Rough Drafts: How God Writes His Love in Our Stories

Every morning when I drop the kids off for school twelve seconds before the bell rings, I get to see this week's guest. She's been an educator for 17 years. She's lived in Minneapolis, Augusta, and the cradle of civilization, Dickson, TN. She is a guru of helping kids who are navigating trauma, because she knows that *nothing* in life ever goes the way you plan it. Jessica Southerland, thank you for joining us this week!

Today's episode isn't so much a person's God story...but several God stories from three great organizations in Dickson. Paul Pitney represents the Dickson County Family YMCA. Margaret Cole is the guru of the CareNet Pregnancy Medical Center. Renee Boehm is czar of the Dickson County Help Center. And I'm really lucky to call all three friends and ministry partners. It's giving Tuesday, and you're certainly going to hear from these organizations and others who are asking for your support. I thought you'd enjoy hearing the hearts of these leaders in our community.

Nearly 50 of our friends join us for this Thanksgiving Special episode of Rough Drafts. What's a weird thing you're thankful for?

Griffin experienced a horrible fate - he was one of my youth ministry interns! So don't be surprised if he sounds beaten, broke down, and generally despairing of life itself. In this week's conversation, Griffin talks about "God story envy," finding God while fishing, the troubles of launching into life during covid, and his first years in full-time ministry.

You got to hear from his wife already this week...today you get a bonus episode...his side of the story! You'll enjoy hearing from Taylor Welch as he talks about his journey of faith.

What does faith look like when you're not really in church and life is kind of unstable? How do you think of God when you don't know much about him? Kayla Welch tells us the story of the friendship she found with God even from a very young age.

Morgan is so much fun! She shares her story from at least three different angles...geographically, spiritually, and relationally. Spoiler? You get to hear about her amazing little boy and becoming a mom.

Charlie Dauphin is another Burns, Tennessee, legend. Were it not for his leadership, the church in Burns would have closed decades ago. Listen as Charlie shares stories from his journey and life and lessons he's learned along the way.

Caleb Sams is a PK! But don't hold that against him. He enjoys the blessings of what he calls "generational faithfulness," but don't think for a minute that this makes someone immune to spiritual struggles. In today's episode, Caleb shares what it was like in the middle of his trial that God used to knock him off the fence towards a deeper faith.

"All your promises are true." These words became pillars that served as anchors of hope and faith during an expectant mom's biggest trials. You'll be encouraged today by Brittany Hunt's story and trust in a God who knows what he is doing, even when things are falling apart.

Someday when they write a history of Burns, TN, today's guest and his family will be on every page. He's a county commissioner, bus driver, coach, and a whole lot more. Today, Rusty Groves shares about a traumatic accident that reshaped his life and walk with God.

This week Amanda describes the ups and downs of a story where the only thing she knew for sure was what she didn't want her life to be like. She shares how she became a social worker, met "Comcast", and found her faith.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual trauma and behavior. You should listen before listening with your kids. It's amazing how deeply we hide our trauma and our shame. Steve this week shares a story of learning to work through the puzzle pieces of his past, confronting the core ideas that stick with us and sabotage our relationships. In this episode, we talk about how fantasy sometimes is the mind's attempt to correct a trauma, how behavior is a voice, and how dissociation can be a warning sign. Steve's great moment is when he gets to the point where he realises, "I am not as awful as I always thought I was." During the show, we mentioned the Sexual Addiction Screening Test, available here: https://www.bethesdaworkshops.org/for-sex-addicts/ You can find Steve's ministry and podcast at https://www.ultimateescape.org/parents/page/podcast

When we internalize the message that we are unlovable or that God is constantly angry at us, it makes a real mess in our lives. In this week's episode, Lisa Wesson shares how "gospel glasses" eventually opened her eyes to codependency and changed her entire way of doing life. Show notes: During this week's show, Lisa mentioned a powerful book: The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning.

