Makeup Lessons For Life: Recent Episodes
Legacy Films Development
Makeup Lessons for Life will motivate, challenge and inspire you to believe that you can overcome and thrive in life, regardless of the challenges you have faced. Each interview explores a holistic approach to redemption, including the body, mind, soul and spirit.
Sharon continues visiting with Peggy about her journey to wholeness, in "Loss is Not Lost", Part Two. After working successfully for a technology company in Sacramento, handling their media production, the company went under financially. This was devastating to Peggy and the crews that she hired. Back in Dallas, broke busted and disgusted, she took a part time job as a cosmetics manager in a department store. Thankfully, she came to the revelation that failure is not a state of being. The environment she never imagined, and the job she never would have chosen, became a place of healing for her. Peggy's steps were indeed being divinely ordered. The women she worked with, along with the clients she served, created the backdrop for her journey to personal freedom. With her husband's support and his collaboration, they published, 'Makeup Lessons: A Story of Healing and Redemption at the Makeup Counter'. Listen to her message. It is simple and yet profound. If you will just sit in the presence of God, and give Him permission, He will give you beauty for ashes. He is the Master Artist. He does the transformation. Your life will never be the same again. God truly does work in mysterious ways. As they develop this inspirational content, they discover how He is transforming the lives of people...Everywhere..This particular episode will reveal that in-spite of mistakes or the challenges life may present, God's love and grace is constantly being extended. No person is a lost cause to God. Regardless of what may have occurred, with His help, they can choose to begin again. He will turn the mess into a message, the test into a testimony, and cause the victim to become victorious. That's His Promise!
Peggy is a wife, mother, author, producer, casting director, film actress, entrepreneur, entertainer and christian vocal artist. While she is versatile and highly accomplished in a career that spans several decades, she is no stranger to the personal losses of life. Peggy was greatly affected by the terminal illnesses of her mother, father and grandmother. The heartbreaking mental illness and death of her adopted Aunt, whom she cared for, was agonizing to watch. She survived the drowning of her sister, a divorce after twenty years of marriage and subsequent financial devastation.
In a candid interview, as the Executive producer and Creator of Makeup Lessons for Life, she openly speaks with her best friend and co-host Sharon Braxton; about the beautiful, victorious, but somewhat tumultuous journey of her life. She is grateful for the understanding, that nobody is beyond the grace of God and His ability to heal their broken heart or broken life. No matter the loss, WE are never lost to God. All things are not good, but He promises to make ALL things work together for our good if we let Him.
We are so thrilled to have Dickson & Shirley Rial with us today in a segment we call “How to Win When the Roof Caves In”, which is also the title of a book co-authored by Bill Glass and Dickson Rial. The title of this book hit home for both Dickson & Shirley when their roof “caved in” while facing the challenges of parenting a son addicted to drugs and alcohol. Dickson Rial is a highly esteemed pastor, minister. and published author. They share their journey with honesty and vulnerability, in effort to encourage and enlighten people that addiction is a disease that can afflict the best of families. It can happen to anyone’s son or daughter. Their son, Randy, shared his remarkable story of second chances in last week’s episode called “Prodigals Can Go Home.” Randy battled drug addiction to cocaine and alcohol for over thirty years. He was arrested nine times, four felonies, was suicidal, and went to ten different rehab centers for treatment. All of this was to no avail. Randy lost everything…his family, marriage, son and career. His parents, Dickson & Shirley never gave up on the power of God to break the addiction. They remained on their knees for 30 years until one day, God miraculously delivered Randy and answered their prayers. Randy has now been clean and sober for six years. He is currently married to the beautiful Holly Rial. His finances, career and relationships have been restored. Together, they share the love of Jesus and His ability to save, heal and transform lives through their ministry, THE ROAD TO REDEMPTION. Pastor Dickson has often quoted Winston Churchill, “Never give up! Never, never, never give up!” He and Shirley demonstrate the power of unconditional love, forgiveness, mercy and grace that can only originate from the Throne of God.
Life doesn’t come with a script. It’s full of unexpected detours, some can be catastrophic! What do you do when the bottom falls out or life throws you a curve ball, or you get distracted and make poor choices that end up costing you everything you have! The answer is “You can begin again.” In today’s segment, “Prodigals Can Go Home”, our special guest, Randy Rial, a recovered drug addict and minister will share his remarkable story of second chances. Randy’s addiction spanned decades and left him wondering if he would ever find freedom and peace. He is genuine, transparent and humble. His love for Christ is evident. His message is clear and simple. It doesn’t matter how far you have wandered or how long you have journeyed, God sees you. He is reaching for you. He is still in the miracle working business. When you have finally come to the end of yourself, you can head for home. You will find your heavenly Father running toward you!
Randy founded Road to Redemption Ministries, a non-profit organization that connects those coming out of addiction with the resources and tools they need to live a healthy, Christ-centered life.
Katie Phipps is a beautiful, courageous young woman whose moving story of victory in the face of extreme trauma and loss tugged on our hearts so much, that we decided that we had to bring Katie into the studio to sit down in our “makeup chair” and share her personal journey to healing and wholeness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your life right now by challenges and what seem to be “insurmountable obstacles”…then stay tuned, because Katie’s story will give you just what the “doctor ordered”…an injection of “hope” and the “fight” that you need not to “give up…give in or give out!” Her story is also a reminder that God can and will “redeem a life”, turn our ashes into beauty, transform our mourning into gladness and turn our despair into praise.
Judy Fox, a former NCAA Division 1 Volleyball Coach with 30 plus years of experience which includes induction into four halls of fame. Judy is also the President and Founder of “Ignite International” which she started back in 2003. With more than 90% of the global population engaging in sports at some level, Judy and her team use this “common foundation” to share universal principles to empower and equip influencers of tomorrow’s leaders. As a personal mentor of hundreds of athletes, coaches, and youth, Judy’s fingerprint extends across generations, cultures, beliefs and nationalities. She has trained leaders of national teams and federations, Olympic committees, educators, and youth and community leaders to utilize sport as the tool through which to teach life principles. With Judy at the helm, her team has left a mark of hope in more than a dozen nations through outreach trips to Nicaragua, Cuba, Liberia, the Holy Land, Jamaica, Moscow, St Petersburg, and the USA just to name a few. Today’s segment is called “Ignite U1” which is also the name of the new initiative that her company launched in 2019. Her goal is to inspire, empower, and equip teens and adults caught in cycles of trauma with the necessary practical tools they need to break the cycle so that they can experience the power of hope and pass it on to future generations. Judy believes that whether it’s across the street or across the globe, you can ignite your world…but it starts with U1…You First!
Our special guest today is Texas Senator Angela Paxton. She has represented District 8 in the Texas Senate since January 2019, and she is the wife of Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton. Senator Paxton is a former secondary math teacher and school guidance counselor for more than 20 years, thus, making her the first educator elected to the Texas Senate in over two decades. The mother of four is a stalwart leader and an unwavering voice on pro-life issues, including adoption, foster care, and preventing human trafficking. Her dedication to these issues stems from her own personal experiences growing up from humble beginnings as an adopted child herself. In today’s segment called “The Gift of Life,” you will hear her inspiring story of how God’s love, graciousness and favor covered her from birth, through her adolescent years and continues to cover her today. Her journey has been filled with unique and meaningful personal experiences that equip her to make a difference today, and her story is a true testament to God’s power to restore those “precious things” that seem lost to us.
Debbie Buffone is originally from northeastern Brazil where she spent her formative years. As a young woman, she moved from Brazil to Connecticut where she attended college and became a US citizen residing in this country for about 19 years. From Connecticut, Debbie moved to Dallas, where she currently works as a Governess for a family in Plano, Texas. She is a writer and speaker and is active in her Messianic Synagogue. She is also a faithful volunteer for the ministry, known as ROARING LAMBS. In this segment today called, “Abandoned by Man but Chosen by God,” you will hear how Debbie was triumphant and maintained hope and courage in spite of being rejected by her family before and after birth and subjected to two very “dark” and “perverted” problems on the rise in the world today…Human & Sex Trafficking and Sexual Abuse. Her countenance reflects the inward radiance of a joy that can only be found in the arms of a loving Savior, who has never, and will never, let her go….EVER.
Debbie’s story is in Vol. 3 of “Stories of Roaring Faith” found at
https://www.roaringlambs.org/store
Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs in the world! So what do you do as a parent, when you are faced with one of your worst nightmares: finding out that your precious son or daughter has a drinking problem? In our segment called “Trusting God…One Step At A Time”. Our special guest is our dear friend, Mary Dawson. She is the mother of four adult children and has nine grandchildren. She will share with us how she walked through the nightmare of her son’s addiction to alcohol which started as a teenager and lasted for 25 years. In an astonishing turn of events, this story culminated in a miracle.
As a professional songwriter and music publisher, her songs have been recorded by artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Babbie Mason, Cynthia Clawson and Perry Hayes. She is the founder and president of Songsmith, a Texas-based non-profit organization whose mission is to discover and encourage the vast pool of talented musicians and songwriters in the state. Please visit www.songsmithonline.com, or the Facebook page at Songsmith Texas.
