S3 Episode 2: Steps to Sobriety - A Testimony of God's Grace

S3 Episode 2: Steps to Sobriety - A Testimony of God's Grace

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Abbey sits down with Penny for a raw and inspiring conversation about grief, addiction, healing, and faith. Penny shares how losing her father during her freshman year of college became a turning point in her life. While she describes him as a good provider and present father, she also opens up about the deep feelings of rejection she carried from childhood and how those wounds followed her into adulthood. Penny reflects on years spent searching for love and validation in relationships, hoping to fill a void that never seemed to go away. As she navigated heartbreak, loneliness, and unresolved pain, she found herself caught in cycles of alcoholism, drug use, failed relationships, and self-destructive choices. Through it all, she says God never stopped pursuing her, even when she was at her lowest. The conversation explores Penny's recovery journey, including overcoming a decade-long cocaine addiction and eventually confronting the alcohol dependence that had taken over her life. She shares how rehab became a turning point, helping her learn practical tools for sobriety while beginning the deeper work of healing emotionally and spiritually. Today, Penny is focused on rebuilding her life with purpose. She talks candidly about learning to love herself again, embracing a season of obedience to God, and using her story to help others find hope. Her testimony is a powerful reminder that no matter how much time has passed or how far you've fallen, it's never too late for a new beginning. Contact Penny here: Mrth13teen@gmail.com Penny Dowell on Facebook Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/support]

S3 Episode 1: Finding Your Worth at the Cross

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/fan_mail/new] Abbey returns for season 3 and shares a painful middle school memory that shaped her self-image for years. With honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on how a single moment, and the wounds that follow, can leave a lasting impact on the way we see ourselves. As she unpacks her story, Abbey explores a question many people wrestle with: What do we do when old hurts continue to resurface, even after we've forgiven the people involved? She discusses how painful memories can become recurring sources of insecurity and how those wounds often fuel the lies we tell ourselves about our worth, value, and identity. Abbey shares a powerful practice that helped her begin healing: asking Jesus where He was during her most painful moments. Through scripture and reflection on Christ's suffering on the cross, she explains how Jesus understands humiliation, rejection, and heartbreak firsthand. For Abbey, the cross became a reminder that God's love reaches into our deepest wounds and offers hope, healing, and redemption. Filled with compassion and encouragement, this episode is a reminder that healing is often a journey rather than a single moment. Whether you're carrying old memories, struggling with self-worth, or simply searching for hope, Abbey offers a message of grace: your story isn't over, your wounds don't define you, and you are more loved than you realize. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/support]

S2 Episode 7: Comfort That Never Satisfies vs. Comfort That Restores

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Freedom Bridge, Abbey opens her heart and shares a deeply personal reflection on comfort, where we look for it and how often we turn to things that can never truly satisfy us. Drawing from her own life, Abbey shares about using food as a source of comfort for many years, even while knowing it wasn’t working and never fully healing the ache she was trying to soothe. She explores how easy it is to forget to go to God, even when we know He is the ultimate source of peace and rest. Abbey gently reminds us that Jesus is not disappointed in our searching. He understands our need for comfort. What He offers is something deeper and lasting. She reflects on how God invites us to rest in the truth that He wants the best for us, not just temporary relief, but true restoration of our hearts, minds, and spirits. This episode encourages listeners to pause and ask themselves where they are running when life feels heavy. Abbey points us back to prayer and Scripture as places of refuge, reminding us that comfort in Christ is always available, always patient, and always enough. Whether you’re a new believer or someone who has walked with God for years, this episode is an invitation to cross the bridge from temporary comfort to lasting peace in Jesus. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/support]

S2 Episode 6: Jesus Heal My Heart - How God Rewrote Carlos’ Story

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/fan_mail/new] In this testimony, Abbey sits down with Carlos, a former gang member and bodyguard whose life was once fueled by control, power, and pride. After the collapse of his second marriage, he hit a breaking point that opened the door to an encounter with Jesus, one that began with a simple instruction to pray for others, even though he didn’t know how to pray. Now living in Virginia, far from his roots in the Bronx, Carlos shares how salvation transformed not only his heart but his entire identity. Today, he is remarried, walking in peace, and boldly building two new businesses: Lens of Faith Photography and a faith-driven clothing brand declaring the message “Jesus Heal My Heart.” Join us as he opens up about his journey from aggression to grace, the freedom he found in Christ, and how God is using his story to inspire healing and purpose in others. To reach out to Carlos:  * Facebook: @newyorkthebodyguard * Instagram: @newyork_thebodyguard Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/support]

S2 Episode 5: Embracing God's Guidance - The Freedom Bridge Nonprofit Journey

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/fan_mail/new] In this episode Abbey shares her journey of starting The Freedom Bridge nonprofit organization. She emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and love through personal stories and spiritual insights. Abbey discusses the mission and values of The Freedom Bridge, plans for future initiatives, and the significance of aligning finances with God's teachings. She encourages listeners to seek God's guidance in their lives, highlighting the power of prayer and relationship with the Lord. Join Abbey as she embarks on this mission to serve and uplift her community through faith and compassion. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:42 Opening Prayer 01:15 The Birth of The Freedom Bridge Nonprofit 03:17 Mission and Values 03:58 Future Plans and Community Support 05:09 Personal Reflections on Faith and Finances 09:53 Encouragement and Final Thoughts 19:45 Call to Action and Farewell Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459457/support]