What happens when God takes something that hurt us and turns it into something we never could have imagined?

This week’s Designed to Win is a very personal conversation about prayer, forgiveness, suicide prevention, and the incredible ways God can bring beauty from the ashes of painful and traumatic experiences.

I share the story of my daughter and someone who once bullied her. Through forgiveness, something remarkable happened: the person who had once hurt her became her friend—and eventually her best friend. God has used that friendship in ways we never could have orchestrated ourselves, and it has become profoundly important in both of their lives.

That story has made me think deeply about the people around us who may be hurting without us realizing it.

We don't always know what someone is carrying.

That's why I believe we need to:

Notice. Encourage. Help. Include.

A conversation matters. An invitation matters. Prayer matters. Forgiveness matters. Letting someone know they are seen and valued matters.

With so many people struggling with hopelessness and suicidal thoughts, we cannot afford to simply walk past one another.

We cannot solve every problem, and suicide does not have one simple cause or solution. But we can choose to see people. We can listen. We can encourage them. We can pray. We can help them find support. And we can remind them that their life has value.

Most of all, we can remember that God is still writing stories.

The painful chapter does not have to be the final chapter.

He can take what was broken, painful, or meant for harm and create something beautiful that we could never have imagined.

visit me at: daraleigh.com

Beauty can still come from ashes.

Host Dara explores how, amid today’s overwhelming problems, small acts of attention and specific encouragement can change a life. Using the biblical example of Barnabas, she explains why noticing the gifts beneath behavior and speaking meaningful words matters—especially for students and young adults facing anxiety, comparison, and academic struggle.

She issues a practical challenge: for seven days, intentionally encourage one person each day using the phrase "I noticed" plus a specific observation and why it matters. Dara invites listeners to share their stories and promises future episodes featuring people who are already doing this work in schools and communities.

my child hates school” → “teen has no motivation” → “student feels left out” → “how to help a struggling student” → “teen doesn't know their purpose” → “executive functioning help” → “Christian parenting teens” → “help teenager make friends” → “school belonging” → “learning differences.”

website: daraleigh.com

Host Dara explores the life-changing power of simply noticing one person, using the stories of Ruth and Boaz and moments from Jesus' ministry to show how attention makes a difference.

She applies the idea to schools, families, and communities, urging listeners to put down their phones, learn names, listen without fixing, and accept a weekly challenge: notice one person and let God guide what comes next.

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🎙️ Designed to Win with Dara Leigh Watch on YouTube: Designed to Win by Dara Leigh

Start this school year prepared—not just with the supplies you need, but with the tools, strategies, and confidence to win.