#1: Courage for Ordinary People with Max Lucado

Did you know friendship isn't just a social add-on or an emotional luxury? It's part of God's blueprint for life. So how do you build meaningful relationships in a world where we're more relationally disconnected than ever? Pastor and speaker Wayne Francis joins me to explore how Jesus modeled friendship—and what His example can teach us about doing relationships well. Drawing from Scripture, lived experience, and years of ministry in New York City, Pastor Wayne explains why meaningful friendship requires vulnerability—which can sound very scary, especially if you fear rejection, struggle to trust, or want to stay in control. But when your security and identity are rooted in Christ, it's not as risky as you may think. We talk about what it takes to move beyond surface-level connections, how to take the first step toward deeper friendship, and why vulnerability is worth the risk—even when it feels uncomfortable. So settle in, and let's learn how to do relationships like Jesus. *** LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get Wayne's book, Make Friends with Anyone: Practicing God's Design for Real Friendship in a Lonely World Visit Wayne's Website

Have you ever thought, "This is what I prayed for—so why am I struggling with it?" Maybe your prayer was answered, but now you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or even sad. It can be confusing, right? Well, be encouraged, my friend, because today, author Melissa Miller helps us understand why living in God's "yes" can sometimes be harder than we expected. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, and her own experience, Melissa explains why blessings can be both beautiful and difficult at the same time. She'll help you put words to what you're experiencing and see that just because you're struggling doesn't mean you're ungrateful or shouldn't feel the way you do. So, if you're living in a season you once prayed for but wondering why it feels so hard, listen in. You may discover that the mess doesn't mean something has gone wrong—it may simply mean you're still learning how to live in the blessing. *** LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Hope of Heaven Tour Get Melissa's book, But I Prayed for This: What to Do When Living in God's Yes Is Harder Than You Expected Visit Melissa's Website

What if we haven't gotten Christianity wrong—but haven't fully appreciated it for all it's worth? That's what we're exploring today with Dr. Alister E. McGrath, a renowned Christian scholar, Oxford professor, author, and former atheist. After sharing his journey from atheism to faith, Dr. McGrath explains how Christianity isn't just true; it can profoundly transform our lives. Because it isn't just an idea to believe; it's a reality to experience. And even though it's more than 2,000 years old, Christianity can still speak powerfully to the human heart, addressing many of life's biggest questions, such as "Who am I? What am I worth? What's my purpose? And what can I do?" So, if your faith has become all too familiar—or if you're wondering if what you believe is even relevant—listen in! This conversation will give you a fresh perspective and help you see what a difference Christianity can make. *** LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get Alister's book, Rethinking Christianity: A Thoughtful Guide to a Life-Changing Faith I also recommend Alister's books, C. S. Lewis -- A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet and Science & Religion: A New Introduction Visit Alister's Website

What do you do when life doesn't turn out the way you hoped—and you're left wondering, "Where are You, God?" Singer-songwriter, author, and my friend, Tammy Trent, knows that question personally. When a devastating tragedy struck, Tammy had to grieve not only what she had lost, but also release the life she thought she would have. It wasn't easy, but as she walked through her deep pain and loss, she learned to trust God's presence and character. So today, Tammy gives us biblical insight and practical tools for facing the hard questions we all ask in seasons of pain and disappointment. We talk about navigating unmet expectations and unanswered prayers, grieving without losing hope, and finding the strength to endure when life feels impossible. If you've ever felt like God is silent, distant, or nowhere to be found in the middle of your pain, Tammy will remind you that your questions don't disqualify your faith—and that you are never alone. *** LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Listen to Tammy "spill the beans" with Ann Voskamp, Annie F. Downs, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Shaun Groves Get Tammy's book, Where Are You Now, God? Discovering the Unshakable Truth that You're Never Alone Visit Tammy's Website God is Just Not Fair: Finding Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense - book by Jennifer Rothschild Missing Pieces: Real Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense - Bible study by Jennifer Rothschild

What if the hard things in your life aren't just something to get through—but opportunities to grow stronger on the other side? In this episode, Leslie Bosserman and I talk about emotional endurance: what it is, why it matters to your faith, and how you can develop it even when you're not fully aware of your emotions. Leslie teaches you how to build your emotional muscles so you can face challenges and persevere through setbacks and disappointment. Plus, Leslie will teach you to "Say Goodbye to Someday," a skill that will help you stop living in the shoulds, coulds, and somedays and start asking what God might be doing in you right now. So, if you're facing a difficult season, feeling stretched too thin, or simply want to be prepared for whatever comes next, this conversation will give you practical tools to keep going, keep growing, and trust God with the process. *** LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get Leslie's book, Emotional Endurance: Faith-Fueled Skills for Bouncing Back Get your FREE GIFTS from Leslie Watch Leslie's TEDX talk Visit Leslie's Website Me, Myself, & Lies: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself - book by Jennifer Rotschild