Aren and Trina talk with us about their struggle with chronic Lyme disease and the loss of their son, Ori, after a life-limiting diagnosis.

Remainwithus.org

Podcast: Remain | Podcast on Spotify

Podcast (Honey and Gold): Honey & Gold (Vol 1-3) | Podcast on Spotify

Ministry referenced in the interview that helps families who are pregnant with a baby with a life-limiting diagnosis: Abelspeaks.org

Author and speaker Shannon Cramer shares about her journey with chronic illness (Narcolepsy and POTS), and why many chronic illness sufferers struggle with the question, "Is God Punishing Me?"

Shannon's website.

Shannon's book: How To Keep Believing When You're Suffering

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

We welcome Micah Heflin (my son) and Katum Redfearn on this episode of In The Seams, a junior and senior in high school respectively. They both struggle with significant chronic illness and pain. We discuss how chronic illness changes the lives of teenagers, how their social relationships are impacted, their relationship with God, and their outlook on their future. Chronic illness is a teenage problem too! These two teenagers open their hearts to us as we hear their hard-earned wisdom and faith due to their suffering. Also in the episode we mentioned Sara Willoughby and The Diamond Conference. Here is the website: http://sgwilloughby.com/ Finally, there are some minor microphone issues in the background. It doesn't affect your ability to hear the speakers.

In this episode, I interview Jeremy Harrison and Jeremy Wright, two faithful Christians and ministers, who have wives living with chronic illness. Both Jeremys open up about their personal struggles with faith and purpose in their loved one's pain and their grief on their behalf.

This one is especially for those of you watching a loved one go through the struggle and dealing with the helplessness you often feel when you can't take the pain away from them and can't get God to do it either. How do we go forward in a life we never envisioned? How do we hold onto each other and to God?

Jeremy Wright mentioned a book he couldn't remember in the podcast. Later he told me it is called "This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers" by K.J. Ramsey. You can find on Christianbook.com here: https://www.christianbook.com/shall-finding-grace-when-suffering-lingers/k-j-ramsey/9780310107255/pd/0107255?utm_source=google&kw=29064775092&mt=&dv=c&event=PPCSRC&p=1186432&gclid=CjwKCAiA0JKfBhBIEiwAPhZXDxuJTHIiVrGENhSeQ6Av74LAfsV1RSyWTn-UQBMBiIDnd1gdVjH_CBoCFX0QAvD_BwE

Professor and minister Timothy Gunnells shares his journey with chronic pain and its impact on his family life and career and how his faith has sustained him through his worse days into some brighter days. Tim shares his perspective on how we can stay thankful through even the painful days.

Reflections from David Heflin on the eve of surgery concerning what the Christian attitude should be toward medical care and expensive interventions in the midst of a land where we take these sort of things for granted. David reflects on our approach to healthcare as a whole, compassionate responses to those who have greater needs, and the concerning trend to use medical care to end life instead of save it.

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with a real-life story of homicide and suicide. If you have experienced trauma in you own life, please proceed with caution. Jessye Wilden, author of the upcoming book We Wrote Your Name In Color, joined us to share the story of when her brother-in-law killed his wife and then himself. Jessye and her husband Ryan were best friends with both Ryan's little sister and her husband. They began raising their children after the homicide/suicide.

How can such tragedy and pain lead to forgiveness, hope, and healing for the Wilden family as well as their small community in northern California? We talk about that and the overlapping issues of mental health (depression and anxiety) and suicide in the chronic pain community. We also talked how forgiveness is possible even in the hardest of circumstances.

Jessye's book comes out on 10/19. Get more information and pre-order on her website: https://www.jessyewilden.com/.

