Fortitude

From Rock Rapids, Iowa, Ruth and Rollie share their harrowing journey through COVID-19, a story marked by love, loss, and miraculous divine moments. From facing the unthinkable with the loss of Rollie’s father to Ruth's life-threatening battle with the virus, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into the strength and resilience that carried them through. Alongside their COVID story, Ruth and Rollie reflect on their 42 years of marriage, their life in Rock Rapids, and the profound lessons learned in faith, courage, and the importance of community during the toughest times. This episode is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome, the power of prayer, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Don't miss this unforgettable story of survival, love, and hope.Rollie and Ruth were both raised in Christian homes. They met in college and got married shortly after they graduated from college. They have a son Tom and a daughter Emily and a total of 6 grandkids. Their kids and grandkids are their most important focus.  They love to spend time outdoors on their patio enjoying their plants and gardening. They are also very involved in their community and church.Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Tom Henderson is a follower of Jesus, husband to Laura, and father to Isaiah and Chase. He is also the founder of RESGEN, the RESGEN Men’s Summit and the RESGEN Giving Life Podcast. He is driven by a passion to reach people with the Good News of the Gospel and help them restore the broken relationships in their lives. While speaking to crowds from a stage definitely brings Tom joy, he equally enjoys listening to peoples’ stories, talking with them about life, and sharing his love for Costco over coffee.Join hosts Heather Kittelson and her husband Amos as they welcome Tom Henderson to the Fortitude podcast. Tom shares his inspiring journey from a youth filled with challenges to becoming a follower of Jesus, a dedicated family man, and a community leader. With over 25 years in ministry, Tom opens up about his transition from focusing on youth ministry to empowering men, marriages, and parenting through his events and speaking engagements. Discover the power of faith, forgiveness, and family as Tom recounts his personal story of being raised by a beautiful single mom, father in prison, the impact of mentorship in his life, and the importance of walking in step with God. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of supportive relationships in navigating life's journey.Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Dylan, the founder and President of Wheelchair Adventures. Born and raised in South Dakota, Dylan's life took a significant turn when a car accident/suicide attempt at the age of 18 resulted in a C2/C3 spinal cord injury, leaving him as a quadriplegic.For years following his injury, Dylan believed he would never be able to enjoy activities he once loved, such as being an avid outdoorsman. However, his perspective changed when he discovered adaptive equipment that allowed him to participate in hunting and fishing, opening up a new world of outdoor enjoyment while living in a wheelchair. Dylan has successfully engaged in deer, turkey, and antelope hunting using an adaptive gun mount and track wheelchair. He has also experienced the thrill of Walleye fishing with an electric reel.Dylan's passion lies in finding or creating adaptive equipment and experiences for individuals with disabilities to enjoy outdoor sports. He named his organization Wheelchair Adventures, as he believes that every day in a wheelchair is an adventure. Dylan understands the ups and downs of life and emphasizes the importance of taking it one day at a time. His favorite motto is "adapt and overcome."In addition to his work with Wheelchair Adventures, Dylan works part-time at Nybergs Ace and resides in Sioux Falls, SD with his service dog, Linda.https://wheelchairadventures.org/https://www.facebook.com/dylan.lesselyounghttps://www.instagram.com/lesselyoung88/Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we invite John Glasser, a man whose life is a beacon of transformative faith. From his roots in a family that spread the gospel across state lines to his own personal struggles and revelations, John's story is a stirring testament to the power of faith in action. As he shares his intimate encounter with the divine during a life-threatening illness and his vision for a spiritual awakening in America, listeners will find themselves moved by the call to become torchbearers of hope and truth.John has a passion for youth all across our nation. He founded Collision in 2008.John grew up in Wyoming and graduated from Riverton High School, where his running skills earned him a scholarship to attend and run for the University of Sioux Falls. He graduated with a Business degree and then earned his MBA. Years later, he obtained his Master’s Degree in Christian Leadership from Liberty Online University.John has had a front row seat to watching God do some amazing things in and through students around the nation. Collision started in Sioux Falls SD because of a student’s passion at Lincoln High School and today, the organization serves students at all Sioux Falls middle and high schools and most recently across the nation. John’s work with Collision has given him a platform to speak at conferences and work with other leaders from around the nation who are looking to impact youth in a growing post-Christian culture. He also travels frequently to Ukraine to speak and train up leaders who come alongside youth to share and live out their faith.John is married to Angie, and they have three wonderful children. When John isn’t being a husband, dad, serving students and staff, or sharing vision with supporters (yes, this is one busy guy), you will find him on the Sioux Falls bike trail peddling and praying for his family, Collision, students, and the city of Sioux Falls.https://www.facebook.com/john.glasser.334https://www.facebook.com/angie.glasser.1https://www.facebook.com/collision.minPlease prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