Mary is also a 33-year member of a 12-Step Program for families and friends of alcoholics and addicts. Her recording, The Serenity Songs Project: Twelve Steps to Freedom, has received national and international acclaim from many of the over 200 programs which use the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to address various obsessive-compulsive disorders. The songs on the recording are based on the principles of the 12-Step Program and have been called “a meeting in music” by many who work the Steps for their own recovery.
Mary’s landmark book, How to Get Somewhere in the Music Business: From Nowhere with Nothing, is also the subject of one of the courses she teaches at the university level. Over her 30 years in the Music Industry, she has developed many resources for songwriters who are seeking to advance to the next step in their careers. For a list of these resources, please visit her website.
We hope that your new year is getting off to a positive start. We continue to pray Psalm 91 over you and we trust that God’s protection and His peace will cover you and your family every day. It’s hard to believe but Peggy and I have now completed 52 new segments for the Makeup Lessons for Life Podcast…that’s a year’s worth of new shows…and we feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share so many great stories of faith, healing and transformation with you. We’ve also been blessed and learned so many lessons from all the different people who have sat down in our makeup chair to openly share their stories. We have featured people from all walks of life…pastors, authors, a senator, attorneys, former drug addicts, a former member of the mob, people who’ve suffered sexual abuse, former prison inmates, businessmen and women, actors, actresses, musicians & singers, parents, single mothers and even a retired Colonel in the United States Air Force who was a Prisoner of War in Vietnam. Their stories and challenges may have been very different, but the power of God to work all things together for their good was the same! In celebration of our first year of shows, Peggy and I decided to select 7 of our guests and recap their testimonies while sharing the lessons we learned from the people who sat down in our makeup chair.
Happy New Year from all of us to all of you! We pray that you had a blessed Christmas with your family and that you’re enjoying some special time with your loved ones during this holiday season. The year 2020 was very challenging and difficult for so many of us. The effects of COVID-19 wreaked havoc on our nation and the world…causing death, illness, job losses, business closings, school closings, lock downs, isolation, and an overall drain on our mental and emotional health…so much so, that many people were ready to put 2020 behind them with hopes for a better 2021. But in spite of the struggles we faced last year, God is faithful and He has remained a constant source of hope and strength even during our darkest hours. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul writes: “in every situation, no matter what the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” This scripture is the foundation of today’s segment called “In All Things Give Thanks”…and I’m so excited to bring together our entire team…my co-host Peggy, Thomas & Pastor Scott to reflect on the lessons we learned from 2020 and the things we’re thankful for as well as discuss our mindset and approach for this new year. As an added bonus, we’re going to feature the music from our favorite hymns that have anchored us throughout our lives and we pray that they will bless you also.
Our segment today is called “Pickle Packin’ Grandma” . Our special guest is Betty Rae Worley. This homemaker, mother, grandmother and businesswoman is 80 years old and still going strong. She is vibran, beautiful as ever, and affectionately known by her husband as “the Pickle Babe”. Betty Rae has earned that title because for 30 years now, she has been the owner, creator, and face of the company “Betty Rae’s Bread and Butter Pickles”. When it comes to pickles, Betty Rae rules the roost. Since 1987, Betty Rae has been sharing her family recipe with the world, selling over 18,000 jars. She’s also been featured in Dallas’s own “D Magazine.” Life, however, has not always been for Betty Rae as “sweet as her pickles.” Over the years, she has faced family challenges, financial setbacks, and health issues that have put her faith in God’s power to heal and restore to the test. With each test, Betty Rae’s faith and passion for the Lord grew, and today her relationship with the Lord is more “intimate” than ever. Her greatest desire is that God’s light shine through her and her company far and wide.
For many people in the U.S. and around the world, the year 2020 has been very challenging and difficult at times. But in spite of the obstacles we’ve had to overcome, Christmas time is here and you can just feel its magic in the air! We all know the holiday song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year made famous by the pop singer, Andy Williams. Well, this is definitely my favorite time of the year. I love decorating the Christmas tree, looking at the beautiful ornaments and lights, drinking hot cider and cocoa, baking tasty treats, exchanging gifts with family and friends, and caroling in the neighborhood. But most of all, I love reading the Christmas story and celebrating the birth of Christ…who is the savior and “light of the world.” I also enjoy the music of Christmas…especially the “carols” that transport me to the first Christmas back in Bethlehem…the day that changed the world forever. Well, today we’re going to share with you the stories behind the writing of some of your favorite carols and play some beautiful arrangements of these songs performed by our very own jazz musician, Tom Braxton, and featured on his Christmas CD, “Comfort & Joy.”
Life can be very difficult and challenging at times…as many of you know since we’ve been battling the negative effects of COVID-19 this year. Sometimes life can throw you a real “curve ball” that knocks you off your feet and leaves you saying, “Now What?”… which is the title of today’s segment. How do you handle life’s “suddenlies” when they leave you devastated and discouraged? Our guest today is Kevin Choate, Associate Pastor of the Children & Youth Ministry at Sojourn Church in Carrollton, Texas. Kevin experienced his own “suddenlies” and found himself saying, “Now what?”…after walking through the trauma of losing his wife unexpectedly, finding himself raising three kids on his own, and enduring the pain and heartache of a subsequent divorce which left him broken and depressed. Today Kevin will share his message of hope and encouragement and the lessons he learned from a “faithful God” who not only transformed and restored his life, but also blessed and elevated him to heights he never imagined were possible!
Peggy welcomes co host Sara Davis to Makeup Lessons for Life, featuring the gifted and compassionate Dr. Francis Murphy. More than a successful doctor who treats patients, he is a man acquainted with the struggles of dealing with his own physical challenges. Despite a potential death sentence, his life was spared. He is an overcomer and has used his wealth of personal experiences, his education and God given gifts to create solutions for health and well being.
LeTesha Wheeler, author of the book, “Half Breed”, joins Peggy and guest host Sara Davis to discuss the timely, necessary, and profoundly emotional topic of racial healing and reconciliation. It appears that the entire world is sitting on a powder keg. The hurts run deep, and the confusion is great. Is there a bridge to cross the great divide? LeTesha believes there is an answer, and His name is Jesus. God has poured His love through her at a time when our country is fractured and hurting. Enlightened by her individual DNA and family background, LeTesha has a word to help us understand the challenges our nation faces today.
LeTesha is a passionate influencer, author and speaker whose greatest desire is to motivate others to walk in the fullness of their purpose, overcome fear, and stand strong in their faith despite life’s biggest obstacles. LeTesha’s life experiences and family heritage have fueled her voice for reconciliation within her local community and the nation. Alongside her husband, James and LeTesha have served in various roles in their north Dallas church since they were married in 2003. They have two smart, handsome and athletic teenage boys. LeTesha enjoys spending quality time cheering on their sons in their various sports, coaching track, and leading life changing events.
*Presentor: Jan Tennyson, Founder – 1987
Mission: Dare to Dream impacts the lives of hurting youth in group homes, shelters, detention centers and orphanages and helps them discover their star quality through life-skills education and ministry.
Website: www.daretodream-dallas.org
Fun Fact: Jan herself was an abandoned child placed in foster care who got to play piano in Carnegie Hall at the age of seven. As an adult, she received the prestigious Lone Star Achievement Award from former Texas Governor Rick Perry and has led this ministry for over 30 years.
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Our segment today is called “Anointed and Appointed” …and these words perfectly describe our featured guest, Pastor Kathy Hayes, who along with her husband, Dr. Mike Hayes, co-founded Covenant Church in Carrollton, TX and served as Senior Pastors for 40 years. They established the church in 1976 with 30 to 50 people. Over the years, the congregation has grown into an interracial/multi-cultural “mega-church” with four different campuses across the Dallas metroplex, and their ministry impacts people not only in their community, but also across the nation and around the world. But ministry is nothing new for Pastor Kathy…who developed a personal relationship with the Lord at a very early age. Not even the break-up of her parents’ marriage could thwart the plan God had for her life. Her anointing was evident beginning in her teen years, as she toured and ministered with her brother and sister in a trio called “The Singing Parker’s, garnering rave reviews in churches across the country…and even recording albums with the group. In the book of Matthew 22:14, Jesus said, “…many are called, but few are chosen.” Pastor Kathy was clearly “chosen” and “appointed” for kingdom purpose…whether working behind the scenes interceding for her husband and leaders, or standing on the front lines as the “Bride of Christ” with combat boots on pushing back the powers of darkness…she’s both feminine and fearless…a true prayer warrior and a “force to be reckoned with.” Listen as she shares the joys, rewards and breakthroughs as well as the challenges, heartache, and losses experienced both in ministry and in her personal life…while always trusting in God’s sovereignty and standing on Romans 8:31… “If God is for me, who can be against me?”