Chronic illness robs people of so much they enjoy doing, but it does it mean we have less value as servants of God? In this episode, David Heflin explores this question through Paul's metaphor of "jars of clay" in 2 Cor. 4. A paradox of the gospel is that the weaker we are the more God's glory/power are made known through

Esther Smith has a book being released on 6/22/22 called A Still and Quiet Mind: Twelve Strategies for Changing Unwanted Thoughts. While the book addresses a general Christian audience, the issue of chronic illness' impact on unwanted thoughts is addressed through Esther's own experience with chronic illness and her professional experience as a counselor. Here's the Amazon link for the book: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Quiet-Mind-Strategies-Changing/dp/1629959219 and the Publisher link: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/a-still-and-quiet-mind

Esther's website is here: https://esthermariesmith.com/. Here counseling site: https://www.christiantraumacounseling.com

Additionally, we had a blog interview about Esther's personal story here: https://brokenandmended.com/2022/03/22/conversation-with-esther-smith/

What happens when your life is going great and chronic illness shows up to crash the party? Tara Cole and I talk about it and more. "God does a lot with our little."

Tara's website is https://taralcole.com/. You can subscribe to Tara's newsletter and receive a free e-book here: https://www.subscribepage.com/taralcole-subscribe_copy2

Here's the five-day Abide challenge that Tara mentions in the podcast: https://taralcole.com/abide/ and her content for subscribers is here: https://www.patreon.com/overacup

Emily is a believer from Sydney, Australia, who has walked with her mother and sister through their chronic illnesses. Emily's journey inspired her to start a website dedicated to ministering to those who are watching their loved ones suffer and offers specific encouragement to their experience. See CalledToWatch.com.

Emily is also a published author. Please see more information about her books at https://emilyjmaurits.com/books/.

As always you can find more information and connections to the Broken and Mended ministry at www.brokenandmended.org.

Nora Ellis is Broken and Mended's volunteer professional editor. She has helped the ministry in numerous ways, and she has her own journey with chronic illness. In this episode David and Nora discuss how God places key people in our lives and how he works through the Scripture to point our way forward through chronic illness and pain.

You can see Nora's profile on our staff page: https://brokenandmended.com/meet-our-staff/

Learn about how to start a support group (virtual and/or in-person) here: https://brokenandmended.com/group-leader-application/

See our blog here: https://brokenandmended.com/conversations-with-david/

Terry shares his journey from childhood depression to developing an impactful ministry to those who struggle with depression. Depression occurs at a higher rate amongst those with chronic illness and pain than the general population It is why we continue to speak out about mental health issues. Through his humility and by his radical dependence on God, Terry shows the church better ways to talk about depression and how God can use in powerful ways what he doesn't take away.

Terry's website dedicated to helping Christians navigate depression can be found here: Home - Penetrating the Darkness.

You can also email Terry at terry.powell@ciu.edu for a reference sheet of resources addressing depression.

The books we discuss in the episode can be found here: Serve Strong - Penetrating the Darkness

And here: Amazon.com: Can You See The Cross From There?: Grace and Grit For Sufferers and Sinners eBook : Powell, Terry: Kindle Store.

Terry also mentions two other book recommendations, which can be found here:

Amazon.com : david murray christians get depressed too

Spurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression: Eswine, Zack: 9781781915387: Amazon.com: Books

Are we under spiritual attack when we suffer chronic illness or pain? If so, how do we fight back? Is my chronic illness by spiritual problem? In this episode we tackle questions like these from a biblical, and we hope, well reasoned perspective.

This episode introduces the ministry of Broken and Mended and the podcast "In the Seams." Founder and President, David Heflin, shares his story and struggle with chronic pain and illness and how it led to the founding of Broken and Mended, a nonprofit ministering to those with chronic pain and illness. How can God use Broken and Mended to minister to you "in the seams" of your brokenness?

