Love Letter Stories: Recent Episodes
Mackenzie Ryan
Mackenzie Ryan hosts the Love Letter Stories podcast, which shares first-person experiences with the Christian God. She also hosts faith storytelling classes and offers storytelling consulting.
In her teens and early 20s, Sandi was confronted with a choice — join the “party crowd” or choose a healthier lifestyle. Now, she understands why God called her back to Des Moines and to a journey of fitness.
After her son died in a plane crash, Pat saw the Holy Spirit move to care for her daughter-in-law, grandchildren and family in ways she could never have imagined.
Brenda moved to Japan in her late 20s in an effort to follow God’s call. When she joined a boat with Japanese passengers to travel around the world, she trusted her steps to God’s path in a new way.
A stroke sent Mark to the hospital, but through it he felt God’s presence. His return to health brought a second chance: To be a better husband, father and friend. That realization uprooted his life.
When Kari’s mother was diagnosed was dementia, suddenly their roles were reversed. As a caregiver Kari found herself angry, frustrated, overwhelmed and sad. But through it all, God gave her peace in the middle of the storm.
When no one showed up to her sixth birthday, Michelle had a decision to make. Would she believe she is unloveable and easily forgotten? Or who Jesus tells her she is?
When his dad was hospitalized, Paul struck a deal with God: If you save my dad’s life, I’ll give you my life. Fulfilling the promise lead him through an impossible situation.
Amy always longed to be a mom. When her son was diagnosed with mental health challenges, she found herself trying to control the uncontrollable — and needing to surrender to God.
After an injury left her unable to care for herself, Jennifer struggled with her fierce independence and having to rely on others. She felt like she was being broken — only to be filled by the Holy Spirit.
After her mother and two sisters died in a car crash, Abbie spiraled into depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. But God's hand was moving, and as an adult she found peace in the unlikeliest of places.
When her son became sick just before his birthday, Dawn knew a hospital stay would likely follow. But that night she sensed she should pray for miraculous healing -- and fully surrender if it didn't come.
An enemy was born when Elyse's grandmother got cancer, the first of five cancer diagnoses in her family. Elyse began seeking meaning from cancer patients and others, but God gave a different answer.
During college and well after it, Paul was wondering if there was more to life. His searching lead him to the Lord — and the concept of lordship.
When her 2-year-old daughter became sick, Alex and her husband prayed and cried as she was put into a medically induced coma. Her death shocked their family. But in their grief, they knew they weren't alone.
The loss of his job sent Jon into a tailspin, and soon anxiety and addiction threatened to take everything he held dear. Then Jon met the Holy Spirit.
Diane endured a "dark night of the soul." In her anguish she cried out to God: "What do you really think of me?" The answer was the beginning of a beautiful rescue.