ellington School of the Arts www.edwinafindley.com The World Is Waiting for You Interview Quotes: “I wanted to be an actor because I wanted to tell stories that I never saw or people like me that I’d never seen on TV or movies that weren’t just the butt of the joke, but had like full-fledged stories and important lessons to impart.” - Chrissy Metz  “I start my day with a gratitude list before I even get out of bed because life is fleeting, life is precious, people are going through so much—but you can always find at least ten things to be grateful for.” - Chrissy Metz  “I just know that what’s meant for me will find me, even if I’m running away from it. It will be God’s time, not mine.” - Chrissy Metz “When people tell you things almost as a fact, you can start to believe it if you don’t have another voice. God told me I was called to entertainment, and I thank God that I leaned into His voice even when other people’s voices seemed louder, because God’s plan is the one that won out.” - Edwina Findley Dickerson “We can end up with what I call the ‘curse of comparison,’ and then we can talk our way out of what God is trying to talk us into.” - Edwina Findley Dickerson  “From Genesis to Revelation, we see people who were not considered the smartest, who were not considered the most powerful, who were not considered the most beautiful, but were called for a purpose. If we lean into some of those scriptural examples of people who were not the likely candidate from other people’s point of view, but were exactly who God chose, then I think we can see ourselves in that lineup, and start leaning into our calling.” - Edwina Findley Dickerson  “I think like most people, there’s a chasm between what you believe that God has promised you in your life and your current circumstances. A lot of times when God’s promise enters your life, it can speak very differently from your current reality.” - Edwina Findley Dickerson “Sometimes the choices that you make aren’t necessarily about what would come naturally to you—sometimes it’s purely surrendering to what God is calling you to do.” - Edwina Findley Dickerson  “If God has called you to do something, do it in obedience, even if you don’t understand how it’s going to end up. You have no idea what kind of blessings are on the other side.” - Edwina Findley Dickerson ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, we’ll hear from Bethany Joy Lenz, an actor, singer, director, and now author, who shares a deeply personal story of her time in a spiritually abusive community and the journey of healing and rediscovering faith that followed.  Later in the episode, we’ll hear from speaker and non-profit founder JT Mestdagh. Born with a rare and complex condition that led to over a dozen major surgeries before the age of sixteen, JT’s life has been anything but ordinary. From long hospital stays to reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, he’s faced life’s toughest challenges with an optimism and heart for helping others.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Amy Downs Upcoming interview: Chrissy Metz Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV   Bethany Joy Lenz Dinner for Vampires Richard Barrett Brooklyn College of Opera Guiding Light  One Tree Hill Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV www.bethanyjoylenz.org   JT Mestdagh Mount Kilimanjaro JT Mestdagh Foundation VACTERL syndrome Dyslexia Children’s Hospital Colorado ww.JTMestdagh.com No Bad Days Interview Quotes: “I fundamentally believed—not in my head, but in my body and my heart—that if I did all the right things, if I checked off everything on the Christian girl list, then God would be pleased with me, and I would have a good life.’ - Bethany Joy Lenz “You need your brain in order to have faith. God is so big. He’s not afraid of us thinking. The more you think, the more you understand, the more Christianity makes sense out of everything else in the world.” - Bethany Joy Lenz “When you understand what you believe—when you think about it and you research it and you journal about it, the further you dissect it, the more intricate and fascinating it becomes.” - Bethany Joy Lenz  “God is big enough to not be intimidated or afraid of your questions, your mess, that spaghetti bowl of confusion. God is big enough to untangle it and to guide you.” – Bethany Joy Lenz “I always talk about finding your tribe—the people around you that are going to support you and help you throughout challenges.” - JT Mestdagh “I look back at moments where the Good Lord has worked in my life—where the doors were closed and new doors were opened along the way—and it is totally Him working with me and through me.” - JT Mestdagh “When I look back at my conversations with the Lord, my time with Him and speaking to Him has been some of the most encouraging moments that have gotten me back on track.” - JT Mestdagh “There are no bad days. There’s only hard days, and we get through them with the Good Lord.” - JT Mestdagh ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*This episode contains mature content. This week, we hear from two remarkable women who dared to pursue their dreams even when faced with disbelief, ultimately dedicating their lives to helping others through their art and work. First, country music star Mickey Guyton shares her journey of breaking barriers and finding her voice in an industry that wasn’t always ready for her. Then, author and speaker Lea Hurley opens up about how her personal health experiences shaped a life and a business she created to help herself but ended up helping others in a way she never dreamed possible.