Join us for an intimate conversation as we sit down with Amber Smith, wife of Granger Smith, a country music star who dedicated his life to ministry, as Amber opens up about their heart-wrenching journey following the tragic loss of their youngest son, River.

On June 4th, 2019, Amber's family's life changed forever when River drowned in their family pool. The devastating tragedy sent their family into a dark and painful journey, filled with grief, guilt, and criticism from the outside world. Despite his efforts to carry on with his career, Amber's husband Granger was dying inside, and Amber was trying to balance being a wife and mom...and deal with her own inexplicable grief. Little did she know how much she was going to need to lean on God, and her everlasting bond is what lifted her out of despair and led her to find purpose in her suffering.

In this episode, Amber shares her vulnerable testimony and the profound lessons she learned including the deep truths about God and faith that emerged from River's passing, navigating grief and the struggles she encountered while trying to support her family through their collective grief, and how this all shaped her newfound relationship with Christ.

Join us as we navigate Amber's touching story of her family's new life birthed out of tragedy, and how to connect to God— even when you're in your darkest season. Be prepared for an inspiring conversation filled with hope, faith, and the power of allowing God to do the heavy-lifting in your healing journey.

GUEST: @AmberEmilySmith

Amber's Website: arisewithamber.com

Learn more about the book "Like A River"!

HOST: @LeanneEllington

To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are back with another installment of "Ask the God Pod" where we dive into a vulnerable question from Amy, a 38-year-old woman grappling with the fear that she may never find her life partner.

She asks, "How do I ask God to help me find my husband when I'm so afraid it will never happen?"

We explore the emotional complexities and the spiritual journey of desiring a partner while battling fears of lifelong 'singleness', emphasizing the importance of honesty in prayer, encouraging you to approach God with your deepest desires and fears.

Leanne shares her own story and experiences dealing with the uncertainty of dating (and the fears that she wouldn't ever meet her person), sharing how a period of "Dating Jesus" was transformative, helping her connect with the version of herself that felt worthy of receiving unconditional love. This phase of deepening her relationship with God provided the foundation for a future relationship built on faith and self-worth, and she believes is what prepared her to meet her now-husband.

Additionally, we revisit a previous episode, "How God Helped Me Heal My Fears About Being Alone the Rest of My Life," (linked below) where we discussed the gradual shift in self-belief and integrating faith with science for emotional healing.

Amy’s question and the discussion it opened offers hope and guidance for anyone navigating the often challenging path of waiting for a life partner, and reminds us of the power of growth, faith, and the transformative power of God’s love....even in the waiting.

Resources Mentioned:

How God Helped Me Heal My Fears About Being Alone the Rest of My Life

HOST: @LeanneEllington

To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are back with another installment of "Ask the God Pod" where we dive into a heartfelt and relatable question from one of our listeners, Shelby, who asks how to explore her own spirituality and faith when her friends and family aren't interested.

We share practical advice and personal anecdotes about navigating this delicate situation. We'll discuss the importance of giving yourself grace, approaching faith with childlike wonder, and finding supportive communities outside your immediate circle. We also emphasize the power of keeping your spiritual journey personal and private, allowing yourself the freedom to explore without the pressure to explain or justify it to anyone else. Whether you're curious, confused, or just beginning your faith journey, this episode is all about embracing the process and finding the courage to pursue your own path.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to seek out God, and you are never alone on this journey. Your spiritual exploration is uniquely yours, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

HOST: @LeanneEllington

To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of our "Reasons to Believe" series, we sit down with Ken Samples, a philosopher and theologian who is dedicated to helping people grasp the reasonableness and relevance of Christianity's truth claims.

As the senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe and the author of multiple books, Ken brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our discussion of how faith and science intersect.

Ken begins by explaining what it means to be both a philosopher and theologian, offering a glimpse into his daily work and how these roles intersect in his mission to explore and explain the depths of Christian doctrine. His dedication to demonstrating the logical and practical aspects of Christianity is evident as he delves into what he means by the "reasonableness" and "relevance" of faith.

For those who are skeptical or feel "too smart" to believe in God, Ken offers a thoughtful and inviting approach to starting conversations about faith. He shares some of the meeting points where faith and science intersect in ways that can be easier for non-believers to grasp.

We also explore Kenneth's views on central Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the incarnation, and the atonement, and how these concepts are compatible with reason. His explanations are tailored for those who might be skeptical but genuinely want to believe.

He also shares his insights on how seekers can differentiate truth from hearsay, indoctrination, or false teachings, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and discernment in the pursuit of truth.

Finally, we discuss how science and scripture align in Kenneth’s view, with specific references to scriptures that have profoundly impacted his beliefs and understanding. His thoughtful and well-reasoned approach provides a compelling case for the harmony between faith and science.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Ken Samples, as we explore the deep connections between reason, faith, and the quest for truth in the final episode of our "Reasons to Believe" series.

GUEST: Ken Samples

Reasons To Believe Website & Resources HERE

HOST: @LeanneEllington

To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third episode of our "Reasons to Believe" series, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jeff Zweerink, a senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe and a project scientist at UCLA. With a PhD in astrophysics, Jeff has dedicated his career to exploring the fascinating connections between the truths of Scripture and scientific evidence.

