January 10, 2025 • 28 mins
What does it take to transform a life filled with pain into one brimming with hope and purpose? Join us as Brandy bravely shares her heartfelt journey through a tumultuous childhood, rebellion, and an abusive relationship, only to find herself in the unexpected embrace of faith. Her powerful story of resilience and self-discovery is a poignant reminder that compassion and understanding can pave the way for profound personal transformation.
Mark and Jonas also open their hearts, recounting their own stories of finding strength and hope through faith in the face of life's most challenging trials. As Mark navigates the heartrending loss of his wife to cancer, and Jonas overcomes addiction, their narratives shine a light on the unwavering support and refuge found in a relationship with Jesus. Through their experiences, we explore practical steps such as prayer, scripture study, and community engagement, offering listeners a roadmap to resilience and peace amidst chaos.
Together, these stories paint a vivid picture of the joy and fulfillment that can be discovered through a deep connection with Jesus. Supported by Ron Myers Ministries, we continue to share these real-life narratives, inviting you to experience the transformative power of faith. As we prepare for another week of inspiring stories, we emphasize the heartwarming message that both Jesus and our community are here for you, ready to guide you towards a renewed life filled with divine purpose and grace.
- If you would like to be a guest and share your story, click this link: https://thepromoter.org/story/
Thanks for Listening, and subscribe to hear a new episode each week!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
It's time now to get the hell out of your life.
A weekly broadcast with realpeople sharing real struggles
and offering real hope.
Today's show will encourage,inspire and empower you to face
life's challenges with a boldconfidence and renewed hope.
Now let's join our host, ronMyers.
The promoter.
Ron Meyers (00:22):
Hello, my friends, it is so good to be with you
today.
Did you watch some of thefootball over the past weekend,
boy?
There were some great footballgames on my prediction for the
Super Bowl Detroit and theBuffalo Bills.
That's who I think is going tobe in the Super Bowl, but who
knows and who really cares?
I just like good, competitivesports.
Kind of like life, isn't it?
(00:44):
What if I could help you todayput more oomph in your step, a
little more passion in yourdrive?
I found out years ago that whenI fix my eyes on Jesus, wow,
good things happen.
Divine thoughts come my way andlife is good.
So today I want to help you fixyour eyes on Jesus, because
(01:07):
this year is your opportunity tohave the best year ever.
Focus on your goals, your plans, your relationships, your
health, by fixing your eyes onJesus, because he needs you
healthy, he needs you happy andhe needs you to tell people what
he has done in your life.
My story today is from Brandy.
(01:28):
Her story really touched me andI think it will touch you, and
then, when I come back, I willgive you three action steps of
how you can fix your eyes onJesus and find success in your
life.
Let's listen to Brandy's story.
Brandi (01:44):
Okay, well, I'm Brandy Melbourne Again.
I live in Texas, I am afull-time working single mom and
run a nonprofit in my free time.
My story is at a really youngage my parents divorced.
I was 10.
So that's really the first timeI ever really experienced a
(02:07):
trauma and coming into somethinglike that happening and
thinking it's just a dream andyour world kind of falling apart
.
I didn't grow up with the Lord,so I didn't know to pray, I
didn't have a relationship withthe Lord, and that's really when
the enemy began just plantingseeds of rejection and
(02:27):
abandonment and not reallyunderstanding what love is and
what that looks like, because tome it was really disposable.
My mother moved about threehours away from my dad and my
older brother, so at that pointI kind of became an only child
living with a single mom.
I wasn't promiscuous growing upat all.
Actually, it was the opposite.
(02:49):
I didn't trust men, I didn'tlike men, so I really didn't
date when I did.
I dated in high school and allof those walls came crashing
down with this one and then hebroke my heart and at that point
I decided I was going to saywho, I was going to say when, I
was going to say how.
And really, this rebelliousnessrose up in me About two days
(03:12):
after I turned 18, I moved outof my mother's house and that
began my downward spiral.
How to make a good choice?
I didn't know how to processdecision-making at all.
I landed myself in a severelyabusive relationship.
(03:32):
About a year, year and a halfinto that relationship, I got
pregnant and I chose abortion.
By the grace of God, I came outof that relationship, but with
no self-esteem, no self-worth Atthis point.
I was completely isolated awayfrom my family.
I had no relationship with mydad, siblings, really, and I was
(03:55):
living this crazy lifestyle.
I began working in the stripclub industry.
That became my lifestyle.
I literally put a price on myvalue and my worth.
I mean that, like I said, thatbecame my lifestyle.
I literally put a price on myvalue and my work.
I mean that like I said that wasmy lifestyle.
Ron Meyers (04:10):
Before the divorce what was life like for little
Brandy?
Brandi (04:15):
We actually lived in the country so we had farm animals.
We had chickens and pigs andhorses and dogs and cats.
I was usually outside runningthrough a pasture playing hide
and go seek in the woods with mybrother.
We had just a very outdoorsy.
Ron Meyers (04:33):
Before the divorce?
How was your relationship withyour parents?
Could you go to them and talkto them about anything?
Brandi (04:38):
No, we were all kind of really emotionally detached.
Now, looking back, I can seethat I think at that time, being
the little girl and 10 yearsold, what you have you think is
normal, you don't think.
You just don't think that whatyou have is outside of the box
or it's not normal.
So it was completely normal forme.
Now, looking back, there wasn'ta lot of emotional
(05:02):
relationships, there wasn't awhole lot of nurturing and we
did things but, like I said,there was just no, there was no
emotional relationships.
I was totally used to that kindof an atmosphere.