Our segment today is called “Anointed and Appointed” …and these words perfectly describe our featured guest, Pastor Kathy Hayes, who along with her husband, Dr. Mike Hayes, co-founded Covenant Church in Carrollton, TX and served as Senior Pastors for 40 years. They established the church in 1976 with 30 to 50 people. Over the years, the congregation has grown into an interracial/multi-cultural “mega-church” with four different campuses across the Dallas metroplex, and their ministry impacts people not only in their community, but also across the nation and around the world. But ministry is nothing new for Pastor Kathy…who developed a personal relationship with the Lord at a very early age. Not even the break-up of her parents’ marriage could thwart the plan God had for her life. Her anointing was evident beginning in her teen years, as she toured and ministered with her brother and sister in a trio called “The Singing Parker’s, garnering rave reviews in churches across the country…and even recording albums with the group. In the book of Matthew 22:14, Jesus said, “…many are called, but few are chosen.” Pastor Kathy was clearly “chosen” and “appointed” for kingdom purpose…whether working behind the scenes interceding for her husband and leaders, or standing on the front lines as the “Bride of Christ” with combat boots on pushing back the powers of darkness…she’s both feminine and fearless…a true prayer warrior and a “force to be reckoned with.” Listen as she shares the joys, rewards and breakthroughs as well as the challenges, heartache, and losses experienced both in ministry and in her personal life…while always trusting in God’s sovereignty and standing on Romans 8:31… “If God is for me, who can be against me?”
Chef Otto Borsich, grew up in the Midwest…in the “heartland of America…with a strong sense of “community” and strong family values to match. He was destined to be a chef and acknowledged “his calling” when he was only in kindergarten! Since then, Otto’s warm food, warm heart, and smile as wide as Texas have blessed so many. He is a humble servant who shares his “gift of food” with all who cross his path on life’s journey. His accolades are many. He competed on Top Chef, taught at the Culinary Institute of America, ran the kitchens of 4 & 5 star restaurants, and even served and cooked aboard a nuclear submarine in the US Navy! But Otto is much more than a chef! He is a motivator, teacher, philanthropist, humanitarian and author whose infectious laugh and charming wit light up a room.
Our segment today is called “Dripping With Favor,” and that’s a perfect description of our featured guest, Lisa Briscoe, who experienced a “divine intervention” and God’s “grace” at a time when she needed it the most.
Growing up in a wealthy family, Lisa enjoyed all the “finer” things of life, but once she turned 18 and began living on her own, rebellion set in. She became obsessed with the “party scene,” and before long she indulged herself by taking almost every drug she could get her hands on (with the exception of heroin) and eventually began selling drugs to support her habit and pay the bills. Her life spiraled completely out of control as she was arrested three times for selling an illegal controlled substance…with the second offense landing her in jail for three months. After her third arrest, now a convicted felon, Lisa was paralyzed with fear that she may be going to prison for 20 years because she knew that under Texas law… “three strikes and you’re out!” But God had a different game plan.
Listen as Lisa shares her amazing story of transformation and restoration by a sovereign God whose power, love, mercy, and favor covered her and delivered her from the “powers of darkness” …bringing her into “His marvelous light”…where she boldly stands today!
For most parents, there’s nothing more devastating than the death of a child. The pain and agony from the loss can feel overwhelming and unbearable at times. Our guests today are Children’s Pastors Austin & Courtney Farley of Hope Works Fellowship in Fort Worth, TX, and they know all too well the pain and agony of losing a child…having lost their youngest son, August, in a drowning accident back in 2018… just a few months before his 3rd birthday.
According to a 2019 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, after birth defects, drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages one to four. But the Farley’s were more than just a statistic…they were a couple raising their family…enjoying life…experiencing their dream…when suddenly their world was turned upside down in an instant.
In our segment today called “Celebration of Life,” the Farleys will share how the Lord “rushed to them” during the darkest time of their lives and lovingly led them through the hurt and pain of their son’s tragic death... one step at a time…one day at a time…and the process of healing continues today. Their story is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His promise in Psalm 147:3 to “heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.”
aren Kay Seaman, ARRT RM, has been married to Kevin Seaman since 1981. They have two children, Stephen and Stephanie, and one favorite and only grandchild, Meadow Reed.
Karen is a mammography technologist and author of the book, A Breast of the Situation. She began performing mammograms in 1983, and her expertise has been enhanced by learning from the best radiologists in the field. To date, she has performed in excess of 90,000 procedures.
Karen’s deep desire was to stay home and raise her children. She never wanted to be a career woman. Nevertheless, a series of unforeseen events set her on a career path. There were many days where she found herself conflicted between a life she would never have chosen, and a growing passion and love for the women she served. Near the 20-year mark in her career, she realized that her life had clearly not been a series of random events. The Lord had her on assignment to witness the changes in the health care industry regarding women, so that she could show each woman how to be a responsible steward of her own health. Karen’s obedience to the Lord continues to bear much fruit in the lives of women. Karen’s testimony is about learning to surrender to the will of God, and to “bloom where planted.”
If you are a woman, know a woman or love a woman, you need to hear Karen’s story. Listen as she shares that there is no such word as “random” with God. He has a plan for your life, and it is a good one. He can be trusted.
Our guest today is Jacqui Baldwin…who many refer to as “Sista Jacqui.” She is an ordained Minister, Music Evangelist/Psalmist and Missionary, and she uses her God given gift as a Gospel vocalist to spread the good news of Jesus Christ around the world. In 1996, Jacqui received her “call” from the Lord to become a Music Evangelist while traveling with Dr. Francis Thomas in Jamaica. From there, she began traveling with Larry Strum Ministries around the U.S. and abroad in places like England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Israel…with extended stays in New Zealand, and Australia. It was in Australia where she was given the title of “World Class Gospel Singer.” But in the midst of her ministry adventures and successes, personally, she faced many challenges …and oftentimes it seemed like everything in the world was coming against her to push her in a corner and get her to stop. Life was not easy for the single mother of three, as she endured a sexual assault that left her emotionally shattered…experienced the heartbreak of divorce…faced the challenges of raising three kids alone…and recently, suffered the devastating loss of her son. In our segment today called “The Tapestry,” you will hear how God has intricately woven together all the good and bad experiences in Jacqui’s life to create in her a pure heart and an even deeper commitment to walk out her destiny… trusting and obeying God every step of the way. Where God leads, she follows and nothing can diminish her “flame” which is burning brighter now than ever before!!
Mary Forsythe was living the “high life” in the “fast lane.” She had it all…success, wealth, impressive portfolio, fabulous home in the prestigious Highland Park neighborhood in Dallas which was decorated with expensive art and furnishings. She wore designer clothes, drove a Mercedes convertible, traveled to exotic places, and was an “elite socialite” attending all the “ritzy” parties, drinking fine champagne on the arm of a handsome guy. She even owned and operated her own pharmacy which was a lifelong dream. But in the “blink of an eye,” she lost everything!! After a grueling investigation and a federal indictment for mismanagement of a government drug program, she landed in federal prison with only the clothes on her back and a lot of internal pain and self-loathing that was masked by enough pride and arrogance to cover all of Texas! In our segment today called “Journey to Freedom,” Mary will share how the Lord touched her heart and transformed her life during one of the darkest periods she had ever faced. Although she may have been physically confined and restrained by chains and shackles, not even a maximum security prison could keep the Lord’s healing power from “setting her free” from years of pain, guilt, rejection and shame that had kept her in bondage for most of her life. God gave Mary the strength to survive and thrive and the grace to overcome. Today, she shares her testimony with audiences around the world and boldly professes God’s power to save, redeem, forgive and transform a life!
Our segment today is called “A Full House,” and our guests, Dr. Tim & Virginia Shepherd…had just that…raising 11 children…just one child short of the famous movie “Cheaper by the Dozen” featuring Steve Martin & Bonnie Hunt. Having 11 kids in 14 years is no small fete…especially with Tim juggling fatherhood and a family medical practice in Flower Mound, TX. Although they faced the typical “ups and downs” of life, Dr. Tim & Virginia have been able to “shepherd” and “nurture” their kids relying on God’s Word and His grace combined with a lot of patience, love and kindness. Listen today as they share their fascinating journey while parenting the “11 blessings” that changed their lives forever!
Our special guest today is actor, writer, director and producer Dennis O’Neill. He is a Telly Award Winner, and he’s also the creator, writer, producer, and lead actor in the Web/TV show “Bail Out” which won the 2018 award for Best Web Series at the Lake Charles Film Festival. Dennis began his professional acting career on the stage and now has worked on more than ninety-five film and TV shows, numerous commercials, and TV soap operas like “The Guiding Light,” “Another World,” and “One Life to Live.” He starred with Chuck Norris on the hit TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” appeared on the popular TV show “Prison Break,” and worked as a “stunt double” for Robin Williams in several films. Dennis is also a singer/songwriter, author, and teacher whose acting classes and workshops have trained students all over the country and in Europe. But for Dennis, it hasn’t always been “bright lights” and “applause.” Growing up in a “dysfunctional” family in the projects in Brooklyn, New York, Dennis battled alcohol and drug addiction for many years and became swept up in the violence and gang culture that was prevalent in his neighborhood. In our segment today called “Radically Delivered,” Dennis will share how after almost 20 years of drug and alcohol addiction, one night, he experienced a “suddenly” and was touched and overtaken by the miraculous power of God and His “light” which freed him from his dark past and set his life on a totally new trajectory. Now Dennis is allowing that same light to shine through him as he shares his testimony and the grace, mercy and love of God with everyone he meets.
