Chris Crossen shares the sudden loss of his wife, his journey, and realizing God's plan are not always our plans. He reveals that God still has a perfect plan for his life.

"For I know the plans I have for you". Jeremiah 29:11.

Have you ever faced a season so dark that you wondered how you'd make it through—only to look back and see God was carrying you the entire time?

Chris, soon-to-retire Assistant Chief of the Dalton Police Department, sits down with us to share a story that stretches from a bold college romance to unimaginable loss, and then to a surprising new beginning. Chris and his wife Allison built a beautiful life together—raising two children, putting God first, and keeping their promise to never go to bed angry. But in December 2023, what began as routine knee pain revealed a rare bone cancer, and just ten weeks later, Allison was called home. What happened in that hospital room, and in the months that followed, is a testament to the power of faith, intentionality, and the quiet way God prepares us for the hardest days of our lives—long before we know they're coming.

Highlights

• Chris's unforgettable first kiss with Allison—complete with a cheering squad of roommates waiting to see if he'd keep his word
• The deal they made before getting married: never go to bed mad
• How a routine knee surgery led to a devastating cancer diagnosis
• The thunderous voice Chris heard in the hospital: "I've got you"
• How losing his father in 2020 during COVID began preparing him for what was ahead
• The gratitude list Allison left behind on her phone—found by her children after she passed
• The morning a devotion asked "Who are you?" and Chris realized he didn't want to be "just okay" anymore
• Reading the Bible cover to cover for the first time and becoming intentional in prayer
• The mysterious way a high school classmate's Facebook profile kept appearing—and what happened when Chris asked God to make it obvious
• His sister-in-law walking into a restaurant at the exact right moment
• Chris's message to anyone in pain: be intentional in seeking God, and He will put you where you need to be

Chapters

0:00 – Welcome & Introductions

0:39 – Meet Chris Crossen

1:21 – The Love Story with Allison

5:18 – A Devastating Diagnosis

6:03 – "I've Got You"

8:50 – Losing His Father in 2020

10:26 – Allison's Gratitude List

14:10 – From "Okay" to "Great"

15:00 – Becoming Intentional

16:40 – A New Chapter Begins

19:40 – God's Guidance Through It All

21:40 – Final Encouragement

Resources Mentioned

• The Bible App – Chris used the Bible app's daily guided devotions each morning, which prompted a turning point in his grief journey.
• Leadership Dalton – Chris and Audrey met through this community leadership program.

Mara Brooker Cobble share her story of meeting a complete stranger she was drawn to during an out of town visit . God placed this person and place at this particular time that help bring her peace and comfort . "Blessed are those who mourn for they for they we be comforted". Matthew 5:4.

Mara Brooker Cobble, has buried her son, both of her parents, her mother-in-law, her brother, and her husband's twin sister—and through it all, she says God has never left her side.

Mara shares the devastating and unexpected loss of her son Adam in February 2021 and the remarkable way God confirmed Adam's impact on others. From a chance encounter with a young woman at St. Simon's who turned out to be Adam's friend, to Adam's own prophetic words about his cremation and a tree that would remind his mother of the seasons of life, Mara's story is one of grief, grace, and a faith that keeps growing. She tells us what victory looks like now, why heaven gets sweeter every day, and the simple motto she lives by: "Let's make heaven crowded."

Highlights

• Mara lost her son Adam unexpectedly in February 2021, adding to a long list of family losses over the years
• Just two months after Adam's death, a trip to St. Simon's led to a divine encounter with a young woman Adam had helped escape an abusive relationship
• Adam prepared his mother for his passing by asking her to plant his ashes in a tree bulb—and explaining how each season would carry a message about life, death, and renewal
• Mara clings to the verse "My grace is sufficient," trusting that God carries her through the hardest days
• Heaven has become sweeter and more real to Mara over time, and she no longer fears death
• Her personal motto: "Let's make heaven crowded—live your life so everybody knows Jesus"
• Mara volunteers at a hospital holding and cuddling babies, finding nurture and joy in serving others
• Her parting encouragement: don't forget to open your Bible—God will give you a fresh message each time you read it

Chapters

0:00 — Welcome & Introduction

1:07 — Mara's Story of Loss

3:20 — A Divine Encounter at St. Simon's

8:16 — Adam's Tree: Seasons of Life

10:15 — What Victory Looks Like Now

12:04 — "Let's Make Heaven Crowded"

13:46 — Finding Joy in Everyday Purpose

15:00 — Mara's Takeaway: Cling to the Father

16:05 — Closing & Thanks

Judy and Audrey are moved by Sherri’s journey through life-altering events, including the loss of a child and family addiction. Her unwavering faith and hope in the promises of God strengthen her to serve her community with joy. “Praise be to the God who comforts us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3

What do you do when the worst day of your life turns out not to be the worst thing you'll ever face? Sherri is a retired educator, mother of three, and grandmother of three, who opens up about a lifetime of walking through the valley — from losing an 11-day-old daughter to congenital heart defects, to watching her son battle a DUI at 16 and years of addiction, to learning to live with generational patterns of alcoholism in her own family. Sherri shares how her faith, rooted since childhood, carried her through unimaginable grief, how Al-Anon became a lifeline for living "in the middle of the mess," and how she ultimately learned that joy is a choice, not just a feeling. It's an honest, moving conversation about grief, addiction, generational curses, and the surprising grace that shows up in the middle of our messiest seasons.

Highlights

• Sherri introduces herself and reflects on her calling to "shine a light in the path of those coming behind us."
• The heartbreaking story of losing her 11-day-old daughter to six major heart defects in 1988.
• How childhood faith, baptism in a West Virginia creek, and a lifelong church upbringing shaped her spiritual foundation.
• On learning strength and wisdom in the valley, not on the mountaintop.
• Her son's DUI at 16 and how addiction slowly took hold — including her insight that many addicts are "dual diagnosis" people struggling with anxiety and depression.
• Discovering generational alcoholism through her second husband's family history, and his 32 years of sobriety.
• How Al-Anon taught her to live alongside addiction in her family and stop feeling alone in the struggle.
• The scripture and perspective that carried her: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
• Choosing joy as a daily decision rather than waiting for it as a feeling.
• The surprise blessing of her granddaughter, born in 2013, and how God turned a difficult season into unexpected joy.

Chapters

0:19 – Meet Sherrie

1:37 – Losing a Newborn

2:49 – Faith Roots and Baptism

4:21 – Strength in the Valley

5:37 – Son's DUI and Addiction

9:11 – Generational Curses

10:26 – Finding Help in Al-Anon

12:46 – Scripture and Purpose

14:25 – Choosing Joy Daily

17:25 – Granddaughter Blessing

20:10 – Closing Encouragement

Resources Mentioned

• Al-Anon Family Groups