Guest Bio: Storytelling is Melissa Harrison’s passion. She has been a TV news anchor and reporter for more than 20 years at television and radio stations around the country including at WNBC-TV in New York City, WFAA-TV, and CBS Radio in Dallas. While she is most passionate about telling other people’s stories, she never imagined that she would one day find herself on “the other side” of the headline until she received a phone call that changed her life forever. Melissa was 25 years old and hosting a dinner party when a detective called to tell her that her mom had been murdered. To make matters worse, she discovered that the crime was committed by someone she knew and loved dearly. In an instant, her world changed forever. After experiencing what it was like to have her personal life and deepest pain portrayed in the media, she is writing a book about her story in the hopes that it will encourage anyone who is experiencing pain and loss to know that they can make it through—and to serve as a reminder for journalists of the great privilege and responsibility they have when reporting on other people’s stories of tragedy and pain. She now uses her storytelling and leadership skills to connect people and resources to organizations that empower journalists and business leaders to make a positive impact on the world. One of her greatest passions is connecting and supporting women leaders by creating community and space for them to be fully seen and known. Through women’s events, executive cohorts, retreats, and conferences, she helps women leaders experience healing and renewed purpose through the transforming power of community.
Show Summary: When was a time in your life where you felt distant from God? How did He bring you back to Him? Last week, we learned about a tragic event that happened in Melissa Harrison’s life. The tragedy caused her to doubt God’s presence as she felt like He wasn’t there for her and her mother. This week, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Eddy Adkins are back to learn about how God pursued Melissa to bring her back into a relationship with Him. Learn about how Melissa overcame her spiritual crisis with God in this conclusion for season 14 of God Hears Her.
Notes and Quotes:
“The thread of His presence [is present] even when we feel like He’s not there.” —Melissa Harrison
“The Lord sees me. He has been with me all the days of my life. He knows.” —Melissa Harrison
“We’ve got to stop pretending like we have it all together in this Christian community. We’ve got to be honest when we’re struggling and be able to do so in a safe way, but also in a way that we can really receive the help we need.” —Melissa Harrison
“Who are you, not compared to one another? What is weakening or polluting what God has designed you to be? What’s in your life that doesn’t belong: is it a habit, a mindset, a relationship?” —Melissa Harrison
“The biggest thing is just to know that you’re not alone. God sees you. None of your tears are lost. He is holding you right now—even if this is a time of frustration or if you’re feeling forgotten or overlooked, or just questioning: where is God in this moment?” —Melissa Harrison
“Know that this is not the end of your story. It feels like it sometimes, and it can be terrifying to think that it may not get better or that there’s not going to be a new beginning or a way out, but this is not the end of your story. God is going to be able to use all that you’re going through.” —Melissa Harrison
“God’s going to be able to use your story to really help someone else. Not only is it going to be redeemed for you, but you’re going to be a light for other people. On the other side is going to be a faith that is very rich, that you’re not going to want to give up.” —Melissa Harrison
Verses:
Romans 8:28
Related Episodes:
Links:
