Drawing from her family’s journey with disability, her ministry at Perimeter Church in Atlanta and her years of writing songs that have walked millions through sorrow and joy, Laura reflects on what it means to follow Jesus when the path feels unpredictable. She shares how worship can serve as a soundtrack for real life — not only celebrating God in seasons of victory, but sustaining believers through grief, confusion and change.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why stepping out in faith can feel like a “free fall” — and why it isn’t;
• Practical ways worship leaders and churches can walk alongside people in seasons of grief;
• How God is both our Savior and our Sustainer; and
• The surprising ways God’s goodness can shine even in the most painful and confusing chapters of life.

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Do you like the podcast?

Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family.

Resources

• Full conversation with Laura Story on YouTube
• For further study, please see 2 Corinthians 4, Psalm 13, Ruth 1–4, John 9
• Laura Story Music
• “So Long, Normal: Living and Loving the Free Fall of Faith” by Laura Story
• “When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without” by Laura Story
• At the Heart of Justice, NAE podcast with Gary Haugen
• A Global Vision for Human Flourishing, NAE podcast with Byron Johnson
• Behind Christian Music, NAE podcast with David Crowder and Eddie Carswell

Today’s Conversation is brought to you by NAE Chaplaincy.

In this theologically rich conversation with NAE President Walter Kim, Gary reflects on how a biblical vision of justice — rooted in love and expressed through both personal compassion and systemic reform — has shaped his life and IJM’s mission.

In their conversation, you’ll hear:

• How a life-changing investigation after the Rwandan genocide led Gary to found International Justice Mission;
• The role of the Church to call rulers to protect the vulnerable;
• Practical ways believers can join God’s work of justice both locally and globally; and
• What gives Gary enduring hope for the future of the Church — and the work of justice.

Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you like the podcast?

Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family.

Resources

• Full conversation with Gary Haugen on YouTube
• Rest and Resisting the Pace of Pharoah, NAE podcast with Sheila Wise Rowe
• Justice, Rest and Rhythms of Flourishing, NAE podcast with Mike Kelsey
• International Justice Mission
• “Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World,” by Gary Haugen
• “The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence,” by Gary Haugen
• “Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian,” by Gary Haugen

• Show Notes: https://www.nae.org/gary-haugen-ijm-justice-violence-hope-joy/

Today’s Conversation is brought to you by Every Woman’s Bible.

For Mike Kelsey, pursuing justice isn’t an optional add-on — it’s an essential expression of discipleship based on God’s character. In this conversation with NAE President Walter Kim, Mike offers an honest reflection on what it’s been like to pastor through the cultural upheaval of recent years, and about the pressure that comes from trying to meet countless expectations. True rest, he says, doesn’t come from striving or disengaging, but from being deeply centered on seeking God’s approval above all else.

You’ll also hear Mike and Walter discuss:

• How practicing intentional Sabbath rhythms and setting boundaries with social media creates space for renewal and clarity;
• The influence of the Black Church tradition on Mike Kelsey’s understanding of justice;
• How McLean Bible Church is pursuing gospel-centered justice through foster care, disability ministry and racial equity; and
• Practical wisdom for navigating justice fatigue, ministry burnout and deep cultural division.

Subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts.

Do you like the podcast?

Give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. This is the best way for others to discover these conversations. If you listen on Spotify, give us a follow and hit the notification bell to be sure you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to pass your favorite episodes along to colleagues, friends and family.

Resources

• Full conversation with Mike Kelsey on YouTube
• For further study, read Isaiah 32, Jeremiah 9, Matthew 11 and 2 Corinthians 5
• Rest and Resisting the Pace of Pharaoh, NAE Podcast with Sheila Wise Rowe
• McLean Bible Church
• Jill’s House
• “At McLean Bible, Mike Kelsey Is Reimagining the Multiethnic Church,” by Kate Shellnutt in Christianity Today

Today’s Conversation is brought to you by Tyndale’s Go Bible.