Our guest today is Dr. Lynnette Simm. She lives in the Dallas/Ft Worth area with her husband of over 20 years and their two beautiful teenage daughters. Lynnette is very accomplished holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Education and a PhD also in Education. She has worked in early childhood development and as a college professor since 2006. Although on the outside she seemed to “have it all,” with a successful career, loving husband, and beautiful daughters, on the inside she was struggling to cope with years of hurt, brokenness and trauma that began during childhood when she experienced not only verbal and physical abuse in the home, but also sexual abuse off and on from the age of 9 until about 14 at the hands of a family member. In our segment today called “And The Day Came” which is also the title of her book, Lynnette will share how she buried the pain and hurt from being abandoned and abused as a young girl so much so, that her past trauma began to overshadow her adult life…threatening to destroy her family and causing her to make choices and decisions she would later regret. But with the help of therapy and God’s loving kindness & mercy, her feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing, and depression began to slowly dissipate. She has now been able to rebuild “authentic” relationships with her family and experience true healing and true forgiveness that she never thought possible.
Katie Phipps is a beautiful, courageous young woman whose moving story of victory in the face of extreme trauma and loss tugged on our hearts so much, that we decided that we had to bring Katie into the studio to sit down in our “makeup chair” and share her personal journey to healing and wholeness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your life right now by challenges and what seem to be “insurmountable obstacles”…then stay tuned, because Katie’s story will give you just what the “doctor ordered”…an injection of “hope” and the “fight” that you need not to “give up…give in or give out!” Her story is also a reminder that God can and will “redeem a life”, turn our ashes into beauty, transform our mourning into gladness and turn our despair into praise.
Judy Fox, a former NCAA Division 1 Volleyball Coach with 30 plus years of experience which includes induction into four halls of fame. Judy is also the President and Founder of “Ignite International” which she started back in 2003. With more than 90% of the global population engaging in sports at some level, Judy and her team use this “common foundation” to share universal principles to empower and equip influencers of tomorrow’s leaders. As a personal mentor of hundreds of athletes, coaches, and youth, Judy’s fingerprint extends across generations, cultures, beliefs and nationalities. She has trained leaders of national teams and federations, Olympic committees, educators, and youth and community leaders to utilize sport as the tool through which to teach life principles. With Judy at the helm, her team has left a mark of hope in more than a dozen nations through outreach trips to Nicaragua, Cuba, Liberia, the Holy Land, Jamaica, Moscow, St Petersburg, and the USA just to name a few. Today’s segment is called “Ignite U1” which is also the name of the new initiative that her company launched in 2019. Her goal is to inspire, empower, and equip teens and adults caught in cycles of trauma with the necessary practical tools they need to break the cycle so that they can experience the power of hope and pass it on to future generations. Judy believes that whether it’s across the street or across the globe, you can ignite your world…but it starts with U1…You First!
In the previous two episodes featuring Pastor Scott Frazier and our resident Wellness Coach, Sara Davis,we have chosen to take some time and address the current Global pandemic. As Christian Believers, our personal quest will always be to discover what God is saying to us as individuals, to the church, and the world at large. We believe that the content of these episodes will address relevant questions and concerns that most of us have, from the perspective of God's Word and His heart. These episodes are archived on the website. We pray that they will help you and bring you comfort.
After only five months of distribution, we are currently in forty-two countries and our audience continues to expand. Peggy and I, along with Thomas and Pastor Scott have now collaborated on this very special episode, which has been entitled, "Piercing the Darkness." As our audience is throughout the world, we thought we could connect through the representation of the spoken word of God, prayer and beautiful, annointed music from Thomas Braxton and Pastor Scott.. Praise and worship along with God's word gives the peace that passes all understanding. Please accept this offering of our gifts. Let the music and the words wash over your spirit, ushering you into the presence of God. No matter what is happening around you, your security can be found in Christ Jesus. On behalf of Peggy and our team, please know that we love you and we are praying for you. Let this time that we share together pierce whatever darkness you may be facing and transport you into His marvelous light.
Transitions are never easy and they oftentimes put our faith in God to the test. In Part 2 of Sharon’s story, she continues to take us on a journey through her “seasons of life.” She talks candidly about her transition from being “single” to becoming a wife and mother, and the difficulties and challenges she encountered as she transitioned from practicing law at a top ranked Dallas firm to becoming a broadcast journalist in a Top 5 market. During those times where she faced ridicule and felt fearful or inadequate, Sharon learned that her significance comes from seeing her true worth through God’s eyes. She gained confidence and strength by embracing one of her favorite scriptures, “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11) Listen as Sharon shares how she learned to put her full trust in the Lord and walk in patience as He nurtured her through the process of growing from a caterpillar in the cocoon to a beautiful butterfly ready to soar and live out her ultimate destiny.
Most women wear many “hats” and often have to wear several of them at the same time. Thank God He created women to be great “multi-taskers” and Sharon Braxton has definitely mastered that art. Versatility is her “middle name.” Sharon is a wife, mother, attorney, broadcast journalist, talk-show host, motivational speaker, and part of the management team for her husband, national recording artist and jazz saxophonist, Tom Braxton. In a candid interview as host of Makeup Lessons for Life, Sharon shares her personal story of how God helped her to navigate the various “seasons of her life” while maintaining balance and her deep commitment to her family and her faith. Sharon shares openly the challenges, victories and lessons learned during each season from bullying experiences during childhood, to her reign as Miss Grambling State University, to graduating college, law school, and passing the bar exam, to her “divine appointment” in Austin, Texas which led to God opening doors for her to work for the Legislature, the Texas Supreme Court, and meet her future husband. Through it all and no matter what the season, Sharon’s story shows that God’s “grace” is truly sufficient, and if we trust and obey Him in “all things,” we will fulfill the destiny He has in store for us.
Sharon continues visiting with Peggy about her journey to wholeness, in "Loss is Not Lost", Part Two. After working successfully for a technology company in Sacramento, handling their media production, the company went under financially. This was devastating to Peggy and the crews that she hired. Back in Dallas, broke busted and disgusted, she took a part time job as a cosmetics manager in a department store. Thankfully, she came to the revelation that failure is not a state of being. The environment she never imagined, and the job she never would have chosen, became a place of healing for her. Peggy's steps were indeed being divinely ordered. The women she worked with, along with the clients she served, created the backdrop for her journey to personal freedom. With her husband's support and his collaboration, they published, 'Makeup Lessons: A Story of Healing and Redemption at the Makeup Counter'. Listen to her message. It is simple and yet profound. If you will just sit in the presence of God, and give Him permission, He will give you beauty for ashes. He is the Master Artist. He does the transformation. Your life will never be the same again. God truly does work in mysterious ways. As they develop this inspirational content, they discover how He is transforming the lives of people...Everywhere..This particular episode will reveal that in-spite of mistakes or the challenges life may present, God's love and grace is constantly being extended. No person is a lost cause to God. Regardless of what may have occurred, with His help, they can choose to begin again. He will turn the mess into a message, the test into a testimony, and cause the victim to become victorious. That's His Promise!
Peggy is a wife, mother, author, producer, casting director, film actress, entrepreneur, entertainer and christian vocal artist. While she is versatile and highly accomplished in a career that spans several decades, she is no stranger to the personal losses of life. Peggy was greatly affected by the terminal illnesses of her mother, father and grandmother. The heartbreaking mental illness and death of her adopted Aunt, whom she cared for, was agonizing to watch. She survived the drowning of her sister, a divorce after twenty years of marriage and subsequent financial devastation.
In a candid interview, as the Executive producer and Creator of Makeup Lessons for Life, she openly speaks with her best friend and co-host Sharon Braxton; about the beautiful, victorious, but somewhat tumultuous journey of her life. She is grateful for the understanding, that nobody is beyond the grace of God and His ability to heal their broken heart or broken life. No matter the loss, WE are never lost to God. All things are not good, but He promises to make ALL things work together for our good if we let Him.
Today we are honored and thrilled to have back with us for another week Retired Colonel Ken Cordier, United States Air Force, along with his wife, Barbie Cordier. Ken’s segment last week was entitiled “Ken Cordier…Prisoner of War,” and if you missed it, please go to that episode and listen because his story of bravery, courage, and hope under extremely challenging and often inhumane conditions is astonishing. Ken was captured by the North Vietnamese and spent 6 years and 3 months in four different prisons including the infamous, “Hanoi Hilton”. In spite of the interrogations, isolation, torture, and primitive living conditions, God’s grace covered him and kept him from losing his sanity…his hope…or his faith in God and country. Today, we are going to cover Part 2 of Ken’s story in a segment called “Ken Cordier...Powerful Overcomer of War” and we’re going to hear about the rescue mission, the celebrations once he was back on American soil, and how God helped him overcome the challenges he faced returning home.
