Can grief and joy co-exist? Can families rediscover their joy after experiencing unthinkable tragedy? When our pain feels so intense we struggle to breath, we might fear we don't have the strength to carry on, the Lord comes beside us and speaks truth and love into our wounded souls. Amber Smith, wife to country music singer Granger Smith, experienced this in a profound way when she and her husband lost their precious toddler son in a tragic drowning accident. Their son's death could've shattered their marriage and their family. But because of God and His grace prior, during, and since that time, their relationship not only survived, but came out stronger. In this episode she shares how Christ carried them through and enabled them to heal and experience renewed joy.

Resource referenced: Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Looking back over seasons of your life prior to periods of hardship, in what ways might God have been strengthening and depositing truth into your soul to help you get through your dark season?
3. When has God used a difficult season to draw you closer to friends, family, or a spouse?
4. When has God used a difficult season to reveal His character, tenderness, and heart for you?
5. What truth do you (or can you) hold onto during difficult seasons?
6. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Connect with Amber Smith:

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol McCracken welcomes Debbie D’Souza to discuss The Dragon’s Prophecy, a timely new film exploring how ancient biblical battles echo in today’s conflicts in the Middle East. Debbie shares what initially struck her about the film’s message, how she has learned to navigate the tension between fear and faith when it comes to prophecy, and what encouragement she offers to those feeling anxious about world events. Together, Carol and Debbie explore what it means to resist evil without becoming evil, the importance of naming sin without demonizing people, and how American Christians can respond to this moment in history in ways that are rooted in prayer, faithfulness, and hope rather than politics.

Disclaimer: In this episode, our guest briefly discusses the Gaza/Israeli conflict, particularly from an Israeli perspective. We at Faith Over Fear recognize both sides have experienced cruelty and harm at the hands of the other, as is often the case with long-standing conflicts. We do not condone or endorse violence, nor is this episode an endorsement for such. Rather, it is a guest sharing her perspective related to the conflict and biblical threads she sees woven through it. If today's episode upsets you, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jennifer through her website JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com

From the Dragon Prophesy website: Creators "bring history, current events and bible prophecy together in a stunning and original film to illustrate the true meaning of October 7, anti-Semitism, terrorism, and the hidden forces that battle endlessly for the ultimate prize, which is the human soul – your soul. The film ends with an inspiring call to action to Jews and Christians to return to their roots and stand up for good and resist evil." In theaters on October 8th and streamed through Salem on October 9th.

Watch the movie trailer HERE.

Find out more HERE.

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. When you hear about prophecy in Scripture, do you respond more with curiosity, fear, or faith—and why?

2. How do you personally discern the difference between healthy vigilance and anxiety when following world events?

3. In your daily life, what does it mean to resist evil without letting bitterness or anger take root in your own heart?

4. How can you practice compassion for people caught in conflict while still standing firm against sin and injustice?

5. What role do you believe prayer plays in how believers engage with unfolding global events?

6. How might you faithfully respond to these times in ways that go beyond political opinions?

Find Carol McCracken:

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Join the Faith Over Fear podcast private group HERE.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

You may have heard people say, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." We've probably all witnessed times when this hasn't been the case. If we belong to and have entrusted our lives to Jesus, however, we can know with certainty that He will indeed use our most difficult and painful seasons to deepen our faith and intimacy with Him. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery introduces you to a powerful episode from another Life Audio podcast host, Sarah Young from Jesus Calling and two individuals who endured soul-crushing seasons that could've destroyed their faith. Praise God, by His grace, that's not His story. This episode is for everyone desperately clinging to hope during hardship and all those who love to hear and celebrate life stories that reveal the tender, faithful care and love of Christ.

Listen to more of Jesus Calling here and join us next week to hear Carol McCracken's faith-building conversation with Terry Crist author of Now You canStop Running. Make sure to let us know in the review section of your podcast app what you thought of our last two feed drops––would you be open to hearing more the next time Carol and I take a brief break, or would you prefer we still with our regular programming. Go in grace and the love and power of Christ, my friend!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many of us, at times, feel unknown, unloved, and unseen. Perhaps you were raised by emotionally disengaged parents, experienced a significant painful rejection in your adult years, or are battling self-condemnation related to past regrets and mistakes. Regardless of why we, at times, struggle to see ourselves beloved and worthy of love, we all need to know and experience the incomprehensible, unconditional, and never-ending love of God. In this episode, we're sharing a powerful biblical reflection from another LifeAudio host, Bonnie Gray, host of the Breathe: Stress Less podcast. Enjoy, and may this episode be one you can return to again and again, whenever you need the reminder that you are indeed seen, known and deeply loved.