And when my mother moved, wemoved to Irving, texas, so it
was culture shock for me.
And then she was a workingsingle mom, so we lived in an
apartment complex, single mom,so we lived in an apartment
(05:27):
complex.
So then my life goes to beingin a town where I mean a big
city, that I didn't, I didn'tknow anybody, and so I was
having to and I'm introverted,so introverts just don't go out
and meet people.
So I was very secluded, veryisolated, and then the few
friends that I did find in theapartment complex, they just
weren't real great examples.
So I mean, that was it, but itwas just a complete culture
(05:49):
shock for me.
Ron Meyers (05:51):
Brandy, I've got to ask you you're in an abusive
relationship with a man.
Why did you stay with him whenhe was being abusive?
Brandi (06:00):
That's a really common question.
By the time, I will say, theenemy had already started
mentally beating me up and, likeI said, planting those seeds
and this confirming them.
So when I would you know, lookfor those things.
He would confirm the negativeabout me actually throws the
(06:26):
first punch.
You absolutely believe thatthis is what you deserve and
that's where it was, is I?
I didn't feel like I deservedanything better than that.
Ron Meyers (06:31):
What would make you think, though, you deserve to be
abused?
Brandi (06:34):
Just when you have no self-esteem or no self-worth and
, like I said, the distancebetween you know my dad and my
brother and my dad living hislife three hours away there
wasn't really any connection.
The visitation was hit or miss,there was no emotional.
So I had already picked up I'mnot worthy and I'm not loved and
(06:57):
I didn't know what pursuitlooked like from a father, from
a father and, and so I just hadno self-worth, no value, that I
didn't feel like I deservedanything better.
It was just, it was a mental.
And then when I started makingthe decisions that I made, like
having an abortion I mean Ididn't tell anybody about that,
(07:19):
I was carrying that solely allby myself.
Ron Meyers (07:23):
After you had that abortion, because eventually you
broke up with this gentlemanthat kind of forced you to have
an abortion.
So he goes away and all of asudden, Brandy, you're all alone
.
You had to be in a veryvulnerable state.
Brandi (07:40):
And I escaped that with a strip club.
So, as sick as it sounds, youcould go to a strip club and men
would give you money becausethey thought you were pretty,
and so at that point I wasliterally putting a price on my
value and my worth.
This was affirmation that Ididn't get anywhere else, but I
got there.
Ron Meyers (08:00):
Listeners.
As I said, what courage forthis young lady, Brandy, to
share her story.
But this story is for somebodyout there listening, because
there's nothing worse in lifewhen you don't think you're
worth anything.
So before there was atransformation in your life,
brandy, you really had noself-esteem, no self-worth.
(08:24):
I bet you had a hard time evenlooking at yourself in the
mirror.
Brandi (08:29):
Oh, yeah, for sure, and I escaped with drugs and alcohol
, so I really didn't have to bealone with me for very long.
Ron Meyers (08:37):
Boy, Brandy, as you tell that story, my heart just
breaks for what you were goingthrough and I just have to
believe, Brandy, that somethingwas beginning to stir inside of
you that was seeking the change.
Brandi (08:54):
I don't know that I was necessarily seeking the change,
but I had a roommate at the timeand you know, when I didn't
have dinner or whatever, herparents would cook for me and I
would go to their house, and soI had a relationship with her
dad and stepmom.
And one day I was headed out togo work at the club and he
showed up at my front door andtold me that the Lord told him
(09:17):
to turn around to come share histestimony with me, and he did.
He came in and told me how hehimself had devalued women and
started speaking to me about myworth and my value and invited
me to go to church.
They were doing a revival forthe next three weeks and he left
and I went to the club and Isat in the parking lot and the
(09:39):
longer I sat there the more Ijust had this in my stomach like
you can't go in, you can't goin, and I didn't.
I went to that revival thatnight and I sat in a church and
I remember sitting there andthere was a presence there that
I had never felt before and Iwanted.
I didn't know what was going on.
(10:00):
It was pretty radical, Um, andI just sat and I just watched
and I observed that thatpresence there was so strong
that night that I never wentback to the strip club again.
Um, I went to that revivalevery single night for three
weeks.
Ron Meyers (10:13):
This man, who felt led by God and knew, most likely
, your occupation, invited youto his house, didn't judge you
had dinner because he sawsomething in you, your potential
, something that you hadn't seenyet, and then, at the right
time, he let God lead him to you.
(10:34):
Sometimes, christians, we needto make sure that we don't start
looking at people and judgingthem.
Why not begin a relationshipand start having a conversation
with people?
Because I think sometimesChristians can kind of get on
that judgment seat, if you knowwhat I mean, I do.
So I guess you're going to tellus now that then life started
(10:58):
changing because you had met God.
No, no, you mean there's moreto this story.
Brandi (11:07):
Yes, I got a job that paid regular hours and the owner
there was.
She knew where I was comingfrom, she knew my lifestyle.
I would like to say I flippedthe switch and I was doing
everything I should have beendoing.
I wasn't.
I still partied on Saturdaynight, went to work during the
week, I would go to church onSunday morning, but I was still
(11:29):
very much living just this crazylifestyle.
I landed myself in anotherreally unhealthy relationship.
It was with a heroin addict.
I got pregnant.
This time I got put on bed restbecause I was having symptoms
of losing the baby, and it's thefirst time in three weeks that
I think I picked up a Bible andthat I was on bed rest for three
(11:51):
weeks, and so I didn't knowanything else to do other than
lay in bed and I read Job.
I read all the way through Job.