We are excited and honored to have as our special guest today Retired Colonel Ken Cordier United States Air Force. As a fighter pilot, he flew 175 ½ combat missions over the war-plagued, barren land of Vietnam and Laos. In today’s segment called “Ken Cordier…Prisoner of War”, you’ll hear Ken’s first-hand account of how God miraculously shielded him from death twice in one minute when his F-C was shot down over North Vietnam. Although he was immediately captured and suffered in prison for 6 years and 3 months under extremely harsh conditions, Ken will share from his heart how God cared for and protected him and how by the grace of God, he never lost his sanity…his hope…or his faith in God and Country. Ken’s story is one of intense suffering, courage, patriotism, triumph, and a powerful God always hovering protectively over him like an eagle.
Pastor Ricky Texada serves with his wife, Cyd, as pastor of Covenant Church in Colleyville, Texas, one of the four Covenant Church campuses in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Throughout his 20 years of ministry, Ricky has challenged and inspired thousands around the globe to pursue a deeper walk with Christ. In a segment called, “My Breaking Point…God’s Turning Point,” which is also the title of his book, Ricky will share his own personal story of unexpected loss and personal devastation after losing his first wife, Debra, in a tragic car accident and other challenges and setbacks that followed. As he faced one of the darkest times of his life, and battled the normal emotions of anger, hurt, disappointment and despair, Ricky watched his future hopes and dreams shatter right before his very eyes. At least that’s what he thought…but God had a different plan…one that would turn his “sorrow into joy” and his “mourning into dancing.” Listen as Pastor Ricky shares how prayer, praise, and persistent faith and trust in God opened his eyes to the reality of just how much God loved him and empowered him to be an overcomer…running the race of life again with purpose and determination!
MaryRose has worked in Dallas/Ft Worth as an “on air” radio personality for over 20 years with stops at KVIL, KAAM, other local stations and network radio from coast to coast. Since 2015, MaryRose has been on air at KLTY, and currently she is the host of her own popular weekday show where she refers to herself as “Ginger fun”…playing inspiring and encouraging music and providing listeners with a laugh here and there” to help end their day on a positive note. But off “the mic,” for many years, MaryRose’s life was no “laughing matter.” She battled a ten year addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol which caused her personal and professional life to spiral out of control, and put a “wedge” between her and her family that seemed impossible to overcome. In a segment called, “My Brother’s Keeper,” hear how MaryRose’s brother, also a recovering addict, led her to the Lord and inspired her to completely surrender her life to God. Now sober since 2005, MaryRose will share how God totally healed her heart from the wounds of past mistakes, restored broken relationships and set her on a new trajectory where she is living life beyond her “wildest dreams.”
Our special guest today is “two-time Emmy nominee,” Playwright, Director, Producer and Film Maker, Laterras Whitfield. Laterras is revolutionizing the Gospel with his innovative and creative productions that are designed to bridge the gap between the urban theater market and Broadway by focusing on content and elevating production values. His main goal is ministry…and he makes no apologies about it…giving audience members an opportunity to “accept Christ” through altar calls that he conducts at the end of each performance. His plays have featured some well-known talent like R &B singers Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore…and Tichina Arnold & Carl Payne (from the popular sitcom “Martin”) …all performing in the hit play, “What Men Don’t Tell.” “Tell It To the Judge, a play written for TV personality, Judge Greg Mathis, starred Ralph Tresvant from the 80’s R&B boy band, “New Edition.” But Laterras is much more than a playwright. He is an “overcomer! Having been “tried in the fire” by growing up in a “tumultuous home,” engaging in “illegal activities” and making a series of bad choices in his teen years, he has emerged as “Refined Silver” which is the title of today’s segment. He is truly an “ambassador for Christ”…bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.
Jan Burmeister grew up with no real “definitive” plan for her life. After high school, she thought she’d go to college for a while, get married, maybe work a little and then have a couple of kids. So she enrolled in business school to get some marketable skills but it all seemed like a “hapless venture” without clear direction. Although Jan didn’t have a plan for her life, God sure did!! Little did she know that she had enrolled in what she now calls “God’s Private University,” and that God would use all of her training to prepare her for work that would have a lasting impact on her life and countless others. God strategically opened doors for Jan to work in a variety of places…including Disney, an international consulting firm, a national radio ministry, the U.S. Olympics, a Billy Graham Crusade, the Department of Homeland Security, and the “White House” for 5 U.S. Presidents…Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush 41 & Bush 43. Jan truly lives life “on purpose with a purpose.” For over 40 years now, God has used all of her skills, gifts, talents, passion and experiences to intricately weave together a “tapestry” that reveals His power and sovereignty over her life, and His grace & mercy that has covered her every step of the way.
Tom Braxton has often been referred to as a “Jazz Missionary”… and this title inspired us to call this segment… “Jazzman on a Mission.” His mission is to spread the love, joy, and peace of God through the power of instrumental music. He’s been doing just that for over 35 years…garnering critical acclaim while thrilling audiences of all ages from coast to coast and abroad. From Africa to Japan…from New York to L.A., his distinct, melodic sound leaves audiences astounded, clapping, and on their feet screaming for more! He has recorded nine albums which have hit numerous jazz charts, and his music can be heard on radio and television airwaves nationwide. This multi-instrumentalist and charismatic performer has been a fan favorite on the Smooth Jazz Cruise for over 12 years, and he has headlined his own shows stateside and abroad in Portugal, Ghana, The Netherlands, and Uganda. For 17 years, Thomas toured extensively with NBA power forward and bassist, Wayman Tisdale as his musical director. He has also toured with jazz pianist, Keiko Matsui in various venues across the country and in Russia, Eastern Europe, Malaysia & Japan. For the last 7 years, he has toured with Grammy Winner and Legend, Earl Klugh, throughout U.S. and abroad. Thomas has shared the stage with a list of who’s who…but here are just a few impressive names from the group…Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Peter White, Brian Culbertson, Marcus Miller, Bob James, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Aretha Franklin &Phillip Bailey. In 2017, Thomas was honored in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas as he was inducted into The West Texas Walk of Fame. Although his accolades are many, his humility, warmth, and genuine love for others have endeared him to fans and music lovers around the world.
In 2000, while working as a Systems Engineer, Carolyn Williams was diagnosed with a benign but dangerous and inoperable brain tumor. In this segment called, “More Than a Miracle,” Carolyn shares her personal battle as she experienced the grueling side effects of medications and treatments designed to shrink the tumor. But through this challenging process, Carolyn’s faith and prayer life were strengthened as she trusted God for a miracle. But for Carolyn, the miracle healing she received was only part of her blessing. While facing what seemed to be a “set back,” God “set her up” by giving her a “vision” where she received fresh revelation on finances and kingdom wealth. After being healed, she was sparked with a passion to live, teach and coach money management and wealth building to people of all walks of life. She accomplishes this through her company Money reVerse, a financial coaching business that teaches and encourages financial empowerment using a Christian Biblical foundation.
Today’s segment is called “And the Truth Will Set You Free”, and our special guest is Rhonda Brittain, a wife and mother of three who is currently a pre-school minister at a large Baptist church in Plano, Texas. While growing up, Rhonda was a dreamer, and like many young women she dreamed of marrying a wonderful man and raising a family. She married her first husband in 1994, started a family and from the outside looking in, seemed to have the “picture perfect” life. But a few years into the marriage, the glass on the picture frame shattered and Rhonda’s beautiful world came crashing down as she discovered that her husband was keeping a secret from her that would ultimately destroy their marriage. Although the dissolution of her marriage was a difficult and painful experience, listen as Rhonda shares how her husband’s breach of trust led her down the “Road to Forgiveness”, where along the way she was showered with God’s love, mercy, grace and “supernatural blessings” she never expected!
We have a very special and informative show for you today called, “The Sanctity of Life,” and we are excited to be recording on location at the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center’s beautiful clinic in Richardson, Texas. Our guests today are Executive Director, Leanne Jamieson and Whitney Freeman, Director of Nursing who will both shine light on the tremendous work the clinic has been doing for over 25 years throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to be the voice of hope for the unborn and love for the women carrying them. According to figures released in 2019 by the Guttmacher Institute, in 2017, 862,320 abortions were provided in clinical settings in the United States and by the age of 45, 1 in 3 women have had an abortion. In that same year, about 55,000 abortions were provided in Texas…approximately 150 abortions every day. Here at the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center, Director, Leanne Jamieson and her staff are a light of hope for young women facing the paralyzing fear of an unexpected pregnancy. They meet their clients “right where they are” and provide a safe and loving place for women to turn for help. As a result of their generous support and ministry, many women are being touched by the love of Christ while facing for some, the darkest time of their lives.
Our special guest today is Texas Senator Angela Paxton. She has represented District 8 in the Texas Senate since January 2019, and she is the wife of Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton. Senator Paxton is a former secondary math teacher and school guidance counselor for more than 20 years, thus, making her the first educator elected to the Texas Senate in over two decades. The mother of four is a stalwart leader and an unwavering voice on pro-life issues, including adoption, foster care, and preventing human trafficking. Her dedication to these issues stems from her own personal experiences growing up from humble beginnings as an adopted child herself. In today’s segment called “The Gift of Life,” you will hear her inspiring story of how God’s love, graciousness and favor covered her from birth, through her adolescent years and continues to cover her today. Her journey has been filled with unique and meaningful personal experiences that equip her to make a difference today, and her story is a true testament to God’s power to restore those “precious things” that seem lost to us.
