In this episode, Emily Birrell shares her story of overcoming fear, anxiety, and the reshaping of her distorted views of God. Growing up in a home with a father battling addiction and mental health issues, Emily struggled to understand God's love and experienced a distorted view of Him. However, through prayer and seeking, she began to experience God's love and grace in a new way. Her story is full of moments of God grace and sweetness in her life and a testament of the ways that God becomes for us what we may lack at times on earth. Emily's story is a testament to the healing power of God and the importance of community in our journey of faith.

Key Takeaways:

* Growing up in a home with addiction and mental health issues can distort our view of God and create fear and anxiety.

* Serving others can be a healing experience and help shift our focus and perspective of God.

* God reveals Himself as a perfect Heavenly Father through His love, pursuit, and faithfulness.

* Fear is NOT our identity!

* Overcoming fear and anxiety involves surrendering control and trusting in God's perfect love.

Connect with Emily:

https://www.ebirrell.com

Instagram: @TheEmilyBirrell

Connect with us!

Follow us on instagram @come.union

Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

In this episode, Ramonita and Erin discuss the power of waiting on miracles. They share their own personal stories and insights on how they maintain hope and faith in the midst of waiting. They emphasize the importance of trusting in God's timing and surrendering to His plan—even when it is so difficult to wait. The conversation highlights the transformative journey that occurs while waiting for a miracle and the lessons we learn along the way.

Key Takeaways:

* Waiting for a miracle is a journey that requires patience and faith. It is important to trust in God's timing and believe that He is working all things together for our good.

* Miracles may not always happen instantly or in the way we expect. It is crucial to release our own understanding and surrender to God's plan, even if it looks different from what we envisioned.

* The process of waiting for a miracle can lead to personal growth and transformation. It provides an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and develop qualities such as perseverance, trust, and hope.

* Remembering past miracles and God's faithfulness can provide encouragement and strengthen our faith while waiting for new miracles to unfold.

* Holding onto hope is a choice. It is important to choose hope and not allow disappointment or fear to hinder our faith. Hope allows us to remain expectant and open to the miracles that God has in store for us.

Connect with us!

Follow us on instagram @come.union

Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

In this episode, Ben Herr shares his personal journey of faith and how he encountered Jesus in a transformative way at the age of 18. He discusses the foundation of his faith growing up in a conservative Baptist family and the pivotal moments of his life that solidified his relationship with Jesus. Ben is honest about the challenges he has faced in his marriage and as a father, and how God used these experiences to shape him into a more loving and selfless person. His story is one that will remind you of the miracles we still wait for and how to keep hope in the midst of that waiting—even when it is so painful. We know you will love Ben’s story and will be so inspired by his faith and steadfast hope in Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

* Ben’s encounter with Jesus on a hiking trip transformed his life and led him to pursue full-time ministry.

* The importance of self-reflection and examining our own brokenness in order to grow and change.

* The power of sacrificial love in marriage and parenting, and how it can truly transform relationships.

* The journey of navigating a child's decision to walk away from faith and the importance of remaining hopeful and steadfast in prayer.

* The role of Scripture in guiding and transforming our lives, and the importance of daily seeking God through prayer and meditation.

Ben Herr has dedicated his life to serving young people. A graduate of the University of Oregon with a BS in Finance, Ben found his calling in youth ministry during his time as a Young Life volunteer. He joined Young Life staff in 1984, serving in various leadership roles until 2008, including managing the development of Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch.

Married to Judy since 1984 and father to three daughters, Ben continued his commitment to community service as the Executive Director of the Master’s Plan Foundation from 2008 to 2020 and as a volunteer with Young Life. Currently, he helps lead a college ministry at George Fox University and serves on the board of Safe Families for Children in Portland. Ben and Judy now live in Dundee, close to their family and grandchildren.

To connect with Ben, email us at come.union.info@gmail.com and we will connect you!

Connect with us!

Follow us on instagram @come.union

Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!