Family Culture with Erica Bankston

I loved getting to sit down with Leanna Crawford (lattes in hand, of course). Leanna grew up homeschooled in a small farm town in Washington, found Jesus at a young age, and felt God put a calling on her life to do music. The doors opened. She moved to Nashville. Life was good. And then it got really hard. She shares honestly about the season when anxiety kept her up at night, when she couldn't sit at the piano without crying, and when she felt like she had let everyone down. We talk about how God used her sister Lindsey, a counselor at Porter's Call, and the people around her to keep pointing her back to Jesus. That's how she found her love for music again. Not "I have to do this." "I get to." We also talk about God's timing being so much better than our plans, the unexpected gift of marriage, the long wait to get pregnant... and Leanna shares some really sweet baby news right here on the show. 🤍 If you're in the valley right now, I pray her words at the end of this episode land right where you need them. God doesn't waste your pain. Scripture we touched on: Romans 8:28 Proverbs 13:12 Jeremiah 29:11 Ephesians 1:4 Resources mentioned: Porter's Call (free counseling for artists): https://www.porterscall.com Leanna's album, Thank God Connect with Leanna: Website: https://www.leannacrawford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannacrawford/ Hannah's Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/ Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/ Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/ #LeannaCrawford #ChristianPodcast #FaithStory

Today I’m sitting down with Madison Watkins to talk about a testimony that is ultimately a story of God’s pursuit. Madison grew up knowing the Lord and knowing she had been given a voice for a purpose. But after finding success through reality singing shows and pursuing a career in Los Angeles, she began to realize how easy it was to know God while still seeking the things of the world. As opportunities grew, so did the pressure to build her own name. Slowly, the industry began changing her—and eventually, Madison found herself at the end of herself. But God never stopped pursuing her. Madison shares how getting sick became an unexpected turning point, how God asked her to lay down her career and her gift, and why she stepped away from singing for an entire year. In the stillness, she began hearing His voice again. And when God eventually called her back to music, the assignment was clear: use the gift He gave her for His glory. We talk about surrender, identity, the distractions that keep us from hearing God, dying to our flesh, and the freedom that comes when we stop trying to make our own name known and start living to make His known. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’ve wandered too far, become too distracted, or held too tightly to something God is asking you to surrender, I hope Madison’s testimony reminds you: He is still pursuing your heart. Guest Social Media: Instagram: Madison Watkins TikTok: Madison Watkins Hannah’s Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/ Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/ Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/ #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #UnexpectedPodcast

In today's episode of Unexpected with Hannah Love, Shay and I sit down with our dear friends Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink for a conversation about marriage, family, faith, identity, and finding contentment in every season.

This episode is extra special — we’re sitting down with family for the start of a new Couples Series, and it’s one of the most honest, life-giving conversations we’ve had. We talk about marriage, communication, prayer, and what it really looks like to build a family rooted in faith — not perfectly, but intentionally. In this episode, we cover: What prayer actually looks like in marriage (and why it can feel hard) Learning how to communicate in different seasons The power of speaking life over your spouse and your children Why family culture matters more than we realize Letting go of control and embracing the season you’re in What it means to lead, love, and serve within your family There’s so much beauty in doing life alongside people who point you back to truth — and this conversation reminded me just how important that is. If you’re married, preparing for marriage, or simply navigating relationships and family… I pray this episode encourages you right where you are.

In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Laura Sanger, we go deeper… into truth, into awareness, and into the authority we have in Christ. This is one of those conversations that may stretch you a little—but my prayer is that it also strengthens you. We talk about the reality of spiritual warfare, the importance of understanding what we’re up against, and how we can stand firm without fear… because we already have victory in Jesus. And most importantly—we end in hope 🤍 ✨ In this episode, we talk about: Why understanding the battle matters The importance of truth in a world full of confusion Protecting our minds and our families Recognizing deception and staying grounded in God’s Word Walking in the authority we’ve been given through Christ Raising the next generation with faith and discernment This isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness. And when we truly understand who we are in Christ, everything changes. You are not a victim… you are walking in victory.