What do you do when doubt feels louder than faith? In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, where change is the only constant, how do we find something solid to hold onto?

In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Reissig—author, Bible teacher, high school educator, and mom of four boys—to talk about her book Someone to Believe In and why the Gospel of John matters more than ever. Courtney brings a unique perspective as both a scholar and a mom in the trenches. Whether you’re wrestling with your own questions, parenting kids through doubt, or searching for contentment, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and hope.

Key Takeaways:

1. Questions aren’t a sign of weak faith. Doubts are invitations to go deeper—Jesus meets you there.

2. Success is faithfulness, not applause. The unseen work matters.

3. You were made for more than comfort. There is someone worth believing in yesterday, today, tomorrow (and forever).

Resources Mentioned:

• Someone to Believe In by Courtney Reissig

• Instagram @courtneyreissig

If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review—it helps others find these conversations. And if you know someone wrestling with doubt or navigating a hard season, share this episode. It might be exactly what they need today. Then, come follow along on instagram @annicafischer.

What does it take to raise boys who grow into men of courage, character, and purpose in a world that breeds passivity and isolation? In this episode, J. Josh Smith shares practical wisdom from his new book The Man for the Day, revealing how to fight passivity, cultivate virtue, and help young men discover their God-given purpose—starting today.

Whether you’re raising sons or mentoring young men this conversation will challenge you to rethink biblical manhood and give you actionable steps to make a lasting impact.

We discuss:

• The two biggest enemies of modern manhood - isolation and passivity
• Direction over distance: a new definition of success
• The gap in the formation of this next generation
• How to identify and address passivity in your son's life
• Practical wisdom for parents navigating a generation shaped by instant gratification, isolation, and digital passivity
• Small daily decisions and how they'll shape the men they’ll become
• How boys don't need any more shame — how hopeful, clear guidance shapes men more than criticism ever will
• The critical conversations about manhood that most boys aren't getting

• The starter pack every young man needs

ABOUT JOSH SMITH: Josh Smith is the pastor of Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, Georgia, and father to five children (four daughters and one son). For 20 years, he has been passionate about investing in men and helping them become who God has called them to be. He is the author of The Titus Ten: Foundations for Godly Manhood and its student edition, as well as the new release The Man for the Day: Answering the Call to Godly Manhood

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• The Man for the Day by J. Josh Smith (Available January 2025)

• The Titus 10 by J. Josh Smith (Student Edition now available)

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What do you do when your worst nightmare becomes reality? When Amber Smith's three-year-old son River drowned in a tragic accident, her world shattered in an instant. But on the bathroom floor—in her darkest moments of grief—she discovered a faith that would transform her pain into purpose.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Amber shares her journey from worldly happiness to deep spiritual transformation, revealing how she and her husband Granger Smith (country music artist) chose to fight for their marriage when statistics said they wouldn't make it. She opens up about the "beacons in the breaking"—small glimpses of light that appeared even in the hospital—and how studying Scripture became the anchor that held her together.

If you're walking through grief, questioning God's goodness, or wondering if you'll ever smile again, this episode offers hope. Amber's story is evidence that the worst thing to happen to you doesn't have to be the end of your story.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: The Girl on the Bathroom Floor by Amber Smith
• Book: Like a River by Granger Smith
• The River Kelly Fund (riverkellyfund.org)
• Amber's Podcast - Arise with Amber
• I Am Second video featuring Amber and Granger's story
• Bible Project on YouTube/Podcast
• Follow Amber on Instagram @amberemilysmith

If you're new to the podcast, glad you're here. Please leave a review and let me know what you think! Hope this conversation encouraged you - don't forget to share this conversation with someone who needs it today.