Dr. Timothy Gunnells shares his own experience with chronic pain in a vulnerable and gentle way. He teaches us that weakness is to be embraced as a way of experiencing the power of Christ (2 Cor. 12:9). This episode contains the Q&A that followed Tim's presentation, hosted by Sara Willoughby, Diamonds Conference founder. Here's the link to the all-access pass (hear from nearly twenty different speakers and sessions for only $54.00) Diamonds 2024: Journeying Tickets, Fri, Mar 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

David Heflin's presentation for the 2024 Diamonds Conference. Here's the link for the all-access pass: Diamonds 2024: Journeying Tickets, Fri, Mar 15, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

Pierce Taylor Hibbs is the author of over twenty books and other works. Pierce has a unique perspective on anxiety and why getting rid of whatever ails you may not be the solution you need. How can God walk with us through our mental and physical condition? David and Pierce explore these questions and more in this important interview that explores relationship between chronic illness and mental health through a biblical theology of suffering.

Pierce's website:

https://www.piercetaylorhibbs.com/

Pierce's YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@piercetaylorhibbs2263

Richard Gaffin article referenced by Pierce:

https://www.newhopefairfax.org/images/Gaffin_Usefulness_of_the_Cross.pdf

Timothy Keller book referenced by David:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=walking+through+pain+and+suffering&hvadid=580629419466&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9026448&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6225375699090442662&hvtargid=kwd-392143720726&hydadcr=8295_13500824&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_38j3luori5_e

Chronic health conditions are often more than just annoyance. They can alter the course of your entire life. How do you pick up the pieces of shattered dreams and meaningfully move forward. In this episode, Bethany Honaker acknowledges the real losses she has experienced along the way and the surprising ways that God has given her purpose to move forward.

Show links: general information on https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/

Counseling service mentioned by Bethany: https://www.betterhelp.com/

David mentions "Faithful Counseling," but their website redirects to their parent company Better Help. You can find a Christian Counselor through their services, even though it is not an exclusively Christian business.

Timothy Gunnells and David Heflin co-host this episode on the specific struggle of men and chronic pain. Why are men so less likely than women to talk about it? Why do they avoid doctors or connecting with other men who have similar struggles? And how can we change the dangerous downward spiral of mental health amidst chronic pain isolation in men? Tim and David explore these issues and more in this episode of "In The Seams."

Trigger Warning: We discuss mental health and suicide in this episode at length. Here is a suicide hotline number if you need to reach out for help: 988 (Calling from U.S.) or visit their website: https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox

Sources mentioned in this episode:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8405105/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5845507/

https://www.pathways.health/the-male-stigma-in-chronic-pain/

https://livethepain.org/men-in-pain-how-ideals-of-masculinity-harm-men-with-chronic-pain/

David can be reached at David@brokenandmended.org

Tim can be reached at Tim@brokenandmended.org

Sara, 22, has struggled with chronic illness since she was 14, but she has used this hardship to reach thousands for God's glory through her book "He's Making Diamonds" and the twice annual Diamonds Conference, an online conference featuring speakers from chronic illness ministries. In this episode, she shares part of her story and how important community is for those who struggle with chronic illness and pain. Below are the relevant links mentioned in the show:

Diamonds Website: https://diamondsconference.org/

Sara's website: sgwilloughby.com

Sara's Instagram: @sgwilloughby

People Hope: https://www.peoplehope.org/

My Book: http://sgwilloughby.com/book-in-progress/

BrokenandMended.org

Mandy comes on In The Seams and shares her story of battling chronic pain for the past 13 years and how God has used her as an author to help others on this journey. Her children's book Soft Hugs For Mommy and her upcoming devotional book take unique approaches to help parents talk to their children about their chronic health issues and using music in a unique way to help us focus on God in the midst of our pain.

Scriptures referenced: Ps. 119, 2 Cor. 12:6-10

Blessings By Laura Story(on stage with Joni Eareckson Tada)

www.mandyandmichele.com - Women's health, my journey with pain, book reviews, devotions, and more www.mandyfarmer.com - S.O.F.T. H.U.G.S. - Tips and resources for the chronically ill, plus updates on new books coming.