Randy Fuqua is the sort of guy who, when you see his name on caller ID, you smile. Randy has chosen joy, and his joy and his honesty are contagious. In this week's episode, he tells a story of an impossibly difficult journey. It's one nobody wants to walk. Even in the middle of the mess, he still looks for, and finds, Jesus.

Writing these descriptions is actually the hardest part of the podcast process each week. I want to tell you about the person...but I don't want to tell you too much about them to ruin the story! This week's guest has a beautiful soul and an incredible story. God has overcome incredible obstacles in her life, and I know you'll be blessed by hearing her. Welcome Danielle Gopp!

Warning: Phil's discusses some dark times and thoughts of self-harm. If that's not something you're ready to hear, you might skip this episode. From Siberia to Tennessee? That's quite the journey. There were plenty of other stops on the way. You'll hear Phil's honest struggles with life's ups and downs in this week's episode of Rough Drafts.

One of my favorite "God things" is how often he takes something so very random and uses it to accomplish something else. Life is full of these stories: because I was late to work, I had a conversation I never would have expected, that caused something significant to happen. Today's story is definitely one of those stories, and it all started at a ball game...

You've met Tyler...now it's time to meet part 2 of this week's couple's special....Bethany Quinn. Bethany grew up in White Bluff and never expected her journey would bring her full circle, back to teaching in the school where she was class president. God's plans never seem to go the direction we expect!

It's a special week of Rough Drafts....you get both halves of a Dickson County power couple: Tyler and Bethany Quinn! Bethany's episode releases Thursday. Tyler tells the story of how he came to know God, how a neighbor introduced him to church, and how eventually he found his place. What's really cool to me is that God is now using Tyler to help other people find their place. He leads the Gap ministry - aimed at our 20-somethings who tend to fall between the cracks, into the gap.

This week's guest is Emily Dawson. Well, I'm pretty sure it is. Because she and her sister are pretty sneaky and pretty clever. So there's a chance they tricked me! But I think this week's guest is Emily! Emily does a great job sharing her God story with us. My favorite part is her confidence that God is always with her. Emily, you're right! I hope you never forget that.

Mike is one of the guys I thought of when we first came up with this podcast idea. He could tell you a story about paint drying, and somehow, you'd laugh or cry. I couldn't wait to hear his God story. Mike shares from so many parts of his life. Getting back to church...the tough stuff of work and career...health challenges...so much more. But more than the stories themselves, you'll get to hear the heart of a great guy and a good friend.

It's back to school week! So here's another sweet moment with ROUGH DRAFTS KIDS! She's a swimmer. She loves to cheer. She loves her little sister. In today's episode, she daydreams of heaven with us. She tells us how the animals are tame and things will just work out. I think you're going to love her heart and her mind. Welcome Sydney!

This week’s episode is a special edition of “The Cutting Room Floor” where things get a little out of hand as we celebrate THIRTY EPISODES of the Rough Drafts Podcast. As I’ve mentioned in several episodes, this podcast was the brainchild of Elizabeth (Liz) Kuhns who just wouldn’t take ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ for an answer. For years, Liz tried to convince me that a podcast was a good idea. In today’s special 30th episode of Rough Drafts, I sit down with my friend Liz who serves as our unofficial creative director and hypeman to discuss the origin story of our little podcast that’s doing some big things for God. From where we’ve been to what comes next, we talk all things Rough Drafts and share a TON of laughs. The Cutting Room Floor will likely be an ongoing special-edition episode, so let us know if you enjoy it!

Listen past the closing credits for a little bonus on this week's episode! Sometimes God doesn't answer prayers in the ways that we expect. Sometimes, it seems like, he likes to surprise us with a wink and a nod. This week's guest shares her family's story--a journey of infertility and adoption--and how God was right there in every step of the journey. Thank you, Penny Langston, for sharing!