After that three week timeframe of being on bed rest, I
went to the doctor and they toldme I had lost the baby and at
that point I felt like God waspunishing me because I had had
(12:12):
an abortion.
I quit going to church for afew weeks after that just
because I was really distraught,I was really angry.
The relationship with the heroinaddict.
It ended.
He had really relapsed andthere was one morning I had woke
up about two in the morning andI now I know it was the Lord,
(12:34):
but I just had this popcornthought of check the bathroom
trash can.
And I went to the bathroom,checked the trash can and dug to
the bottom and there wereneedle syringes.
Realizing he wasn't there, Iwent to look for my car.
My car was gone, my ATM cardwas gone.
So he had not only stolen mycar, he had taken my card and
overdrew my account by athousand dollars.
(12:57):
And about a week after that Ifound out that I was pregnant
again and it was.
It was at that point that Ilooked around.
I didn't have rent money, Iwasn't going to go back to the
club and I made a.
I mean, I just fell on my faceand and I just cried out to God.
I said I don't know if you'rereally real, but if you are I
(13:18):
will know you and I will makesure that this baby knows you.
If you just let me keep thisbaby.
I didn't want to go through anymore loss.
I still hadn't grieved havingan abortion and I was having to
feel every bit of, you know,being pregnant and losing that
out of my control, and so beingpregnant with this baby, that
(13:38):
was my turnaround.
I just wanted to be able tohave that baby, and I begged.
I bargained with God, but Ididn't stop chasing after him
from that day forward.
Ron Meyers (13:48):
How old were you at this time?
I was 22.
There's something in thattransparency.
You became transparent and Godshowed up in your life and from
what I read in your story, he'snever left.
Brandi (14:00):
That's true.
I found a place, you know,several years into my walk and
inner healing.
I went through a really intenseinner healing process.
When my little girl was firstborn, I went to some ministry
leaders and just told them thatI was sick and tired of me, that
I wanted to be different, andthat's really when I started
walking through the innerhealing and getting free from
(14:23):
the abortion and forgiveness andgrieving and all of the abuse
and all of that.
I just found myself in thisplace of contentment.
I was a mom, I was married, Iwas, I was doing all of these
things.
That it was just content.
And in 2012, my little brotherwas killed in a car accident and
(14:45):
it was in his passing.
I mean, I really kind ofspiraled in that too.
I just couldn't understand howsomebody so good had to leave us
and, um, but it was in losinghim that the Lord.
I began praying, I changed myprayers and and began calling
out to God going.
I don't want to leave thisplace without walking out my
(15:07):
purpose.
And the Lord began showing methat, that everybody that's here
is literally him breathing lifeinto their lungs, and we all
have a purpose, and I didn'twant to leave here without mine,
so he began opening up doorsafter that to ministry for
single moms.
Ron Meyers (15:24):
What an incredible, incredible story.
Listeners, brandy, let me justfirst say that your story of
what you went through and thatit just broke my heart.
Nobody should have to gothrough that kind of hell.
But the good news there is goodnews.
The good news is that God isnow showing you your purpose and
(15:44):
you have a mission.
Now you want to help otherwomen.
What is the name of yournonprofit and how can people
find out more information aboutyou and your nonprofit?
Brandi (15:56):
And how can people find out more information about you
and your nonprofit?
Nonprofit is Lighthouse AcresMinistries LLC, and you'll find
it just like that on Facebook.
Our website islighthouseacrescom.
Our mission is to provide ahome for women who are
experiencing unplannedpregnancies.
I was gracious enough to have amama who let me come home, but
(16:17):
not everybody has that, and soright now we're doing ministry
within the community with singlemoms, and so, yeah, Well, you
are a blessing, Brandy, and whatmade you want to share your
story with literally thousands,maybe millions, of people around
the world?
(16:37):
Number one I know where realchange came from and that was
the heart transformation when Iinvited Jesus into it.
And when you look at the worldtoday and all the the crazy and
just the dark, if I can be alight for just one person and
for that one person to say, hey,there is a God and he is real
(16:59):
and that one life be changed,then my life's not wasted and
that's my legacy.
That's what I want my legacy tobe.
I don't want to leave here andnot have used everything that
you gave me.
Ron Meyers (17:10):
Brandy, somebody out there listening right now is
saying oh my God, that younglady is speaking my language.
They have no self-worth,they're in an abusive
relationship.
They've had things that they'vedone in their life that they've
never told anyone and they mostlikely think that God just
hates them, so they don't evenlook at God.
(17:32):
You can talk to that person,that lady, that man, right now.
What would you tell them?
Brandi (17:38):
I'll tell you, just like God has spoke to me over and
over again, that there is nobodythat will pursue you like God.
There's nobody that wants tospend time with you like God.
There's nobody that thinksyou're more beautiful than God
and he is real and genuine andyou don't have to show up and
look a certain way, you don'thave to perform.
(18:01):
Grace is really real and if youjust surrender and invite Him
into all of those things, hewill show up.
He will not ever quit pursuingyou.
He will show up.
Ron Meyers (18:14):
He will not ever quit pursuing you when I return.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
three action steps to help you fix your eyes on Jesus
.
You're listening to Get theHell Out of your Life with your
host, ron Myers.
Real stories, real strugglesand real hope.
Speaker 4 (18:30):
In life on earth, we will have troubles and
challenges, some more seriousthan others.
Being a follower of Christdoesn't mean life suddenly
becomes a bed of roses, butJesus is always there to help us
get through it all.
My name is Mark and this is theJourney.