Soft Hugs For Mommy www.softhugsformommy.com

Holly the Holstein Talks About Milk Cows. Holly has a farm club online at www.thefarmersplace.com. Sign up for free downloadable coloring pages, farm jokes, and more.

There is farm swag available on Mandy's Etsy account. (puzzles, shirts, cups, etc) https://legacygiftscreations.etsy.com

Amber has a multi-faceted ministry to help people with their mental health struggles as well as people living with chronic health conditions. Her website is here. Check out her resources and dance ministry (Light in the Darkness).

In this conversation Amber shares her own painful struggle with mental and physical challenges and how God uses her pain to touch the lives of other struggling people. We also talk about how the church and Christians can be more helpful, instead of harmful, in serving those with mental illnesses. Amber also shares about her struggle with endometriosis.

Other resources mentioned in the podcast:

Mental Health Education & Certification resources: AACC

Mental Health First Aid USA

National Council For Mental Wellbeing

BCCTR-IBCC

Book Amber discussed: I Love Jesus But I Want to Die

Diamonds Conference

Host: David Heflin, Producer: Andres Ruiz, Editor: John Shields

In our final episode of 2024, we review the interviews and themes from all the episodes of 2024. Some of the dominant themes that emerge throughout all the conversations: embracing weakness as knowing the power of God, the overlap between chronic illness and mental illness, the need for the church to re-imagine its theology of suffering, practical resources for addressing chronic conditions (mental or physical), and God raising up people to help people who are hurting. Please see previous episode show notes to find links or resource mentioned.

I did say I would like to Let's Start Talking (a missions ministry I was involved in) and Terry Powell's recent post about dealing with depression that was recently published on our website.

Donate to Broken and Mended

Scripture discussed in the episode: 2 Cor. 12:1-10

Diamond's Conference registrations 2025

We will see you in 2025 with more interviews and episodes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (And please subscribe/follow and review!)

Rachel Lundy has lived with various chronic medical conditions--all under the umbrella term, dysautonomia--since she was a teenager, robbing her of a normal teenage life and a promising athletic career as a swimmer. Rachel began her website and blog in 2007. Today, it is a hopeful collection of blog posts, book recommendations, and other resources for people with chronic health conditions.

Rachel is now a wife and mother of four. She still struggles immensely with chronic illnesses, chronic fatigue, and disability. Yet, her story and witness to God's faithfulness in her struggles are very inspirational and encouraging to our own painful journeys.

Rachel has written two books (Hope For The Hard Days and Chronic Illness and Friendship), both of which have free PDF versions available here: https://www.cranberryteatime.com/p/books.html.

Paperback and Kindle versions of Hope For the Hard Days can be found on Amazon.

Rachel's two favorite books: When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty: Tada, Joni Eareckson, Estes, Steve: 9780310238355: Amazon.com: Books

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Also mentioned by Rachel: Together Through the Storms: Sarah Walton, Jeff Walton: 9781784984724: Amazon.com: Books

Rachel is also a regular Diamonds Conference speaker.

Host: David Heflin

Editor: John Shields

Dr. Timothy Gunnells, professor, preacher, and president of Broken and Mended Incorporated, shares from his struggles with the changes and stresses brought on by chronic illness in his Diamonds Conference 2025 talk.

Diamond's Conference all-access pass to the 2025 Diamonds Conference and other past events can be purchased here: https://diamondsconference.org/past-events.

Past blog post from Tim: https://brokenandmended.org/traveling-together-on-the-path-of-chronic-illness-by-timothy-gunnells/

Past podcast interview with Tim: https://brokenandmended.org/episode/chronic-pain-career-and-family-life-a-conversation-with-timothy-gunnells/

Intro: David Heflin

Editor: John Shields

Professor, counselor, and author Nate Brooks shares about his new book, Disrupted Journey: Walking With Your Loved One Through Chronic Pain and Illness..