Catherine James Guillet, better known as “CJ”, is a loving wife, mother of an adult daughter, and grandmother. CJ works as a flight attendant for a major airline based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. In today’s segment called, “Forged in the Fire,” CJ will share her story of hope and courage in the face of heartache and despair after the sudden death of her 15 ½ year old daughter, Lauren, from complications of a stroke in 2014. As CJ walked through the fire, God held her hand and carried her through some of her darkest hours and as a result, she is now able to keep Lauren’s memory alive by serving on the Board of Directors for Heroes for Autism and serving as a spokesperson for the Nevada Donor Network…two causes near and dear to Lauren’s heart.
In the previous two episodes featuring Pastor Scott Frazier and our resident Wellness Coach, Sara Davis,we have chosen to take some time and address the current Global pandemic. As Christian Believers, our personal quest will always be to discover what God is saying to us as individuals, to the church, and the world at large. We believe that the content of these episodes will address relevant questions and concerns that most of us have, from the perspective of God's Word and His heart. These episodes are archived on the website. We pray that they will help you and bring you comfort.
After only five months of distribution, we are currently in forty-two countries and our audience continues to expand. Peggy and I, along with Thomas and Pastor Scott have now collaborated on this very special episode, which has been entitled, "Piercing the Darkness." As our audience is throughout the world, we thought we could connect through the representation of the spoken word of God, prayer and beautiful, annointed music from Thomas Braxton and Pastor Scott.. Praise and worship along with God's word gives the peace that passes all understanding. Please accept this offering of our gifts. Let the music and the words wash over your spirit, ushering you into the presence of God. No matter what is happening around you, your security can be found in Christ Jesus. On behalf of Peggy and our team, please know that we love you and we are praying for you. Let this time that we share together pierce whatever darkness you may be facing and transport you into His marvelous light.
Due to the COVID-19 virus and the need to “shelter in place,” we’re bringing this show to you remotely because we feel it’s important do our part to stay connected with you, even if our internet connection is a little temperamental at times. We’re excited to have as our special guest today, Life Coach & Wellness Expert, Sara Davis, who is also a member of the MLFL team. Many of you may have heard Sara’s personal story as a guest in two previous segments…one with her husband, Keith where she shared the remarkable story of how God transformed and restored her broken marriage…and recently she came back on the show to share her personal journey of living with Macular Degeneration, an incurable eye disease that causes vision loss. As our resident “Wellness Expert,” we asked Sara to come back and be with us today to share her wisdom an insight in a segment we call “Seeking Wholeness in A Time of Chaos.”
Pastor Scott Frazier has been in full time ministry for over 25 years. He has preached all over the world, and he has produced music in various genres ranging from worship projects to “hip hop,” and “R&B.” He is a writer, psalmist, worship leader, and overseer of multiple ministries. He is Senior Pastor at New Covenant Christian Church in Wilkesboro, NC which he founded with his wife, Lisa. He is also the Lead Teaching Pastor at House of Faith in Atlanta Beach, Florida. Scott and his wife, Lisa, have been married 34 years and have 2 daughters, Meggin & Macy. His ministry crosses denominational lines, with a strong emphasis on empowering every believer to fulfill their unique destiny.
Susanne is the mother of 3 adult children and the wife of author and speaker, Kerby Anderson, who is President of Probe Ministries in Plano, Texas and the host of the syndicated radio show “Point of View.” Susanne has been married to Kerby for 44 years, and they have worked side-by-side in ministry through Probe and their local church for many years. Susanne has also taught classes for 10 years on various topics affecting women with the goal of building them up in the Word and equipping them with the spiritual and practical tools necessary to handle the challenges of life. She has led a conference called “Sanity for Superwomen and the Rest of Us” which covers such topics as home management, how to deal with stress, and to how to Affair-Proof your marriage.
Ashley Seal grew up in Dallas, Texas. From a very early age, she fell in love with entertaining and knew she wanted to pursue a career in acting. She joined a musical theater company and performed throughout high school debuting as “Leisl” in the Sound of Music. She graduated from college, worked as a “runway model” in Nashville (in spite of being only 5 feet 4 inches tall), and worked on the finance team of a major corporation. Eventually, in 2013, Ashley’s “passion” for acting took over. She gave her two weeks’ notice, packed up her car, said her goodbyes to friends and family, and drove almost 1500 miles across the country to Los Angeles, CA. In a segment called, “Warrior Princess” Ashley will share the challenges she faced as an aspiring actress in Hollywood…including rejection, disappointment, illness, depression, and how she found herself “ broke, busted and disgusted” and even homeless for 7 months. But throughout her troubles, Ashley learned to trust God, and depend on Him completely, because in due season, the Lord not only opened amazing doors for her as an actress, but He also transformed her life in a way she never expected.
Sara’s accomplishments are many. She was an All-American track and field athlete at UCLA. Since graduating, she has garnered over 25 years of experience as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor and certified athletic and wellness coach. As a speaker, she has empowered audiences both domestically and internationally to make positive life changes through holistic principles that encourage optimal living. Recently, Sara competed in the 2019 Mrs. Texas Pageant finishing as the fifth runner-up. However, for Sara, though her beauty, wisdom and knowledge are immediately apparent, there is much more to her than meets the “eye.” In today’s segment called The Treasures of Darkness, Sara will share what it’s like living with a handicap that no one can see, but affects every choice she makes. For about 23 years, Sara has been living with Macular Degeneration, an incurable eye disease that causes vision loss. Although this disease may have caused Sara to lose some of her “sight”, God has given her valuable “insight” into what it truly means to “walk by faith and not by sight” as she faces and conquers life’s daily challenges with Christ as her strength.
Our special guest today is the multi-talented Hollywood actor, producer, and director Benjamin Dane. Ben is not only “lighting up” the screens and airwaves with his charisma, stellar “acting chops, and creative vision, but he’s also allowing God’s light to shine through him…like a candle in the darkness…as he shares the love, forgiveness and peace of God with colleagues in the industry and anyone he meets.
Ben is a native Texan, born and raised in the Houston area. He grew up with an intense love for art and design and graduated with honors from the Art Institute of Dallas. It was in Dallas where he started acting with community theater groups such as Cornerstone and the Dallas Children’s Theater and was one of the first cast members for “The Promise,” a lavish production depicting the life, death and resurrection of Christ. After appearing in numerous productions, the stage ignited a desire for film and broadcast roles. He made a dynamic first impression with small roles in two highly anticipated projects filmed in Texas…Oliver Stone’s “JFK” and the Emmy-Award winning “Killing in a Small Town” for CBS. These small roles led to leading roles in various Independent projects, several of which won awards at film festivals. Benjamin also gained recognition with starring roles in television for ABC Family, the Discovery Channel and TBN. Currently, Ben is starring in the newly released Independent film, “First Lady” with “Matlock” star, Nancy Stafford, Corbin Bernsen from “L.A. Law,” and Stacey Dash. The film is a Modern Fairytale and a classic romantic comedy with the backdrop of Presidential Politics and Royal Charm. Back in 2013, Ben was an Executive Producer and actor in the film, “Beyond the Farthest Star,” a story about a broken family and how God transformed their lives. Ben could definitely relate to this story line because off screen, he had experienced his own brokenness and life challenges. In today’s segment called “Transformed by God’s Love,” Ben will share how the pain of his parent’s divorce, a near fatal car crash, and a life-changing sermon led him to re-dedicate his life to Christ and experience a total transformation of his heart, soul, mind and spirit that would cause him to have a passion and hunger for God like never before.
Our segment today is called “Pickle Packin’ Grandma” . Our special guest is Betty Rae Worley. This homemaker, mother, grandmother and businesswoman is 80 years old and still going strong. She is vibran, beautiful as ever, and affectionately known by her husband as “the Pickle Babe”. Betty Rae has earned that title because for 30 years now, she has been the owner, creator, and face of the company “Betty Rae’s Bread and Butter Pickles”. When it comes to pickles, Betty Rae rules the roost. Since 1987, Betty Rae has been sharing her family recipe with the world, selling over 18,000 jars. She’s also been featured in Dallas’s own “D Magazine.” Life, however, has not always been for Betty Rae as “sweet as her pickles.” Over the years, she has faced family challenges, financial setbacks, and health issues that have put her faith in God’s power to heal and restore to the test. With each test, Betty Rae’s faith and passion for the Lord grew, and today her relationship with the Lord is more “intimate” than ever. Her greatest desire is that God’s light shine through her and her company far and wide.
Our special guests today are Keith & Sara Davis. Keith Davis is a former college and professional football player While at USC, Keith was the team’s leading tackler and an All-Conference player, playing in Rose Bowl and winning 2 championship rings. After graduating from USC, Keith played with the New York Giants. Currently, Keith is an entrepreneur, educator and speaker, having spoken in over 9000 schools, universities and corporations here in the U.S. and abroad in over 51 countries.