Several years ago, my wife wasdiagnosed with cancer.
(18:51):
We walked through it together,through doctor's appointments
that never really gave us thenews we hoped for.
It was excruciating watchingwhat cancer would do to her body
over the next six years, andeven more heartbreaking to know
my son and daughter would losetheir mom.
I wrestled with God for twoyears after she died, trying to
(19:11):
understand why he would take herfrom us.
People commented often on howstrong I was.
Looking back, I realize it wasJesus who carried me through
those days of sorrow.
He was my refuge and strength.
I didn't know what to do exceptto call out to him.
In the Psalms, david referred tothe Lord as a strong tower.
(19:32):
He says in Psalm 141, life istough and we all encounter
difficult circumstances, butJesus is our strength, he's our
peace when the storms of lifecome roaring in, he's a high
(19:56):
tower where we can take saferefuge.
David said my eyes are fixed onyou.
Lord.
Good advice for us today.
Today's refreshing word is fromJohn 15, verse 7.
(20:16):
Jesus said If you abide in meand my words abide in you, you
will ask what you desire and itshall be done for you.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
Welcome back listeners.
Ron Meyers (20:55):
I told you before the break I would give you three
action steps to help you fixyour eyes on Jesus.
And I am.
But first I want to share astory with you.
It's called the Light on thePath.
In a small, quiet townsurrounded by towering mountains
, there lived a man named Jonaswho had been battling addiction
(21:17):
for years.
His life seemed overwhelmed bydarkness and, despite his
efforts, he could never find away out of the maze of the
troubles he faced.
One evening, as Jonas waswandering the streets, he
stumbled upon an old church onthe edge of town, drawn by the
soft glow of candlelight throughthe stained glass windows.
(21:38):
He stepped inside.
The air was filled with aserene stillness that seemed to
wash over him.
Sitting at the back of theempty church, jonas noticed an
elderly man lighting candles onthe altar.
He introduced himself as FatherPaul, a kind, wise soul who had
spent his life serving others.
(21:58):
Sensing Jonas's turmoil, fatherPaul sat beside him, listened
and then gently shared a storyabout Peter walking on water.
He explained how Peter, withhis eyes fixed on Jesus,
initially walked confidentlyabove the churning waves, but
when he began to focus on thestorm instead of Jesus, he
(22:23):
started to sink.
Jonas felt a strong connectionto the story, realizing that he
too had let the storms of lifeconsume him, that he too had let
the storms of life consume him.
Father Paul encouraged Jonas tofix his eyes on Jesus, to open
his heart to the power, peaceand passion that only Jesus
could provide.
(22:43):
Jonas was inspired.
He knew God was speaking to him.
He committed that night tobegin doing life with Jesus.
He began each day in prayer,seeking strength and guidance
from Jesus, and slowly butsurely he felt an inner
(23:04):
transformation.
The fragmented pieces of hislife began to fit together with
purpose and meaning, began tofit together with purpose and
meaning.
And through faith, fellowshipand the grace of God, jonas
discovered a life filled withhope and resilience.
He not only overcame hisaddiction but also became a
(23:26):
beacon of light for othersstruggling in darkness.
Jonas committed to followingthe light on the beautiful path
to his destiny.
Now here are the three actionsteps that help me.
Action step number oneconsistent prayer and meditation
(23:46):
.
Set a specific time each day topray and have a conversation
with Jesus.
I talk about my coffee withJesus, where maybe I'm reading a
psalm or a proverb, and then Ijust have a conversation with
Jesus.
I open my heart.
I share everything my worries,my concerns, my successes, my
(24:07):
happy days, whatever it is andJesus does what he does best.
He ministers to you and Ione-on-one.
Number two study scripturepurposefully.
You want to know some scripturebecause sometimes, friend, when
you're on this journey andthings get tough, you have to
preach to yourself.
(24:27):
You have to remind yourselfthat God is for me and not
against me, that that stinkingthinking is not going to take
over my life.
God has a plan for me.
Number three engage in asupportive community.
Get with some like-mindedpeople.
Whether you join a church or agroup or you go to coffee shops
(24:51):
or whatever it is, you want tobe with people that think and
talk like you.
You've heard that saying birdsof a feather.
Flock together.
Well, flock with some peoplethat love Jesus and, friend,
you're going to see yourself notonly fixing your eyes on Jesus,
but you're going to see a wholenew path on your journey in
(25:15):
life, and it is a wonderful path.
So, just in case you're askingwill fixing my eyes on Jesus
help get the hell out of my life?
Absolutely.
When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you receive the power to rise
above the challenges of life.
(25:36):
It is through his strength, hispeace and his passion that the
broken pieces of your life cancome together and form a new,
purposeful existence.
As you walk in faith, the pathforward is illuminated, showing
you the way out of darkness intoyour destiny.
Speaker 4 (26:00):
Ron, we'll be back in a moment to wrap up today's
conversation.
We want to encourage you todaywith God's promise to you.
It comes from the book ofJeremiah, chapter 29, verse 11.
Ron Meyers (26:31):
For I know the plans I have for you.
My time is up and if you arenot walking the journey that
Jesus has for you, you knowwhere things fall in place.
You discover who you are, whyyou're here, you have acceptance
from Jesus and you're notworrying about anybody else in
life.
It's just you and him doinglife, and life gets good.
(26:53):
If you're not doing that, Iencourage you to take that step.
It is the only thing that willbring you true joy, peace and
happiness.
You are meant to be with Jesus.
You are meant to do life withJesus.
