Bill Towner shares his experience of suffering a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life threatening, sudden bleeding that is most commonly caused by a ruptured aneurysm. Despite the serious nature of the condition, Bill survived and is now able to talk and walk 12 years later. Bill and Marlena discuss the miracle of January 29, 2014. Bill explains he was angry and resentful of a work situation where money due to him was being withheld. His anger, he believes, led to the hemorrhage, and what he calls 'his brain exploded'. Marlena shares her side of the miracle story of receiving the phone call requesting 911 be called. She, and her boss, Tom, then flew down a set of stairs to the 9th floor from their office. Marlena states the Holy Spirit showed her 'in a millionth of a second' that Bill was headed out to eternity. She hit her knees and began praying loudly in the Holy Ghost, her prayer language. She states that 'all HR policy was out the window'. Tom wrote a short note for them to share that nothing mattered that day outside of Bill being ok. Miracles DO happen. Bill Towner was taken away moments later on a gurney by EMT's with the fire department. He was then taken to a Tulsa hospital where they determined he had to be life-flighted to Oklahoma City. Yet more miracles! His doctor later told him that almost no one recovers from this type of hemorrhage. More miracles! After many days in the hospital, along with 2-3 months of intense recovery learning to speak and walk again, Bill now lives a full and happy life with his wife, Cherie, and their family.
Bill is also an author with a travel companion book coming very soon! Here is another interesting story by Bill Towner:
Twelve Steps Out of Yemen: Towner, Bill: 9781684714933: Amazon.com: Books
Kristiann Smith, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 25 years of experience, shares about her work and book, "The Christ Factor." She discusses how the book explores the sustaining power of faith through personal and clinical insights, addressing topics like trauma, identity, and healing. She also shares about her children's project "Boondoggies and Friends," which uses music and characters to help children understand emotions and faith. The conversation also touches on Kristiann's personal health challenges, including being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and how her faith has supported her through difficult times. Marlena and Kristiann discuss the importance of addressing trauma and mental health openly, particularly in religious communities, and emphasized the message that no one is alone if they know Jesus Christ. SO much great content in one podcast!
Reach Kristiann Smith at doitafraidenterprises@gmail.com. https://www.youtube.com/@SaltyForHim https://www.youtube.com/@BoondoggiesFriends
In this emotional and inspiring episode, Michele shares her journey of overcoming childhood trauma, abuse, and deep emotional wounds. Through faith in Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she reveals how true healing begins from within. Marlena and Michele dive deep into real-life struggles including generational trauma, broken relationships, and the search for true love. They discuss the difference between what love truly is and what love is not, helping viewers understand how past pain can shape unhealthy patterns in life and relationships. This conversation also touches on modern challenges like online dating, self-worth, and how women can protect their value while seeking God’s purpose for their lives. Michele’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how broken your past may be, healing, restoration, and transformation are possible through Christ.
Locate Michelle's book here:
Can God truly redeem a life marked by deep trauma and abuse? In this powerful episode of *The Journey Podcast*, Marlena Compston speaks with Jennifer Bonner, a Christian blogger and survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Jennifer shares her deeply personal testimony of trauma, brokenness, and ultimately finding redemption and healing through Jesus Christ. Jennifer’s story began with unimaginable abuse at the hands of her father and stepmother. For years she struggled with insecurity, addiction, shame, and the long-lasting scars of childhood trauma. But through faith, prayer, and the redeeming love of Christ, Jennifer discovered that healing and restoration are possible. In this emotional and inspiring conversation, Jennifer and Marlena discuss the reality of trauma recovery, the challenges survivors face, and the hope found in God’s grace and redemption. This testimony is a reminder that no matter how broken our past may be, Jesus is still in the business of restoring lives and setting captives free.
🔹 Topics discussed in this episode:
• Healing from childhood sexual abuse
• The journey of trauma recovery
• Understanding God's grace and redemption
• Overcoming shame and brokenness through faith
• Finding hope and restoration in Jesus
🌐 Learn more about Jennifer Bonner: https://whengodallows.com