About this episode

There is much talk of turmoil in our world, and we see it reflected in what we read, watch, and observe in the media. Sometimes this turmoil shows up directly in our lives—whether it’s negative words toward us from others, untruths about who we are and what we stand for, or other negative situations that undermine our

self worth and identity. As we face words meant to harm and hurt us, we can know there is refuge when it feels like it’s “us against the world.” A verse in the Bible, from John 16, tells us that God is our source of peace, also reminding us “in the world you have tribulation. But take heart–God has overcome the world.”  Our guests this week saw their lives—and the world around them—in turmoil, and found themselves turning to God for the peace that can only come from seeking to be in His presence. Cam Ayala, who starred on ABC’s The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise shares about how his struggle with a lifelong illness was used on the show to portray him in a negative light, and how after the show ended, his faith would uphold him through the biggest decision he would ever have to face about his health and his identity. Social media influencer Tiania Haneline and her five-year-old daughter Scarlett Smith started a positive affirmation routine that has taken the internet by storm. Tiania shares how speaking kind words to her daughter each day is creating a lifelong habit of facing negativity with positivity.   Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Trey Johnson Upcoming interview: Tom Schueman John 16 NIV   Cam Ayala ABC’s The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise Romans 5 NIV Lymphedema Texas Medical Center   Tiania Haneline and Scarlett Smith TikTok I’m Going to Have a Good Day! Daily Affirmations with Scarlett   Interview Quotes: “God always has a way of showing His way if you are opening your heart and seeking that light.” - Cam Ayala “I knew that reigniting my relationship with Jesus was going to be the only way that I would make it through this [amputation] surgery and really through the rest of my life. I had tried doing things on my own accord, trying to be my own strong, independent man. But time and time again, I felt that my own personal strength was insufficient.” - Cam Ayala “There's Scripture that says, ‘When we are weak, He is strong.’ And so really leaning on the strength of Christ in me was more than enough to get me through some of the toughest physical adversities that I had faced in previous surgeries.” - Cam Ayala “I'm a firm believer that God gives His toughest battles to His toughest warriors, and that with a loss like this of a limb is going to come a great gain in what Jesus is going to do with me, through me, to me, and ultimately for other people to bear witness to.” - Cam Ayala “When you seek Him wholeheartedly, He will be there to get you through some of the most difficult seasons or moments in your life.” - Cam Ayala “I think it is very important for my children and myself to have these affirmations to instill in us. So whenever Scarlett has someone in her class that says that they don't like her hair, you know, she can come back with, ‘Well, I love my hair.’ So I just want them to be able to take what I have taught them and be able to use it in the real world.”  - Tiania Haneline “I got Scarlett to look at herself in the mirror while I was doing her hair, and I was like, This is going to be able to show her I love my curls, I love my brown skin. I am strong, I am beautiful.” - Tiania Haneline “I'm beautiful. I'm strong. I'm not fearful. I love my curls. Jesus loves me. And I'm going to have a good day.” - Scarlett Smith “My prayer right now is that I will raise my children up to follow Jesus and to be amazing women and men.” - Tiania Haneline ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes:     https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7  Bonus Podcasts:     https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw  Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer:  https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C  Peace for Everyday Life:     https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj  Peace in Uncertain Times:     https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u  What’s Good?     https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj  Enneagram:     https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY  ________________________  Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