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: David and Tamela Mann Upcoming interview: Bethany Joy Lenz   Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV   Mickey Guyton  Joanna Gaines  The Cosbys LeeAnn Rimes Dolly Parton Jessica Bendinger Charlie Pride www.mickeyguyton.com Jesus Calling: Songs for Sundays CD   Lea Hurley  American Dream Nut Butter Neuroendocrine cancer Tunnels to Towers Foundation  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.americandreamnutbutter.com   Interview Quotes: “The challenges were people trying to change who I was or trying to interpret who I was as a black woman. And I understand the cultural differences, but people were trying to make me palatable to a country music audience.” - Mickey Guyton “Country music literally fell into my lap. “It was a God thing. It was a spiritual thing. It chose me.” - Mickey Guyton “I was like, ‘Why do you think country music isn’t working for me?’ And my husband was like, ‘Because you’re running away from everything that makes you different. Country music is three chords and the truth. Why aren’t you leaning into that?’” - Mickey Guyton  “I’m not only pursuing a career for myself, but pursuing a career for people that come after me. How can I help them? This may never happen for me, but how can I help the people that are coming up after me?” – Mickey Guyton  “I would say to anyone out there who is struggling to change either physically or mentally or emotionally that you really need to dig deep and find what your “why” is. You are going to have to rely on that every single day when it’s hard.” - Lea Hurley “I’m a major dessert person, so I figured out that I can make nut butter taste like the desserts that I was missing, but still have all the things that I was allowed to have.” - Lea Hurley “I feel like you just have to be plugged into Him, plugged into the Word all the time, so that you can receive what He’s trying to tell you and to be open to where it might come from.” - Lea Hurley ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’re joined by certified master naturalist and author Eryn Lynum. Eryn gives us insight into how Jesus used nature in His teaching, and how scripture reflects thoughts of nature as well. As she looks at these connections, Eryn finds that God is beckoning us toward rest, and she shares some practical ways we can weave rest into our day-to-day lives.    Guest’s Links  Facebook: @authorerynlynum Instagram: @erynlynumauthor  YouTube: @erynlynum Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/4l7Gbn5  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website TikTok   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In honor of National Dog Day, we’re sharing a heartfelt story about the special bond we share with our pets—and the comfort they bring in life’s hardest moments. Steve Wohlberg, a husband, father, author, and speaker, grew up in Hollywood with a deep love for animals. From Great Danes to turtles to a dog named Jax, animals have always been part of his story. After a painful loss, Steve began to explore what that bond really means—and how it can point to something bigger than ourselves. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Dr. Sy Garte, a retired research biochemist who spent much of his life convinced that science held all the answers. Raised in an atheist household, Sy’s early perspective left little space for questions of faith or meaning beyond the material world. But as his life unfolded, experiences both personal and professional began to challenge that view and a growing curiosity led him to reconsider what he believed about life, purpose, and truth.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Michael and Zina Goodin Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV   Steve Wohlberg National Dog Day Matthew 26:36-46 NIV White Horse Media Genesis 2:9-19 NIV Exodus 20:11 NIV Proverbs 12:10 NIV book of Jonah  Matthew 10:29 NIV Will My Pet Go to Heaven? *The first ten people who call Steve’s office at White Horse Media will receive a free copy of either “Will My Pet Go to Heaven?” or “Approaching Armageddon.” Call 800-782-4253 for your copy today!    Dr. Sy Garte National Institutes of Health Scientism American Scientific Affiliation   Interview Quotes: “I think the reason why people grieve so greatly over the loss of a pet is because God our Creator is the author of the bond between people and animals. I really believe that God ministers to people through animals.” - Steve Wohlberg “When people are hurting, when they need a touch of love, animals can be a big part of God revealing to us that He cares about us.” - Steve Wohlberg “The last thing [my dog Pooka] did was look full view into the eyes of her master. I thought, That’s the way we need to be with Jesus. When we get into tough times or if we’re about to die, we fix our faith on Him because He loves us and He wants us to have such a relationship with Him.” - Steve Wohlberg “God can use tragedy, and He can bring good things out of it. It really makes me look forward to heaven and to the new