I appreciate people who are deep....who are thoughtful...who aren't superficial. Too much of life is reduced to 10-second soundbytes and ideas that can fit on a bumper sticker. Kelsey Bryant is one of those deep people, and in today's episode, she walks us through some sacred spaces. Kelsey is a child life specialist. She helps kids who are walking through medical conditions. The stuff that we so-called "grown ups" struggle to navigate, she's explaining to elementary schoolers. In this episode, we talk a lot about faith and trials and the fact that there are no easy answers to the hardest questions in life.

It's another KIDS rough draft. My favorite part of these conversations is just seeing the world through little eyes. Lyla isn't cynical or jaded. She's joyful, she's curious, she's brave. I want to be more like her when (if!) I grow up!

One of the first things Justin said when we started recording was, "I'm just not interesting." Why are we doing this? Justin's a pretty smart guy, but he was wrong about that. He's one of the most interesting people I know! He talks to us about the fellowship of the fire hall...life with his family and kids...how his faith journey has changed and who has made a difference in his story.

If you live in Dickson, I would be shocked if you don't know today's guest. He is one of the most outgoing, relentlessly positive, kind, energetic people I know. Archie has lived in different worlds. When he got off the plane from Zimbabwe in the United States he was hit with his first round of culture shock: humidity! In this week's episode, you'll get to hear a God story about a great mom. You'll see our culture through fresh eyes. You'll be blessed by Archibald Marowa!

Bryson Harding, Hannah Gossett, Marshall Fuson, and Tyler & Bethany Quinn join us for a walk through our recent trip to Honduras with Torch Missions. You'll hear lessons learned...powerful moments...and how mission work might just do more for you than those you go to help. If you're interested in learning more about next year's trip, we have an information sheet for you,

Join us for part 2 of Marsha Griffin's story!

She's been a businesswoman. A nurse. A farmer. A missionary. A foster mom. A youth minister. She's done it all. Life has not always been easy for Marsha. Her faith today does not look like it did....several....years ago. Enjoy your time this week with PART 1 of Marsha Griffin's God story! (Part 2 coming Thursday!)

Rough Draft kids is back with another gem. You heard his dad earlier this week, now you get to hear from Benjamin Bowker!

When you think of the stereotype of police officers, you don't often think of singer songwriters. Or portrait photographers who prefer film over digital. Or homeschool dads. Or Bible class teachers. ...but Wes Bowker doesn't fit into anyone's stereotypes. He's a thinker and a creative. In this week's episode, you'll get a special treat as he shares one of his newest songs!

Nobody likes losses. Pain is painful! But God seems to love to use our losses as an opportunity to bring bigger blessings into our lives. Listen to Jason Allison as he shares about how God brings gains after, and even through, losses.

It's another Rough Draft: KIDS day! Brogan Hayes shares some beautiful words with us. He recognizes Jesus as caring and kind and loving. He knows, even in elementary school, that there sometimes is suffering now and joy to come. And the goal is becoming "better friends with Jesus."

There probably is no other Rough Drafts guest who abuses me as much as this week's guest. She was our most reluctant storyteller, but after some persuading from her family, she agreed to tell her God story. She talks about taking the elevator instead of the stairs. She shares about working from, not for God's love. She experiences God's tugs and nudges. My favorite part of her story is the way that God works through people, politicians, and even systems to bring about a beautiful end. I know you'll be blessed by your time with Monica Gossett.

Episode 16 is our second installment of Rough Drafts: KIDS! This week, we venture into the terrifying halls of middle school and visit with an absolute gem. We enjoy bursts of joy...the beauty of having a "forever sister"...and the important promise that God never leaves us alone. He is always with us. Welcome Maggie Dawson!

This week's episode is a story of how faith, family, and the kindness of your people can get you out of the darkness. A rescue worker finds himself rescued--more than once. Brannon Wilkerson is the kind of guy you're really grateful is answering the call on your worst day. Listen as he tells about having to be on the other end of some of those calls.