Until next week, this is RonMyers, reminding you that I love
you, Jesus loves you, and whenyou give Jesus your heart, you
(27:14):
not only get the hell out ofyour life, life gets good.
Speaker 1 (27:31):
Today's show was produced by Ron Myers Ministries
a listener supported ministry.
For a copy of today's broadcast, please visit our website,
thepromoterorg, and would youprayerfully consider making a
tax deductible donation so thatwe may continue to share stories
of God's amazing grace with theworld.
And join us next week foranother broadcast of Get the
(27:52):
Hell Out of your Life Realpeople sharing real struggles
and offering real hope.
And join us next week foranother broadcast of Get the
Hell Out of your Life Realpeople sharing real struggles
and offering real hope.
It's time now to get the hell out of your life.
A weekly broadcast with realpeople sharing real struggles
and offering real hope.
Today's show will encourage,inspire and empower you to face
life's challenges with a boldconfidence and renewed hope.
Now let's join our host, ronMyers.
The promoter.
Ron Meyers (00:22):
Hello, my friends, it is so good to be with you
today.
Did you watch some of thefootball over the past weekend,
boy?
There were some great footballgames on my prediction for the
Super Bowl Detroit and theBuffalo Bills.
That's who I think is going tobe in the Super Bowl, but who
knows and who really cares?
I just like good, competitivesports.
Kind of like life, isn't it?
(00:44):
What if I could help you todayput more oomph in your step, a
little more passion in yourdrive?
I found out years ago that whenI fix my eyes on Jesus, wow,
good things happen.
Divine thoughts come my way andlife is good.
So today I want to help you fixyour eyes on Jesus, because
(01:07):
this year is your opportunity tohave the best year ever.
Focus on your goals, your plans, your relationships, your
health, by fixing your eyes onJesus, because he needs you
healthy, he needs you happy andhe needs you to tell people what
he has done in your life.
My story today is from Brandy.
(01:28):
Her story really touched me andI think it will touch you, and
then, when I come back, I willgive you three action steps of
how you can fix your eyes onJesus and find success in your
life.
Let's listen to Brandy's story.
Brandi (01:44):
Okay, well, I'm Brandy Melbourne Again.
I live in Texas, I am afull-time working single mom and
run a nonprofit in my free time.
My story is at a really youngage my parents divorced.
I was 10.
So that's really the first timeI ever really experienced a
(02:07):
trauma and coming into somethinglike that happening and
thinking it's just a dream andyour world kind of falling apart
.
I didn't grow up with the Lord,so I didn't know to pray, I
didn't have a relationship withthe Lord, and that's really when
the enemy began just plantingseeds of rejection and
(02:27):
abandonment and not reallyunderstanding what love is and
what that looks like, because tome it was really disposable.
My mother moved about threehours away from my dad and my
older brother, so at that pointI kind of became an only child
living with a single mom.
I wasn't promiscuous growing upat all.
Actually, it was the opposite.
(02:49):
I didn't trust men, I didn'tlike men, so I really didn't
date when I did.
I dated in high school and allof those walls came crashing
down with this one and then hebroke my heart and at that point
I decided I was going to saywho, I was going to say when, I
was going to say how.
And really, this rebelliousnessrose up in me About two days
(03:12):
after I turned 18, I moved outof my mother's house and that
began my downward spiral.
How to make a good choice?
I didn't know how to processdecision-making at all.
I landed myself in a severelyabusive relationship.
(03:32):
About a year, year and a halfinto that relationship, I got
pregnant and I chose abortion.
By the grace of God, I came outof that relationship, but with
no self-esteem, no self-worth Atthis point.
I was completely isolated awayfrom my family.
I had no relationship with mydad, siblings, really, and I was
(03:55):
living this crazy lifestyle.
I began working in the stripclub industry.
That became my lifestyle.
I literally put a price on myvalue and my worth.
I mean that, like I said, thatbecame my lifestyle.
I literally put a price on myvalue and my work.
I mean that like I said that wasmy lifestyle.
Ron Meyers (04:10):
Before the divorce what was life like for little
Brandy?
Brandi (04:15):
We actually lived in the country so we had farm animals.
We had chickens and pigs andhorses and dogs and cats.
I was usually outside runningthrough a pasture playing hide
and go seek in the woods with mybrother.
We had just a very outdoorsy.
Ron Meyers (04:33):
Before the divorce?
How was your relationship withyour parents?
Could you go to them and talkto them about anything?
Brandi (04:38):
No, we were all kind of really emotionally detached.
Now, looking back, I can seethat I think at that time, being
the little girl and 10 yearsold, what you have you think is
normal, you don't think.
You just don't think that whatyou have is outside of the box
or it's not normal.
So it was completely normal forme.
Now, looking back, there wasn'ta lot of emotional
(05:02):
relationships, there wasn't awhole lot of nurturing and we
did things but, like I said,there was just no, there was no
emotional relationships.
I was totally used to that kindof an atmosphere.
And when my mother moved, wemoved to Irving, texas, so it
was culture shock for me.
And then she was a workingsingle mom, so we lived in an
apartment complex, single mom,so we lived in an apartment
(05:27):
complex.
So then my life goes to beingin a town where I mean a big
city, that I didn't, I didn'tknow anybody, and so I was
having to and I'm introverted,so introverts just don't go out
and meet people.
So I was very secluded, veryisolated, and then the few
friends that I did find in theapartment complex, they just
weren't real great examples.
So I mean, that was it, but itwas just a complete culture
(05:49):
shock for me.
Ron Meyers (05:51):
Brandy, I've got to ask you you're in an abusive
relationship with a man.
