Through the Grapevine

In 1994, a small South Carolina town found itself thrust into the national spotlight after a tragedy that made headlines across the country. But behind the breaking news were neighbors, friends, and families who lived the story in real time — and bore the weight of its aftermath. Lori Sanders was one of them. In this deeply personal episode of Through the Grapevine, Lori reflects on her memories of Susan Smith — not as a name in the news, but as a woman she once knew from church, from work, and from everyday life. As she revisits the heartbreak that unfolded, Lori shares how her community grappled with anger, disbelief, and the long process of forgiveness. Through faith, prayer, and time, she learned that even the most painful stories can become testimonies of healing. Lori’s story reminds us that when the headlines fade, the real work of forgiveness, grace, and finding peace begins.

In the quiet hills of North Carolina, Donovan Garrett’s story began like many others — faith-filled, hardworking, and deeply rooted in small-town life. But as years passed, alcohol slowly took hold, pulling him away from the man he wanted to be and leaving behind a trail of broken trust and regret. What started as a way to pass the time turned into a battle for survival — until God stepped in. In this powerful episode of Through the Grapevine, Donovan shares his journey from addiction to redemption, detailing the moments when God’s grace reached deeper than his pain. From sleeping in his truck to finding new life through faith-based recovery, his testimony is a moving reminder that no one is too far gone for God to restore. Donovan’s story is raw and redemptive. His testimony is one of second chances, healing, and the miracle of a changed heart. It’s proof that when God rescues, He doesn’t just rebuild a life — He transforms it.

On October 8, 2023, what began as a day of celebration for the Hines family — their son’s 18th birthday and their daughter’s baptism — became one of unimaginable tragedy. A car accident claimed the life of their youngest child, Madison “Maddie” Hines, and forever changed their family’s story. Yet even in the heartbreak, God’s presence was unmistakable. In every detail — from the moments before the accident to the days that followed — Chelsey and Chris could see His hand guiding, comforting, and surrounding them through their grief. In this moving episode of Through the Grapevine, Chelsey shares how her faith became her anchor and how God used an unthinkable loss to reveal His love in profound ways. Through community support, quiet miracles, and an unshakable belief that Maddie’s story wasn’t over, the Hines family has found new purpose in keeping her light alive and spreading the joy of the Spirit that she carried daily. Their foundation, Love Like Maddie, stands as a testament to that faith — inspiring others to live with the same joy, kindness, and wholehearted love Maddie embodied. Chelsey’s story is one of pain transformed into purpose, and a powerful reminder that even in the valley, God is still good. Be sure to check out Love Like Maddie's website by clicking the link: https://lovelikemaddie.com.

When Ava Garus packed up her life in Bend, Oregon, and moved 2,000 miles across the country to Anderson, South Carolina, she expected to find new scenery and maybe a few “y’alls.” What she didn’t expect was how deeply the transition would shape her understanding of faith, friendship, and home. In this episode, Ava reflects on the challenges of starting over in an unfamiliar place — building community from scratch, learning to trust new people, and seeing how God works through the details even when the path feels uncertain. Through late-night talks, laughter that replaces sleep, and the quiet moments of homesickness, Ava shares how vulnerability became the key to finding belonging and how God’s faithfulness has met her in every new season. Her story is a reminder that home isn’t just where you come from — it’s what you carry with you. From the snowy mountains of Oregon to the warm hospitality of South Carolina, Ava has discovered that genuine connection, grace, and the presence of God can make any place feel like home.

Jackson Cole grew up under the glow of Friday night lights in small-town South Carolina, where football was more than a sport — it was a way of life. Known for his determination and love of the game, Jackson’s future seemed certain until a devastating injury brought everything to a sudden halt. In this episode of Through the Grapevine, I sit down with Jackson to talk about what happens when the dream fades and the cheering stops. His story is one of loss, reflection, and rediscovery — an honest look at the challenges of identity, faith, and mental health when life takes an unexpected turn. Jackson’s journey reminds us that sometimes purpose is found not in what we lose, but in what we learn to carry forward. It’s a story of resilience, growth, and grace in the face of change.

Reverend Billy Cathcart spent more than thirty years in ministry, but his story begins long before the pulpit — in the red clay roads of Buffalo, South Carolina. Growing up without electricity or running water, his life was simple, steady, and shaped by faith and family. In this first episode of Through the Grapevine, I sit down with Reverend Cathcart to hear the story of how a near accident on a country road led to a lifelong love that spanned sixty-three years of marriage. From courting without cell phones to building a life grounded in devotion and humor, his reflections remind us that love endures through both change and challenge. Reverend Cathcart’s story offers a heartfelt glimpse into the beauty of small-town life — where faith is foundational, love is steadfast, and legacy is written in the quiet moments between two people who never gave up on each other.