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.

What happens when a perfectly ordinary business trip to New York turns into an airport security encounter involving a gun... that isn't actually a gun?

In this episode of Still Bright Hope, Brian shares the hilarious true story of an unnecessary work conference, an eccentric coworker known only as "Agent 808," a novelty lighter that looked a little too convincing

Getting sick is miserable. But sometimes the unexpected kindness of a friend can leave an even deeper impression than the illness itself.

In this episode of Still Bright Hope, Brian recounts a bout with a particularly unpleasant virus, a thoughtful care package from a friend, and the surprising lesson hidden inside an unexpected gift. Along the way, he explores the old saying, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," and reflects on why receiving grace—whether from a friend or from God—can be harder than we think.

A humorous and heartfelt story about gratitude, generosity, and learning to simply say, "Thank You."

In this episode of Still Bright Hope, Brian reflects on a piece of old-fashioned dad advice: fathers should defeat their children in every challenge for as long as they possibly can.

Through memories of merciless games, hard-earned lessons, and the infamous "Great Unhorsing of Hilton's Head," he shares a funny and heartfelt story about growing up, surpassing our parents, and learning that God is able to work all things—even our regrets and imperfect endings—for good.

A nostalgic story about fathers, victory and defeat, forgiveness, and the beautiful laughter we wish we could hear just one more time.

In the 1980s, movies like The Breakfast Club convinced us that high school students fit neatly into categories: popular kids, athletes, nerds, weirdos, and burnouts. But what about the rest of us?

In this episode of Still Bright Hope, Brian revisits the social landscape of the 1980s and makes the case for a forgotten class of teenagers—the In-Betweeners. They weren't stars, rebels, or outcasts. They were simply kids trying to figure out where they belonged.

Through a humorous look at high school tribes, locker decorations, questionable fashion choices, and the search for identity, Brian reflects on the pressure to be noticed and the freedom that comes from understanding that our worth isn't found in the approval of the world, but in the God who created us.

A nostalgic and funny story about fitting in, standing out, and learning where our true value comes from.

In the 1980s, two painfully average soccer players discovered that the strongest friendships aren't always built around shared interests—they're often forged in shared misery.

In this episode of Still Bright Hope, Brian looks back on a high school friendship fueled by bad soccer, late-night cruises, microwave burritos, and the unshakable confidence that only teenage boys possess. When one questionable traffic decision leads to an encounter with a very angry adult, a valuable lesson about pride, humility, and knowing when you're in over your head quickly follows.

It's a humorous story about friendship, growing up, surviving the 80s, and the corrective power of realizing you're not nearly as tough as you thought you were.