In this episode,  Amos and Heather Kittelson welcome Michael De Jong, a man of deep faith, to discuss his transformative journey from a troubled past to leading a well known ministry and church. De Jong recounts his path from a seemingly perfect Christian upbringing through a tumultuous youth filled with addiction and darkness, to a powerful encounter with Christ that changed his life forever. Michael's story of redemption and his work within ministry, including outreach to schools and those affected by trafficking, is both inspiring and a testament to the power of faith and second chances. This episode is a testament to the impact that personal testimony and faith can have on individuals and communities.Michael De Jong is married to Jenna and their family reside in Sioux Center, Iowa. They serve and lead a church family called Activation.  The church birthed in their house in 2020 during Covid and has continued to grow and thrive over the past few years.  They live out of the book of Acts every day honoring their call to serve the body of Christ.  They also co-founded a ministry called Action 169 which raises awareness around sex trafficking.  Michael also works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in NW Iowa developing that ministry in the schools of NW Iowa and seeing many young people come to Christ!  They have been all across the midwest preaching the gospel seeing many hundreds come to Jesus Christ for the first time.  Most recently they were in Malawi Africa where they saw over 6,000+ come to Christ within the schools in Malawi.  Serving the Lord has been the greatest call of Michael's life.  They believe the best is yet to come in the Kingdom of God!www.my.FCA.org/MikeDeJongwww.TheRevivalLife.comwww.Action169.comwww.ActivationChurch.lifePlease prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

In this profound episode of "Fortitude," hosts Heather and Amos Kittleson sit down with Heather Erickson, who shares a touching and deeply personal story of her son - Ethan's courageous battle with cancer from the ages of 11years old to 12years & 11months (one moth shy of his 13th birthday). This conversation delves into the seldom-discussed nuances of such an arduous journey, offering insights that are both enlightening and heart-rending. As a special feature, make sure to listen through to the end for exclusive bonus audio content that adds even more depth to this compelling narrative. This episode not only invites empathy and understanding but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of those affected by childhood cancer. Join us for an unforgettable encounter filled with hope, resilience, and a community's loving support.https://www.facebook.com/heather.k.erickson.9Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Kuol Malou's journey is one of resilience, transformation, and deep-rooted commitment to community and relationships. Originating from South Sudan amidst civil unrest, Kuol sought refuge in the United States in 1998, a life-altering experience that forged his path as a community advocate and leader. Embracing his new life in America, he navigated the challenges of adjusting to a different culture and environment, all while holding tightly to the values of family and community ingrained in him from his homeland.In the Midwest, Kuol found his calling in the realm of relationship-building and client acquisition, skills he honed through his studies at Western Iowa Tech. His professional journey is marked by significant roles that reflect his passion for advocacy and community engagement. Kuol's involvement in various boards, including his leadership roles at REACH Literacy and the ACE Academy, showcases his dedication to empowering others. These experiences not only highlight his commitment to service but also his skill in nurturing relationships and building networks, which have been pivotal in his career and advocacy work.Kuol’s narrative is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community. His transition from a refugee to a respected leader in Sioux Falls SD exemplifies his ability to overcome adversity and create impactful change. Today, as he leads Design Narratives, his focus remains on leveraging his background in relationship building and client acquisition to narrate empowering stories that resonate and inspire. Kuol's story is not just about personal triumph; it's a beacon of hope and a blueprint for how empathy, perseverance, and community engagement can lead to profound societal impact.Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kuol.simon.7Insta- https://www.instagram.com/itskuol/LinkedIn -Kuol Malou | LinkedIn Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Get ready for this episode of Fortitude, where resilience meets inspiration! Join hosts Heather and Amos as they engage in a powerful conversation with Melanie A. Brown, a seasoned nurse and award-winning international sales team leader with over two decades of experience. Melanie's journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and in this episode, she shares her incredible story of enduring challenges, finding hope, and cultivating a deeper sense of well-being.As a dedicated wife for 40 years, a mother of two, a stepmother to two, and a proud grandmother of seven, Melanie's life took an unexpected turn when she received the tragic call about her husband Dennis's horrible semi-accident. While away for a work retreat, Melanie faced the unimaginable as she learned about the accident and rushed to be by Dennis's side.In this emotionally charged episode, Melanie recounts the harrowing experience of receiving the call, the moments leading up to Dennis's airlift to the burn unit in Minneapolis, and the challenges they faced during his recovery. Despite the difficulties and the uncertainty, Melanie's faith and resilience shine through as she shares how she found hope in the signs that God provided throughout the journey.Join us as we explore Melanie's remarkable ability to stay hopeful in the face of adversity, drawing strength from her unwavering faith and the support of loved ones. Through Melanie's story, listeners will be inspired to navigate their challenges, cultivate their dreams, and achieve remarkable levels of personal and professional growth.Tune in to the Fortitude Podcast and discover the incredible power of resilience, hope, and the human spirit. Melanie's story is a beacon of light, reminding us all that even in the darkest moments, there is strength, courage, and fortitude within us.Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

 In this heartwarming episode of "Fortitude," meet Reid and Jessi Johnson, a devoted couple living in Sioux Falls, SD. With seven children, ranging from six months to nineteen years old, Reid and Jessi's lives are a beautiful tapestry of love and adoption.Reid, who was adopted as a baby from Menno, South Dakota, had his own extraordinary adoption story. When he was seven, he traveled to Romania with his parents, where they welcomed a six-month-old boy into their family. This early experience of adoption sparked a deep love for the power of family and instilled a desire to give back.Years later, as Reid entered his senior year of high school, he had a life-changing experience - he met his biological family. This newfound connection with his parents, brother, and twin half-sisters opened his heart even further, creating a strong bond that has lasted to this day.In 2017, Reid and Jessi crossed paths and discovered an unexpected commonality - they each had three children from previous relationships. This shared experience of blended families became a natural talking point as they embarked on their journey together.In June 2020, Reid and Jessi decided to join their families, bringing all their children together. Although their wedding plans were delayed by the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, they remained resolute in their commitment to one another and were married the following summer.Their love and dedication to family grew as Reid officially adopted Jessi's children in March 2022. And in May 2023, they joyfully welcomed their first child together, completing their beautiful blended family.Despite the demands of juggling a busy schedule, Reid and Jessi understand the importance of carving out quality time for their loved ones. They find solace in their faith, always remaining true to the Lord who has blessed them with abundant love and unwavering support.In this episode, join Reid and Jessi as they share their remarkable adoption journey, their challenges, and the profound love that binds their family together. Witness their commitment to volunteer work, hear tales of their travels, and discover how they find strength in their unbreakable bond with one another and their faith.Reid FB - https://www.facebook.com/reid.johnson.9674Reid Insta - reid24johnsonJessi FB - https://www.facebook.com/jessi.l.haugenJessi Insta - jesslynnhaugenPlease prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

In this special episode of "Fortitude," we shine a spotlight on Paul and Bethany Perissien, a remarkable couple who serve full-time with Mission-Haiti, a local non-profit organization in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Join us as we delve into their inspiring journey of self-sacrifice for an eternal purpose.Born in Haiti but later moving to the USA at the age of ten, Paul's connection to his home country runs deep. Growing up in Florida and graduating from Florida State with a degree in education, he felt a calling to make a difference in the lives of the Haitian people. Bethany, on the other hand, was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. She attended Palm Beach Atlantic University and graduated with a degree in Biology. Their paths intertwined when they met while working as waiters at Red Lobster after college. In 2012, they exchanged vows and