Jeff is an accomplished author, whose writings and talks are aimed at encouraging people to delve into the intersection of faith and science.

During our conversation, Jeff shares what it’s like to be an astrophysicist and project scientist, offering a glimpse into his daily work and the exciting challenges of his field. We discuss his passion for teaching about the connection between Scripture and scientific evidence, and he walks us through his personal journey to faith.

Jeff is known for tackling tough "What if...?" questions, even engaging with atheists in fair and fearless dialogue. We explore some of the most common and challenging questions he encounters, and he offers insight into how to approach these critical discussions for those who are seeking but struggling with their faith.

For the skeptics, cynics, or those who feel "too smart" to believe in God, Jeff shares powerful starting points for conversation where faith and science meet in ways that are accessible and compelling.

Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion as Dr. Jeff Zweerink helps us navigate the rich dialogue between faith and science, showing how each can illuminate the other.

GUEST: Dr. Jeff Zweerink

Reasons To Believe Website & Resources HERE

HOST: @LeanneEllington

To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second episode of our "Reasons to Believe" series, we’re thrilled to sit down with Dr. Fuz Rana, the president, CEO, and senior scholar at Reasons to Believe. With a deep expertise in biochemistry, genetics, human origins, and synthetic biology, Dr. Rana passionately shares the scientific evidence that supports biblical creation and God’s existence.

Dr. Rana’s work focuses on human exceptionalism, exploring how science shows that humans are unique. Whether he’s examining ancient hominids or the future of transhumanism, he provides compelling insights that bridge the gap between faith and science.

During our conversation, we dive into what a biochemist does and what a typical day looks like for him. He also gives us a high-level overview of the scientific case for God’s existence and the Bible’s reliability, exploring how biochemistry, genetics, and other fields support these ideas.

He explains key points where faith meets science in ways that are easy to grasp, and we also discussed the concept of "human exceptionalism" and how it can deepen our understanding of God and scripture.

Join us for an enlightening discussion that showcases the crossover between science and faith, and discover how scientific discoveries can enhance your faith journey.

GUEST: Dr. Fazale “Fuz” Rana
Reasons To Believe Website & Resources HERE

HOST: @LeanneEllington

To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for the first episode of our "Reasons to Believe" series as we chat with Dr. Hugh Ross, the founder and senior scholar of Reasons to Believe. Dr. Ross has an incredible journey from skepticism to faith, and he’s here to share it with us. With a background in astrophysics, Hugh’s studies in cosmology led him to a surprising conclusion—the existence of a Creator, specifically the God of the Bible.

Dr. Ross, who has a degree in physics and a PhD in astronomy, explains how he integrates observations from different scientific fields to explore the connections between science and faith. We’ll dive into what an astrophysicist actually does, and how Hugh’s workday looks as he blends science and spirituality. He also offers insights for skeptics and non-believers, highlighting the meeting points where science and faith intersect.

This series is unlike any we have ever done, and that’s why we are so excited to really dive into this conversation all about where faith meets science. But also where science meets miracles and creation.

GUEST: Dr. Hugh Ross
Reasons To Believe Website & Resources HERE

HOST: @LeanneEllington

To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for an intimate conversation as we sit down with Granger Smith, a country music star who dedicated his life to ministry. Granger opens up about his heart-wrenching journey following the tragic loss of his youngest son, River, which he vulnerably shares in his book, "Like a River."

On June 4th, 2019, Granger's life changed forever when River drowned in their family pool. The devastating tragedy sent him into a dark and painful journey, filled with grief, guilt, and criticism from the outside world. Despite his efforts to carry on with his career, Granger was dying inside. Alone on his tour bus one night, he had a transformative spiritual encounter with God that lifted him out of despair and onto a path of healing and renewal.

In this episode, Granger shares his vulnerable testimony and the profound lessons he learned including the deep truths about God and faith that emerged from River's passing, navigating grief and the struggles he encountered while trying to support his family through their collective grief, and the moment he felt God's presence and the spiritual encounter that changed his life forever.

His experience of nearly taking his own life and finding new purpose led him to the remarkable growth that came from his suffering, and he shares why he wouldn't turn back time, even if it meant having River back. This led to him listening to "the call", as he decided to leave his music career to become a minister , and he shares how preaching has brought him more fulfillment than fame ever did.

Join us as we explore Granger's triumphant story of new life birthed out of tragedy, and learn how to face your own failures, confront pain, and connect with God— even when you're in your darkest season. Be prepared for an inspiring conversation filled with hope, faith, and the power of surrender.

GUEST: @GrangerSmith
Granger's Book: Like A River
Granger's Website, Appearances, Podcast, & Books: https://grangersmith.com/

HOST: @LeanneEllington

To learn more about Leanne, head over to www.LeanneEllington.com, and to share your thoughts, questions, feedback, or guest suggestions instantly, head on over to www.WhatsGodGotToDoWithIt.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.