There have been so many stories over the years about someone defying the odds to achieve some level of greatness in their lifetime. So many that experts have dug quite deeply in a pursuit to find the common threads that define why someone is driven to seek high-performance and uncommon results.

While the research is sometimes conflicting, all can agree that a person who defies the odds has developed a range of coping skills, personality traits and supports, in home, school, and community that help them overcome adversity.

Dr. Ming Wang is one such person. A poor Chinese immigrant who grew up in 1970s rural China, Dr. Wang faced persecution and despair at every turn. But with the support of his family and his own unwavering determination, somehow, some way, he found his way to America to attend Harvard and MIT. And through his research, Dr. Wang developed an innovative technology that subsequently restored sight to millions of people.

Dr. Wang is the subject of a new movie from Angel Studios called ‘Sight’. Starring Oscar-nominated actor Greg Kinnear and Terry Chin, the film explores Dr. Wang’s traumatic past and celebrates his ability to not only defy the odds but to go beyond his natural abilities to find solutions that would make the world a better place.

Andrew Hyatt not only directed this movie but also co-wrote the script. His award-winning resume also includes films like “The Blind”, “Paul, Apostle of Christ”, and “Full of Grace”. It is Andrew’s desire to inspire others to persevere and to follow their dreams.

Andrew joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about Dr. Wang’s relentless pursuit of excellence when everything seemed to be working against him. Listen as he explains why, in our desperate need for heroes, we should look no further than to those who have dedicated their lives to helping others in humble, non-attention seeking ways.

Links to Crossmap

• Crossmap Website
• Crossmap Facebook

We have all heard the old phrase that laughter is the best medicine. While it may seem hard to believe that laughter contains medicinal properties, scientific research reveals that it can actually boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, and trigger the release of endorphins.

But what is laughter really? Simply said, it is a gift. Laughter can recharge your focus, give you a much needed break when facing a stressful situation, and even renew your spirit to find the courage to face a highly difficult season of life.

Chonda Pierce knows this all too well. A stand-up comedian blessed with a combination of southern charm and feisty wit, she has a very good sense of what is funny … and what is not. Chonda also knows laughter can have a short shelf life. That life is not always a series of jokes to make you smile. And even though you may be laughing on the outside, something very different is happening on the inside.

In her latest book, “Life is Funny Until It’s Not: A Comic’s Story of Love, Loss, and Lunacy”, Chonda shares her deep pain, personal darkness, and the lifetime of challenges served as the genesis to the material that millions of people have found side-splittingly funny for more than 30 years.
But through it all, God was there, on top of every peak and at the depths of every valley. Chonda's story of unshakeable faith will certainly inspire people to turn to God and trust His never-ending faithfulness.

Chonda joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about the good, bad, and ugly parts of her life. Listen as she expresses why it is important for her to share these secrets with people and what advice she has for someone who is scared to share traumatic experiences with family and friends.

Links to Crossmap

• Crossmap Website
• Crossmap Facebook

A lighthouse offers a promise of safety, warning travelers of unforeseen danger and guiding them along their journey. It symbolizes hope and salvation. Likewise, God, who is the light of the world, is our refuge, leading and beckoning us to safety during the storms of life.

This turbulence we endure is often a byproduct of our choices, beliefs, and the world around us. But when God’s truth and presence becomes our life’s foundation, we remain unmoved by the changing of our moods and culture, which frees us to live with confidence and peace.

In her latest book, “Light for Today: 365 Daily Devotions from the Lighthouse”, Fox News Religion Correspondent Lauren Green reminds us that despite the fogginess of our world and its cultural pressures, mistruths, and downright lies, we can fully depend on our ever-present God.

Furthermore, Green understands the value of embracing the comfort and assurance of Scripture and understanding God in a more personal way.

Green joins us on the Crossmap Podcast to talk about how we can know that an ever-reliable God is there and waiting for us at all times through our "spiritual fogginess". Listen as she shares how we can call ourselves people of faith but that our lives reflect our true beliefs.

Links to Crossmap

• Crossmap Website
• Crossmap Facebook