Today's episode wraps up our three-week "Religion to Relationship" series, and, once again, it focuses our eyes on the beauty of God's grace and how this gift plays a key role in our relationship with Him.

Courtney Ballard, from our Tupelo, Mississippi community, grew up as a pastor's kid, always aware of God and His existence, and working hard to be the "angel child" others expected her to be. However, this self-imposed title created a life pattern for Courtney of living for people and their applause, rather than living for God alone. She soon found herself at a crossroads—would she choose God's grace or her own efforts and good intentions? Listen and find out what the Lord revealed!

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

This week be self-aware of the intentions in your heart and ask - am I living out of God's grace or am I living for the applause of people?

Links:

Listen to this song by Lauren Daigle- Losing My Religion

Listen to a similar story: Courtney Doyle- Ep. 71: Removing the Masks

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE! (click the link and hold down on the photo to save to your phone)

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Courtney or any of our past storytellers!!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Story Within the Story with Courtney!

Join us live on Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 PM at Samford University Wright Center for a night of worship and fellowship with Ellie Holcomb presented by Portraits of Hope! Register here and use promo code ELLIE10 for 10% off at checkout!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

Today's podcast places us in the middle of our three-week series "Religion to Relationship", and it's a story many of us can fall victim to - "if I'm just good enough for God, I'll earn His favor and His blessing over my life."

Rachel Temple, from our Pinehurst, North Carolina community, shares her story of growing up under the pressures of having a mother who was an alcoholic and a father who was an enabler, and subsequently succumbing to the role of caretaker in her family while believing the lie that if she could do all the right things for God life would be easier. This theological misunderstanding led Rachel down a path of comparison, depression, insecurity, and despair until the Lord met her and asked, "Will you be defined by your victimhood or by My grace?" - a question that, as you'll hear, changed the trajectory of Rachel's life.

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

"Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees." Psalm 119:66-68

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Where are you comparing the goodness of God in your life to the goodness of God in the lives of others? This week shift your thoughts to gratitude and the gift of God's unmerited grace.

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Links:

Breaking Free by Beth Moore

Listen to this song by Lauren Daigle- Losing My Religion

Listen to a similar story: Ep. 30- Amy Williams: Faith Above Works

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE! (click the link and hold down on the photo to save to your phone)

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Rachel and all of our past storytellers!!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Q & A with Rachel from the Raleigh community.

Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshops being offered online on October 29th at 9:30-12:30 CST and in-person on November 12th at 5:30-8:00 PM CST

Join us live on Thursday, November 6th at 7:00 PM at Samford University Wright Center for a night of worship and fellowship with Ellie Holcomb presented by Portraits of Hope! Register here and use promo code ELLIE10 for 10% off at checkout!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.

10/15/2025

Today, we are excited to kick off a three-week series of stories, entitled "Religion to Relationship" with Jesus Christ.

Linda Friedman, from our Raleigh, North Carolina community, shares her powerful journey of growing up in Taiwan with a Taoist and Buddhist foundation, how her upbringing led her to search for community and happiness within the Mormon church, and ultimately how Jesus opened her eyes to the truths of Who He is. This is a story of God's pursuing love and His desire for every child to discover the rest and freedom found only in Him.

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VERSE OF THE WEEK:

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

Jesus didn't call you to perform. He called you to rest in Him. How can you experience His rest this week?

Links:

Listen to this song by Lauren Daigle by Losing My Religion

Listen to a similar story: Ep. 268- Sajeda Wilson: "My Journey to Jesus:: From Islam to Christianity"

Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE! (click the link and hold down on the photo to save to your phone)

Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Linda and all of our past storytellers!!

Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Continue the Conversation with the podcast hosts discussing this first episode in the "Religion to Relationship" series.

Register for our Finding God in the Details: A Guide to Discerning His Voice and Discovering Your Story workshop being offered online on October 29th, 9:30-12:30 CST

Join us live on Thursday, November 6th, at 7:00 PM at Samford University Wright Center for a night of worship and fellowship with Ellie Holcomb, presented by Portraits of Hope! Register here and use promo code ELLIE10 for 10% off at checkout!!!

Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series

Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website.

Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.