The Story Behind The Song | Calm in the Chaos

The Story Behind The Song | Calm in the Chaos

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530901/fan_mail/new] In Week 4 of The Story Behind The Song, Ray Slavens shares the deeply personal story behind the song "Wonderful Peace."  Inspired by the beloved hymn of the same name and his own lifelong journey with anxiety, this episode explores the difference between the peace the world offers and the peace only Christ can give. Diagnosed with severe anxiety as a teenager, Ray opens up about the quiet battles many people never saw—the fear, the racing thoughts, and the search for peace through prayer, Scripture, worship, and moments of solitude. While following Jesus didn't remove every struggle, it taught him that God's peace isn't found in the absence of hardship, but in His faithful presence through it. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or wondered where to find peace in the middle of life's storms, this conversation is for you. Because sometimes the greatest miracle isn't that God calms the storm... It's that He calms our hearts while we walk through it. 🎧 Join us as we explore the story behind the song and the Savior who still offers "peace that surpasses all understanding." (Philippians 4:7) We'd love to hear from you -- email us at ListenToShoesOff@gmail.com

The Story Behind The Song | Her Last Breath

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530901/fan_mail/new] In Week 3 of The Story Behind The Song, Ray Slavens shares the deeply personal story behind the song "Her Last Breath." Written in memory of his sister Jessica, this song was inspired by her long battle with illness, pain, and the effects of trauma. For more than twenty years, Jessica faced health challenges that eventually led to her passing. Yet through it all, one question she often asked remained the inspiration behind this song: "What's it going to be like when I die?" The answer was always found in God's Word: "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." — 2 Corinthians 5:8 In this episode, Ray reflects on the relationship he shared with his sister, the gift of reconciliation during their later years, and the hope Christians have in the promise of eternal life. We'd love to hear from you -- email us at ListenToShoesOff@gmail.com

The Story Behind The Song | Crooked Nail Cabin

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530901/fan_mail/new] In Week 2 of The Story Behind The Song, Ray shares the inspiration behind Crooked Nail Cabin, a place tucked away in the Kentucky hills where fathers, sons, and men gather to step away from the distractions of life and focus on God, His creation, and each other. More than a song about a cabin, this episode explores the importance of godly friendships, intentional discipleship, and building a legacy that rests on a firm foundation—God's Word. Because sometimes the places that shape us most aren't built with wood and nails, but with faith, fellowship, and the investment of one generation into the next. We'd love to hear from you -- email us at ListenToShoesOff@gmail.com

The Story Behind The Song | A Changed Man

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530901/fan_mail/new] Join Ray Slavens in this special 8-week series, The Story Behind The Song, as he shares the inspiration, Scripture, and life lessons behind some of the original songs he has been blessed to write. Each episode takes listeners beyond the lyrics and into the stories that shaped them, from family legacies and personal faith journeys to seasons of struggle, redemption, hope, and God's unfailing grace. We'd love to hear from you -- email us at ListenToShoesOff@gmail.com

Jesus Never Said...Life would be Easy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2530901/fan_mail/new] Life can be hard. The pressures of work, family, finances, health, relationships, and simply trying to keep up can leave us exhausted and wondering if we’re doing something wrong. In this episode of “Jesus Never Said…”, we explore one of the biggest misconceptions in modern Christianity: the belief that following Jesus should make life easier. The reality is that Jesus never promised an easy life. In fact, He told His followers they would face trouble. But He also promised something far greater—His presence, His peace, and the hope of eternity. This world is not our final home. And while the journey may not always be easy, it is filled with purpose. We'd love to hear from you -- email us at ListenToShoesOff@gmail.com