Beyond Forgiveness

From Caregiver to Needing Care: Cheri's Testimony on Finding Rest in Jesus Christ Through Suffering

In this powerful conversation, I welcome Cheri Carandanis—U.S. Air Force veteran, former critical care flight nurse, and now artist—whose life was dramatically altered by traumatic brain injuries in 2019. After a 25-year nursing career devoted to caring for others, Cheri suddenly found herself in need of care, facing the painful transition from caregiver to patient. Cheri shares her remarkable story of resilience: growing up in a biracial military family, serving on critical care air transport teams after 9/11, working as a hospice nurse for 15 years, and ultimately discovering the unexpected gift of healing through creativity. Her art, described as both calming and alive, embodies themes of grief, transformation, and hope. This episode explores what it means to let go of pride, receive care with humility, and find new life in places of loss. Cheri and I talk candidly about depression, faith, family, and the way God can use even brokenness to open new doors. If you’ve ever struggled with identity after loss, or wondered how healing can emerge from unexpected places, Cheri’s testimony will meet you right where you are. Explore Cheri’s artwork and story through the link below: https://www.carandanisfineart.com/ [https://www.carandanisfineart.com/] Slide Jewelry: https://go.referralcandy.com/share/38DXCJQ?s=sp&t=cp [https://go.referralcandy.com/share/38DXCJQ?s=sp&t=cp] Explicit passages: Job 2, Psalm 42/43, Luke 10, 1 Thess 5 Implicit themes connected to verses: Humility (Matt 16, Phil 3), Identity in Christ (1 John 3, 2 Cor 5), Providence (Matt 6), Community (Gal 6), Suffering & Hope (Psalm 23, Rom 8), Transformation (Rom 12)

Chosen and Cherished: Garrett’s Testimony

Season Two opens with a story that moved me deeply. In this conversation, I sit down with my friend Garrett — founder of Wisdomwear and host of The Faithful Perspective podcast — to hear how God’s hand was on his life from the very beginning. Garrett’s story starts in Romania, in the wake of communism’s fall. As a baby, he was left in an orphanage where, for the first year of his life, he was never held. Through a series of extraordinary events — including U.S. senators stepping in — he was adopted into a loving family in America. And yet, like so many of us, he wrestled with belonging, identity, and faith. Please find the full list of explicitly and inexplicitly referenced verses referenced in this episode in the YouTube video description [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD5SpuOY8c8]. WisdomWear.net [http://WisdomWear.net] Coupon Code: ALEXANDRACHRIST

Beyond Forgiveness Podcast - Season One Finale: “I Believe, Help My Unbelief”

In this season finale, I reflect on the journey of launching the Beyond Forgiveness podcast, the challenges of chronic illnesses, how God’s timing has shaped my path, and the transformative power of faith and renewed courage, knowledge, and wisdom in seasons of doubt. With raw honesty and deep theological insight, I explore what it means to wrestle with belief, lean into divine mercy, and accept help—both human and divine—when strength runs dry. This episode is a tapestry of Scripture, testimony, and encouragement. I share personal struggles, the beauty of spiritual community, and the gentle way God meets us in our weakness. From the Hebrew cry Ayeka in Genesis to the desperate plea of a father in Mark 9, listeners are invited to reflect on their own faith journeys and find hope in the God who never abandons. Whether you’re in a season of spiritual clarity or wrestling with uncertainty, this episode offers a compassionate reminder: doubt does not disqualify you. God draws near, even when belief feels fragile. Explicit Scripture References: 1. Psalm 73:26, 2. Mark 9:24, 3. Genesis 3:9, 4. Luke 19:10, 5. Matthew 9:13, 6. Hosea 6:6, 7. Proverbs 14:12, 8. Romans 8:38–39, 9. Matthew 17:20, 10. Ephesians 2:8–9, 11. 1 Peter 4:12, 12. Hebrews 4:15–16. Inexplicit / Thematic Scripture References: 1. Luke 15:20–24, 2. Romans 5:18–19 (Jesus as the Second Adam), 3. Genesis 3:21 (God Clothing Adam and Eve), 4. John 20:24–29 (Thomas’ Doubt), 5. Luke 8:41–42, 49–56 (Jairus’ Daughter), 6. Psalm 68:6, 7. Philippians 1:6, 8. Lamentations 3:22–23, 9. Genesis 3:9 (Hebrew: Ayecha), 10. Matthew 9:12–13 (Jesus’ Mercy over Sacrifice) Cocoburry: https://m.cocoburry.co/alexchristine [https://m.cocoburry.co/alexchristine]

