Kathy shares her phenomenal story of answering an insistent whisper to quit her job and work on homelessness, an endeavor she felt in no way qualified for. This "whisper" turned into her raising millions of dollars in donations to build a 100-unit housing complex, and later, a mental health treatment center and more. Her new book, Trust the Whisper, describes her experience and includes 20 other "extraordinary stories of ordinary grace" about others who heard and obeyed God's whisper and witnessed unimaginable results. You'll be enthralled by her story and challenged to listen for your own God whispers and purpose for your life.

You’ll find Kathy's new book, Trust the Whisper, published by Baker Books, on her website, ⁠https://www.kathyizard.com/⁠ where you'll also learn about her other 4 books, speaking engagements, and coaching. Listen to stories from her book here, and subscribe to What's Your Whisper, here.

The podcast also refers to the book and movie, Same Kind of Different as Me. The movie is available on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other streaming services.

Ellen's website can be found at https://www.extraordinary.live/

Ellen mentions these verses and commentary:

”Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.“

James 1:27 NIV

Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.“

James 1:27 MSG

True religion does not merely give something for the relief of the distressed, but it visits them, it takes the oversight of them, it takes them under its care; so episkeptesthaimeans. It goes to their houses, and speaks to their hearts; it relieves their wants, sympathizes with them in their distresses, instructs them in divine things, and recommends them to God. And all this it does for the Lord’s sake. This is the religion of Christ” (Adam Clarke, quoted in the Blue Letter Bible (BLB) app, James 1:26 Commentary by David Guzik).

Mike and Sharon have waded through marital struggles, a son’s serious illness, a major car wreck, financial hardship, and career-choice doubts and reached the other side with a stronger faith and more confidence in God’s guidance and care. They have worked with college students through Cru for many years and are currently working with grad students and faculty at NC State. You’ll be intrigued and blessed by their stories of God’s EXTRAordinary work in their ordinary lives.

Humorously, God used Paulina’s phobias and superstitions to point her toward His trustworthiness during a very upsetting time in her life. That is just one of the EXTRAordinary stories told by this Latina Spanish teacher. To be around Paulina is to be delighted by her laugh, positivity, endearing accent, strong belief, and compassionate heart. It’s easy to see why this “Mama Llama” is loved by her students.

Included in this podcast is Proverbs 3:5-6:" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Bob encourages us that even though we all have "hurts, hang-ups, and habits," Jesus is right there with us to help us and grow us. Bob shares insights gained from Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step ministry he led at his church. He also shares the joys of leading a gratitude class at his local rescue mission and talks candidly about codepency and an alcoholic dad, marriage counseling, emotional maturity, and intentional discipleship. So many gems!

Show Notes:

*Bob references Nick Vujicic's talk about bullying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l91cgdFCkJ0

*He also mentions the Bible Project videos: https://bibleproject.com/

*Ellen recommends the book, Crucial Conversations: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High.

Susan is a life coach, grief specialist, and counselor who, as an adopted only child, had to come to grips with difficult circumstances in her family and devastating truths about her family of origin. She tells us about these experiences and how God recently and unexpectedly infused her story with love and hope. In addition, she provides heartfelt insights for those who have been adopted (at 15:55) and helpful advice about how to talk with sensitivity to those who are adopted (at 17:45).

Susan's website and contact information can be found at ⁠https://www.walkingalongside.me/⁠

Susan mentions two books she has written (at 29:05). The first is Out of Breath, a psychological thriller (warning: adult content due to its subject matter of addiction and the death of a child.)

https://www.amazon.com/Out-Breath-Susan-Salluce/dp/0578090929

Her second book is a collection of stories about people who get grief tattoos: griefINK: Tattoo as the Language of Grief at https://www.amazon.com/griefINK-Tattoo-as-Language-Grief/dp/1519159870

The theme of Andrea’s life is God’s faithfulness. Jesus became her best friend at the age of 14 when her mom had to leave her abusive, alcoholic dad. Andrea’s been through some tough times including family medical issues and trouble conceiving, but she has seen God at work through it all. You’ll be enveloped in her rich faith, and you'll adore her dear and compassionate soul and strong convictions.

Rob Travis has been teaching high school science for decades. His intriguing stories include growing up in a poor Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn and experiencing harrowing adventures serving with the Merchant Marine. His stories are beloved by his students and have shaped his strong faith in Jesus. They inspire us to trust in the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Mackenzie is a recent college graduate who has lived for over a decade with the sleep disorder narcolepsy (specifically, Type 1 Narcolepsy with Cataplexy). Amazingly, Mackenzie has persevered with a positive attitude and accomplished more than many her age, including becoming an EMT in Italy during the Covid lockdown. Wise and kind, she shares about the impact Jesus has had on helping her deal with her illness and developing her self-confidence. Her story is inspiring, and you'll enjoy getting to know this impressive and thoughtful young woman.

Mackenzie quotes the insightful Dr. Seuss: “Those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind, don’t matter.”

You can also find this podcast episode and others on Ellen's EXTRAordinary Lives website at https://www.extraordinary.live/