Nate shares what he has discovered on his journey in supporting his wife, Kate, through her chronic health conditions. We cover the importance of faithful lament, finding ways to still have fun together as families, creating an atmosphere of accountability and confession, rebuilding a more meaningful community that you lost, and more!

Links mentioned in the show:

Nate's faculty page: Nate Brooks - Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Nate's two blog posts that led to him writing the book: https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2022/11/21/when-your-spouse-suffers-from-chronic-pain-or-illness-part-one/

https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2022/11/23/when-your-spouse-suffers-from-chronic-pain-or-illness-part-two/

I'm Exhausted by David Powlison

Emily Maurits page for "Watchers" (those supporting loved ones through chronic health problems).

Emily Maurits Interview on In The Seams

Interview with two husbands of spouses living with chronic pain and illness

Nate and Kate's website

Counseling Website

1 John 1:8-9 NIV - If we claim to be without sin, we - Bible Gateway

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video) on Vimeo

Host: David Heflin, Producer: Andres Ruiz, Editor: John Shield

This is the talk David gave for the Diamonds Conference on 1/24/25. How do you have joy in the midst of pain? Is happiness the same thing as biblical joy? How has the prosperity gospel harmed our ability to experience joy? How can Tolkien's vision of fellowship help us find courage and experience joy? David tackles these questions and more in this session. Here's the link for the all-access pass to listen to all the sessions from the conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diamonds-2025-courage-in-chronic-illness-tickets-1217186089359?aff=oddtdtcreator

Edited by John Shields

Lauren Watt has dealt with devastating chronic illnesses and pain since her early teenage years. After experiencing a massive disruption in her life, she graduated from high school at the age of 23. Lauren still struggles with some chronic conditions, but her life is greatly improved. She has been helped through a therapy called "brain rewiring."

In this episode, Lauren shares her heartbreaking story, but also how God walked with her through her darkest days, and how lament helped her (and can help us) stay connected to God. Lauren shares how scripture has helped her stay rooted in God's promises and His character, and how we can continue to follow Jesus, regardless of our circumstances.

Lauren's Substack; https://laurenspen.substack.com/

Dr. Lee Warren's podcast (brain rewiring and neuroplasticity): https://www.wleewarrenmd.com/podcast/

Sermon by Tim Keller mentioned by Lauren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulmaUtbayGY&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD

Books recommended by Lauren: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-When-Hurts-reflections-suffering/dp/1784980730

https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Gospel-Devotional-Connecting-Scripture/dp/1433593483

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, Broken and Mended Executive Director, David Heflin, shares four ways from Scripture that Jesus identifies with sinners to fulfill his promise to be with us. Even on the days we suffer the most, Jesus is with us. Sometimes our experience may confirm this, and sometimes that experience proves elusive. That's why we start with Jesus' promise (Matt. 28:20) and not our experience. Still, a greater experience of that promise is likely to follow when we commit ourselves to believing it.

Scriptures Referenced in the podcast:

Matt. 1:22-23

Matt. 28:20

John 1:1, 14

1 Pet. 3:18

Rom. 6:23

John 1:29

Matt. 3:13-16

Matt. 4:1-11

Heb. 4:15

Phil. 2:5-11

John 14:23

David also announces a virtual conference hosted by Broken and Mended on 10/18 with speakers: Dave Furman, Vaneetha Risner, Shannon Cramer, and Aren and Trina Bahadourian! More details will be announced soon.

Host; David Heflin

Editor: John Shields

Broken and Mended board member and fundraising consultant, Glenn Newton, talks about his long battle with severe back pain. Not many years after finding relief through a successful back surgery, Glenn was faced with an even more painful disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia. Glenn shares how it impacted his life, ministry, and relationship with God. Glenn's story is one of persistence and hope, even when it appears all hope is gone.

Trigger Warning: Suicide is discussed in this episode. If you need help, please call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 (for U.S. Residents).