Keith’s beautiful wife, Sara, has a resume that’s equally as impressive. Sara has more than 25 years of experience as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor and certified athletic and wellness coach. She was an All-American student-athlete at UCLA competing in track and field events. In the years since graduating from UCLA, Sara has worked as a collegiate track and field coach and led group fitness classes for various health spas and resorts. As a speaker, she has empowered audiences both domestically and internationally to make positive life changes through holistic principles that encourage optimal living. Recently, Sara competed in the 2019 Mrs. America Pageant, finishing as the fifth runner-up.
Keith and Sara married in 1989 and eventually moved to the Dallas area where they were living a typical happy, suburban life with their two sons and thriving in ministry. Then, in the 18th year of marriage, their relationship began to unravel as a result of many years of unresolved conflict and their inability to communicate their needs to each other. In today’s segment called, “Love That Won’t Let Go,” Keith and Sara will share how outside pressures, hectic schedules, constant traveling, and different perspectives and ideas on marriage caused them to grow apart, separate and seriously consider divorce.
Our segment today is called, “Mob Madness to Jesus Joy,” and our special guest is Robert Borelli who is going to talk about what it was like growing up in an Italian family, in a dangerous Brooklyn neighborhood over-run by gangs and violence. From an early age, Robert became swept up into the flashy lifestyle of the violent, powerful men he idolized developing his reputation as a fierce fighter. By his early twenties, Robert was on his way to Mafia stardom, mentored and protected by one of the most prominent wise guys in New York City. While the pleasure of notoriety was fulfilling, a powerful addiction to drugs soon overrode it, negating Robert’s credibility among his mobster brothers. Robert details his tumultuous lifestyle in his book “The Witness” which is a compelling account of the hard and fast life of an “up-and-coming star” within the Mafia ranks, the downward spiral created by his drug addiction, and the spiritual re-birth he experienced in prison spurred by the “heart-wrenching” plea of his little girl. Also joining us today is Robert’s wife, Patricia, who will share later in this segment what it was like to fall in love with a man with a “dark past” and a “deep secret” that would require her to sacrifice everything and everyone she loved…including her family. Robert takes us on a journey out of evil and into the light of the love of God. In the end, you will discover that a risen Christ is still in the business of transforming the lives of people that the rest of the world has written off for good. If you believe that you are one of those individuals, you can have hope today. Robert is the living breathing testimony to the fact that God will go to hell and back for you. After all, He already did!
Joining us in the studio today are Darryl & Keena Pratt. Darryl is a top-rated Estate Planning & Probate attorney and the founder and managing member of the Pratt Law Group in Frisco, Tx. In addition to being a licensed attorney in Texas & Oklahoma, Darryl is a CPA also licensed in both states. Keena started out working in the travel management business then transitioned to being a “stay-at-home” mom to their 2 beautiful daughters, who are now 17 & 14. The Pratts were living a normal, typical suburban life until 2007, when a routine physical for a life insurance policy uncovered that Darryl had a serious medical problem with his heart. In today’s segment called, “Lazarus…Come Forth,” the Pratts will share their tumultuous yet courageous journey which included open heart surgery, a cardiac emergency where Darryl faced death head on, and a medically induced coma that lasted 5 weeks. During that difficult 5 week period, Darryl faced one life-threatening crisis after another and the family witnessed miracle after miracle as God’s power began to heal Darryl’s body and transform the lives of his friends and family forever.
Our special guest today is Dr. Cara Tucker from rural Victoria, Australia. She is a Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Thrive Wellness and Consulting where she serves about 2500 clients, coaching them on how to move from survival mode to thriving. She teaches that it’s important to nourish our brains just like we do our bodies, and that it’s vital that we align our hearts and minds in order to be truly effective. Dr. Tucker is also the author of a new book entitled “Unlabeled” which deals with how to reveal and remove self-sabotaging habits.
Cara’s story includes more than her work as a psychologist and Life Coach. In today’s segment called, “Through the Eyes of Mercy,” you will hear how God’s love and mercy covered Cara while she endured life growing up with a parent who was an addict, survived a divorce from an abusive husband, and faced a health scare with her baby that could have taken his life.
Cara met her current husband, Joe, in a very unlikely place. Understanding that she has been a recipient of God’s mercy, Cara withheld judgment and looked at him with mercy and loved him unconditionally. Now the two of them have built a beautiful life together with 4 precious children and a bright future ahead.
We are so thrilled to have Dickson & Shirley Rial with us today in a segment we call “How to Win When the Roof Caves In”, which is also the title of a book co-authored by Bill Glass and Dickson Rial. The title of this book hit home for both Dickson & Shirley when their roof “caved in” while facing the challenges of parenting a son addicted to drugs and alcohol. Dickson Rial is a highly esteemed pastor, minister. and published author. They share their journey with honesty and vulnerability, in effort to encourage and enlighten people that addiction is a disease that can afflict the best of families. It can happen to anyone’s son or daughter. Their son, Randy, shared his remarkable story of second chances in last week’s episode called “Prodigals Can Go Home.” Randy battled drug addiction to cocaine and alcohol for over thirty years. He was arrested nine times, four felonies, was suicidal, and went to ten different rehab centers for treatment. All of this was to no avail. Randy lost everything…his family, marriage, son and career. His parents, Dickson & Shirley never gave up on the power of God to break the addiction. They remained on their knees for 30 years until one day, God miraculously delivered Randy and answered their prayers. Randy has now been clean and sober for six years. He is currently married to the beautiful Holly Rial. His finances, career and relationships have been restored. Together, they share the love of Jesus and His ability to save, heal and transform lives through their ministry, THE ROAD TO REDEMPTION. Pastor Dickson has often quoted Winston Churchill, “Never give up! Never, never, never give up!” He and Shirley demonstrate the power of unconditional love, forgiveness, mercy and grace that can only originate from the Throne of God.
Life doesn’t come with a script. It’s full of unexpected detours, some can be catastrophic! What do you do when the bottom falls out or life throws you a curve ball, or you get distracted and make poor choices that end up costing you everything you have! The answer is “You can begin again.” In today’s segment, “Prodigals Can Go Home”, our special guest, Randy Rial, a recovered drug addict and minister will share his remarkable story of second chances. Randy’s addiction spanned decades and left him wondering if he would ever find freedom and peace. He is genuine, transparent and humble. His love for Christ is evident. His message is clear and simple. It doesn’t matter how far you have wandered or how long you have journeyed, God sees you. He is reaching for you. He is still in the miracle working business. When you have finally come to the end of yourself, you can head for home. You will find your heavenly Father running toward you!
Randy founded Road to Redemption Ministries, a non-profit organization that connects those coming out of addiction with the resources and tools they need to live a healthy, Christ-centered life.
Today we are honored and thrilled to have back with us for another week Retired Colonel Ken Cordier, United States Air Force, along with his wife, Barbie Cordier. Ken’s segment last week was entitiled “Ken Cordier…Prisoner of War,” and if you missed it, please go to that episode and listen because his story of bravery, courage, and hope under extremely challenging and often inhumane conditions is astonishing. Ken was captured by the North Vietnamese and spent 6 years and 3 months in four different prisons including the infamous, “Hanoi Hilton”. In spite of the interrogations, isolation, torture, and primitive living conditions, God’s grace covered him and kept him from losing his sanity…his hope…or his faith in God and country. Today, we are going to cover Part 2 of Ken’s story in a segment called “Ken Cordier...Powerful Overcomer of War” and we’re going to hear about the rescue mission, the celebrations once he was back on American soil, and how God helped him overcome the challenges he faced returning home.
We are excited and honored to have as our special guest today Retired Colonel Ken Cordier United States Air Force. As a fighter pilot, he flew 175 ½ combat missions over the war-plagued, barren land of Vietnam and Laos. In today’s segment called “Ken Cordier…Prisoner of War”, you’ll hear Ken’s first-hand account of how God miraculously shielded him from death twice in one minute when his F-C was shot down over North Vietnam. Although he was immediately captured and suffered in prison for 6 years and 3 months under extremely harsh conditions, Ken will share from his heart how God cared for and protected him and how by the grace of God, he never lost his sanity…his hope…or his faith in God and Country. Ken’s story is one of intense suffering, courage, patriotism, triumph, and a powerful God always hovering protectively over him like an eagle.
Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs in the world! So what do you do as a parent, when you are faced with one of your worst nightmares: finding out that your precious son or daughter has a drinking problem? In our segment called “Trusting God…One Step At A Time”. Our special guest is our dear friend, Mary Dawson. She is the mother of four adult children and has nine grandchildren. She will share with us how she walked through the nightmare of her son’s addiction to alcohol which started as a teenager and lasted for 25 years. In an astonishing turn of events, this story culminated in a miracle.
