
Hosted by Purposely · EN

Leslie Harter-Berg is a speaker, writer, owner of video production company Harter Creative, and founder of the nonprofit Vids for Wids, which creates grief content aimed at helping widows feel less alone. After the sudden death of her husband in 2019, she became a young widow, single mom and solo business owner with a newfound passion to learn and share more about grief and the mess of rebuilding. When she’s not chasing her children or on a TV commercial set, she’s connecting with other widows around the globe about life after loss.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/47oeEcV

Bart Millard opens up about the deeply personal journey behind bringing his family’s story to life—first through the unexpected success of I Can Only Imagine, and now through a sequel that explores his son’s battle with diabetes and the healing it sparked in their relationship.As he reflects on the power of vulnerability, the rise of his son Sam Wesley’s music career, and the message behind his and Shannon’s new book Even If, Bart reminds us that God often does His greatest work in the middle of our hardest seasons. Through music, film, and honest storytelling, he continues to point others toward hope, resilience, and a faith that endures.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4aDZy3Y Takeaways:Bart Millard's journey into filmmaking was unexpected but fulfilling.The film 'I Can Only Imagine' was inspired by personal stories.Storytelling is a way to bring hope to others.Creating the film was a therapeutic experience for Bart.Bart's relationship with his son has deepened through their shared experiences.The book 'Even If' offers a deeper perspective on their story.Shannon Millard's contributions to the book were significant.The flower chair symbolizes Bart's struggles with depression.The upcoming tour is titled 'Wonder And All' and features new music.The hymn 'It Is Well' has a profound impact on Bart's life and music.Sound bites:"Don't ever let your hurt go in vain.""He's really, really talented.""I would change it to make it well."Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Bart Millard and His Journey02:10 The Making of the Film: A Personal Story04:38 Exploring Family Dynamics and Relationships07:51 The Book 'Even If': A Deeper Dive10:51 The Upcoming Tour and New Music12:08 The Significance of 'It Is Well' and 'Make It Well'Keywords: Bart Millard, Mercy Me, film, music, family, storytelling, hope, Even If, It Is Well, tour

Friends Jake and Jeremy both work at a gym and boldly share their faith throughout the day with any clients who want to know more! Join Sarah as Jake and Jeremy share their powerful stories, including Jakes healing!Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3O6LCrx

Hope Darst’s journey is proof that God can take our “Is it too late?” and turn it into something beautifully unexpected. She stepped into her music career at 40 with a mix of faith, grit, and a whole lot of joy—and now her songs are lifting up the church in powerful ways. Her story reminds us that when we follow God’s lead, even the hard seasons can turn into something worth singing about.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4jTFQ8n

Content warning disclaimer for this episode. It's best listened to without little ears around, so put on your headphones as Mary discusses some more sensitive topics based on her time in the FBI.In part 2 of Mary Hudon’s story, we follow her deeper into a life shaped by God’s guidance—from confronting fear in law enforcement training to embracing His call across nations. Her journey reminds us that when we surrender to God’s leading, He weaves our experiences into a testimony of courage, purpose, and service to His people around the world.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4qew5nT

Content warning disclaimer for this episode. It's best listened to without little ears around, so put on your headphones as Mary discusses some more sensitive topics based on her time in the FBI.As a young girl, Mary was afraid of loud noises. She grew up to be part of the FBI and her story plays out like a fantastic screenplay - only its real life! The theme of the next two story-driven episodes are Faith Over Fear. Certainly timely to what is happening in the world right now that could cause so many to feel afraid. Listen for a Vitamin B-12 shot for your faith.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4qjH6nb

Sometimes the hardest beginnings lead to the most beautiful stories of redemption. Carly Ann Taylor’s journey from a broken childhood in Hawaii to finding hope, family, and faith through music reminds us that God can bring light out of even the darkest places. Now signed with Curb Records, her testimony and songs—like Why Should I Worry inspired by Matthew 6—shine as a powerful reminder of God’s provision and love.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/44sSnJI