Website about T.N. and why it is linked to suicide, but also why there is hope: https://arizonapain.com/trigeminal-neuralgia-suicide-disease/

Book by Glenn Newton: Conversations With God

Event page for Broken and Mended Seminar at Agape Church of Christ in St. Johns, Fl.

Broken and Mended Free Virtual Conference Registration Page

Broken and Mended Donation Page

Episode Host: David Heflin

Edited by John Shields

Produced by Broken and Mended Incorporated

In this episode, David shares his personal story, starting with injuries to both hips and culminating in diagnoses of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Crohn's disease. David shares how disorientation marked the first few years, but with God's help, he eventually made his way to acceptance and renewed purpose. David shares how this renewed purpose resulted in Broken and Mended and its different resources, including this podcast show.

If you can help Broken and Mended financially or just want to get connected to its ministries, go to brokenandmended.org. Register for the free virtual conference on 10/18 here: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025.

Short explainer video on AS: Areas of Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Information on Crohn's Disease: Mayo Clinic Explains Crohn’s Disease

Host: David Heflin

Edited by John Shields

In this episode, David interviews Lara Silverman, the author of the newly released memoir, Singing Through the Fire. Lara was a high-power attorney just entering the best and most exciting time of her life when she was struck with severe vertigo, nausea, and pain.

This mysterious illness eventually claimed her career and left her bedbound. But God was still at work in Lara's life. As she gained some of her mobility back, God brought a love story into her life with Matt Silverman. The only problem was that Matt was ill, too, very ill. Matt had terminal cancer. Her story is one of faithful lament and resilience as she and Matt fought to experience joy every day and everything that God gave them.

The interview focuses specifically on a theology of suffering and living with eternity in view. If you are suffering or struggling with grief or both, this interview will encourage you to hold on to hope.

Singing Through Fire: A Memoir of Finding Surprising Joy in Life's Darkest Trials: Silverman, Lara: 9798218714994: Amazon.com: Books

Lara's YouTube channel: The SILVERMAN show - YouTube

Lara's other social media links: https://www.facebook.com/lara.palanjian.silverman/

Instagram

Broken and Mended Conference Registration: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025

In The Seams interview with fellow Armenians and mutual friends (and Broken and Mended conference speakers!) Aren and Trina Bahadourian: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956

Broken & Mended Chronic Pain Support Ministry

Clip From The Chosen mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA

Host: David Heflin

From www.restoreofada.com:

Dana Hargus, M.Ed., LPC

Founder

Dana Hargus is the Founder of Restore of Ada. She was raised in the Ada area and holds a bachelor's degree in education and special education, and a master's degree in school counseling. After successfully working with students with behavioral and developmental issues, she returned to earn her degree in counseling. She has been working as a counselor for over twenty years. Dana owns Biofeedback and Counseling Inc. of Ada, which serves the Central Oklahoma area with twelve counselors. Restore utilizes biofeedback, relational coaching, and nutritional therapy as an adjunct to (or independently of) traditional talk therapy. When talk therapy is not enough, Restore may help.

In this episode, David Heflin and Dana Hargus discuss the possibilities of biofeedback as a promising intervention beyond "talk therapy." Can the brain be retrained to respond differently to our chronic pain and related anxiety?

Dana also shares how her Christian faith has informed her life and career, and provides a foundation for how she helps others. She shares about her new and unique program in Ada, Oklahoma (Restore of Ada) and her online program available to anyone (Restore +).

https://brokenandmended.org/

Broken and Mended Vice President, Andres Ruiz joins David Heflin to recap the "Broken Apart, Mended Together" conference featuring Dave Furman, Aren and Trina Bahadourian, Shannon Cramer, and Vaneetha Risner.

Before debriefing each of the sessions, David talks with Andres about his chronic illness journey, how he got connected to Broken and Mended, and what his role is today. Then, David and Andres talk about each session: key scriptures, themes, and quotes from the Oct. 18th conference.

