Pastor Hayden Reed on Anxiety, Addiction & the Simple Gospel

In Episode 3 of Live Inspired with Dr. Elona, we sit down with Pastor Hayden Reed, young adults and youth pastor at the Point Loma campus of Rock Church San Diego. Hayden's testimony is one of generational brokenness met by radical grace — and his message is built for anyone who's ever felt like they were running out of reasons to hold on. Hayden grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in a home marked by anxiety and instability — his parents had nine marriages and nine divorces between them. At eleven, his stepmother Michelle prayed for him and introduced him to Jesus. By twenty-one, he was fully addicted to prescription pills, had flunked out of college, and was driving back to community college in a downpour when he came close to ending his life. In that car, in that rain, he had what he calls a radical encounter with God — and his life has not been the same since. In this episode, Hayden shares: Growing up in a home with nine marriages and nine divorces between his parents The night his stepmom Michelle prayed for him at age 11 — and how that seed eventually took root Falling away in high school, addiction at 21, and flunking out of college The rainy drive to community college and the moment he heard God say hold on Why he had to "rebuke the lie" that his own marriage wouldn't last How his dad's redemption now produces some of the best marriage advice he gets Why the gospel is simple — and why pre-formed ideas about church often miss it The loneliness epidemic in young people, and why faith doesn't make life easy but does make it not-alone His daily discipline: looking at "the resume of what God has done" in your life A direct message to anyone who feels like they can't make their bed today "Look at the resume of what God has done in your life. Where has God been faithful? Where has God shown up? Where has God brought you out of?" — Pastor Hayden Reed "Inspiration is a feeling. Feelings come and go. You have to manage it. Steward it. Continue to stoke the flame." — Pastor Hayden Reed ⚠️ Content note: This episode discusses anxiety, addiction, family brokenness, and a moment of suicidal ideation. No graphic detail. If you or someone you love is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 — call or text 988. About Pastor Hayden Reed Hayden serves as the young adults and youth pastor at the Point Loma campus of Rock Church San Diego, where he's passionate about helping people discover the love and hope of Jesus. He is married to his wife Sarah, and together they are committed to making a lasting impact on the city of San Diego. Rock Church Point Loma → Website: https://www.sdrock.com/campuses/pointloma → Main site: https://www.sdrock.com About Dr. Elona Dr. Elona is the creator of Inspire Smiles, founder of Inspire Changes, and host of Live Inspired. New episodes drop monthly. Connect & Learn More → Inspire Smiles: https://www.inspiresmilessd.com → Inspire Changes (nonprofit): https://www.inspiresmilessd.com/inspire-changes → Inspired Lives Coaching: https://inspirelivessd.com/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elonagaball/ New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next.