EPISODE · Jul 3, 2026 · 39 MIN
When Faith Meets the Storm: Alison Gieschen’s Journey of Courage, Sailing, and God’s Divine Signs
from Unleash Vision & Faith: Empowering Faith-Driven Women Over 55 · host Alison Gieschen, Pamela Duran
In This Episode, We Talk About Hearing God’s voice and recognizing divine direction from a young age How childhood dreams can become God-given assignments Overcoming bullying, depression, and loss of purpose Taking bold steps of faith after disappointment What it means to trust God when plans do not unfold as expected Sailing through literal storms and learning to overcome fear How God uses people, nature, timing, and “impossible coincidences” to encourage us Serving others while traveling the world Alison’s books, blog, and sailing journey Key Takeaways 1. God plants dreams before we understand them. As a child, Alison had a vision of sailing across the water before sailing was even part of her world. Years later, that dream became part of her life’s journey. 2. Fear may be real, but it does not get the final word. After a terrifying storm at sea, Alison struggled with panic and fear. But God continued to send encouragement, including the exact mentor she needed at the exact moment she was ready to give up. 3. God’s timing is never random. Alison’s story is filled with moments that were “too much to be coincidence,” including meeting her mentor three boats away in a foreign harbor and later encountering the very boat that had inspired her courage. 4. Purpose can be reborn after disappointment. After losing her teaching career and falling into depression, Alison and her husband chose to live the dream God had placed in their hearts. 5. You are not alone in the storm. Pamela reminds listeners that even when we feel alone, God is before us, behind us, and with us in the journey. Memorable Quotes “When somebody speaks the phrase that God personally handed to you, you know it’s destiny.” “The damage to the boat was covered by insurance. The damage it did to me on the inside, I didn’t think it could be fixed.” “God put him three boats away.” “Whatever God wants us to do, that’s what we’ll do.” “You may feel alone, but you are not alone.” Guest Resources Alison’s sailing blog: Sailmates.orgAuthor website: AlisonGieschen.comYouTube Channel: Sailing EquusBooks mentioned: Riding the Waves of Reality: Tales of Turmoil and Triumph Riding the Waves of Reality II: Mediterranean Mayhem and Magic The Seven: An Odyssey of Seven Horses and Seven Souls Listener Reflection Where has fear been speaking louder than faith in your life? This episode invites you to pause and ask: Is that fear really my Father’s voice? God’s voice brings peace, courage, hope, wisdom, and direction. Fear may come like a storm, but faith reminds us that God is still guiding the boat. Call to Action If Alison’s story encouraged you, take one bold step this week toward the dream God placed in your heart. Share this episode with a woman who needs courage to keep going, and subscribe to Unleash Vision & Faith for more stories of faith, purpose, and transformation. Thank you for listening! Tune in next week to increase your FAITH!Subscribe to Unleash Vision & Faith so you never miss an episode. And if today’s conversation inspired you, share it with a fellow entrepreneur who’s ready to build a God-centered business.
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What this episode covers
In this inspiring episode of Unleash Vision & Faith, Pamela Duran welcomes author, sailor, and overcomer Alison Gieschen, who shares her remarkable faith journey from growing up on a farm in upstate New York to sailing around the world with her husband, Dan. Alison opens up about childhood moments where she sensed God speaking to her, seasons of bullying and depression, the courage it took to leave a secure teaching career, and the devastating aftermath of a corrupt workplace experience. But through it all, God continued to guide her back to purpose. Her story takes listeners into literal and spiritual storms: dangerous ocean crossings, fear, damaged boats, unexpected delays, and divine encounters that reminded her God was still leading. From dolphins appearing after a frightening storm, to her sailing mentor showing up “three boats away” when she was ready to quit, Alison’s testimony is a powerful reminder that God meets us in the middle of fear, uncertainty, and transition. Connect with Alison Gieschen The Nautical Novelist http://www.alisongieschen.com http://www.sailmates.org
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When Faith Meets the Storm: Alison Gieschen’s Journey of Courage, Sailing, and God’s Divine Signs
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