The Unfolding

New episode

Unfolding Short Stories: "You’re going to go climb Mount Kilimanjaro and raise awareness." Averil Shadd

In the Bible, mountaintops symbolize moments of spiritual clarity, renewal, and connection with God. For Averil Shadd, a new widow navigating the profound grief of her darkest valley, the mountaintop became more than a metaphor. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, not just to find healing but to offer hope to others walking through the shadows of loss. As Averil explains, "I wanted to do something that would stretch me so far that I would embrace suffering, so they would know someone could see them and love them." In this episode, she shares how her faith and determination turned her despair into a mission of love and purpose. Note: Averil first shared her story on the podcast A Widow’s Heart, hosted by Pam Lundell (Episode 32). Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify

New episode

Unfolding Short Stories: "…more than many sparrows." Derek Mason

Despite achieving material success, Derek Mason found himself consumed by emptiness and despair—so much so that he considered taking his own life. In a moment of desperate prayer, an unexpected encounter with sparrows led him to Matthew 10:29–31, revealing that he was profoundly seen and cherished by God. This pivotal sign brought radical transformation, shifting Derek’s life from hopelessness to a renewed sense of purpose. His story reminds us that, even at our lowest, God’s love has the power to bring hope and meaning. Hear Derek on episode 100 of the Manly with Andy podcast on Apple or Spotify. Or learn more about Derek's book, Embracing Our Full Victory in Christ: The Journey from Darkness to Light.

New episode

Page 225: Bob Goff: Catching Whimsy and the Adventure of Loving Like Jesus 

Bob Goff has spent decades trying to convince people God is over the moon about them. If you struggle to believe God loves you and if you long to live a life of adventure, Bob’s story will inspire you. Bob is known as the guy who included his phone number in the back of his first book Love Does, because he loves people and wanted to be available. Since then, he’s written multiple New York Times bestselling books and included his number in every one of them. Bob says his greatest ambition is to love people and inspire others to follow Jesus into a life of adventure, whimsy, and wonder. In this episode, Bob talks about starting a zoo, getting gored by a cow, shot with a pellet gun, and visiting the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. His new book is Catching Whimsy. It’s an invitation to wake up each day expecting to live a more meaningful life, a more engaged faith, and a more intentional future. Show Notes: https://www.bobgoff.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bobgoff/ https://www.facebook.com/bobgoffis