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Perry and Shawna Mornings
September 06, 2024
In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near
Hardship and adversity touch everyone. Illness, grief, accidents, trauma, loneliness, relationship struggles, financial crises, sin, loss, anxiety and so much more can leave us feeling lost, isolated, and hopeless.
But we are not alone.
Everything in Ben’s life was lining up for him to play professional soccer, until it wasn’t. He was diagnosed with a disease, sexually abused by his athletic trainer, and survived a car accident which blew up his soccer dreams.
In his darkest days, Ben Locke, author of In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near, cried out to God. He protested. He was angry. He was honest. And God met Him with surprising grace.
We have a great conversation with Ben about his hardships, the strength displayed in his vulnerability, how he found Jesus in the struggle, and whether or not it was worth it all. In true Ben style, he is honest.
If you struggle with being real with God, this conversation will remind you of Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me” and will give you a place to start being honest with Him.
IN THIS EPISODE
Ben Locke
After multiple injuries and chronic illness forced him to abandon his hopes of playing professional soccer, Ben dove headfirst into writing as a means of escape, expression, and faith. Starting to journal in a notebook and after multiple injuries and chronic illness forced him to abandon his hopes of playing professional soccer, Ben dove headfirst into writing as a means of escape. This notebook became a manuscript that led to the release of his debut book, In Our Suffering, Lord Be Near. This honest pursuit, along with the unwavering support of his family, also led him to come forward about the sexual abuse he endured as a collegiate athlete. His unexpected discovery of the profound grace of God His unexpected discovery of the profound grace of God motivate him to speak with directness, write with vulnerability, and tell the story of the broken.
Stay Connected
Perry LaHaie
Perry LaHaie's passion is to know Jesus and make Him known. “I’m all in with Jesus but not all put together. I need Jesus right now as much as I did when I first started following Him!” Perry says. In addition to co-hosting Perry and Shawna Mornings, Perry is a singer, songwriter, recording artist, and advocate for those who haven’t yet heard the gospel, especially those in the Muslim world. Born and raised in northern Michigan, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a graduate degree in Cross- cultural Communications. Perry also serves with Frontiers, a worldwide ministry to Muslims. Perry and his bride, Teresa, call Holland, Michigan home. They have two adult children, Kali and Taylor, and Taylor’s bride, Bri.
Shawna Beyer
Shawna Beyer has a way of telling stories that create personal connection— to her, to one another, and to God. She has been a homeschool mom, church planter, project lead for a consulting company, and church staff member. Though she’s been involved in ministry with her husband (Dan) in Iowa, Arizona, and now Michigan, she was born and raised in Southern California and as they say, “You can take the girl out of California . . .” She is mom to four grown kids (Bryn, Drayson, Eden, and Haven) who no longer need her but humor her anyway. Shawna is passionate about the rhythms we weave into the fabric of our lives to fall more in love with God each day. Healthy foods are her go-to, but she will abandon that whole track in a heartbeat for a homemade cinnamon roll like Grandma used to make.
Perry and Shawna Mornings
The Perry and Shawna Podcast: Real life conversations reminding you that you’re Abba’s child and that you’re blessed to be a blessing and loved to share Jesus’ love.