Today on Fearless, Cissie Graham Lynch sits down with public school teacher Monica Gill and Alliance Defending Freedom’s Senior Counsel, Tyson Langhofer, to explore what it looks like to boldly live out your faith in the heart of cultural opposition. Monica isn’t just a teacher—she’s a follower of Christ who views her classroom as a mission field. For over 30 years, she has served in Loudoun County, Virginia—one of the most progressive and contentious school districts in the country. Through it all, she’s remained committed to loving her students unconditionally while standing for biblical truth, even when it comes at a personal cost.

Monica opens up about the moment she decided to take a stand against her school district’s secret gender transition policy—one that required teachers to lie to parents about their children’s identity. Backed by Alliance Defending Freedom, Monica is fighting for an accommodation that allows her to speak truth without compromising her beliefs. As she shares her story, you’ll hear how God equipped her with what she calls the “stones in her sling” (a reference to David and Goliath) and provided the protection and support she needed to walk forward in obedience.

Monica reflects on Ephesians 6, describing the spiritual battle at play in schools today, and acknowledges that this isn’t merely political—it’s spiritual warfare. She also recalls Jill Briscoe’s quote, “Your mission field is right between your two feet,” a reflection of Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples.” Monica’s question to herself—“Can I stand before the Lord and say my pension plan was more important than His truth?”—echoes Matthew 16:26, which asks, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Tyson Langhofer also shares practical insight into the legal battles surrounding public education, parental rights, and compelled speech. He explains how ADF is equipping teachers and parents alike with resources—including the Educator’s Toolkit and Parent’s Toolkit—and how the First Amendment continues to offer strong protections for people of faith.

This episode will challenge and inspire you to consider how you're standing for truth in your own sphere of influence. Whether you're a parent, educator, or student, Monica’s fearless example is a reminder that bold faith—grounded in truth and delivered in love—can change lives.

Resources Mentioned:

Alliance Defending Freedom: adflegal.org
Educator & Parent Toolkits
Follow Monica’s story and legal case at ADF

In this special episode of Fearless, we sit down with Secretary Scott Turner, the newly appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Broadcasting from the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina, this conversation dives deep into Secretary Turner’s incredible journey—from his roots in Dallas, Texas, to his career in the NFL, and ultimately, to his calling in public service.

Many may recognize Secretary Turner from his viral prayer at President Trump’s first cabinet meeting, but this episode reveals the heart behind the headlines. With a deep faith and a commitment to servant leadership, Turner shares how his life experiences—including overcoming childhood adversity, his time in professional sports, and his service in the Texas House of Representatives—have prepared him for this moment. He also reflects on the importance of trusting in God’s timing and persevering through challenges, citing the lessons he’s learned along the way.

A key focus of this conversation is the pressing issue of homelessness in America, which has reached historic levels. Turner provides a candid look at the challenges facing HUD and why he believes faith-based organizations and nonprofits must play a larger role in addressing the crisis. “The federal government is not the answer,” he says, emphasizing the power of local communities and churches to bring meaningful change.

As Turner prepares to meet with local leaders and visit disaster-stricken areas in North Carolina, he shares how faith informs his approach to governance. Cissie encourages listeners to pray for Secretary Turner, recognizing the weight of his responsibility and the need for God’s wisdom in every decision.

What do we say to someone who is walking through the unimaginable—the loss of a child, a devastating diagnosis, the fallout from a natural disaster? What happens when that tragedy enters our own lives?

On today’s episode of Fearless I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Lee Warren—neurosurgeon, author, and Iraq war veteran—to talk about how to choose hope and find joy again, even in the face of unimaginable loss. Dr. Lee knows pain intimately. After battling through severe PTSD from his time serving as a surgeon in Iraq, he lost his son in a tragic act of violence. How did Dr. Lee and his family choose to move forward in faith despite every reason to give into doubt and turn away from God?

Dr. Lee and I talk about the process of choosing hope, the science behind two things being true at the same time, and when (and if) joy can come back into our lives after we go through trauma. Despite everything he’s walked through, Dr. Lee has found purpose in suffering, and we can too. My hope is that this conversation will serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence in the midst of sorrow and evidence that healing is possible—even after the most profound losses.

Purchase Dr. Lee’s book, Hope Is The First Dose, wherever books are sold!

Find other resources and learn more on his website: https://wleewarrenmd.com/.

If you are looking for a special way to gain rest and renewal we would encourage you to visit The Cove. Believers from across the globe come to The Cove with the goal of spending focused time in God’s Word and with the desire to receive renewal and rest in our beautiful mountain setting. Programs at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove are offered year-round and feature leading Bible teachers from around the world. You can find out more here: https://thecove.org/