embarked on a journey that would reshape their lives forever.From 2014 to 2021, Paul, Bethany, and their children lived in Haiti full-time, passionately devoting themselves to serving the Haitian community. Paul serves as the Executive Director of Mission-Haiti, guiding the organization's efforts to bring sustainable development and hope to the Haitian people. Bethany fills the role of the Administrative Medical Director, bringing her expertise and compassionate care to those in need.In this episode, we dive deep into their experiences, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices they have encountered along the way. As we uncover their day-to-day routines, their dedication to building relationships, and the impact they have made, Paul and Bethany's story serves as an inspiration to us all.Join us as we listen to their heartfelt accounts of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering love for the communities they serve. Hear about the transformative power of self-sacrifice, family support, and the eternal purpose that drives them forward. Through captivating storytelling, personal anecdotes, and intimate interviews, this episode of "Fortitude" paints a vivid picture of a family's dedication to making a lasting difference in the world.Prepare to be moved and enlightened as Paul and Bethany Perissien share their incredible journey of sacrifice, love, and fortitude in their mission to bring hope and healing to the people of Haiti. Tune in to Episode 29 of "Fortitude" and discover the extraordinary story of one family's unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact.Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Heather shares her journey of transitioning from a full-time career to becoming a mompreneur. Hear her courageous decision to resign from her job last summer to focus on her family and children, and the emotional and spiritual challenges that came with it. Alongside Amos, they openly and vulnerably discuss the struggles they've faced in the past six months.Through this episode, Heather explores the difficult process of transitioning from a mom in survival mode to a mom with intentionality, delving into the fears and obstacles she encountered along the way. The couple shares the importance of self-reflection and self-growth, even when it means facing the uncomfortable truths in the mirror.The podcast also discusses how different upbringings lead to different parenting styles, emphasizing that we often resort to what we know. Parenting is described as the hardest, yet most rewarding, investment in life. The hosts share their personal experiences and insights, validating the joys and challenges that come with raising children.Lastly, the episode explores the detrimental impact of comparison, especially for women and moms. Comparison is portrayed as the thief of joy and peace, reminding listeners to focus on their journeys and embrace their unique paths.Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of "Fortitude," and get inspired to navigate the complexities of motherhood and self-discovery with intentionality, growth, and grace.Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

It’s been five years since Tenton’s tragic football accident, which resulted in him becoming paralyzed. Through his life changing injury Trenton has remained “Trenton Strong” with a community of friends and family surrounding him and cheering him on every day. Recently Trenton graduated from SDSU in mechanical engineering and now works full time at Raven. He continues to speak around the region - sharing his personal story and love for Jesus Christ. Hearing Missy’s side of the story as Trenton’s mom is heartbreaking and heartwarming in so many ways.  What transpired for Missy and Jeff during and after the accident is not your typical tragic story. They had family, friends and community surrounding them and hanging on to ALL of the Lord’s promises.In Eternity, Trenton will be made new! Trenton will walk again, that is a promise. For now, here on earth, this is Christ’s will for Trenton’s life and Trenton is making every day count!Through their story birthed Game Plan 4 Hope, a non-profit organization that provides a game plan for hope to families living in despair following a life-changing event. Here is more information if you or someone you know is in need: Game Plan for Hope:https://www.gameplan4hope.org/Trenton's FB:https://www.facebook.com/trenton.bass.3Praying for Trenton FB:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100045267091838Missy Bass FB:https://www.facebook.com/missy.bass.92Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Jeremy is a successful entrepreneur who owns and operates Throne Publishing, Legacy Acres and Warrior - which he calls side hustles. His legacy and favorite identity here on earth is rockstar husband and father, and he is nailing it!In his young adult years he was a business man who prioritized business, success and worldly ways over his faith and he lost everything.His transformation from high roller, non-family man to a Godly family man, husband, and father is astounding. When God got ahold of Jeremy’s heart he was spreading the Gospel everywhere he went, including the hopeless and the homeless, sharing the good news of salvation and eternal life.Jeremy has been blessed time and time again since he surrendered his life over to Christ.  He has a beautiful bride, Brooke, four amazing sons and they have another bundle of joy on the way. https://www.facebook.com/ThronePGhttps://www.facebook.com/jeremy.d.brown.54https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-d-brown-7a0b263/Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