earth where we’ll be with not only Jesus but with friendly animals.” - Steve Wohlberg   “There are millions of things that we know to be true that we know not through science. Science can only address a certain number of things because the scientific method is not able to ask and answer questions on things like, Why do I love this or that person? Why am I the way I am?” - Dr. Sy Garte “If you think that God doesn’t love you, you’re wrong, because I know He loves you, because He loves even me. And if He could love me, how could He not love you?” - Dr. Sy Garte “Belief in Jesus Christ, belief in biblical reality, and everything in science are not in conflict, but in fact, completely compatible. I think that if you ask the right questions about all of this—where did this purpose come from, where did this cognition come from, why is life this way—there’s no scientific answer that relates to physics or chemistry, just as there’s no scientific answers to how life began that relates the physics and chemistry.” - Dr. Sy Garte “We have to be quiet if we want to hear the voice of God. You don’t know what form it’s going to take. It could be somebody smiling at you. It could be anything. But pay attention and you will hear it.” - Dr. Sy Garte  ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode mentions suicide and depression and may not be suitable for all listeners. This week, we’ll hear from actress and producer Patricia Heaton. Beloved for her roles in Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle, Patricia has faced seasons of grief and depression while navigating the ups and downs of a demanding industry, and shares how she has used comedy as a way to connect on a deeper level, helping others find light and meaning even in life’s hardest moments. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from journalist Anita Vogel. With a career spanning more than three decades, Anita has reported from small-town newsrooms to national television screens. She’s covered some of the nation’s biggest stories, but behind the headlines, it’s her interviews with everyday heroes and her experiences on the frontlines of breaking news that have shaped her deep commitment to telling meaningful, lasting stories.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Nika King Upcoming interview: Steve Wohlberg Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV   Patricia Heaton St. Cecilia’s convent Aneurysm Unexpected Everybody Loves Raymond  The Middle www.patriciaheatonofficial.com   Anita Vogel Fox News Channel  University of Southern California Congressional Medal of Honor The People Concern in Los Angeles Pacific Palisades  Interview Quotes: “When my mom died, it was so important that we had our Catholic faith because there’s a certain foundation with that that you land on when things like that happen. You’re still dealing with grief and pain and there’s suffering, but because we knew she was with Jesus, there’s certain things you don’t have to wonder about.” - Patricia Heaton  “There were times when I could feel depression coming on, as if someone was taking a shade and pulling it down. I could feel it coming on, and I remember I would just be saying prayers over and over. So, it definitely gives you a solid landing place while you’re struggling.” - Patricia Heaton   “The entertainment industry is really a difficult industry—there are no guarantees and there is zero security. It’s actually a really good place to be, because in life, there’s zero security except our relationship with Jesus. That’s the only guarantee.” - Patricia Heaton  “The balance to try and strike is to be in the moment as much as possible—present to what God wants you to do and present to the people that you’re in the room with so that no event is ever wasted.” - Patricia Heaton “You do commit, but you have to know that you’re not in charge of the result. So in that sense, I’ve always had to let God be God because things fall apart so easily. We just have to believe that He has a plan, and that He will open doors and shut doors, and that’s what’s best for us.” - Patricia Heaton “Your family and your relationships and each other are the most important things, and God has you in His hands through all of it.” - Patricia Heaton “God is much bigger than our problems. He’s much bigger than our sins. He’s bigger than our failings, so we just need to learn to rest and relax in Him and trust and have faith in His love for us.” - Patricia Heaton  “God is in control, and as a human being, you can only do as much as you can to survive, to protect your loved ones, to protect others. At the end of the day, God is present and He is watching all of this, and we just have to have faith that things are unfolding according to His plan.” - Anita Vogel “I always say a prayer and I always ask God to help comfort these people to get them through this horrific time. I don’t know how God does it. He has His own special way. We just have to have faith that He does something special for these people, to bring some kind of peace and comfort back into their lives.” - Anita Vogel “That’s one of the highlights of my career—that I do get to meet people from all walks of life and people who helped shape my life.” - Anita Vogel  _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, focusing on the tragic events in Texas that happened in July 2025 with deadly flooding in Kerr County, and the heroic folks who have come to the aid of those who have lost so much.   