Beyond Forgiveness: Faith After Trauma

In this episode, I open up about some of the deeper wounds I’ve carried—trauma, complex PTSD, spiritual warfare, and the overwhelming weight of shame. It’s one of the most vulnerable conversations I’ve shared on this podcast. I talk honestly about what it’s like to wrestle with God, to question your faith in the aftermath of abuse, and to feel unworthy of love—even in the church. But I also share how, through it all, God has remained near. I reflect on the healing process, the power of lament, and the comfort I’ve found in scripture and in Christ. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re too broken to be loved by God, this episode is for you. You're not alone—and healing, though slow, is holy. Below, I’ve gathered the scripture references I shared throughout the episode, and I hope they serve as a source of comfort and truth for you the way they have for me. Scripture References: • Psalm 34:17–20 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. • 2 Timothy 1:7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. • Matthew 6:5–6 – When you pray, go into your room and pray to your Father in secret. • Matthew 5:3–12 – The Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit... • Mark 9:24 – "I believe; help my unbelief." • Romans 5:20 – Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. • Isaiah 53:3–5 – By His wounds we are healed. • 1 Peter 5:10 – After you have suffered a little while, God will restore and strengthen you. • John 8:1–11 – "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." • Mark 5:25–34 – "Daughter, your faith has made you well." • Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. • 2 Corinthians 3:18 – We are being transformed from glory to glory. • 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. • Luke 4:18 – He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted. • Jeremiah 1:5 – Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. • John 15:15 – "I have called you friends." • Matthew 22:37–39 – Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. • Romans 8:28 – God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. If you're navigating trauma or spiritual wounds, I hope this episode and these verses remind you that you are not alone, not disqualified, and not forgotten. Healing isn't linear, and God is faithful. Even when you feel like you can't hold onto Him, He is still holding onto you. Thanks for being here. You are so loved.

Beyond Forgiveness: When God Whispers

Have you ever felt like you needed a big, clear answer from God, but all you received was silence? Elijah did too. But in his moment of despair, God came—not in fire or wind, but in a whisper. If you’re in a season of waiting, longing, or wondering where God is, this episode is a loving invitation to listen for His gentle voice. Explicit References: 1 Kings 19:11-12 – Elijah’s encounter with God in the still small voice. 1 Kings 18:24, 36-39 – The showdown on Mount Carmel where God answers by fire. 1 Kings 19:2-9 – Elijah’s fear, flight, and God’s provision in the wilderness. 1 Kings 19:15-18 – God’s instructions to Elijah about anointing new leaders and preserving a faithful remnant. Luke 5:16 – Jesus withdrawing to quiet places to pray. Philippians 2:7 – Jesus as the ultimate servant. Matthew 12:39 – Jesus’ warning that a wicked generation seeks a sign. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 – Warning against false prophets who perform signs to deceive. Matthew 7:22-23 – Jesus’ warning that miracles alone do not prove true faith. Matthew 24:24 – False prophets performing great signs and wonders. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 – Jesus returning in blazing fire to judge the ungodly. Luke 9:54-56 – James and John asking to call down fire, and Jesus rebuking them. Leviticus 10:1-2 – Nadab and Abihu offering unauthorized fire before the Lord. Exodus 3:2-4 – God revealing Himself to Moses in the burning bush. Exodus 13:21 – God leading Israel by a pillar of fire. Exodus 19:18 – Mount Sinai covered in fire when God gave the law. Acts 2:3 – The Holy Spirit appearing as tongues of fire at Pentecost. Genesis 19:24 – Fire and brimstone destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. Revelation 13:13-14 – The beast calling down fire from heaven to deceive. John 16:14 – The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, not human movements. John 1:21 – People wondering if John the Baptist was Elijah. Luke 1:17 – John the Baptist coming in the spirit of Elijah. Matthew 11:11 – Jesus calling John the greatest prophet. Matthew 3:12 – John expecting the Messiah to bring immediate judgment.Luke 10:38-42 – Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet instead of seeking busyness. Mark 12:41-44 – The widow’s offering showing quiet faithfulness. Luke 18:9-14 – The tax collector’s humble prayer vs. the Pharisee’s pride. Matthew 6:5-6 – Jesus warning against showy, public prayers. Revelation 13:13-14 – False signs and wonders leading people astray. Implicit References & Thematic Parallels: Daniel 3:24-27 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire, yet not consumed. Job 1-2, 42 – Job’s suffering, questioning, and eventual restoration. Isaiah 55:8-9 – God's ways and thoughts being higher than ours. Romans 8:28 – God working all things for good. John 4:25-26 – Jesus revealing His identity to the woman at the well. John 5:39-40 – The Scriptures testifying about Christ. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – God's power being made perfect in weakness. James 1:2-4 – Trials producing perseverance.John 10:27 – "My sheep hear my voice." Isaiah 30:21 – "You will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’" Psalm 46:10 – "Be still and know that I am God." John 16:33 – Jesus telling us to take heart, for He has overcome the world. Riverside Link: ⁠ [https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=BeyondForgivenessPodcast]https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=BeyondForgivenessPodcast⁠ [https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=BeyondForgivenessPodcast]