Despite the pandemic, Hannah has made progress with overcoming an eating disorder. While in quarantine, she has embraced food freedom and continues to show vulnerability about her sin. She reflects on her experience of opening up to her community and finding God’s redeeming love. He has cast out the darkness and brought her into the light, and she trusts in His grace to strengthen her fight. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, please visit https://austinstone.org/share (https://austinstone.org/share). Finally, for up-to-date information on how The Austin Stone is responding to the new coronavirus, please visit https://austinstone.org/coronavirus (https://austinstone.org/coronavirus). Click here to read the transcript of this story. (https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images/podcasts/transcripts/a/af6bab8f-6dc4-49cf-9aa0-9bb3948f9592/episodes/6/6217e9b3-a533-4fe8-b9fc-48829855f3cd/transcript.txt)

Stories from The Austin Stone

#100 Alone Together: Hannah

Sara wonders how COVID-19 will reshape the way people build community and develop relationships in the future. As a mother, wife, and active member of The Austin Stone, she has adjusted to a “new normal.” Still, she longs to go out and engage in community and corporate worship, especially as she continues to battle with clinical depression. Sara realizes that no matter what, Jesus is her everything. He will remain the same despite the uncertainty and changes around her. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, please visit https://austinstone.org/share (https://austinstone.org/share). Finally, for up-to-date information on how The Austin Stone is responding to the new coronavirus, please visit https://austinstone.org/coronavirus (https://austinstone.org/coronavirus). Click here to read the transcript of this story. (https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images/podcasts/transcripts/a/af6bab8f-6dc4-49cf-9aa0-9bb3948f9592/episodes/6/6764978b-48f9-43b0-b557-5ce67dd0e080/transcript.txt)

#099 Alone Together: Sara

Shawn is the CEO and founder of a fitness company that was rapidly growing until the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted his plans. With employees and clients in his care, he has felt the immense weight of ensuring everyone stays afloat. Through it all, he’s learned that his identity ultimately does not come from his job or his role as provider. His identity lies in Christ, and through Him, hope reigns. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, please visit https://austinstone.org/share (https://austinstone.org/share). Finally, for up-to-date information on how The Austin Stone is responding to the new coronavirus, please visit https://austinstone.org/coronavirus (https://austinstone.org/coronavirus). Click here to read the transcript of this story. (https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images/podcasts/transcripts/a/af6bab8f-6dc4-49cf-9aa0-9bb3948f9592/episodes/6/6daa05a4-bce1-4934-9cef-a8297576d177/transcript.txt)

#098 Alone Together: Shawn

Bonnie is a goer from The Austin Stone living in Europe, and she has experienced the tremendous devastation and isolation caused by the pandemic. As a former healthcare worker, she wondered where her place truly lies, but she now realizes that she needs to remain faithful to where God has placed her. She wants to love her neighbors as best as she can, trusting that God makes all things new in the midst of death. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, please visit https://austinstone.org/share (https://austinstone.org/share). Finally, for up-to-date information on how The Austin Stone is responding to the new coronavirus, please visit https://austinstone.org/coronavirus (https://austinstone.org/coronavirus). Click here to read the transcript of this story. (https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images/podcasts/transcripts/a/af6bab8f-6dc4-49cf-9aa0-9bb3948f9592/episodes/3/3a961223-af9c-4575-a858-c3db5e813c7e/transcript.txt)

#097 Alone Together: Bonnie

Casey had just launched his dream barber shop when the COVID-19 lockdown was announced. As a small business owner, he knew the responsibilities of caring for his employees and family. But he’s felt a peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that God always provides. Casey has experienced His faithfulness in ways that has continued to give him peace about the future, as uncertain as it remains. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, please visit https://austinstone.org/share (https://austinstone.org/share). Finally, for up-to-date information on how The Austin Stone is responding to the new coronavirus, please visit https://austinstone.org/coronavirus (https://austinstone.org/coronavirus). Click here to read the transcript of this story. (https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images/podcasts/transcripts/a/af6bab8f-6dc4-49cf-9aa0-9bb3948f9592/episodes/1/1f5eb6de-4158-44eb-a1ff-0a3eb7ca56e8/transcript.txt)

#096 Alone Together: Casey

Lauren is a brand new registered nurse, working at her first hospital in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. While her hospital no longer allows visitors for many of its patients Lauren works everyday to ease the burden on those who are sick and lonely. It’s not easy work, but she is learning to rely on the Holy Spirit to help her be faithful. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, please visit https://austinstone.org/share (https://austinstone.org/share). Finally, for up-to-date information on how The Austin Stone is responding to the new coronavirus, please visit https://austinstone.org/coronavirus (https://austinstone.org/coronavirus). Click here to read the transcript of this story. (https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images/podcasts/transcripts/a/af6bab8f-6dc4-49cf-9aa0-9bb3948f9592/episodes/5/582ca5e1-550f-407a-88f1-0d6a862183f8/transcript.txt)