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. When do you msot struggle to feel seen, known and loved?
3. How did it hit you when Bonnie suggested acknowledging that we're fearfully made (Psalm 139) is actually an act of worship?
4. How might reflecting regularly and deeply on God's heart for you help you heal from some of your past rejection or pain due to emotional reject?
5. What is one truth you can hold tight to from this episode, and how will you do so?
6. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Connect with Bonnie Gray:

On her website

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Subscribe to her podcast

Find Jennifer Slattery:

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Subscribe to her free newsletter

Find Carol McCracken:

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol sits down with pastor and author Kyle Idleman to talk about the battle in our minds. Kyle reminds us that our thoughts often lie to us—and if we don’t learn to take them captive, they can spiral into fear, shame, or hopelessness. Together, we discuss how to trace our fears back to root lies, discern truth from deception, and recognize the difference between conviction and condemnation. Kyle shares practical tools to challenge toxic thoughts, the role of Scripture as our weapon, and what it looks like to win small daily victories that lead to lasting transformation.

Whether you’re new to the idea of spiritual warfare in the mind or you’ve wrestled with strongholds for years, this conversation will encourage you that change is possible. With God’s Word, you’re not just managing your thoughts—you’re renewing them.

Resource referenced: Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back by Kyle Idleman

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What lie have you believed about yourself or your circumstances that God is inviting you to confront?
2. When anxious thoughts spiral, what first step could you take to trace them back to a root lie?
3. How can you recognize when a thought that “sounds wise” is actually pulling you away from God’s truth?
4. What practice could help you decide which thoughts deserve “a seat at the table” in your mind—and which don’t?
5. Which Scripture has most powerfully reshaped your thinking, and how can you internalize it more deeply?
6. Where do you need to move from simply managing thoughts to actually renewing your mind with God’s truth?
7. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Find Kyle Idleman:

On his website

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Follow his work on Amazon

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website

On Facebook

On Instagram

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol sits down with pastor and author Robert J. Morgan to discuss his newest release, God Hasn’t Forgotten You. Together, we explore how God uses our past to shape us, how to find courage when His providence feels slow, and why delays and disappointments may be God’s way of preparing us for what’s next. Morgan shares biblical examples, such as those of Zechariah and Elizabeth, as well as practical ways to break free from fear’s grip, and offers encouragement for those who feel sidelined or irrelevant. Listeners will walk away with renewed confidence that God governs every detail of their story—and that He hasn’t forgotten them.

Resource referenced: God Hasn't Forgotten You: 24 Remarkable Ways God Is Working in You and Through You by Robert J. Morgan

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. When you think about your past, are there areas where you’ve allowed regret or shame to imprison you rather than letting Christ use those experiences to develop you?
2. What does it look like for you to trust God’s providence at “the day-to-day speed” when His timing feels painfully slow?
3. How can being honest about your spiritual struggles (with yourself, God, or trusted friends) help weaken fear’s grip in your life?
4. Zechariah and Elizabeth waited for years without answers—how might their story encourage you in a season of delay or disappointment?
5. Where do you most struggle with fear of irrelevance—age, missed opportunities, or comparison—and how might God be preparing you for usefulness even now?
6. What is one small, practical step you could take this week to live as though God truly hasn’t forgotten you?

Connect with Robert J. Morgan:

On his website

On Instagram

On Facebook

Follow his work on Amazon

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website

On Facebook

On Instagram

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We've probably all embarked on a diet, workout schedule, or other new habit only to land in previous negative patterns. We might beat ourselves up, thinking we simply lack self-control. But what if there's something else going on--something related to our brain's wiring? And what if our choices today have the power to rewire our brain off self-destructive and self-defeating thoughts and actions and onto those that are life-giving? In this episode, host Jennifer Slattery talks with Dr. Alan Weissenbacher on our brains' capacity to rewire itself, replacing maladaptive programming with that which helps us thrive?

Resource Referenced: The Brain Change: 6 Steps to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life by Dr. Alan Weissenbacher

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What most resonated with you in this episode?
2. How have you seen the things mentioned in today's podcast revealed in your life?
3. When you consider your typical day, what do you most invest in: the neural pathways you don't want or those that lead to increased peace and life?
4. What is one win you experienced in the past couple weeks you can celebrate and thus reinforce?
5. How might or could you apply our understanding of our brain's ability to change help you in your current goals?
6. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are few experiences more painful than relational betrayal. But what happens when that betrayal becomes public and costs you your home and faith community? That was precisely what Toni Collier experienced when she not only experienced betrayal in her marriage but the people in her church, those she heavily invested in, ghosted her during her time of pain. But despite the pain she experienced, she also encountered the grace of God through the loving support of those who knew her, saw her, and stood beside her in her season of intense pain. This experience reiterated to her the importance of finding safe and support community upon whom one can depend. This episode is for everyone who feels alone in their pain and finds themselves in desperate need of a friend.

Resource referenced: Don't Try This Alone: How to Build Deep Community When You Want to Hide from Your Pain

Discussion/reflective questions:

1. What most resonated with you in this episode?
2. How easy or difficult do you find it to share your pain and struggles with others, and why is this so?
3. When have you experienced strength and comfort through others?
4. How might, or how has, allowing others to see our struggle helped you feel less alone?
5. Why might it be important to process our pain with the understanding that redemption is always on the way?
6. When and how have you seen God bring redemption from or through your pain?
7. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Find Toni Collier:

On her website

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YouTube

Amazon

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.