Episode 9: Breaking the Cycle — Healing, Hope, and a Mother’s Journey
Release Date: 08/12/2025
My Struggle, His Glory
In this special episode of My Struggle, His Glory, co-host Boyd Deal steps into the guest seat to share his own journey of faith. Boyd reflects on growing up on a farm, losing his father at a young age, navigating family hardship, and learning hard lessons through his first marriage. He shares how those struggles shaped his faith, deepened his reliance on community and mentorship, and ultimately led to the founding of Second Chance Ministries. Boyd’s story is a reminder that God can redeem even the most difficult seasons and use them for growth and purpose. This episode offers hope and...
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In this deeply moving episode, Laura Walker shares her family’s journey through the loss of her daughter, Alicia, to Ewing sarcoma — a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. A lifelong Alabama farm resident, wife, and mother, Laura reflects on Alicia’s diagnosis, the grueling months of chemotherapy and radiation, and the hope they clung to as a family of faith. Laura speaks candidly about the heartbreak of learning that Alicia’s cancer had returned and that treatment options were exhausted. Honoring Alicia’s wish to come home, the family walked through her final days surrounded by...
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In this week's episode, Becky Stewart shares the story of how her life—and her family’s—was forever changed by the sudden loss of her husband, Chad Stewart. Chad was many things: a respected attorney, an avid hunter, a devoted Auburn fan, and above all, a loving husband and father to their three children. His death left Becky navigating grief as a young widow with children who were only 11, 9, and 7 years old. Becky speaks candidly about the questions that followed—about faith, uncertainty, and learning how to grieve while still being strong for her kids. She reflects on how journaling...
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In this powerful episode, Cate Stewart opens a window into the moment that changed her life forever—the sudden loss of her father, Chad Stewart, when she was just 11 years old. What begins as a story of heartbreak becomes a testament to resilience, faith, and the quiet ways God shows up in the middle of devastation. Cate shares vivid memories of her father’s warmth, the curiosity he sparked in her, and the small rituals she still uses to keep his presence close. She speaks candidly about the loneliness that follows grief and the surprising places where comfort began to...
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In this episode, hosts Todd Ledford and Boyd Deal welcome Dave Walsh, pastor of Ariton Baptist Church, to share his journey from an unchurched background to a life of faith and ministry. Boyd’s personal connection — his son married Dave’s daughter — adds a meaningful family dimension to the conversation. Dave reflects on how he and his wife Tracy began attending church simply to meet people, only to find their lives transformed as they both came to faith and were baptized together. He shares how trusting God through financial hardship, including learning to tithe during tight seasons,...
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In this powerful episode, Janice Pitchford shares the tender and courageous story of her daughter Dawn, a bright and compassionate 14-year-old who bravely battled AML leukemia in 1987. Through heartbreak and healing, Janice reveals how faith carried her family through unimaginable loss and inspired the creation of the Dawn Pitchford Fund, which for 37 years has supported the essential, non-medical needs of children fighting cancer. Janice's message of choosing joy, trusting God, and honoring Dawn’s legacy offers hope to anyone walking through grief, sickness, or struggle. For more...
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This episode features Melinda McClendon — a wife, mother, advocate, cancer survivor, and woman of deep, resilient faith. Melinda reflects on her life growing up in Dothan, her unexpected love story with her husband Ted, and the joy and purpose found in raising four children — including her son Buck, who was born with Down syndrome and became a blessing that reshaped their entire family. She also shares how her work in the special-needs community grew out of personal experience and a desire to create more inclusive opportunities for others. The episode takes a powerful turn as Melinda...
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In this episode, we sit down with Bethany Phillips — a wife, mother, and fourth-grade teacher from Ariton, Alabama — to hear her powerful story of faith through infertility and the miracle of adoption. For nearly a decade, Bethany and her husband Mike walked through heartbreak, loss, and unanswered prayers as they pursued their dream of becoming parents. From the pain of miscarriage to the emotional toll of IVF and failed adoptions, Bethany opens up about how her faith in God never wavered — even when her hope did. Through tears, prayer, and the steadfast support of her community,...
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This moving episode features Mr. Dell Hill, a man whose entire life story reveals the steadfast power of faith amid adversity. Born and raised in Talladega, Mr. Dell recounts the pivotal moment in 1971 when he and his wife, Carolyn, encountered Jesus Christ in a way that forever changed their lives. From managing the daily demands of a family farm to confronting the brink of financial collapse in the early 1980s, Mr. Dell opens up about the struggles that nearly cost him everything — including $250,000 in debt and the fear of losing his land. Yet, through it all, he...
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In this heartfelt episode, Rhonda Hayes opens up about her deeply personal journey through heartbreak, healing, and hope. After a painful divorce that left her feeling isolated and judged, Rhonda found strength in her faith and the promises of Scripture. She shares how prayer, perseverance, and forgiveness led her from brokenness to restoration — and ultimately to a new chapter of love with her husband, Philip. Through candid reflections and spiritual wisdom, Rhonda reminds listeners that no matter how dark life gets, God is still writing a story of redemption. This conversation is an...
info_outlineWarning: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including abuse, trauma, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised. If you find these topics distressing or triggering, please take care of yourself and consider whether to listen at this time.
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Angela Mitchell shares her journey confronting deep family trauma, navigating faith, and ultimately finding healing through forgiveness and community.
With raw honesty, she recounts her struggles with abuse, depression, and suicidal thoughts, as well as the pivotal moments that led her to embrace hope and break the generational cycle. Through stories of resilience, motherhood, and personal growth, Angela offers encouragement to anyone facing darkness — reminding listeners that faith, support, and courage can lead to transformation.
For more stories like this, visit mystrugglehisglory.com.