You can find the original YouTube links here: https://brokenandmended.dm.networkforgood.com/emails/important-conference-information

Links to previous podcasts with conference speakers Aren an Trina Bahadourian and Shannon Cramer: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956/ https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1537466/

Lara Silverman's book mentioned in the podcast: https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Through-Fire-Finding-Surprising/dp/B0FMQZ264W

Diamonds Conference information and registration: https://diamondsconference.org/2025-fall-conference

Broken and Mended $50,000 campaign

https://brokenandmended.networkforgood.com/projects/262074-50-000-campaign-fall-2025

Main website: https://brokenandmended.org/

Hosts: David Heflin and Andres Ruiz

Edited by John Shields

In this episode, Miles Washburn shares his inspiring story of battling Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare and severe autoimmune disorder, and how, through this experience, God inspired a mission to support fellow patients. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, faith, and making a difference.

Key Topics

Miles’ background as an athlete and his life before GBS

The rapid onset of GBS symptoms and diagnostic process

Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome: causes, symptoms, and misconceptions

The emotional and physical impact of GBS on daily life and recovery

The importance of faith, purpose, and mental resilience during health crises

Miles’ initiative: climbing Mount Ventoux as a fundraiser for GBS patients

How community support and sponsorships aid in recovery efforts

Practical advice for navigating chronic illness and misconceptions

The power of faith and purpose in overcoming adversity

How listeners can get involved and support Miles’ fundraising campaign

Timestamps

(0:00) Welcome and introduction: why GBS awareness matters

(1:25) Miles’ personal story and background before illness

(3:28) How GBS struck unexpectedly and the initial signs

(7:22) The diagnosis journey: from symptoms to hospital stay

(13:38) Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome and variants

(19:39) The rapid impact of GBS: life-altering overnight effects

(26:42) Common misconceptions and misunderstandings about GBS

(33:09) Comparing personal health journeys and fatigue

(34:12) Finding purpose: Miles’ calling to help others through his experience

(40:02) The Mount Ventoux challenge: a symbol of resilience and faith

(48:33) How to participate: fundraiser details and donation info

(53:22) Closing remarks: spreading awareness and encouraging others

Resources & Links

Miles for GBS Facebook Page

Miles’ Fundraising Website

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Foundation

1 Peter 4:10 - (Key Verse)

What If? by Bill Humphreys - Amazon

Broken and Mended

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, David Heflin welcomes LA Sprague, the founder of "Christians with Chronic Illnesses," to discuss her inspiring journey with POTS, her faith, and her new podcast aimed at encouraging believers facing health challenges. They explore the impact of chronic illness on dreams, faith, and relationships, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and divine trust.

Main Topics:

• LA’s personal journey from aspiring missionary and musician to living with POTS
• Understanding POTS: symptoms, challenges, and management strategies
• The emotional and spiritual impacts of chronic illness
• The inception and purpose behind "Christians with Chronic Illnesses" podcast
• Building community and providing a safe space for honest faith discussion
• The significance of trust and understanding in marriage amid chronic illness
• The role of gratitude and divine interaction during health struggles
• Future plans: music album, community growth, and resource development

Resources & Links:

• Christians with Chronic Illnesses Support Group on Facebook
• LA Sprague's Music on Spotify
• The Supernatural Case of an Accidental Time Traveler by Paul Trumbo
• Broken and Mended Ministry
• Support and Donate to Broken and Mended
• Information about POTS

Connect with LA Sprague:

• Instagram
• Email: cwcipodcast@gmail.com

Note: Listen to LA's podcast "Christians with Chronic Illnesses" for inspiring stories, faith encouragement, and community support — available on all major podcast platforms.

