Worthy Living: The Story of Melissa Lott
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
Childhood trauma and abuse led to poor decisions and more trauma as an adult. By the time she was 23, Melissa’s heart was hard and unfeeling. But Jesus—the Light of the World and the bringer of life—restored her heart, giving her the ability to feel, forgive, and see goodness in people. MELISSA LOTT is a warrior for Christ who combats the world's ugliness with the Gospel. Jesus has restored her heart, giving her the ability to feel, forgive, and see goodness in people. She enjoys sunshine, being courageous in darkness, and being a whole bunch of trouble...
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A Lifer Set Free with Marianne Van Dongen
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
What was supposed to put an end to her pain multiplied it instead! Sentenced to life in prison at 26 for murdering her abusive husband, Marianne blamed God for not fixing things in the first place. But the harder she ran, the more God pursued her. MARIANNE VAN DONGEN frequently returns to the same prison where she was incarcerated for 27 years, ministering to women through the Jesus Infusion (thejesusinfusion.org). She also volunteers with parole and probation programs and at various correctional institutions, helping persons who are reentering society to successfully...
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Finding Beauty in the Storm with Essie Faye Taylor
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
Essie found out the hard way that when we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting for God’s perfect plan in His perfect time, things can get very messy and very painful. Still, the moment we turn to Him, He turns our ashes into beauty. ESSIE FAYE TAYLOR is a wife, bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. As the author of the "Finding the Love You Deserve" series for women and teens, she is deeply committed to sharing the healing power of the gospel. Learn more at essiefayetaylor.com. "Finding Beauty in the Storm: The Story of Essie Faye Taylor" can be found...
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Looking For Peace with Bill Fay
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
Prostitutes, racketeering, and gambling...OH MY! As a successful professional gambler before he finished college, Bill had it all—money, power, possessions, and women. Degree in hand, he moved up quickly in both business and the underworld. But no matter how much he obtained, something deep inside him was never satisfied. BILL FAY is a graduate of Denver Seminary and a former chief chaplain for the Colorado State Patrol and DEA. He has spoken cross-denominationally for 40 years. His best-selling book, Share Jesus without Fear, has been translated into 54 languages. It provides...
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Build an Unshakable Foundation with Lauren Everett
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
“Don’t be afraid. I am here.” Mere hours after hearing these words, Lauren learned that her husband, renowned BMX racer Dave Mirra, had taken his own life. This promise from Matthew 14:27 and the foundation of faith she and Dave had built together are what got Lauren through the days and months that followed. LAUREN EVERETT helps others experience God’s tangible peace and love by serving at her local church and overseeing Victorious Living’s prison correspondence outreach. Read "Build An Unshakable Foundation: The Story of Lauren Everett" .
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Trains, Bullies, Cops...and Jesus w/ Jerry Howard
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
At ten years old, Jerry dodged a train…and the adrenaline rush that followed kept him playing chicken for the next two decades. Jerry’s daredevil nature merged with natural leadership qualities, and he looked good…right up until everything fell apart. But that’s when he turned to God, and today, he teaches CEOs and other executives to lead like Jesus in the marketplace. JERRY HOWARD is an executive mentor, speaker, and author whose mission of God is to share the Gospel of Jesus and to “go and make disciples.” Jerry owns multiple businesses and founded iNTREPiD iMPACT Team, a...
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The Beauty in Forgiveness w/ Stephanie M. Carter
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
When Stephanie learned her cheating husband’s mistress was pregnant, she went off the deep end. Hurt and anger became hatred. Suicidal thoughts became murderous ones, but as she cried out to God, all she heard was “Forgive them.” When she finally surrendered to that command, she found freedom and purpose for her pain. STEPHANIE M. CARTER is an author and the host of her podcast Reveal. Her heart is to help hurting and broken women learn who they are in Christ. To learn more, visit her websites at revealedgrace.com and stephaniemcarter.com. To read "The Beauty in Forgiveness: The...
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Head to the Cross w/ Stephen Barbee
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
Preacher’s kid Stephen Barbee rebelled early despite the bright prospects before him. Alcohol, drugs, and reckless behavior dragged him right down into the pigsty next to the Bible’s prodigal son. In his strength, he failed to stay clean, but a true surrender in prison brought healing and purpose to his life. STEPHEN BARBEE serves the incarcerated and reentry communities as a mentor and community outreach specialist. As the founder of P2P (Passion to Purpose), he shares his message of hope and transformation through Christ. For more information, go to p2pministry.org. "Head to the Cross:...
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God's Plan is Still Good w/ Parker Byrd
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
"God, I've always trusted you have a plan and a future for me. But this plan doesn't feel so good." A fun afternoon on the water turned tragic for college freshman, Parker Byrd. Twenty-two surgeries and a leg amputation later, he faced the likelihood that his dreams of playing college baseball were over. Where were God's "good plans" now? PARKER BYRD is an East Carolina University student and baseball team member. When he's not studying, working out, or playing ball, you'll find him sharing his inspiring story at various venues. "God's Plan is Still Good: The Story of Parker...
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The Best Part of Your Day w/ Stef Cabaniss
The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast
Grief and loss are a part of life we all experience. We can be taught how to deal with and cope with grief in godly, healthy ways. What we focus on thoughts and minds on changes the way we experience and relate to life. When Stefanie's best friend Mo was diagnosed with cancer, she became M's caregiver, willingly entering into the pain and struggle of survival. But as the disease progressed, Mo's ability to find something good in every day, no matter what, baffled and angered Stefanie. What good could come from Mo's illness? STEFANIE CABANISS was a public health professional before beginning...
info_outlineJC’s life is one of tragedy to triumph. To say JC’s life has been colorful would be an understatement at best. Years of childhood abuse set his life on a dark course. From drug running on the streets of Chicago at 11 to incarceration in a Mexican prison at 17 to finishing that sentence in a US federal facility at 24, JC didn’t have time for God. But God had time for him and intervened. Once a man to be feared, JC is now on a journey of love and healing toward wholeness and holiness. He now brings life and hope into the lives of others. Today, God’s peace and joy shine through his life as JC serves Christ wholeheartedly.
Stories like JC's show us that in Christ, we are strong and courageous. We have the power to overcome anything. Yes, we make a lot of mistakes but can be determined and disciplined to experience the hope of God's redeeming transformative power and become changed. With His help, we can experience a changed life and circumstance. It’s not always easy, but when we commit to the journey, we’ll find the peace we’re all looking for. With Jesus as our guide, we can learn from our past and become better, stronger people.
"Wrong to Strong: The Story of Julio (JC) Almanza" is found in Issue 4 | 2023 of Victorious Living Magazine.
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