Guests on the Jesus Calling podcast and TV show have included Anne Lamott, author of Bird by Bird, nonfiction titles about alcoholism, being a single mom, depression, and Christianity, as well as novels that include Imperfect Birds and Rosie. On the podcast, Lamott recounted her long, roundabout path toward spirituality as well as struggles that included severe bouts of alcoholism, bulimia, and depression.
She said in part, "You know, I picked up Jesus Calling the other day, just because I got that Holy Spirit nudge and I was feeling mentally ill. I felt like this over-caffeinated hummingbird of judgment and just unhappiness, really caffeinated unhappiness. And I happened to pick up the book and I can't remember what day it was now, but it was March. And I picked it up and it just said, like Jesus says, 'I bring that radical self-love. You want to be happy? Share that radical love, share that radical self-love. Just give it all away and you'll feel me. Go where--you want to feel me? Go to where the poorest of the poor are.' And there are many ways of being poor. There are many kinds of living water. And I went, 'Oh, right. If you want to have loving feelings, do loving things.' "
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Also on the podcast, TV sportscaster and NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw talked about dealing with major medical problems and three divorces, and finding solace in Christianity, aided by Jesus Listens. He said in part, "I'm a big 'as I'm doing stuff' prayer guy. I'm walking around and I just think, Hey, Lord, this is a beautiful day. And then you know what I discovered the other day? It's okay to argue with God. Man, that's been like a relief. I'm so thankful that prayer is real, prayer is powerful. I believe in it. I've seen the miracles from prayer."
He then quoted a prayer for April 2 from Jesus Listens:
"Help me to trust You and not be afraid. You have been training me to view trials as exercises designed to develop my trust-muscles. I live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles, and fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons to use against me. Whenever I start to feel afraid, I need to affirm my trust in You--praying, 'I trust You, Jesus.' If circumstances permit, I can pray this affirmation out loud.
"The Bible tells me that if I resist the devil, standing firm against him, he will flee from me. Then I can refresh myself in Your holy Presence. As I speak and sing praises to You, Your Face shines graciously upon me--blessing me with Peace.
"Please keep reminding me that there is no condemnation for those who belong to You. Because You died on the cross for all my sins, I have been judged 'not guilty!' for all eternity. I will trust and not be afraid because You are my Strength, my Song, and my Salvation."
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Another podcast guest was country singer and actress Reba McEntire, who appeared with her sisters, Susie McEntire-Eaton and Alice Foran. They talked about growing up in straitened circumstances in Oklahoma, having learned about religion from their grandmother and father, and spending so much time with cousins that they were like brothers and sisters.
Reba McEntire recalled, "I think I read that in Jesus Calling the other day, that when you pray, when you give thanks, it's the thing that goes straight up to heaven and they hear it the loudest--the thankfulness. But the main thing that I've learned over these last couple of years is love. With the prejudices, with the madness over politics, and what's going on and who's getting more attention, who's not getting attention, if we would just all love one another and accept the faults, love them for who they are, give them grace because they might have had a real rough day when they came in and chewed you out for something. Just back off and think, Maybe they had a rough day. I'm having a good day. Everybody should be happy like me. No, that's not the way it works. That's true. Cut them a little slack and just love them no matter what color or what their belief."
She then quoted part of a devotional for November 27 in Jesus Listens that reads, "Beautiful Jesus, I give thanks to You, for You are good; Your Love endures forever.
"I want to take time to think about the many blessings You provide. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life--for every breath You give me. I'm grateful also for everyday provisions: food and water, shelter, clothing, family and friends. But the greatest gift I've received from You, my Savior, is everlasting Life!
"As I consider all that You have done for me, I delight in who You are--the great I Am! You are one hundred percent good. There is not even a speck of darkness in You, the Light of the world! Moreover, Your Love is unending; it goes on and on throughout eternity.
"Because I belong to You, I am never separated from Your loving Presence. I know that You are always near, so I don't need to worry about whether or not I sense Your Presence. Instead of focusing on my feelings, help me to simply trust that You are with me--and to thank You for Your unfailing Love."