#095 Alone Together: Lauren

Jimmy’s uncle Bobby died from complications of COVID-19 on Sunday, April 5th, 2020. As Jimmy wrestled with his grief and sorrow God comforted him through friends, family, and music. Through tears, Jimmy finds solace in worship and his hope in Jesus. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, please visit https://austinstone.org/share (https://austinstone.org/share). Finally, for up-to-date information on how The Austin Stone is responding to the new coronavirus, please visit https://austinstone.org/coronavirus (https://austinstone.org/coronavirus). Click here to read the transcript of this story. (https://assets.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images/podcasts/transcripts/a/af6bab8f-6dc4-49cf-9aa0-9bb3948f9592/episodes/b/b6dd7c1b-6965-4fbf-8234-6c732aeeb6af/transcript.txt)

#094 Alone Together: Jimmy

In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, believers around the world are striving to be faithful to Jesus and love their neighbors. “Alone Together” is a series of stories about how the people of The Austin Stone are living faithfully in uncertain times. We’ve all been called to be faithful in this season, but in many different ways. Today, across Austin and around the world, doctors and nurses, restaurant owners and delivery drivers, singles and students, moms and dads, artists and accountants, and more, are loving God, their church, their city, and the nations in the midst of this season. We might be spending our days apart, but in Jesus the church will always be united. These are stories of God’s people—alone, together. Please help us spread the word about the podcast by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts—or wherever you found this episode—and by sharing this episode with your family and friends. If you have a story to share with us during this time, please visit https://austinstone.org/share (https://austinstone.org/share). Finally, for up-to-date information on how The Austin Stone is responding to the new coronavirus, please visit https://austinstone.org/coronavirus (https://austinstone.org/coronavirus).

#093 Introducing Alone Together

Please note, this story is for mature audiences as it references heavily sexual themes, including pornography and sexual assault. When Hannah Mae was sexually abused at five-years-old, she only remembered feeling confused. Confusion developed into shame, self-loathing, and loneliness that haunted her for years. She became addicted to masturbation and started working in the pornography industry, thinking that these things would make her feel valued. But deep down, Hannah Mae knew that they wouldn’t save her, and she cried out to God for help. He answered—through a slow, patient process of recovery. Hannah Mae learned that God’s forgiveness is eternal, that she is no more a sinner today than yesterday and tomorrow. She clings to the truth that God calls her His bride, holy and pure. She is His beloved, always and forever. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone.org/soul-care/ (https://austinstone.org/soul-care/). The Austin Stone Counseling Center offers gospel-centered, church-based, clinically-informed counseling. For resources, appointments, and more, visit https://www.austinstonecounseling.org (https://www.austinstonecounseling.org). The Austin Stone Worship Story team identifies, empowers, and equips artists in the local church to utilize creative storytelling as a means to exalt the name of Jesus. We are a group of photographers, writers, editors, and filmmakers who use our gifts for His glory. For more stories, go to https://austinstone.org/stories (https://austinstone.org/stories).

#092 Recovery: Hannah Mae

Isaiah thought that he didn’t deserve God’s love and always had to earn it. To numb his feelings of guilt and unworthiness, he turned to sex, drugs, and alcohol. Yet with his marriage and sanity on the line, he recognized that only God could change his heart posture. In this ongoing process of healing, Isaiah knows that he can trust God to give him good things simply because he’s His child. Because, as Isaiah has learned, God gives His love freely. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone.org/soul-care/ (https://austinstone.org/soul-care/). The Austin Stone Counseling Center offers gospel-centered, church-based, clinically-informed counseling. For resources, appointments, and more, visit https://www.austinstonecounseling.org (https://www.austinstonecounseling.org). The Austin Stone Worship Story team identifies, empowers, and equips artists in the local church to utilize creative storytelling as a means to exalt the name of Jesus. We are a group of photographers, writers, editors, and filmmakers who use our gifts for His glory. For more stories, go to https://austinstone.org/stories (https://austinstone.org/stories).

