Libsyn Directory

First Monday Story: God Prepares You - A Story About the Loss of a Child :: Joni Cheney :: [Episode 347]

Release Date: 11/03/2025

Be Still and Hear God :: Joanne Bell’s Story :: [Episode 374]

StoryTellers Live

In a world full of noise and busyness, learning to be still before the Lord can feel difficult. Joanne Bell from our Storytellers Live community in Jackson, Mississippi, shares how God taught her the discipline of listening for His voice through seasons of deep hardship, from walking through a divorce to experiencing homelessness with her four children. Joanne’s story is a powerful reminder that when we slow down, open God’s Word, and walk in obedience, the Lord faithfully guides and sustains us. VERSE OF THE WEEK: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble...

Saved From Alcohol Addiction- A Story of Surrender :: Penny Thorne’s Story [Episode 373]

StoryTellers Live

Penny Thorne, who shared at our community group in Raleigh, North Carolina, grew up with a strong foundation of faith but quietly believed the lie that she had to earn God’s love by being good enough. That pressure followed her into adulthood, where she soon discovered alcohol helped to ease her anxiety of trying to be perfect. Over time, however, the alcohol began to take control. But God, in His kindness, had a plan for redemption. Through the love of her daughter, time in Scripture, and stepping into community, Penny encountered the pursuing love of a Father who never let her...

Choosing to Believe God - Trusting Through the Loss of a Child :: Beverly May’s Story [Episode 372]

StoryTellers Live

In seasons of deep grief, faith can feel less like certainty and more like a daily choice. Yet even the smallest seed of faith can grow into something that bears witness to God’s goodness. On today’s podcast, Beverly May from our community in Auburn, Alabama, vulnerably shares her journey through the sudden loss of her 13-year-old son, Will. As she looks back, Beverly reflects on the ways the Lord made His presence known—through His Word, His mercies, and the faithful care of His people. Her story is a powerful reminder that God meets us in the details of our lives,...

Dismantling My Pride :: Emma Flaugher’s Story [Episode 371]

StoryTellers Live

Pride is often subtle, yet it quietly shapes what we love, pursue, and depend on. In today’s episode, Emma Flaugher—who shared her story at our Charleston Live Gathering—speaks honestly about a lifelong struggle with pride and her deep desire for approval and applause. What began as faithful ministry leadership slowly became a place where the Lord exposed her craving for recognition and her tendency to find worth in the affirmation of others. With humility, Emma shares how God, in His kindness, began to dismantle her self-reliance and redirect her heart. This is a story about...

He Has Overcome - An Easter Story of Loss and Restoration :: Anna Meade Harris’ Story [Episode 370]

StoryTellers Live

Happy Holy Week from StoryTellers Live! As we approach Resurrection Sunday, Anna Meade Harris’ story invites us to sit in the tension of grief and hope—and to remember that the cross was never the end of the story. Anna, from our Mountain Brook, Alabama community, shares her story of losing her husband unexpectedly and raising three boys on her own. In the midst of loneliness, anxiety, and unanswered questions, Anna wrestled with not understanding God’s ways—yet chose to trust that He is good. Looking back, she now sees how God met her in the waiting, bringing...

Turning Pain into Peace, Purpose, and Freedom - Growing Up with an Incarcerated Parent :: Miranda Andrews’ Story [Episode 369]

StoryTellers Live

From our Tupelo, Mississippi community, Miranda Andrews shares a tender and powerful story of growing up without her earthly father after he went to prison when she was in second grade. In the ache of that absence, Miranda wrestled with feelings of rejection, confusion, and longing. Yet even in the pain, she can now see the steady pursuit of the Lord, gently allowing circumstances that would ultimately draw her to Himself and shape her future. After surrendering her life to Jesus, Miranda experienced what only He can do—turning deep wounds into peace, purpose, and freedom. Her...

Hope in the Hard - A Story of Surrender and the Presence of God :: Sarah Waller's Story [Episode 368]

StoryTellers Live

As we journey toward Heaven, God, in His kindness, continually reveals who He is and invites us to experience His presence more intimately. Today’s storyteller, Sarah Waller from our Homewood, Alabama community, reminds us that in life’s hardest moments, surrendering to God opens our eyes to His faithful nearness. Sarah shares how the Lord gently revealed His Kingship to her in her twenties and the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit in her thirties—showing up in both the big moments and the quiet, everyday ones. These revelations, however, were forged through deep suffering:...

Praying When God Feels Silent - A Mother's Story of Trust: Leslie Hedge :: [Episode 367]

StoryTellers Live

Watching your child struggle—whether with friendships, health, or their faith—is a journey no parent is ever prepared for. In today’s episode, our storyteller reminds us what it looks like to keep praying, even when God feels silent. Leslie Hedge, who shared her story with our community group in Fairhope, Alabama, watched her son struggle socially through his adolescent years. Her heart broke when he eventually walked away from his faith and declared himself an atheist. That heartbreak turned into fear and panic when an unexpected health crisis suddenly put his life at risk....

God's Kindness in Unexpected Motherhood:: Lauren Kelly’s Story :: [Episode366]

StoryTellers Live

When life doesn’t unfold the way we expected, it can cause us to question God’s love and His kindness. In seasons of sadness and disappointment, today’s podcast reminds us that the Lord is still at work—bringing good on our behalf and glory to His name. In this episode, Lauren Kelly, who shared at our Vestavia, Alabama live gathering, vulnerably tells the story of an unexpected journey. From being a single young adult to becoming the wife of a widower and the mother of three children, Lauren faced the challenges of stepping into grief, loss, and the feeling of living life in a...

Equipped by God - A Caregiver's Story of Alzheimer's: Jennifer Roberts [Episode 365]

StoryTellers Live

If you’ve ever cared for someone with Alzheimer’s—or loved someone who has—you know the quiet heartbreak of watching a person you cherish slowly fade, even while they are still physically present. It’s a journey marked by grief, exhaustion, and a longing for strength that often feels just out of reach. In today’s episode, storyteller Jennifer Roberts from our West Cobb community outside of Atlanta, Georgia, shares her experience of walking alongside her father-in-law as her mother-in-law battled Alzheimer’s. With honesty and tenderness, Jennifer reflects on the weight...

More Episodes

In the midst of intense brokenness, it can be extremely difficult to feel the presence of the Lord. Today’s “First Monday Story”is a sweet reminder to recognize that even in the most heartbreaking of circumstances, the Lord is with you.

Joni Cheney, from our community group in Fairhope, Alabama, joyfully expresses her faith and walk with the Lord during the most difficult time of her life. In this hope-filled story, Joni will point you to the unwavering truth found in Deuteronomy 31:8: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

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For more information on the Anna Todd Cheney Memorial Foundation, contact Joni at Cheneyfamily3@gmail.com

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