The Unfolding

Jaron Lockridge spent years quietly struggling with pornography while wrestling with doubts about God. Then an unexpected sermon from Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell led to the most sincere prayer Jaron had ever prayed, and by the next morning, everything had changed. Now free from that addiction, Jaron is using his gifts as a filmmaker to tell honest stories about faith, struggle, and community. His new series, House for the Broken, is available on Amazon.

What happens when you finally get the success you wanted and realize it still is not enough? 

For Donovan Donnell, the stage had always been a place where he felt seen. But after years of disappointment and rejection, his desire for attention and approval led him into the world of exotic dancing. He found money, recognition, and success, but none of it could give him the life he really wanted. 

Donovan never completely walked away from faith. He still went to church and Bible study. But eventually, God asked him to walk away from the life he had built and trust Him with what came next. 

This is Donovan's story of losing himself, surrendering to God, and discovering who he had been created to be. He also shares the message behind Designed to Succeed, his new book with Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix, about pursuing success without losing your faith, your purpose, or your identity. 

Show Notes: 

YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1f7NOZ-Qk 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/donovandeedonnell/ 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/donovandee.donnell.50 

Website:  https://www.donovandeedonnell.com/ 

Book:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310370124?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback#

"This makes you way more real to us." That's what Amber Albee Swenson's kids told her after she finally opened up about her past. She had spent years teaching the Bible and leading her family in faith, but still carried silent shame that was creating distance. One conversation changed everything. Vulnerability became the key to deeper trust, healing, and faith. 

Amber's latest book is called "The Key to Confidence".

Have you ever wondered if your past has already determined your future? 

The circumstances of your childhood, painful family relationships, mistakes you've made, or words someone spoke over you can leave you wondering whether your future has already been decided. Jonathan Almonte knows that feeling. 

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Jonathan experienced extreme poverty, family brokenness, and rejection from his father. As a little boy, he dreamed of becoming a gang member because it was the only future he could imagine. Then everything began to change. 

Jonathan shares how a local church, a Compassion sponsor who faithfully wrote letters year after year, and the love of Jesus transformed his life. He found hope where there had been despair and the ability to forgive the father who once told him he was "a mistake." 

This episode is a reminder that your past does not have the final word. God is still writing stories of redemption. 

Show Notes: 

Website: https://compassion.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassion/ 

X: https://x.com/compassion 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionintl/

After a chaotic childhood, Doug Hannah came to Christ at 15 and finally understood that he was deeply loved, but years later, he realized he had turned faith into something he had to perform. This is the story of discovering grace... twice... and learning to rest in a love he never had to earn.