To donate - Inclusion For Sawyer - http://spot.fund/j59x5scYouTube Version: https://youtu.be/Gry24a5howsDesiree Schmidt had the perfect pregnancy. She was 1 week overdue when she went into labor and everything from that point spiraling out of control for her and baby Sawyer.  This amazing women has gone through more than any single mama should ever go through. Her son, Sawyer is now 7yr. He has Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy due to a traumatic birth. He suffered from lack of oxygen for an extended amount of time during birth, which resulted in a severe brain injury. He was not supposed to live past his first week of life, but Desiree and her family has been blessed to spend the last 7 years with him.Sawyer has an extensive list of diagnoses, requires 20 different medications daily, relies on several different machines & equipment to keep him alive and healthy and is completely dependent on his parents for every single aspect of his care. He requires round the clock care and it is certainly tiring & challenging many days, but Desiree is truly blessed beyond measure to have him here and be the one who get to love and care for him daily - he is truly such a miracle and gift. In this episode we touch on so many topics around caring for a disabled loved one, how we as a society can better wrap our arms around families like Desiree & Sawyer and how we need to get more curious and ask the right questions when faced with beautiful 'differences.' Desiree's FB: https://www.facebook.com/desiree.nelson.900Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

It was one of the biggest nights of Lon’s professional career when Lon received a call from his only daughter Grace while driving to his company's acquisition celebration. It was the kind of call that no parent expected to get.Lon’s daughter, Grace, was very active in multiple school activities, and church and loved spending time with her family. She hid her pain and suffering very tightly. Nobody really knew or understood what Grace was going through. Nothing would have ever pointed to depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. At age 15, Grace was sexually assaulted at a high school party. Grace was living with shame, guilt, and disbelief but she decided to tell her parents what had happened right away. Both Lon and his wife listened and did all the ‘things’ parents should do to ‘deal’ with the ‘problem’ and within a year they had moved on and considered the situation closed. However, that wasn’t the case for Grace. After years of pain and reliving the trauma, Grace was having suicidal thoughts. Grace is thriving and doing wonderful through treatment, TLC from family and friends, and therapy. It’s taken a lot of hard work and it has been so worth it. Grace shares her story and wisdom alongside her father Lon who shares his story from the parent's perspective. This father-daughter is priceless! Lon’s Bio (Aug. 2023): Lon is the founder and CEO of Normal 40 - a movement that inspires people to declare their future, and provides the tools to chase it. In 2022, Lon left his corporate job on a hunch that the world was asking more of him. Without a resume, a business plan, or independent wealth, but with the support of his wife and family, he separated from the W2 race. Then, on another hunch, he launched Normal 40. Lon dedicated most of 2022 to capturing the stories of people from across the globe who felt like their best days were in front of them, that they wouldn’t live in their current capacity, but they didn’t know how to transition. These conversations, and the hard choices we all eventually face, became his motivation for this book Lon’s mission is to inspire change in a thousand lives. And he will know he has been successful when he has a thousand notes of thanks from people who have been impacted by the change. Lon is a pilot and loves traveling with his family, or getting dirty at the family farm near Warner, SD. YOU TUBE VERSION: https://youtu.be/go_dptsnr7ENormal 40: https://www.normal40.com/Lon’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lon-stroschein-normal40/The Trade book: https://www.normal40.com/the-trade-bookLon’s Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lon.stroschein/Grace’s FB: https://www.facebook.com/grace.stroscheinGrace’s Ista: https://www.instagram.com/grace.stroschein/Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Raised in the Bronx by a single mamma and older sister, Manny found himself in 'fight' mode most of his childhood and young adult years. Living in a constant state of survival in the middle of the crack/cocaine crisis, amongst some of the toughest  gangs and drug lords, Manny managed to escape this destructive and dangerous lifestyle. Football was the vehicle that brought Manny (E-Man) to the Midwest with a scholarship to play football at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell SD.  