Episode 14: Rabbit Killer

One ordinary drive through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One unfortunate rabbit. One split-second decision. One nickname that refused to die.

In high school, I accidentally earned a reputation I never asked for—and, if I'm being honest, one I enjoyed a little more than I should have. What started as an act of mercy somehow turned into a legend that followed me through the halls of school and taught me something surprising about myself.

In this episode, we laugh at one of the strangest stories from my teenage years while exploring Galatians 1:10 and the difference between reputation and character. People may only know the story they tell about us, but God knows who we really are—and His opinion is the one that matters.

Scripture: Galatians 1:10

Bottle Rockets and Witches

As a kid, I became convinced that another family was living the perfect life.

They had bottle rockets. They played games together. They laughed more than we did. From where I stood, they seemed to have everything I wished my own family had.

Looking back, I realize I wasn't really jealous of their fireworks or family game nights—I was comparing the highlight reel of someone else's life to the reality of my own.

In this episode of Still Bright Hope, I share a humorous story about childhood envy, impossible expectations, and the quiet truth that God is shaping each of our lives in ways we often can't see.

In this episode:

• Childhood misconceptions
• Family games through history (sort of)
• Bottle rockets, witches, and one unforgettable bicycle chase
• Learning to trust God's story instead of longing for someone else's

A Saturday morning in 1978. A bowl of Count Chocula. A burnt-orange Herculon sofa. And one unforgettable performance of "Boogie Oogie Oogie" on Soul Train.

After hearing the song for the first time, I became determined to own it. A bike ride, a Blue Light Special, and $2.87 later, I thought I'd found exactly what I was looking for...until the needle dropped.

Sometimes the things that promise the most turn out to be cheap imitations.

In this episode, I look back at one of my earliest lessons in disappointment—and how it points to something much bigger. In a world full of counterfeits that promise happiness, purpose, and peace, Jesus offers something the world never can: the genuine article.

Scripture: John 16:33

As always, we'll end with a short prayer and a couple of questions to help you reflect a little more deeply.

Thanks for listening to Still Bright Hope.