Devastating floods, triggered by torrential rains and the rapidly rising Guadalupe River, struck Kerr County, Texas. This catastrophe, which resulted in numerous missing persons and confirmed deaths, now stands as the second deadliest flood in Texas history. As search efforts for the missing continue and debris cleanup is underway, singer/songwriter Cory Asbury, known for his song “Reckless Love,” alongside other musicians, organized a benefit concert. Their aim was to provide hope, solace, and aid to the affected families who are striving to rebuild their lives. Cory highlights how these families’ experiences have resonated nationwide, underscoring the enduring power of love in times of adversity.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens   Camp Mystic Camp Mystic girls singing “Reckless Love” “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury Texas On My Mind fundraiser t-shirts  Patrick Mahomes Tim Tebow Derek Carr Russell Wilson Morgan Wallen Eric Church    Cory’s website Corey’s Facebook Corey’s Instagram Corey’s Twitter/X Corey’s YouTube   Youth-Reach Houston Youth-Reach Houston’s Facebook Youth-Reach Houston’s Twitter/X Youth-Reach Houston’s Instagram   Interview Quotes: “When we heard about the flooding there in the hill country of Texas, we knew we had to get involved. We’re praying for you guys, we’re behind you guys, we know what you’re going through, and we’re with you in whatever capacity we can be.” - Cory Asbury “We put together the benefit show in literally 10 days. We did this show in Nashville as sort of an extension of love from here. To see people come together like that was really beautiful.” - Cory Asbury  “It was emotional just being able to gather for those folks and know that we can do something, whether big or small, to kind of lighten their load.” - Cory Asbury “I have been able to personally see the work that [Youth-Reach Houston has] done. And it's truly incredible to see these families when they knock on the door and say, ‘Hey, can we cut these trees down for you? Can we rebuild your roof?’ And to watch these families just weep knowing that God is there with them is incredible.” - Cory Asbury “I feel like [the song]  ‘Reckless Love’ is the opus of my life. I feel like it encapsulates all of my life, all of my experiences. It was me knowing what an absolute failure I was on so many colossal levels. And then God’s still going, ‘Hey, I’m still beating down your door. I still want you. I’m still chasing you down, though you’re chasing after other things.’” - Cory Asbury “Through all things with prayer and supplication, make your request known to God, right? So we open our mouths and we go, ‘God, I can’t do this. I’m freaking out. I don’t know how to deal with this situation. Can you please help?’ And I think there's something beautiful to that honesty that He steps in and He helps.” - Cory Asbury “There’s no better prescription for anxiety or stress than to actually take it to [God] in prayer. And He doesn’t mind honesty, that’s what I’ve found. He’s waiting to help.” - Cory Asbury ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, we’re joined by Sissy Goff and David Thomas, longtime counselors and co-executive directors at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville. With over three decades of experience each, Sissy and David have dedicated their lives to walking alongside kids and families as they face anxiety and stress and providing kids with tools for healthy living. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from authors and speakers Gabe and Rebekah Lyons. Gabe and Rebekah are parents to four children—including two with Down syndrome—and they share about the unexpected challenges that have deepened their family’s bond.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Ellie Holcomb Upcoming interview: Patricia Heaton Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV   Sissy Goff  David Thomas Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville Raising Boys and Girls square breathing www.raisingboysandgirls.com The Daystar Dogs   Gabe and Rebekah Lyons Down syndrome THINQ Media The Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides to Build a Marriage That Thrives Interview Quotes: “[We are] teaching kids that God’s equipped us with something as simple as breathing that will begin to slow down our heart rates and settle our bodies so we can feel more in control of our emotions.” - David Thomas  “We can only take the kids we love as far as we’re going ourselves. If we’re not regulating our own bodies, if we are not able to respond rather than react, then everybody’s going to be  operating out of the amygdala of their brain, which is the fight or flight region of our brain.” - Sissy Goff  “Helping [children] learn that they can lean into how loved they are and to where God has uniquely gifted them, and step out in that to experience things that might sound a little scary, ends up being a whole lot of fun, and really rewarding, too.” - Sissy Goff “We were gracious that God helped bond us through a crisis that we weren’t expecting. That’s given us a bond and a trust and a lesson to keep going back to His faithfulness, as well as what it means to turn towards one another.” - Gabe