Tveen Verano shares her family's emotional journey from a joyful, ordinary life to the shock of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Her story highlights the power of faith, community, and the importance of spiritual resilience amid unimaginable hardships. Main Topics Covered:

• The emotional impact of childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment
• How faith and scripture sustain families during crises
• Practical ways to support loved ones in their struggle
• The role of community and prayer in healing and hope
• Balancing joy and grief in the midst of suffering

In this episode:

• Tveen recounts her son Alex's diagnosis and initial shock
• The importance of faith and Scripture, especially Psalm 16:8
• The emotional and spiritual processing during crisis moments
• The significance of community support, prayer, and a positive mindset
• Navigating sibling reactions and family dynamics
• Hope and remission
• Advice for supporting others facing illness
• The importance of balanced support groups and spiritual formation

Resources & Links:

• Psalm 16:8
• Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louis Giglio
• Unmet Expectations by Lisa Hughes
• Broken and Mended support group ministry
• Neuroblastoma Information
• Episode w/Lara Silverman

Connect with Tveen Verano:

• https://www.instagram.com/tveenverano.rd/
• https://www.youtube.com/@tveenverano9283

Thank you for listening. Join us next time on In the Seams for more stories of faith, perseverance, and hope.

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, we welcome Mandy Farmer back to the show to share her remarkable journey through grief, chronic illness, and finding hope in God's grace. Mandy discusses her new devotional book, "Dissonant Chords, Joyful Harmony," and offers insights on lament, the power of music, and authentic faith during suffering.

Main Topics Covered:

• Mandy’s journey through grief after losing her husband to pancreatic cancer
• How faith has helped her face chronic illness and grief authentically
• The unique structure & inspiration behind her devotional book, blending music & scripture
• The importance of lament and honesty about pain in the church
• Practical ways to find hope and spiritual renewal during suffering
• Mandy’s writings and resources,
• Her upcoming projects: a workbook, social media presence, and potential future books on suffering and the bride of Christ

• Dissonant Chords, Joyful Harmony — Mandy's new devotional book blending music and scripture
• Thefarmersplace.com — For her children's books and other updates
• Chosen: Sacred Journeys with a Faithful God — Mandy’s story about God choosing her amid grief (Mandy is one of several contributors).
• Purpose and Pain: Rediscovering God's Purpose Through the Pain of Chronic Illness — David's new book on hope and purpose in suffering
• Broken and Mended
• Mandy's Substack — Personal reflections and daily grief updates
• Mandy's Previous Interview with In The Seams

Connect with Mandy:

• Facebook | Instagram |

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andrés Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, Sarah Reid shares her inspiring story of living with chronic illnesses like POTS, ME-CFS, and fibromyalgia from a young age. We explore how her faith and community support help her navigate daily challenges, and she offers encouragement for others facing invisible health struggles. Plus, discover her innovative projects, including books and the annual Be Potsitive Conference, aimed at empowering young adults with chronic illness. Main Topics:

• Sarah’s health journey and diagnosis timeline from childhood to age 23
• The impact of chronic illnesses like POTS and ME-CFS on young adult life
• The significance of faith and scripture during illness, especially the Psalms
• The importance of supporting and connecting with others through community
• Her creative projects: children's book "Leo and Charlotte" and rom-com "Salty for You"
• Strategies for managing social media and outreach with limited energy
• Raising awareness about invisible illnesses and mental health resources
• Details about the upcoming Be Potsitive Conference and its mission

Book mentioned by Sarah: Searching For Sea Glass https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sea-Glass-Journeying-Devotions/dp/1777721407

Be Potsitive Conference (this is a link to last year's conference, but be on the lookout for this year's conference soon): 2nd Annual Be POTSitive Conference Tickets, Saturday, August 9, 2025 • 5 PM - 8:30 PM | Eventbrite

Connecting with Sarah (Sarah's Linktree to all of her social media accounts and books):

bepotsitive Official: Instagram | Linktree

Connect with Broken and Mended: www.brokenandmended.org

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields