Story Night Podcast

In this season finale episode, Jessica shares about the next season of Story Night and also looks back with gratitude on the years of hosting Story Night through CalvaryMac. Stay tuned with Story Night! Website New Story Night Podcast Facebook Instagram We hope you'll like, follow, subscribe, and rate us as we continue on this journey of bringing real stories of real hope to real women. You can support Story Night with a Tax-Deductible Donation to help us bring more stories of encouragement to more women.

State Representative Lucetta Elmer has invited Jessica Campbell to take Story Night to more communities in Oregon.  In this conversation, the ladies talk about the vision for 2025 and an upcoming new podcast. To submit Story Night feedback, visit https://forms.gle/h3zCEJWN761g7Dm9A Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

In the season finale of Story Night, Heather McKenna shares her story at a live event at CalvaryMac in October 2024. Despite a life journey filled with pain and grief, Heather is full of laughter. In her seasons of waiting, it would have been easy for Heather to walk away. But she said 'yes' to the journey God had for her and has experienced the glorious favor of being His daughter. To watch the video version visit https://subsplash.com/calvarymac-1/media/mi/+dk59ghm 2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

In this special episode, we share a clip from Kit Nelson's Legacy Series Recording.  Kit is in her 90s and recorded a couple hours of her life stories for the use of her family.  During the recording, she read a couple speeches she had written many years prior about God's work in her life. If you are interested in having a story recorded and preserved for the private use of your family, please email [email protected] 2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Nancy is a happily married mother of six and grandmother of four who lives in Santa Barbara.  Her journey of motherhood is full of joy, grief, and unexpected turns.  Now as a 60-year-old with two adopted children at home, Nancy reminds us that there is no such thing as retirement in the Bible. As mentioned during the episode, you can learn more about Safe Families on their website: https://safe-families.org   2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

We first met Ashley four years ago when she shared her adoption story.  Since then, Ashley has become a mother.  In this sequel episode, Ashley shares about the birthing stories that taught her a new level of trust in Jesus.  Looking at her miracles now, her heart is full of gratitude. 2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

In her mid fifties, Karen suddenly found herself a widow.  But rather than stay stuck in her grief, she became a widow coach and eventually spearheaded the Thrive ministry at CalvaryMac.  Her journey included a new love, a cross-country move, and new life with Jesus. To connect with Thrive, visit www.calvarymac.com/women To connect with Grief Share, visit https://www.griefshare.org  2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Charity Becker leads the ARMS Her Journey healing group for victims and survivors of abuse.  Even though she never experienced abuse personally, Charity has a huge heart for this ministry. She shares her story of overcoming depression, finding her husband, having children, and serving God's church. For more about ARMS, visit https://abuserecovery.org 2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Sheri shares her story of being the quiet wallflower who struggled to find where she fit in. She eventually learned that God DID have a role for her to play - it just wasn't a predictable one. He filled her heart with a passion for history and sharing forgotten stories and in the process she learned that God had not forgotten HER. 2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

After the death of her husband, it would have been easy for Joan to ease into the quiet sunset years of her life.  Yet God had a plan to take her on a journey she never could have imagined.  Joan tried to say "No" to God, but He called her across the borders to a life of surrender and trust. To watch the video version of this event from July 11th, 2024, visit https://youtu.be/dQnY3Z2_eJ8 To register for the Butterfly Release on August 25th, 2024, as mentioned in the epsiode, visithttps://calvarymac.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2295982 2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Alyssa had an idyllic childhood, until scary thoughts and compulsions took over her mind in 8th grade.  She eventually found a balance of therapy and medication to manage her OCD, but had no idea her anxiety would be tested during her engagement, newlywed days, and pregnancy.  Yet God was faithful through each challenge as Alyssa understood Him more and more.   2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

How can a woman who was so severely abused as a child find herself full of joy and able to help others? Freda shares a brief overview of her story, from the trauma she endured to the hope she found in Christ, and then discusses the literary resources she has available for others who are searching for healing. To learn more and find all of Freda's resources, visit https://www.fredaemmons.com 2025 Update: Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Cindy is an involved mom, grandma, and ministry leader who has truly learned to find joy in the midst of suffering and grief. Widowed far too young, she could have stayed in the emptiness... but God led her into a life of fulfillment and purpose. To watch the video version of this live Story Night event from March 14, 2024, visit https://youtu.be/4UQvYseh06o Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

TRIGGER WARNING Michelle shares a powerful story of unsilencing voices, starting with her own.  A survivor of abuse, Michelle took her story and used it to empower others.  God took her on a journey of "Now What?" and taught her that as long as she continued to drive along life's journey, He could steer the car.  Michelle is now the founder of Unsilenced Voices and is making a difference around the world. For more from Michelle, visit www.unsilencedvoices.org www.unsilencemyvoice.com   or contact her directly at [email protected]+1 562-506-5866   As mentioned in the podcast, remember to text LEGACY to 26786    Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Jessica shares a 2 minute update about her maternity leave and the podcast episodes. Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Jana is an energetic mom and entrepreneur with a passion for sharing her story.  After falling into a life of drugs, Jana met a couple of life-changing people.  Within a six-month period, she was saved, sober, married, and pregnant.  But happily-ever-after came to a jolting halt when she found herself widowed in her late twenties.  Despite a downward spiral, God never let her go.  Now Jana shares her journey of moving from mourning a death to celebrating a life. Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

In our first ever Story Night Sequel, Melissa shares what's happened in her life since she first shared her story in episode 4.  A widow of several years, Melissa believed the promise that God had something more for her life, but had to pray her way through the counterfeits during the waiting period.  Then the answer to her prayer literally showed up in the prayer room... and it was certainly worth the wait. Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

In this recording from the live Story Night event on October 12th, 2023, Rhea shares her story of finding joy after years of darkness. Rhea experienced abuse and trauma from domestic violence, stalking, a teen pregnancy, and an abortion, but is now striving passionately after God. To watch the video version of the event, click here For all that Rhea has to offer, visit: https://www.risewithrhea.com Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Megan shares the story of her passion project: It's Your Story To Tell.  As a girl, she partnered with the lies of codependency and insecurity that said she was unworthy of the love and life of which she dreamed.  But God taught her how to take her thoughts captive, leading her through an inner transformation which strengthened her for more trials to come.  Megan is now a personal growth and development coach. For everything Megan has to offer through coaching, podcasts, and more, visit https://www.itsyourstorytotell.com Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media. *Ladies, mark your calendars and invite your girlfriends* One of Megan's coaches, Rhea Joy, will be sharing her story LIVE at our upcoming Story Night event on Thursday, October 12th, 2023 at CalvaryMac Church. To learn more and to register for this free event, visit https://calvarymac.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1863812

Rebecca shared her story at a Story Night event on August 3, 2023.  As a victim of both violence and cancer, Rebecca lost her identity and fell into fear and despair.  But God had "full-circle" blessings of hope and healing for His beloved daughter. This is one of the hardest stories, but has the most amazing ending! For more information from the organizations mentioned at the end of the episode, visit: https://abuserecovery.org and https://www.hendersonhouse.org To watch the video version click here Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Abbie shares her story of a trauma in her teen years that changed the trajectory of her life.  Years later, as a single young mom, Abbie found herself advocating for her daughter in court.  It was at the moment of the judge's ruling when she finally felt that her story was heard.  But God had heard her story all along and answered every time she cried out, "Jesus show me that You're here." For resources mentioned in the episode, visit ARMS at: https://abuserecovery.org Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Mandy shares her story of a life that began in complete darkness.  Yet after years of abuse, health issues, trauma, and even the thought of suicide, Mandy's life finally took a turn.  Now a wife and mom, Mandy can genuinely say that God is GOOD. For resources and support from the organziations mentioned in the podcast, visit:  https://abuserecovery.org https://www.sarahs-laughter.com Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Jenn returns to share the rest of her story.  She walked down the aisle and felt her old life fading in the distance as she embarked on a second marriage. Though there would be more trauma to come, there would also be the "ing"s from God: healING, learnING, hopING.  Jenn now serves as a life coach, betrayal recovery coach, and body image coach. Links mentioned in the episode: Darkness to Light: https://www.d2l.org Pure Desire: https://puredesire.org Jenn's website: https://healingwiththehowies.com Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Jenn walks us through the first few decades of her life in Part 1 of her story. After living through years of gaslighting and then the trauma of a sexual assault, Jenn literally married the boy next door and thought her happily-ever-after had finally arrived.  But what happens when fairytales of marriage and motherhood turn into nightmares of abuse and scandal?  Jenn's whole world would change, but her God would remain faithful. Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Marina shared her story at our live event in April 2023.  A native Brazilian, Marina grew up with a love for other cultures.  She believed she would be a wife and mother and travel the world as a missionary... and gave God many ideas of how to bring these plans to fruition.  Little did she know how and when God would fulfill His plans for her. You can watch the video version here Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Melanie is a wife, mother, and accomplished author.  She shares her story of trusting in God's timing, even when she and her husband went from "dual income, no kids" to "dual kids, no income" practically overnight.  As her book themes remind us, the Lord has an incredible ability to work things out and make the ordinary extraordinary. For more from Melanie, visit https://melaniedobson.com Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

From the moment of her conception to her journey as a wife and mother, Ashley's story has not turned out as she imagined.  She experienced sexual assault, stalking, and a surprise pregnancy all before returning to a walk with the Lord.  In her mid-twenties, it would have seemed like the season of suffering was over, but then a new trial surfaced.  God used her story mightily and Ashley is now the founder of a ministry called Stories Unveiled where women find purpose in their stories and live in freedom from their pasts.   For more from Ashley, visit:    Stories Unveiled website: https://www.storiesunveiledconference.com/   Instagram handle: storiesunveiled_   FB handle: Stories Unveiled    Podcast link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2H0CE9xeHMZuiUXEidpFBJ?si=h_IQY-3kR0KjgFza7cRiwQ&dd=1   For more on Pure Desire, visit https://puredesire.org   Visit www.storynighthope.com to learn about the latest Story Night updates and get connected with our events, podcasts, and social media.

Barbara shares her story of a faith journey and career path that ultimately led her to an amazing organization called Safe Families.  Along the road, she experienced the pains of divorce, her daughter's cancer, and her own brain injury.  Despite the trials, Barbara saw God in the details and remained centered on the lessons of her childhood: love Jesus and love children. For more on Safe Families, visit https://safe-families.org

The early years of Kathy's story include a broken home, grief, abuse, divorce, and alcohol.  But then a birthday trip to a bar changed the trajectory of her life forever.  Little did she know that the God she barely knew had a life of ministry planned for her. For more on the resources mentioned in the epsiode, visit: www.cclohio.org www.wttpfm.com www.drmikespaulding.com  

Kris shares her story of growing up in a family system of image and perfectionism.  Now a Betrayal Transformation and Identity Coach, Kris is not only able to look back with a new lens on her own traumas, but offer hope and healing to anyone who "still has a fork in her hand." For more from Kris, visit https://www.watermarkcoach.com

Leigh continues her story of redemption and healing.  She shares about finding Jesus, adopting her daughter, and extensive mission and church work.  But she was still a "plastic princess" and God had more healing to offer His precious daughter.   For more from Leigh, visit: https://www.instagram.com/xoxo_leighmackenzie/   https://www.facebook.com/leigh.mackenzie.5   https://anchor.fm/leigh-mackenzie ("She Seems So Normal" podcast)

The first part of Leigh's story is tough.  She shares about childhood grooming, abuse, and trauma.  But after the birth of her miracle son at age 33, she began a search for God.  Come back for Part 2 of Leigh's epic story to hear how Jesus can change everything. For more from Leigh, visit: https://beacons.ai/leighmackenzie   https://www.instagram.com/xoxo_leighmackenzie/   https://www.facebook.com/leigh.mackenzie.5   https://anchor.fm/leigh-mackenzie ("She Seems So Normal" podcast)   https://www.amazon.com/She-Seems-So-Normal-Authentic/dp/1949856690  (book)

Hayley had a strong faith foundation.  Then came 2016.  A year full of grief and loss was enough to test anyone's faith... and then came her cancer diagnosis.  Through it all, Hayley's faith grew stronger as she turned her "why is this happening to me?" into "Lord, what are you teaching me?"  Hayley's story is one of hope and includes a special musical performance by Leslie Page from episodes 19 and 20.

Born and raised in India, Mabel discovered the stress of assimilating to a new culture when she and her husband moved to America.  Mabel's immigrant journey overlapped with her spiritual journey, leading to a deeper connection with God.  Her experience as a stranger in a strange land eventually inspired her book, "Far From Home: Discovering Your Identity as Foreigners on Earth."   For more from Mabel, visit https://mabelninan.com or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MabelNinan/

"Sarcastically gifted" Sarah shares her story of becoming a published author.  A busy wife and mom with a career in numbers, Sarah put her love of writing on hold for many years.  While on her journey, God taught her to applaud for others until it was her turn. For more from Sarah, visit: https://seclancy.com https://www.facebook.com/seclancy.37454

Chipley shares her story of infertility and becoming a mother through embryo adoption.  Now parents to three miracle children, Chipley and her husband learned that their plan B was always God's plan A. To hear more details from Chipley and Brian's story, check out their epsiodes on the Sarah's Laughter Podcast: Episode 6 - Chipley Episode 17 - Brian Episode 29 - Chipley and Brian

Mary learned the power of prayer at a tender young age.  Years later, as a young wife suffering from both infertility and domestic abuse, she learned the power of God's rescuing love.  But He didn't just rescue her, He made beauty from the ashes of her story. If you or a loved one is a victim or survivor of abuse, visit https://abuserecovery.org

In this recording of a live Story Night event from October 2022, Sarah shares her story of searching for love in all the wrong places.  This search led to a life of drugs, addiction, and bad company that ultimately landed her in jail.  Little did she know how God would transform her life in her jail cell, because no one is too far gone for His love and grace. To watch the video version of this event, click here.