Manny's life went from gangs and drug infested streets - to living in a town with a literal corn palace (https://cornpalace.com). After surviving the culture shock of the move, the  scholarship became the best thing that could have ever happened to Manny for his career, his family and his eternal salvation.With all the twists and turns that one can imagine Manny's detailed childhood stories will intently grab your attention in disbelief and then have you standing up at the end cheering him on for the life he leads now! Manny is a warrior for Christ!Manny is also a Father, Sports Coach, Author, Hip Hop Artist, Motivational Speaker, Public figure, Barber, Jack of many trades.Manny is the Director of Community engagement for Think 3D Solutions,  https://letsthink3d.com/ and the Head football Coach at O’Gorman Junior High School in Sioux Falls, SD.@mannydawgz on InstagramPlease prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Brandi & Kira Part 2! If you have not listened to Part 1 with Brandi & Kira - please do so. Their relationship is a true gift and blessing to us all. :)In this episode we discuss Narcissistic Behavior Disorder in great detail. The truth is - most of us have experienced someone with narcissistic behavior. What are the signs/behaviors to look for? How do you know when you are under the spell of a narcissist? What is their mode of operation? What is gaslighting? How do you get out of a narcissist’s grip of control? How do you help someone you love escape from a narcissist relationship? How do you heal from narcissistic abuse?What is Narcissistic Behavior Disorder? Definition from Wikipedia: a personality disorder characterized by a life-long pattern of exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration and a delusional sense of status, diminished ability or unwillingness to empathize with others' feelings, and interpersonally exploitative behavior. Mayo’s Description: Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial matters. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they're not given the special favors or admiration that they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships troubled and unfulfilling, and other people may not enjoy being around them.Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

A BIG Thank you to all of our listeners! We are so grateful that our audience is enjoying the stories we are sharing. Our guests are so brave and vulnerable and they are trusting us to hold them in a safe space. In this bonus clip - Amos and Heather bring you behind the mic and in the room to discuss the mission and future of Fortitude and the incredible direction the podcast is headed. Please share the stories and leave a review on whichever platform you listen on! Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Brandi is a South Dakota native, and mother to her beautiful daughter Kira.Single motherhood began for her with the birth of her daughter in 2004. Throughout the years, they have stayed by each other's side and developed an inseparable bond as they tackled various obstacles.Just out of High School, Kira talks about her journey dealing with issues like, social media, the pressures of being an athlete, self-acceptance, friendships, and dealing with manipulation and emotional abuse. She shares how she became stronger with the help of God's grace and love.Brandi's story highlights how our choices as adults can have both positive and negative impacts on our children, dealing with toxic relationships, and how to find the courage through God, friends and family to evolve and drastically change your life for the better.After years of turmoil, they have emerged to bring support, hope, and positivity to those facing similar circumstances. "We count on God's mercy for our past mistakes, on God's love for our present needs, and on God's sovereignty for our future." Saint Augustine.Please make sure to tune in to Part 2. We continue talking with Brandi and Kira about narcissistic behavior disorder. Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast

Stephan Harrison, a follower of Jesus Christ, believes in the radical story of redemption because he has experienced it first hand. Having come from a past of brokenness, chaos, and incarceration - Stephan values the importance of good decision making and obedience. Stephan was deemed by a local news station in SD to be the prisoners’ preacher; a title which has stuck and he strives to live up to everyday. He was released from prison just last year (2022) - after serving 21 years in prison. He resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and currently works at 'Freedom Gate' as a Ministry Coordinator.  The way Stephan shines God's light everyday to the lost, the hopeless and the searching is an inspiration to us all. Stephan is an author, evangelist, and preacher. It is his hope to make an impact on the world by serving God's people and fulfilling his God-given purpose here on earth each and every day.Stephan's FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091330983762Freedom Gate Ministry: https://www.facebook.com/FreedomsGateChurch/Stephan's Book: The Next Right Step - A 30-Day Devotional  geared towards the incarcerated and those called to walk alongside them. You can purchase the book here: https://www.kingdomboundaries.org/store/p1/next-right-step-devotional.html#/Please prayerfully consider supporting our podcast and ministry. Click here: https://patreon.com/FortitudePodcast