Lessons from Living Beth Graham

Self-described "nobody," Barbara Demorest, describes how a personal encounter with cancer inspired her to find a solution for a common problem facing breast cancer victims.  She said "Yes," when many others may have taken a pass.  We talk about walking through open doors, not stressing when a door closes, the hazards of putting limits upon ourselves, how impostor syndrome impacts our ability to step forward, beginning with little steps, how to equip and inspire others, dealing with criticism, the symbiotic nature of giving/receiving, why caring is critical, humility and staying on guard against pride, suffering in order to transform, trusting and having faith even in adversity, how encouragement speaks life into people, and how God uses the nobody's.  Barb is certainly not a "nobody" to thousands of women across the globe, and you'll love finding out what a special somebody she is!
 
knittedknockers.org

David Zach is the lead singer and songwriter of Remedy Drive, a rock band.  He also is an undercover operative for an anti-sex trafficking organization, the Exodus Road.  David talks about how this association came to be, how his past prepared him for this work, and the impact  working undercover has on his family.  David shares his creative process.  We talk about the way sex trafficking is portrayed in the media and entertainment, what this scourge looks like in America, and the connection between trafficking and immigration.  David shares how he maintains joy in the face of darkness, and why everyone is capable of making a difference.  David is counting on "...the righteous to rise up out of their indifference."  Let David inspire you to take that first step!
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FZGjTnAQPo
 
https://remedydrive.com/davidzach
 
https://www.instagram.com › davidmzach

What does one do when faced with the worst kind of choices?  Alvaro Rivas literally found himself with a gun to his head, when the Nicaraguan government claimed he was a spy because of his work with American ministries.  He knew that he risked imprisonment or death if he remained in his native country; the only option was to flee to freedom.  The problem?  His wife and children could not join him in the arduous journey.  They would have to come later, when Alvaro could secure them safer passage.  In the meantime, he would cross forests, rivers, and endure internment in a detention facility, encountering the worst of humanity along the way.  Safer in a free country, Alvaro holds onto faith that his family will ultimately join him, all the while building a life of legacy and service in his newly adopted country.

Beth considers this time of refresh and renewal, and the ways we might evaluate where we stand at the cusp of this new year.  She also discusses plans for the podcast in the new year, and how YOU can be a part!
Notes:
Ten Questions to Diagnose Spiritual Health, Donald Whitney

Following a devastating breast cancer diagnosis, Lindsay McDonnell did all of the right things, including challenging accepted traditional medical protocols and procedures.  Yet, it returned not once, but three times.  Today, Lindsay lives with a body full of cancer, but is stable, and has developed a new mission: coaching others who are now enduring what she has overcome before.  She is brave beyond words, and a model of compassion, dogged determination, and good humor.
Show notes:
"Dancing With Cancer and How I Learned to Lead: A Guide to Becoming an Advocate for Personalized Cancer Care," Lindsay McDonell

Erwin Raphael McManus offers a thought-provoking, motivating treatise in The Last Arrow, published in 2017.  In this episode, Beth discusses some of McManus' themes, such as what is represented by arrows, why we tend to hold back from pursuing our most important goals, how God uses ordinary people to accomplish his purposes, the importance of community, how to take action, how to guard against the temptation to quit, and why it's not just acceptable, but crucial to go BIG, where life and God are concerned.
The Last Arrow: Save Nothing for the Next Life, Erwin Raphael McManus