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.

In this episode Dara revisits a simple but powerful challenge for students, teachers, parents, and communities: notice one, encourage one, help one, and include one. She explains how small, intentional acts of kindness and attention can make schools safer, more connected, and more loving places to learn.

Rather than large programs or blame, Dara urges listeners to start with one person, use their gifts to serve others, and keep practicing these habits so small changes grow into lasting impact.

#DesignedToWin #StartWithOne #EncourageOne #HelpOne #IncludeOne #SchoolCulture #YouthMinistry #ChristianTikTok

Host Dara encourages students, teachers, and parents to embrace differences and treat one another with kindness as the school year begins. She stresses seeing each person’s gifts instead of their weaknesses and offers practical ways to support peers.

She issues the "Lift Someone Up Challenge": notice one, encourage one, help one, include one — simple, daily actions that can start a ripple of compassion and transform school culture.

visit my website : daraleigh.com

📘 NEW — Designed to Win Student Planner: Explore the new digital planner and other resources designed to help students become more organized, focused, prepared, and confident throughout the school year.

🎙️ 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.

In this episode the host reflects on what it means to give your best to the things God has placed in your hands, sharing personal stories about helping her daughter open a dance studio and the challenge of balancing responsibilities and distractions.

Drawing on Colossians 3:23, she encourages listeners to be faithful in small tasks, take one faithful step at a time, and ask, "What has God put in my hands?" The episode closes with a prayer and a reminder that you were designed to win.

📘 NEW — Designed to Win Student Planner: Explore the new digital planner and other resources designed to help students become more organized, focused, prepared, and confident throughout the school year.

🎙️ 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.

Host Dara Leigh shares practical advice to help teachers, parents, and students prepare emotionally and practically for a successful new school year. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in education, Dara talks about choosing a planner that works for you, creating daily routines, managing anxiety and stress throughout the school day, and preparing students to handle conflicts with empathy, confidence, and clear strategies.

And there is something new since this episode was originally created! The Designed to Win Student Planner is now available as a digital resource to help students put many of these strategies into practice. It was created to help students stay organized, manage their responsibilities, build stronger routines, and approach the school year with greater confidence and independence.

You'll also hear real-life examples and practical strategies you can begin using right away, whether you're preparing your classroom, helping your child get ready for school, or heading back to school yourself.

🎒 FREE BACK-TO-SCHOOL RESOURCE: Download the printable back-to-school checklist and explore additional resources at daraleigh.com

📘 NEW — Designed to Win Student Planner: Explore the new digital planner and other resources designed to help students become more organized, focused, prepared, and confident throughout the school year.

🎙️ 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.

This episode urges parents, teachers, and caregivers to prepare children not only with supplies but spiritually and emotionally for the school year: pray over them, teach them Scripture, and help them stand for themselves and others.

Listen for practical reminders to watch for changes, seek help when needed, encourage students, and commit to daily prayer and support so every child feels seen, loved, and protected.

WEBSITE :daraleigh.com click here: https://www.dara-leigh.com/

youtube: "Designed to win by dara leigh "