Why did you stay with him whenhe was being abusive?
Brandi (06:00):
That's a really common question.
By the time, I will say, theenemy had already started
mentally beating me up and, likeI said, planting those seeds
and this confirming them.
So when I would you know, lookfor those things.
He would confirm the negativeabout me actually throws the
(06:26):
first punch.
You absolutely believe thatthis is what you deserve and
that's where it was, is I?
I didn't feel like I deservedanything better than that.
Ron Meyers (06:31):
What would make you think, though, you deserve to be
abused?
Brandi (06:34):
Just when you have no self-esteem or no self-worth and
, like I said, the distancebetween you know my dad and my
brother and my dad living hislife three hours away there
wasn't really any connection.
The visitation was hit or miss,there was no emotional.
So I had already picked up I'mnot worthy and I'm not loved and
(06:57):
I didn't know what pursuitlooked like from a father, from
a father and, and so I just hadno self-worth, no value, that I
didn't feel like I deservedanything better.
It was just, it was a mental.
And then when I started makingthe decisions that I made, like
having an abortion I mean Ididn't tell anybody about that,
(07:19):
I was carrying that solely allby myself.
Ron Meyers (07:23):
After you had that abortion, because eventually you
broke up with this gentlemanthat kind of forced you to have
an abortion.
So he goes away and all of asudden, Brandy, you're all alone
.
You had to be in a veryvulnerable state.
Brandi (07:40):
And I escaped that with a strip club.
So, as sick as it sounds, youcould go to a strip club and men
would give you money becausethey thought you were pretty,
and so at that point I wasliterally putting a price on my
value and my worth.
This was affirmation that Ididn't get anywhere else, but I
got there.
Ron Meyers (08:00):
Listeners.
As I said, what courage forthis young lady, Brandy, to
share her story.
But this story is for somebodyout there listening, because
there's nothing worse in lifewhen you don't think you're
worth anything.
So before there was atransformation in your life,
brandy, you really had noself-esteem, no self-worth.
(08:24):
I bet you had a hard time evenlooking at yourself in the
mirror.
Brandi (08:29):
Oh, yeah, for sure, and I escaped with drugs and alcohol
, so I really didn't have to bealone with me for very long.
Ron Meyers (08:37):
Boy, Brandy, as you tell that story, my heart just
breaks for what you were goingthrough and I just have to
believe, Brandy, that somethingwas beginning to stir inside of
you that was seeking the change.
Brandi (08:54):
I don't know that I was necessarily seeking the change,
but I had a roommate at the timeand you know, when I didn't
have dinner or whatever, herparents would cook for me and I
would go to their house, and soI had a relationship with her
dad and stepmom.
And one day I was headed out togo work at the club and he
showed up at my front door andtold me that the Lord told him
(09:17):
to turn around to come share histestimony with me, and he did.
He came in and told me how hehimself had devalued women and
started speaking to me about myworth and my value and invited
me to go to church.
They were doing a revival forthe next three weeks and he left
and I went to the club and Isat in the parking lot and the
(09:39):
longer I sat there the more Ijust had this in my stomach like
you can't go in, you can't goin, and I didn't.
I went to that revival thatnight and I sat in a church and
I remember sitting there andthere was a presence there that
I had never felt before and Iwanted.
I didn't know what was going on.
(10:00):
It was pretty radical, Um, andI just sat and I just watched
and I observed that thatpresence there was so strong
that night that I never wentback to the strip club again.
Um, I went to that revivalevery single night for three
weeks.
Ron Meyers (10:13):
This man, who felt led by God and knew, most likely
, your occupation, invited youto his house, didn't judge you
had dinner because he sawsomething in you, your potential
, something that you hadn't seenyet, and then, at the right
time, he let God lead him to you.
(10:34):
Sometimes, christians, we needto make sure that we don't start
looking at people and judgingthem.
Why not begin a relationshipand start having a conversation
with people?
Because I think sometimesChristians can kind of get on
that judgment seat, if you knowwhat I mean, I do.
So I guess you're going to tellus now that then life started
(10:58):
changing because you had met God.
No, no, you mean there's moreto this story.
Brandi (11:07):
Yes, I got a job that paid regular hours and the owner
there was.
She knew where I was comingfrom, she knew my lifestyle.
I would like to say I flippedthe switch and I was doing
everything I should have beendoing.
I wasn't.
I still partied on Saturdaynight, went to work during the
week, I would go to church onSunday morning, but I was still
(11:29):
very much living just this crazylifestyle.
I landed myself in anotherreally unhealthy relationship.
It was with a heroin addict.
I got pregnant.
This time I got put on bed restbecause I was having symptoms
of losing the baby, and it's thefirst time in three weeks that
I think I picked up a Bible andthat I was on bed rest for three
(11:51):
weeks, and so I didn't knowanything else to do other than
lay in bed and I read Job.
I read all the way through Job.
After that three week timeframe of being on bed rest, I
went to the doctor and they toldme I had lost the baby and at
that point I felt like God waspunishing me because I had had
(12:12):
an abortion.
I quit going to church for afew weeks after that just
because I was really distraught,I was really angry.
The relationship with the heroinaddict.
It ended.
He had really relapsed andthere was one morning I had woke
up about two in the morning andI now I know it was the Lord,
(12:34):
but I just had this popcornthought of check the bathroom
trash can.
And I went to the bathroom,checked the trash can and dug to
the bottom and there wereneedle syringes.
Realizing he wasn't there, Iwent to look for my car.
My car was gone, my ATM cardwas gone.
