Faith Over Fear

• Courage to Stop Running and Rest in Christ's Grace

  In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol talks with pastor and author Terry Crist about his new book, Now You Can Stop Running. Together, they unpack what it means to stop fleeing from pain, purpose, or even God—and instead face what’s been chasing us with courage and grace. Terry shares his own story of reaching a breaking point when he could no longer outrun what God wanted to heal, revealing that running often masks deeper fears of rejection, failure, or being truly known. Through candid conversation, Terry and Carol explore the connection between honesty, healing, and spiritual rootedness. They discuss how facing our inner struggles can restore connection with ourselves, others, and God—and how spiritual practices like solitude, Scripture reflection, and prayer can ground us when we feel the urge to escape. If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding hard conversations, hiding behind busyness, or believing you don’t deserve to rest, this episode will help you recognize the subtle ways you might be running—and offer practical tools to stop, stay, and be fully present to God’s transforming grace. Resource Referenced: Now You Can Stop Running: Finding the Rest Your Soul Desperately Needs What are some ways you might be running from pain, purpose, or vulnerability in your own life—perhaps without realizing it? When have you felt God gently calling you to stop running and face something hard? What happened when you did? What fear tends to drive your fleeing behaviors—fear of failure, rejection, being known, or something else? How might slowing down and telling yourself the truth—about your emotions, motives, or needs—open the door to healing? Which spiritual practices (solitude, journaling, Scripture, community) help you stay grounded when you want to escape? Do you believe you’re worthy of rest and belonging? What would change if you lived like that truth was real? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Find Terry Crist: On his website On Instagram 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.

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• Falling into and Breaking Free from Addiction as a Christian

  In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Jonathon M. Seidl joins Carol McCracken to share his powerful story of recovery, identity, and hope from his book Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Jonathon opens up about the lies he believed, the role shame played in keeping him stuck, and how redefining alcoholism as a “misordered relationship” helped him name the problem honestly. He talks candidly about faith struggles and the importance of recognizing that while our mistakes describe us, they do not define us. Listeners will be encouraged by Jonathon’s reminder that freedom in Christ doesn’t mean perfection—it means learning to run to the One who redeems us, even in our weakest moments. Resource referenced: Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free Discussion/Reflective Questions: Jonathon says, “our mistakes describe us, but they don’t define us.” How do you see that truth reflected in your own life story? He describes alcoholism as “a misordered relationship with alcohol.” What other misordered relationships—whether with food, work, approval, or something else—might we need to name honestly? Jonathon admitted that the only drink he could say no to was the first one. What does that statement reveal about the nature of temptation, and how can it apply to other struggles we face? How has shame kept you stuck at times, and what practical steps help you break free from its grip? Identity is a central theme in recovery. How have you learned—or how are you learning—to root your identity in Christ rather than in mistakes, achievements, or struggles? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Jon Seidl On his website On Instagram On Facebook Subscribe to His podcast, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic 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.

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• God's Tenderness for Those Dealing with Pain and Loss

  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: What resonated with you most in this episode? 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? When has God used a difficult season to draw you closer to friends, family, or a spouse? When has God used a difficult season to reveal His character, tenderness, and heart for you? What truth do you (or can you) hold onto during difficult seasons? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Connect with Amber Smith: On Instagram Follow her work on 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.

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• the Dragon Prophesy: Increasing Faith Through Biblical Prophesy

  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: When you hear about prophecy in Scripture, do you respond more with curiosity, fear, or faith—and why? How do you personally discern the difference between healthy vigilance and anxiety when following world events? In your daily life, what does it mean to resist evil without letting bitterness or anger take root in your own heart? How can you practice compassion for people caught in conflict while still standing firm against sin and injustice? What role do you believe prayer plays in how believers engage with unfolding global events? How might you faithfully respond to these times in ways that go beyond political opinions? Find Carol McCracken: On her website On Facebook On Instagram 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.

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• Coming Out Stronger from Seasons That Nearly Break You (Feed Drop from Jesus Calling)

  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.

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