More from Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith

View all
  1. 1One Church's Walk With Jesus CallingIn today's Experience Jesus Calling Podcast, we'll tell the amazing story of one church and the collective impact that has been made by sharing Jesus Calling within its community. In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing the incredible personal stories of members of this church, and many other Jesus Calling readers around the world...readers who have had their lives transformed. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.11 min
  2. 2A Family’s Journey Through AddictionThe Rozenburg's discuss their daily struggle as parents to a child suffering through substance abuse. For more on the Rozenburg's and other Jesus Calling stories visit JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.22 min
  3. 3Teen Siblings Honor Their Mother's LegacyBrent and Monica Wicke discuss their mother's cancer journey; remembering her strength and determination, and talk about what they are doing today to honor her legacy. To read more about how Jesus Calling is impacting communities visit JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  4. 4A Young Girl Finds Her Spiritual PathLina Finau exemplified the heart of a servant, even as she struggled with health challenges. Her life has inspired her daughter, Utther Finau, to take a similar road in pursuit of service and bringing joy to others. For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit http://JesusCalling.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.14 min
  5. 5Hope and Healing for a Church and Its PastorThe Community of Grapevine United Methodist Church was in turmoil.  After the sudden loss of their pastor, Associate Pastor Cindy Ryan set about to put the pieces back together for their flock. It was then that she was faced with another, very personal crisis; an unexpected cancer diagnosis. For more stories of the impact of Jesus Calling visit the Jesus Calling Blog Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.13 min
  6. 6A Father's Wedding Gift Blesses His Daughter, Family and FriendsMike Huether, the Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota shares the walk of faith that led him to public service and the touching story of how he honored his only daughter with a very special wedding gift. For more Jesus Calling inspired stories, visit & subscribe at http://JesusCalling.com/Blog Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.18 min
  7. 7A Mother Learns to Let Go As Her Daughter GraduatesAuthor and Speaker Sherri Gragg reflects on her daughter's upcoming graduation, and the unique challenges and joys a mother faces as she and her daughter embrace a new season of life.  Sherri Gragg is the author of Arms Open Wide - A Call to Linger in the Savior's Presence.  She shares her heart as a mother who is preparing herself and her daughter for graduation; and her thoughts on what it means to "let go." Find out more about Jesus Calling for Graduates here http://www.jesuscalling.com/books/jesus-calling-for-graduates/ -- The excerpt from this episode comes from the Dec 21st entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you." Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Happy Mother's Day!   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  8. 8The Power of Prayer: A Family Trusts God During Their Son's AccidentDeborah Jentsch and her husband practiced the habit of saying "I trust you, Jesus," daily.  This faith would be put to the ultimate test as they faced their son's devastating accident. See other inspirational Jesus Calling stories at www.JesusCalling.com/blog/category/podcast/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.19 min
  9. 9Love & Respect in Marriage: Dr. Emerson EggerichsDr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on the topic of male-female relationships. Dr. Eggerichs and his wife Sarah present Love and Respect conferences around the world. Sarah, an avid intercessory prayer warrior, loves to share Jesus Calling with others as part of her ministry as well. The excerpt from this episode comes from the July 24th entry: "My plan for your life is unfolding before you." Visit http://JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.15 min
  10. 10Charlie Daniels: Musician, Patriot and Jesus Calling ReaderCharlie Daniels shares his journey of faith, his long-standing commitment to the military, and his passion for Jesus Calling. The excerpt from this episode comes from the April 19th entry: " Stay conscious of My loving Presence...and I will direct your steps." Visit JesusCalling.com to read, watch, and listen to more inspiring Jesus Calling stories. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.17 min
  11. 11Bicycling Across USA Supporting Children in NeedWith hopes to give back to local children, Fargo teacher, Paul Shol is cycling across the country, raising money for education, and sharing Jesus Calling along the way. The Jesus Calling excerpt for this podcast comes from the Audiobook for June 13th: "I am creating something new in you, a bubbling spirit of joy that spills over in others’ lives. Do not mistake this joy for your own, or try to take credit for it in any way. Instead, watch in delight as my spirit flows through you to bless others. Let yourself become a reservoir of the Spirit’s fruit. "Your part is to live close to me, open to all that I am doing in you. Don’t try to control the streaming of my spirit through you. Just keep focusing on me as we walk through this day together. Just enjoy my presence, which permeates you with Love, Joy and Peace." Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.12 min
  12. 12How Mom, Wife and Author Emily Ley Gave Up Trying to Be PerfectEmily Ley seemingly has it all—she’s a wife, a mother, a successful business owner and now an author.  Emily shares how she gave up always striving for perfection and found grace instead. Emily Ley is the author of Grace Not Perfection (October 4th, HarperCollins Christian Publishing) and creator of the Simplified Planner®, a tool that helps busy women everywhere simplify their lives, organize their days, and prioritize what’s truly important to them in life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.18 min

Get the Pray app

Follow Sarah Young and keep listening on your phone.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play