Most of us want to be able to share big and important truths with those who think and believe differently than we do, but find ourselves either shrinking back in fear or getting sucked into arguments that quickly devolve and turn ugly. Both responses stem from fear and challenge our ability to fulfill the greatest call Jesus gave us, and that’s to share the gospel with those who don’t yet know Christ. In this episode, host Jennifer Slattery speaks with apologist, pastor and church planter Dave Montoya on all the reasons these conversations feel so difficult and have the potential to turn so hostile, how to analyze our unique triggers, and create more fulfilling and fruitful discussions with those who hold a vastly different view of our world than we do.

Discussion/Reflective Question:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. When it comes to discussing big truths with those with whom you disagree, do you most frequently tend to get sucked into a tense argument or try to avoid the discussion, and why do you think this might be?
3. Consider a "truth discussion" when you became reactive or withdrawn. What factors might have impacted your reaction?
4. How difficult do you find it to see commonalities between yourself and those with whom you disagree on issues about which you feel deeply passionate, and why do you think this is?
5. According to Dave Montoya, we should approach anger with caution. Why did he suggest this, and how do you feel regarding his perspective?
6. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Connect with Dave Montoya on his church's website

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Faith Over Fear, Carol talks with pastor and author Terry Crist about his new book, Now You Can Stop Running. Together, they unpack what it means to stop fleeing from pain, purpose, or even God—and instead face what’s been chasing us with courage and grace. Terry shares his own story of reaching a breaking point when he could no longer outrun what God wanted to heal, revealing that running often masks deeper fears of rejection, failure, or being truly known.

Through candid conversation, Terry and Carol explore the connection between honesty, healing, and spiritual rootedness. They discuss how facing our inner struggles can restore connection with ourselves, others, and God—and how spiritual practices like solitude, Scripture reflection, and prayer can ground us when we feel the urge to escape.

If you’ve ever found yourself avoiding hard conversations, hiding behind busyness, or believing you don’t deserve to rest, this episode will help you recognize the subtle ways you might be running—and offer practical tools to stop, stay, and be fully present to God’s transforming grace.

Resource Referenced: Now You Can Stop Running: Finding the Rest Your Soul Desperately Needs

1. What are some ways you might be running from pain, purpose, or vulnerability in your own life—perhaps without realizing it?

2. When have you felt God gently calling you to stop running and face something hard? What happened when you did?

3. What fear tends to drive your fleeing behaviors—fear of failure, rejection, being known, or something else?

4. How might slowing down and telling yourself the truth—about your emotions, motives, or needs—open the door to healing?

5. Which spiritual practices (solitude, journaling, Scripture, community) help you stay grounded when you want to escape?

6. Do you believe you’re worthy of rest and belonging? What would change if you lived like that truth was real?

7. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Find Terry Crist:

On his website

On Instagram

Follow his work on Amazon

Find Carol McCracken:

On her website

On Facebook

On Instagram

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can grief and joy co-exist? Can families rediscover their joy after experiencing unthinkable tragedy? When our pain feels so intense we struggle to breath, we might fear we don't have the strength to carry on, the Lord comes beside us and speaks truth and love into our wounded souls. Amber Smith, wife to country music singer Granger Smith, experienced this in a profound way when she and her husband lost their precious toddler son in a tragic drowning accident. Their son's death could've shattered their marriage and their family. But because of God and His grace prior, during, and since that time, their relationship not only survived, but came out stronger. In this episode she shares how Christ carried them through and enabled them to heal and experience renewed joy.

Resource referenced: Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything is Falling Apart

Discussion/Reflective Questions:

1. What resonated with you most in this episode?
2. Looking back over seasons of your life prior to periods of hardship, in what ways might God have been strengthening and depositing truth into your soul to help you get through your dark season?
3. When has God used a difficult season to draw you closer to friends, family, or a spouse?
4. When has God used a difficult season to reveal His character, tenderness, and heart for you?
5. What truth do you (or can you) hold onto during difficult seasons?
6. What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode?

Connect with Amber Smith:

On Instagram

Follow her work on Amazon

Find Jennifer Slattery:

On her website

Instagram

Facebook

Amazon

Subscribe to her free newsletter

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.