So he had not only stolen mycar, he had taken my card and
overdrew my account by athousand dollars.
(12:57):
And about a week after that Ifound out that I was pregnant
again and it was.
It was at that point that Ilooked around.
I didn't have rent money, Iwasn't going to go back to the
club and I made a.
I mean, I just fell on my faceand and I just cried out to God.
I said I don't know if you'rereally real, but if you are I
(13:18):
will know you and I will makesure that this baby knows you.
If you just let me keep thisbaby.
I didn't want to go through anymore loss.
I still hadn't grieved havingan abortion and I was having to
feel every bit of, you know,being pregnant and losing that
out of my control, and so beingpregnant with this baby, that
(13:38):
was my turnaround.
I just wanted to be able tohave that baby, and I begged.
I bargained with God, but Ididn't stop chasing after him
from that day forward.
Ron Meyers (13:48):
How old were you at this time?
I was 22.
There's something in thattransparency.
You became transparent and Godshowed up in your life and from
what I read in your story, he'snever left.
Brandi (14:00):
That's true.
I found a place, you know,several years into my walk and
inner healing.
I went through a really intenseinner healing process.
When my little girl was firstborn, I went to some ministry
leaders and just told them thatI was sick and tired of me, that
I wanted to be different, andthat's really when I started
walking through the innerhealing and getting free from
(14:23):
the abortion and forgiveness andgrieving and all of the abuse
and all of that.
I just found myself in thisplace of contentment.
I was a mom, I was married, Iwas, I was doing all of these
things.
That it was just content.
And in 2012, my little brotherwas killed in a car accident and
(14:45):
it was in his passing.
I mean, I really kind ofspiraled in that too.
I just couldn't understand howsomebody so good had to leave us
and, um, but it was in losinghim that the Lord.
I began praying, I changed myprayers and and began calling
out to God going.
I don't want to leave thisplace without walking out my
(15:07):
purpose.
And the Lord began showing methat, that everybody that's here
is literally him breathing lifeinto their lungs, and we all
have a purpose, and I didn'twant to leave here without mine,
so he began opening up doorsafter that to ministry for
single moms.
Ron Meyers (15:24):
What an incredible, incredible story.
Listeners, brandy, let me justfirst say that your story of
what you went through and thatit just broke my heart.
Nobody should have to gothrough that kind of hell.
But the good news there is goodnews.
The good news is that God isnow showing you your purpose and
(15:44):
you have a mission.
Now you want to help otherwomen.
What is the name of yournonprofit and how can people
find out more information aboutyou and your nonprofit?
Brandi (15:56):
And how can people find out more information about you
and your nonprofit?
Nonprofit is Lighthouse AcresMinistries LLC, and you'll find
it just like that on Facebook.
Our website islighthouseacrescom.
Our mission is to provide ahome for women who are
experiencing unplannedpregnancies.
I was gracious enough to have amama who let me come home, but
(16:17):
not everybody has that, and soright now we're doing ministry
within the community with singlemoms, and so, yeah, Well, you
are a blessing, Brandy, and whatmade you want to share your
story with literally thousands,maybe millions, of people around
the world?
(16:37):
Number one I know where realchange came from and that was
the heart transformation when Iinvited Jesus into it.
And when you look at the worldtoday and all the the crazy and
just the dark, if I can be alight for just one person and
for that one person to say, hey,there is a God and he is real
(16:59):
and that one life be changed,then my life's not wasted and
that's my legacy.
That's what I want my legacy tobe.
I don't want to leave here andnot have used everything that
you gave me.
Ron Meyers (17:10):
Brandy, somebody out there listening right now is
saying oh my God, that younglady is speaking my language.
They have no self-worth,they're in an abusive
relationship.
They've had things that they'vedone in their life that they've
never told anyone and they mostlikely think that God just
hates them, so they don't evenlook at God.
(17:32):
You can talk to that person,that lady, that man, right now.
What would you tell them?
Brandi (17:38):
I'll tell you, just like God has spoke to me over and
over again, that there is nobodythat will pursue you like God.
There's nobody that wants tospend time with you like God.
There's nobody that thinksyou're more beautiful than God
and he is real and genuine andyou don't have to show up and
look a certain way, you don'thave to perform.
(18:01):
Grace is really real and if youjust surrender and invite Him
into all of those things, hewill show up.
He will not ever quit pursuingyou.
He will show up.
Ron Meyers (18:14):
He will not ever quit pursuing you when I return.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
three action steps to help you fix your eyes on Jesus
.
You're listening to Get theHell Out of your Life with your
host, ron Myers.
Real stories, real strugglesand real hope.
Speaker 4 (18:30):
In life on earth, we will have troubles and
challenges, some more seriousthan others.
Being a follower of Christdoesn't mean life suddenly
becomes a bed of roses, butJesus is always there to help us
get through it all.
My name is Mark and this is theJourney.
Several years ago, my wife wasdiagnosed with cancer.
(18:51):
We walked through it together,through doctor's appointments
that never really gave us thenews we hoped for.
It was excruciating watchingwhat cancer would do to her body
over the next six years, andeven more heartbreaking to know
my son and daughter would losetheir mom.
I wrestled with God for twoyears after she died, trying to
(19:11):
understand why he would take herfrom us.
People commented often on howstrong I was.
Looking back, I realize it wasJesus who carried me through
those days of sorrow.
He was my refuge and strength.
I didn't know what to do exceptto call out to him.
In the Psalms, david referred tothe Lord as a strong tower.