Lyons  “Every season of life is an invitation for conflict and stress because it’s new. We’re all rookies throughout the entirety of our marriage.” - Rebekah Lyons “Sometimes in a marriage relationship you dream early on, but man, as life piles up, we’ve had to really implement a structure of our rhythms that allow us to keep having conversations about the future.” - Gabe Lyons “[In marriage] we’ve realized that God’s given us each other as part of our healing, to help us experience the fullness of feeling alive and being connected.” - Gabe Lyons  “We’re so grateful for the example of Jesus who modeled humility, who humbled Himself, that He took death on a cross so we could be free, we could have life. We believe that’s a picture of what our marriage should look like—humbling ourselves, walking in the freedom that Jesus paid for so that we could have that.” - Rebekah Lyons  _______________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

*This episode mentions suicide and may be triggering for some listeners. This week, we’ll hear from Erin Leigh Nelson, founding executive director of Jessica’s House, a grief support center for children, teens, young adults, and their families coping with the loss of a parent or sibling. Erin’s story is marked by deep personal loss—waves of tragedy that shaped her life and inspired a mission to help others heal. Through heartbreak and resilience, she’s found a way to create a space where young hearts can find hope, expression, and connection. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Allie Marie Smith, a writer, speaker, mental health advocate, and founder of Wonderfully Made, a nonprofit that helps young women discover their worth. Once a high-achieving student and athlete, Allie faced a battle with depression and trauma that reshaped her path.    Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Jay Lowder Upcoming interview: David Thomas & Sissy Goff Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith on UPTV   Erin Leigh Nelson Jessica’s House Psalm 68:5-6 NIV Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon When Grief Comes Home   Allie Marie Smith Wonderfully Made Social Media Reset Interview Quotes: “After Carter died, I just had this sense that I felt unsafe in the world. I wondered where God was and if He noticed. I had prayed so much for protection for my children, and I went into a raw place of grief.” - Erin Leigh Nelson  “I experienced this beholding of love that was so deep—and it was beautiful in some way—because I had this feeling of God surrounding me even in the darkness.” - Erin Leigh Nelson “I adopted a practice of just sitting in silence in God’s love for ten minutes every morning. I think it really did increase my intimacy with Him because I was able to be so honest and be in a place of unbelief for as long as it took.” - Erin Leigh Nelson  “When a child has support, when they can express what they’re going through, when they can find ways of expression through art and music and play, they are more likely to experience post-traumatic growth.” - Erin Leigh Nelson  “If you don’t take the time to be with your healing, to surrender to the grief process that God has placed in each of us, sometimes we can miss the depth of how much healing we can discover for ourselves.” - Erin Leigh Nelson “Every day was a battle. I was struggling silently, and no one knew. The way I coped was I hustled for my worth, and I pushed back against the depression through overachieving and through perfectionism.” - Allie Marie Smith  “I felt abandoned by God. I thought that when I gave my life to Him, I wouldn’t have any more troubles or I would never struggle with mental health issues again.” - Allie Marie Smith  “I have been waiting my entire life to hear that I wasn’t an accident, that there was a God who intentionally and lovingly created me with awe and dignity and purpose, and that I was so loved and held by God.” - Allie Marie Smith  “As we meditate on things that are true and good and lovely, God can actually heal the neural pathways in our brain. We can live our lives to the fullest without any regrets.” - Allie Marie Smith  “You’re not broken. You have been chosen. You are so valuable and loved, and God has a hope and a future for you. This isn’t the end of your story—there is hope.” - Allie Marie Smith  ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

On this episode of Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer, we’ll hear from special needs mom and caregiver Jessica Ronne, who shares about life with her son Lucas. After finding out her yet-to-be born son had a stroke in utero, Jessica faced the reality of caring for a child with profound disabilities. On top of this, her husband would be diagnosed with brain cancer, and ultimately would pass away. Alone with four children to raise, Jessica recounts her survival story, and how her understanding of the needs of caretakers and those they care for led her to start her nonprofit, The Lucas Project.  Guest’s Links Jessica Ronne’s Facebook: @jessronneofficial Jessica Ronne’s Instagram: @jessplusthemess    Watch this interview on our YouTube channel! https://bit.ly/447S4CS  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website TikTok   *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media* Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.