#091 Recovery: Isaiah

Judy believed that her purpose in this world was to achieve perfection, and she worked hard at it for years. But her obsession with it led her to spiral into heavy substance abuse, escalating to a point where she came to God in desperation. During her recovery journey, Judy realized how her need for perfection overruled her need for God. She knows now that her purpose in this world is to serve God as His ambassador, loving His people and sharing the gift of compassion. Jesus, her perfect Savior, will always be enough for her. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone.org/soul-care/ (https://austinstone.org/soul-care/). The Austin Stone Counseling Center offers gospel-centered, church-based, clinically-informed counseling. For resources, appointments, and more, visit https://www.austinstonecounseling.org (https://www.austinstonecounseling.org). The Austin Stone Worship Story team identifies, empowers, and equips artists in the local church to utilize creative storytelling as a means to exalt the name of Jesus. We are a group of photographers, writers, editors, and filmmakers who use our gifts for His glory. For more stories, go to https://austinstone.org/stories (https://austinstone.org/stories).

#090 Recovery: Judy

Matt’s desire to control his life led him to develop deeper roots in sexual sin and pornography, which he kept hidden because he wanted to become the perfect version of himself. Through a series of wake-up calls, God worked in Matt’s heart to show him it was time to stop hiding and believing that he held the power to save himself. Since then, Matt has witnessed how God steps in to intercede for him as Protector, Deliverer, and Conqueror. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone.org/soul-care/ (https://austinstone.org/soul-care/). The Austin Stone Counseling Center offers gospel-centered, church-based, clinically-informed counseling. For resources, appointments, and more, visit https://www.austinstonecounseling.org (https://www.austinstonecounseling.org). The Austin Stone Worship Story team identifies, empowers, and equips artists in the local church to utilize creative storytelling as a means to exalt the name of Jesus. We are a group of photographers, writers, editors, and filmmakers who use our gifts for His glory. For more stories, go to https://austinstone.org/stories (https://austinstone.org/stories).

#089 Recovery: Matt

Naomi and Hector, a married couple, both dealt with mental illness and slowly awakened to their need for healing. They realized the importance of walking through their struggle together, and they experienced how God moves through His church to encourage His people. Most importantly, Naomi and Hector learned to run to Christ and not lose heart in the midst of darkness. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone.org/soul-care/ (https://austinstone.org/soul-care/). The Austin Stone Counseling Center offers gospel-centered, church-based, clinically-informed counseling. For resources, appointments, and more, visit https://www.austinstonecounseling.org (https://www.austinstonecounseling.org). The Austin Stone Worship Story team identifies, empowers, and equips artists in the local church to utilize creative storytelling as a means to exalt the name of Jesus. We are a group of photographers, writers, editors, and filmmakers who use our gifts for His glory. For more stories, go to https://austinstone.org/stories (https://austinstone.org/stories).

#088 Recovery: Naomi and Hector

Sarah realized the depths of her anger towards God when she saw how it strained her marriage. In her desire to maintain control over her life, it was difficult to admit that she needed help. Once she learned to surrender her heart to Christ, He revealed the incredible peace and rest she could find only in Him. Instead of viewing herself as her own savior, she learned to run to God for restoration. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone.org/soul-care (https://austinstone.org/soul-care). The Austin Stone Counseling Center offers gospel-centered, church-based, clinically-informed counseling. For resources, appointments, and more, visit https://www.austinstonecounseling.org (https://www.austinstonecounseling.org). The Austin Stone Worship Story team identifies, empowers, and equips artists in the local church to utilize creative storytelling as a means to exalt the name of Jesus. We are a group of photographers, writers, editors, and filmmakers who use our gifts for His glory. For more stories, go to https://austinstone.org/stories (https://austinstone.org/stories).

#087 Recovery: Sarah

Please note, this story is for mature audiences as it references pornography and sexual assault. For a long time, Laura stayed in the dark with her struggles and secrets, thinking that she was too far from God for help. The pain of it overwhelmed her. But when she reached out for help and embarked on a journey to recovery, she realized that she could truly heal from her trauma, and the only way was through Christ. Because of His salvation, she feels free to walk in the light and experience the fullness of His joy. For more information about the Recovery Ministry of The Austin Stone visit https://austinstone.org/soul-care/ (https://austinstone.org/soul-care/). The Austin Stone Counseling Center offers gospel-centered, church-based, clinically-informed counseling. For resources, appointments, and more, visit https://www.austinstonecounseling.org (https://www.austinstonecounseling.org). The Austin Stone Worship Story team identifies, empowers, and equips artists in the local church to utilize creative storytelling as a means to exalt the name of Jesus. We are a group of photographers, writers, editors, and filmmakers who use our gifts for His glory. For more stories, go to https://austinstone.org/stories (https://austinstone.org/stories).

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Stories from The Austin Stone

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