(19:32):
He says in Psalm 141, life istough and we all encounter
difficult circumstances, butJesus is our strength, he's our
peace when the storms of lifecome roaring in, he's a high
(19:56):
tower where we can take saferefuge.
David said my eyes are fixed onyou.
Lord.
Good advice for us today.
Today's refreshing word is fromJohn 15, verse 7.
(20:16):
Jesus said If you abide in meand my words abide in you, you
will ask what you desire and itshall be done for you.
Speaker 1 (20:28):
Welcome back listeners.
Ron Meyers (20:55):
I told you before the break I would give you three
action steps to help you fixyour eyes on Jesus.
And I am.
But first I want to share astory with you.
It's called the Light on thePath.
In a small, quiet townsurrounded by towering mountains
, there lived a man named Jonaswho had been battling addiction
(21:17):
for years.
His life seemed overwhelmed bydarkness and, despite his
efforts, he could never find away out of the maze of the
troubles he faced.
One evening, as Jonas waswandering the streets, he
stumbled upon an old church onthe edge of town, drawn by the
soft glow of candlelight throughthe stained glass windows.
(21:38):
He stepped inside.
The air was filled with aserene stillness that seemed to
wash over him.
Sitting at the back of theempty church, jonas noticed an
elderly man lighting candles onthe altar.
He introduced himself as FatherPaul, a kind, wise soul who had
spent his life serving others.
(21:58):
Sensing Jonas's turmoil, fatherPaul sat beside him, listened
and then gently shared a storyabout Peter walking on water.
He explained how Peter, withhis eyes fixed on Jesus,
initially walked confidentlyabove the churning waves, but
when he began to focus on thestorm instead of Jesus, he
(22:23):
started to sink.
Jonas felt a strong connectionto the story, realizing that he
too had let the storms of lifeconsume him, that he too had let
the storms of life consume him.
Father Paul encouraged Jonas tofix his eyes on Jesus, to open
his heart to the power, peaceand passion that only Jesus
could provide.
(22:43):
Jonas was inspired.
He knew God was speaking to him.
He committed that night tobegin doing life with Jesus.
He began each day in prayer,seeking strength and guidance
from Jesus, and slowly butsurely he felt an inner
(23:04):
transformation.
The fragmented pieces of hislife began to fit together with
purpose and meaning, began tofit together with purpose and
meaning.
And through faith, fellowshipand the grace of God, jonas
discovered a life filled withhope and resilience.
He not only overcame hisaddiction but also became a
(23:26):
beacon of light for othersstruggling in darkness.
Jonas committed to followingthe light on the beautiful path
to his destiny.
Now here are the three actionsteps that help me.
Action step number oneconsistent prayer and meditation
(23:46):
.
Set a specific time each day topray and have a conversation
with Jesus.
I talk about my coffee withJesus, where maybe I'm reading a
psalm or a proverb, and then Ijust have a conversation with
Jesus.
I open my heart.
I share everything my worries,my concerns, my successes, my
(24:07):
happy days, whatever it is andJesus does what he does best.
He ministers to you and Ione-on-one.
Number two study scripturepurposefully.
You want to know some scripturebecause sometimes, friend, when
you're on this journey andthings get tough, you have to
preach to yourself.
(24:27):
You have to remind yourselfthat God is for me and not
against me, that that stinkingthinking is not going to take
over my life.
God has a plan for me.
Number three engage in asupportive community.
Get with some like-mindedpeople.
Whether you join a church or agroup or you go to coffee shops
(24:51):
or whatever it is, you want tobe with people that think and
talk like you.
You've heard that saying birdsof a feather.
Flock together.
Well, flock with some peoplethat love Jesus and, friend,
you're going to see yourself notonly fixing your eyes on Jesus,
but you're going to see a wholenew path on your journey in
(25:15):
life, and it is a wonderful path.
So, just in case you're askingwill fixing my eyes on Jesus
help get the hell out of my life?
Absolutely.
When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you receive the power to rise
above the challenges of life.
(25:36):
It is through his strength, hispeace and his passion that the
broken pieces of your life cancome together and form a new,
purposeful existence.
As you walk in faith, the pathforward is illuminated, showing
you the way out of darkness intoyour destiny.
Speaker 4 (26:00):
Ron, we'll be back in a moment to wrap up today's
conversation.
We want to encourage you todaywith God's promise to you.
It comes from the book ofJeremiah, chapter 29, verse 11.
Ron Meyers (26:31):
For I know the plans I have for you.
My time is up and if you arenot walking the journey that
Jesus has for you, you knowwhere things fall in place.
You discover who you are, whyyou're here, you have acceptance
from Jesus and you're notworrying about anybody else in
life.
It's just you and him doinglife, and life gets good.
(26:53):
If you're not doing that, Iencourage you to take that step.
It is the only thing that willbring you true joy, peace and
happiness.
You are meant to be with Jesus.
You are meant to do life withJesus.
Until next week, this is RonMyers, reminding you that I love
you, Jesus loves you, and whenyou give Jesus your heart, you
(27:14):
not only get the hell out ofyour life, life gets good.
Speaker 1 (27:31):
Today's show was produced by Ron Myers Ministries
a listener supported ministry.
For a copy of today's broadcast, please visit our website,
thepromoterorg, and would youprayerfully consider making a
tax deductible donation so thatwe may continue to share stories
of God's amazing grace with theworld.
And join us next week foranother broadcast of Get the
(27:52):
Hell Out of your Life Realpeople sharing real struggles
and offering real hope.
And join us next week foranother broadcast of Get the
Hell Out of your Life Realpeople sharing real struggles
and offering real hope.
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