Have you ever wondered if miracles are more than just ancient stories—if they’re still happening today? Lee Strobel, once a skeptic and staunch atheist, set out on a relentless quest for truth. What he discovered not only transformed his own life but continues to inspire millions.In his journey, he dives deep into the heart of Christianity: the miraculous birth of Jesus, the world-shaking reality of His resurrection, and the undeniable evidence of God’s hand at work in our modern world.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4rUx3a3 Takeaways:Lee Strobel was a former atheist who became a Christian.He defines miracles as events brought about by God's power.Strobel emphasizes the importance of credible eyewitnesses in miracle claims.He spent two years investigating the resurrection of Jesus.Strobel believes it takes more faith to be an atheist than a Christian.He highlights the significance of Jesus' birth and resurrection as miracles.Miracles often occur in places where the gospel is spreading.Strobel shares a documented case of a miraculous healing in Mozambique.He expresses a desire to share his faith with as many people as possible.Strobel is working on a new book set to release in 2027.Sound Bites"It took more faith to be an atheist.""The God of eternity became time bound.""I felt electric shock go through my body."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lee Strobel and His Journey02:55 Defining Miracles and Their Criteria05:57 Personal Transformation: From Atheism to Faith08:50 The Significance of Jesus' Birth and Resurrection11:36 The Ongoing Nature of Miracles TodayKeywords: Lee Strobel, miracles, Christianity, atheism, faith, resurrection, documentary, Case for Christ, Case for Miracles, spiritual transformation

Prepare your heart for Christmas by walking through the Gospel of Luke — one chapter each day. We're already a few days in, but it isn't too late to join us on this journey... We're giving you the gift of the first episode to give you a little taste of what's to come. If you'd like to continue the journey, find and follow our "Luke: A 24-Day Journey to Christmas" podcast mini-series on Purposely.com or wherever you get your podcasts.Merry Christmas from Purposely!Podcast Info: Luke: A 24 Day Journey to ChristmasFollow on AppleFollow on SpotifyFollow on YouTubeFollow on Amazon/AudibleFollow on iHeart

Brent Dawes is here to share his story of chasing creativity while staying true to faith, and navigating the messy but meaningful intersection of art and belief. From his journey as an actor turned animator to the 11-year creation of the David film, Brent shows how vulnerability and authenticity can transform storytelling into something that resonates far beyond cultural boundaries.Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3MjXxBg TakeawaysBrent's childhood passion for creativity led him to pursue acting.A sudden shift in desire led Brent away from acting to ministry.Brent's journey involved a significant move to the USA for church involvement.His experience in advertising was successful but felt unfulfilling.Brent found his true calling in stop-motion animation.The transition from animator to director was a gradual realization.Brent's faith journey included a crisis that challenged his beliefs.Writing the screenplay for 'David' came from a place of vulnerability.Brent emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling.The hope for the film is to inspire and resonate with audiences.Communicating with the creator of heaven and earth is essential.The David film has been a long journey of 11 years.Funding for the film was a significant challenge.The project felt like it was meant to be.Leadership themes in the film contrast fear and love.David's character is multi-layered, reflecting both strengths and weaknesses.The film aims to present true leadership.Music plays a crucial role in conveying the story.The film is designed to resonate with a global audience.God's character is portrayed as patient and understanding.Sound Bites"The desire to act had gone.""I knew that I wasn't home.""I started to question a lot about faith.""I didn't know what I believed.""I believe, but I also really don't.""What do we know?""It felt like it was meant to be.""We didn't look at other movies.""The Lord is my light."Chapters00:00 From Dreams to Reality: Brent's Journey10:52 Navigating the Wilderness: Faith and Doubt21:00 Writing from Emptiness: The Creative Process25:13 The Beginning of Understanding26:01 The Journey of the David Film29:01 The Challenge of Funding32:18 Leadership Themes in David's Story34:46 Exploring David's Character38:31 The Musical Layers of the Film43:10 Reflections on God's CharacterKeywordsBrent, journey, faith, creativity, wilderness, storytelling, animation, Hollywood, church, authenticity, David film, leadership, faith, animation, storytelling, God's character, music, themes, creativity, patience