As a professional songwriter and music publisher, her songs have been recorded by artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Babbie Mason, Cynthia Clawson and Perry Hayes. She is the founder and president of Songsmith, a Texas-based non-profit organization whose mission is to discover and encourage the vast pool of talented musicians and songwriters in the state. Please visit www.songsmithonline.com, or the Facebook page at Songsmith Texas.
Mary is also a 33-year member of a 12-Step Program for families and friends of alcoholics and addicts. Her recording, The Serenity Songs Project: Twelve Steps to Freedom, has received national and international acclaim from many of the over 200 programs which use the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to address various obsessive-compulsive disorders. The songs on the recording are based on the principles of the 12-Step Program and have been called “a meeting in music” by many who work the Steps for their own recovery.
Mary’s landmark book, How to Get Somewhere in the Music Business: From Nowhere with Nothing, is also the subject of one of the courses she teaches at the university level. Over her 30 years in the Music Industry, she has developed many resources for songwriters who are seeking to advance to the next step in their careers. For a list of these resources, please visit her website.
Susie Yanson Jennings is Founder and President of Operation Care International. A Registered Nurse by profession since 1978, Susie stepped out in faith and obedience to God’s calling leading to her resignation from a supervisory position at Baylor University Medical Center Dallas in January 2011. She then became a full time missionary to the homeless around the world. Susie continues to lead OCI with the help of a board of directors and a multitude of volunteers.
aren Kay Seaman, ARRT RM, has been married to Kevin Seaman since 1981. They have two children, Stephen and Stephanie, and one favorite and only grandchild, Meadow Reed.
Karen is a mammography technologist and author of the book, A Breast of the Situation. She began performing mammograms in 1983, and her expertise has been enhanced by learning from the best radiologists in the field. To date, she has performed in excess of 90,000 procedures.
Karen’s deep desire was to stay home and raise her children. She never wanted to be a career woman. Nevertheless, a series of unforeseen events set her on a career path. There were many days where she found herself conflicted between a life she would never have chosen, and a growing passion and love for the women she served. Near the 20-year mark in her career, she realized that her life had clearly not been a series of random events. The Lord had her on assignment to witness the changes in the health care industry regarding women, so that she could show each woman how to be a responsible steward of her own health. Karen’s obedience to the Lord continues to bear much fruit in the lives of women. Karen’s testimony is about learning to surrender to the will of God, and to “bloom where planted.”
If you are a woman, know a woman or love a woman, you need to hear Karen’s story. Listen as she shares that there is no such word as “random” with God. He has a plan for your life, and it is a good one. He can be trusted.
Debbie Buffone is originally from northeastern Brazil where she spent her formative years. As a young woman, she moved from Brazil to Connecticut where she attended college and became a US citizen residing in this country for about 19 years. From Connecticut, Debbie moved to Dallas, where she currently works as a Governess for a family in Plano, Texas. She is a writer and speaker and is active in her Messianic Synagogue. She is also a faithful volunteer for the ministry, known as ROARING LAMBS. In this segment today called, “Abandoned by Man but Chosen by God,” you will hear how Debbie was triumphant and maintained hope and courage in spite of being rejected by her family before and after birth and subjected to two very “dark” and “perverted” problems on the rise in the world today…Human & Sex Trafficking and Sexual Abuse. Her countenance reflects the inward radiance of a joy that can only be found in the arms of a loving Savior, who has never, and will never, let her go….EVER.
Debbie’s story is in Vol. 3 of “Stories of Roaring Faith” found at
https://www.roaringlambs.org/store
Chef Otto Borsich, grew up in the Midwest…in the “heartland of America…with a strong sense of “community” and strong family values to match. He was destined to be a chef and acknowledged “his calling” when he was only in kindergarten! Since then, Otto’s warm food, warm heart, and smile as wide as Texas have blessed so many. He is a humble servant who shares his “gift of food” with all who cross his path on life’s journey. His accolades are many. He competed on Top Chef, taught at the Culinary Institute of America, ran the kitchens of 4 & 5 star restaurants, and even served and cooked aboard a nuclear submarine in the US Navy! But Otto is much more than a chef! He is a motivator, teacher, philanthropist, humanitarian and author whose infectious laugh and charming wit light up a room.
Gerald Walker is a successful entrepreneur and businessman. He is also a loving father who experienced the loss of his teenage son. Today's segment follows him through his recovery, after the suicide of his beautiful boy. Gerald reveals the dangers of technology and exposes the risks of parental lack of experience with social media. His purpose in life is to sound the alarm through education and to fight for the lives of others who have no advocate. He does this through the foundation set up in his son's name. Gerald is also actively involved in the construction of a major medical facility, in a country where people are dying in the streets. His message is simple, but can change the world. It can be summed up in a few sentences. His son's life mattered. His life matters. Your life matters. Run your race. The world needs YOU!
*Presentor: Jan Tennyson, Founder – 1987
Mission: Dare to Dream impacts the lives of hurting youth in group homes, shelters, detention centers and orphanages and helps them discover their star quality through life-skills education and ministry.
Website: www.daretodream-dallas.org
Fun Fact: Jan herself was an abandoned child placed in foster care who got to play piano in Carnegie Hall at the age of seven. As an adult, she received the prestigious Lone Star Achievement Award from former Texas Governor Rick Perry and has led this ministry for over 30 years.
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Transitions are never easy and they oftentimes put our faith in God to the test. In Part 2 of Sharon’s story, she continues to take us on a journey through her “seasons of life.” She talks candidly about her transition from being “single” to becoming a wife and mother, and the difficulties and challenges she encountered as she transitioned from practicing law at a top ranked Dallas firm to becoming a broadcast journalist in a Top 5 market. During those times where she faced ridicule and felt fearful or inadequate, Sharon learned that her significance comes from seeing her true worth through God’s eyes. She gained confidence and strength by embracing one of her favorite scriptures, “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11) Listen as Sharon shares how she learned to put her full trust in the Lord and walk in patience as He nurtured her through the process of growing from a caterpillar in the cocoon to a beautiful butterfly ready to soar and live out her ultimate destiny.
Most women wear many “hats” and often have to wear several of them at the same time. Thank God He created women to be great “multi-taskers” and Sharon Braxton has definitely mastered that art. Versatility is her “middle name.” Sharon is a wife, mother, attorney, broadcast journalist, talk-show host, motivational speaker, and part of the management team for her husband, national recording artist and jazz saxophonist, Tom Braxton. In a candid interview as host of Makeup Lessons for Life, Sharon shares her personal story of how God helped her to navigate the various “seasons of her life” while maintaining balance and her deep commitment to her family and her faith. Sharon shares openly the challenges, victories and lessons learned during each season from bullying experiences during childhood, to her reign as Miss Grambling State University, to graduating college, law school, and passing the bar exam, to her “divine appointment” in Austin, Texas which led to God opening doors for her to work for the Legislature, the Texas Supreme Court, and meet her future husband. Through it all and no matter what the season, Sharon’s story shows that God’s “grace” is truly sufficient, and if we trust and obey Him in “all things,” we will fulfill the destiny He has in store for us.
Sharon continues visiting with Peggy about her journey to wholeness, in "Loss is Not Lost", Part Two. After working successfully for a technology company in Sacramento, handling their media production, the company went under financially. This was devastating to Peggy and the crews that she hired. Back in Dallas, broke busted and disgusted, she took a part time job as a cosmetics manager in a department store. Thankfully, she came to the revelation that failure is not a state of being. The environment she never imagined, and the job she never would have chosen, became a place of healing for her. Peggy's steps were indeed being divinely ordered. The women she worked with, along with the clients she served, created the backdrop for her journey to personal freedom. With her husband's support and his collaboration, they published, 'Makeup Lessons: A Story of Healing and Redemption at the Makeup Counter'. Listen to her message. It is simple and yet profound. If you will just sit in the presence of God, and give Him permission, He will give you beauty for ashes. He is the Master Artist. He does the transformation. Your life will never be the same again. God truly does work in mysterious ways. As they develop this inspirational content, they discover how He is transforming the lives of people...Everywhere..This particular episode will reveal that in-spite of mistakes or the challenges life may present, God's love and grace is constantly being extended. No person is a lost cause to God. Regardless of what may have occurred, with His help, they can choose to begin again. He will turn the mess into a message, the test into a testimony, and cause the victim to become victorious. That's His Promise!
Peggy is a wife, mother, author, producer, casting director, film actress, entrepreneur, entertainer and christian vocal artist. While she is versatile and highly accomplished in a career that spans several decades, she is no stranger to the personal losses of life. Peggy was greatly affected by the terminal illnesses of her mother, father and grandmother. The heartbreaking mental illness and death of her adopted Aunt, whom she cared for, was agonizing to watch. She survived the drowning of her sister, a divorce after twenty years of marriage and subsequent financial devastation.
In a candid interview, as the Executive producer and Creator of Makeup Lessons for Life, she openly speaks with her best friend and co-host Sharon Braxton; about the beautiful, victorious, but somewhat tumultuous journey of her life. She is grateful for the understanding, that nobody is beyond the grace of God and His ability to heal their broken heart or broken life. No matter the loss, WE are never lost to God. All things are not good, but He promises to make ALL things work together for our good if we let Him.