Monica Gossett had a great idea. She said that since Jesus thinks the kingdom of God belongs to kids--maybe we ought to listen to them more than we usually do! So for the next few weeks, we're going to have a summertime "Rough Drafts" Treat. On Thursdays, we'll drop special episodes from some really cool kids. This week is my favorite episode. Am I biased? Absolutely. Does that bother me? Absolutely not. My son, Caleb Hiatt, joins me and Monica for a conversation about God and faith and fear and the afterlife. I think you'll enjoy it. I know I did!

"Life doesn't come with a manual. It comes with a mother." Today's episode has three very special guests, but one of them slept through most of our conversation! Jason & Megan Bennett join us with Brooks, one of the newest babies at Burns Church. Listen while they share the joys of "mom brain" and new life!

Some people just refresh us and encourage us. This week's guest is one of those people. She's not one to complain. She works so very hard for anyone and everyone. She's never at home! You can find her in the nursing home, caring for a friend. Or playing cards at church. Or cleaning someone's house. Or delivering cookies. Or...or....or.... She's always doing good. Donna Hiett tells us about the faith she learned from her dad. It's a blessing to share a good dad, a good church, and a good life!

Today's bonus episode is a collaboration with Dickson's annual Old Timer's Day festival! Our guest is the grand marshal of this year's parade. He is a veteran of 27 years. He is a graduate of Dickson County's Hampton High School. He has been married 65 years. He's run a TV repair business, deliveries, rental properties, real estate, and so much more. Join us for a walk through 94 years of history with Mack Adams!

Do you remember the story of how you started going to church? Do you remember the story of how you stopped? What about when you came back? This week Jerry Hall walks us through some of his journey from seeing the Bible and church as a list of rules to be followed to coming to a place where we trust in Jesus and his love for us. Praise the Lord!

Do you know anybody who lives like a "lost puppy"? They don't know who they are. They don't know what they want. What do they do? They blend in. They please people. They end up missing so much of what God has intended for them. This week's story is a story of another way. Christen Rhodes shares with us her story of finding her identity in Christ. Once you know who you are and whose you are, you can walk through anything.

I couldn't sell ice in the dessert, but today's guest could sell match sticks to the devil! Marshall didn't just use his gifts to earn a commission. If you know Marshall at all, you know how he loves to pray. I'll never forget one Bible class when he had one student start a stopwatch. Then he had another student read the Lord's prayer. When he was done, he looked at the time, and he asked us if we were trying to impress God or men by praying longer than the son! Marshall has taught me so much about prayer and people. Today, you'll hear his perspective on navigating covid and life as a person of faith.

Write letters to your family or talk to God? That's the choice facing today's guest in her time at Paris Island. The choice she made set her direction for years to come. Listen this week to a few moments of God at work in Miranda Fuson's story!

When I first got to meet today's guest, I wasn't really sure what to do with him. To be fair, there aren't that many grown-ups who can pull off wearing a clown costume or pulling a quarter from a stranger's ear! You're going to love him. But one of the things that took me a while to learn is that underneath the magic and the fun and the goofy is a real depth and quality. He's the real deal. He has a way of finding the rainbows after the storm. In fact, you'll usually find him chasing a storm, looking for ways to help others in its path. I know you'll enjoy your time with my friend, Frank Bradford!

There is nobody quite like Carol "Granny" Todd. She's done it all. Belly dancing. Youth ministry. Grocery stores. The Hokey Pokey. Fostering. She's even got her funeral planned--and you're invited! Our time with her seemed exactly right. We got interrupted midway through by tornado sirens and phone calls. But don't let the fun fool you. Carol has some deep words for us. Our faith can't be in people. They'll let us down. But God will hold us up!

"Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage." By that measure, today's guest is one of the bravest I know. She shares her story of how her plans and dreams for life met an unexpected detour. Martha's story drives us to the power of God's grace and God's Spirit. You don't want to miss her!