Pam learned at an early age that God could make the impossible possible.  That foundation would carry her through a flood of challenges, including a near death experience, financial struggles, and grief.  Pam and her husband Frank have seen God's provision in miraculous ways... not only in their own lives, but in the lives of the children they sponsor through Holt International. For more about child sponsorship, visit Holt International

Stacey knew God called her to marriage and motherhood, but there was also a ministry for her outside of her home.  From running through an airport at midnight to walking the runway in a pageant, God took Stacey on a very creative and unique journey that landed her as the founder of ARMS, Abuse Recovery Ministry Services.  Her story is one of obedience, no matter what. ARMS offers resources for victims and survivors of abuse, those who want to help victims and survivors, and those who are struggling with abusive behaviors. Call 503-846-9284 or 866-262-9284 or visit the ARMS website 

Through ministry and motherhood, Diane has learned firsthand that pain becomes passion.  And then passion becomes purpose.  Whether praying for enough money to buy food or praying for her daughter's healing, Diane found that God never failed to show His provision and love. Resources mentioned in the episode: Living Waters of Hope: https://www.livingwatersofhope.org/   Pastors Summit: https://www.livingwatersofhope.org/pastors-summit-2022/ 

How does a woman who didn't believe there was a God end up as a Bible teacher?  Shadia shares how God took her "messy" story of abortion, abuse, and divorce, and turned it into a story of redemption. Find out more from Shadia on her website. Join Shadia's online study of Tamar, beginning September 12, 2022, here.

Amy is wife, mom, author and podcast host. She shares her story of physical and mental health challenges and how God brought her to a place of trusting Him, understanding that He created her as an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person). Find more from Amy: www.amyearls.com www.facebook.com/authoramyearls www.instagram.com/authoramyearls www.goodreads.com/authoramyearls   Book about HSPs mentioned in the episode: Sensitive and Strong

Rachael takes us through the achieving and humbling seasons of her story, into a place of finding peace and purpose in the everyday life of marriage and motherhood.  When feelings of fear and failure took control of her life, God reminded Rachael to surrender all to Him. Books mentioned in the episode: Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson Holy Spirit by John Bevere Quiet by Susan Cain

Paula continues her story, sharing about how she met her husband and lived on a fixer-upper farm.  Although we live in a broken world where "everybody gets something," God sustained Paula through both an infertility diagnosis and a cancer diagnosis and taught her the beauty of true surrender. 

In this first part of Paula's story, she shares about life in Romania under Communism before she and her family moved to America.  Her American life led her to college and a career in nursing.  Paula's story is a clear example of Romans 8:28 as God continually worked all things for good, even when it was hard to see.

Hannah battled bulimia as a teenager and spent her 21st birthday in the psych ward.  Today she's a surfer girl, living in Hawaii with her husband and five children.  Her story encourages people to step out and be a hospitable light in the life of others, then watch what God can do.

From the Sarah's Laughter Podcast, Elisha shares her story of infertilty, loss, and adoption.  Author of the popular blog Waiting for Baby Bird, Elisha continues to pour into others during her own waiting period.   For the full story, check out Elisha's original episode on the Sarah's Laughter Podcast:http://podcast.sarahs-laughter.com/episode-72-waiting-for-baby-bird-elisha-kearns Check out Elisha's website and blog at https://waitingforbabybird.com

Julie was a guest on episode 71, during which she promised to "tell you more."  In this recording of a live Story Night event from May 2022, Julie shares the rest of her story, offers a Q&A session for the attendees, and provides important insight about abuse.  Despite horribly dark chapters, Julie's story is one of hope... because there is nothing too big for God to heal. For more about ARMS, visit https://abuserecovery.org For more from Julie, visit https://www.juliebonnblank.com To see the video version of this event, visit https://youtu.be/Z3PR520aIlI

In this throwback episode from a live Story Night in 2016, Jill shares her story of health struggles, a marriage in crisis, and adopting her children.  She then joins us for an update on the past 6 years of her life.  Whether our journey brings us or our loved ones into a wilderness season, God calls us to surrender and trust Him because the wilderness is never too much for Him to handle.