In this episode of Mission Redeemed, we talk about the hard stuff—identity, struggle, purpose, and why walking through the mess doesn't mean God has abandoned us. In fact, it might just mean He’s up to something bigger.

We kick things off with a reminder to check in with ourselves: Are we breathing? Are we grounded? Are we putting on our own oxygen mask first? Then, we dive deep into the story of John the Baptist and the power of knowing your purpose—even when it means playing the background.

From there, we shift into what it feels like when life spins out of control. When nothing makes sense. When trauma, loss, and broken identity leave us asking, “Who am I without this?” But instead of staying in that spiral, we explore what Scripture says about being made in God’s image and how this broken world was never the original plan—so yeah, it’s okay that it feels hard.

And then… there’s the story.

Let’s just say it involves a domestic call, a love triangle, pants coming off (twice), and a scene that could only be described as “National Geographic: Pickup Truck Edition.” But in the chaos? Perspective. Humor. And a moment where God’s grace showed up—right in the middle of a situation that smelled like beer, heartbreak, and bad decisions.

This isn’t just a story for the sake of laughs (though there are plenty). It’s about how God uses even this—the wild nights, the broken people, and the “what even is happening right now” moments—to show us that healing can start anywhere. That joy isn’t cancelled by pain. And that sometimes, laughter is the holiest thing you can offer in a mess.

We wrap with a look at why “the hard is what makes it great,” as Tom Hanks once said. Why Jesus didn’t skip the pain. And why we shouldn't either.

If you’re in a season where the hits keep coming, where purpose feels fuzzy, or where you’re wondering if God really can use your mess for something meaningful—this one’s for you.

Takeaways:

• Why identity has to be rooted in more than what you do.

• How faith gives us permission to laugh, even when it’s hard.

• What it means to find purpose in the struggle, not after it.

• And why the weirdest, wildest nights might be the ones God uses most.

Listener Challenge:
What if what’s in front of you ends up being so much more than what’s behind you?

PTSD is not a life sentence. In this episode of Mission: Redeemed, we get real about the battles first responders face—trauma, burnout, and the crushing weight of guilt and shame. Shawn shares his raw experience with EMDR therapy, the mental exhaustion that follows, and how even a trip to Costco can turn into a battlefield.

But here’s the truth: healing is real. We break down the science and the faith behind recovery, from therapy statistics to the biblical struggles of David. If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or too broken to move forward, this episode is for you.

You are not alone. You are not beyond help. And your mission? It’s not over. Let’s fight for healing together.

PTSD doesn’t just come from one moment—it builds over years of trauma, stress, and survival mode. As first responders, we face things most people will never understand, but when the calls stop, the memories don’t. In this episode of Mission:Redeemed, we dive deep into the reality of PTSD, how it rewires the brain, and why first responders struggle to seek help.

We’ll also look at King David, a warrior who faced battle, loss, guilt, and overwhelming emotions. Through his raw honesty in the Psalms, we see how faith, surrender, and seeking God’s presence helped him navigate his struggles.

But faith alone wasn’t enough for me—I had to take real steps to heal. I’ll share my personal journey, including my inpatient stay in Utah, and the practical tools that have helped me manage PTSD, like breathwork, ice baths, and faith-driven resilience.

If you’re carrying the weight of trauma, feeling disconnected, or struggling to find your way forward, you’re not alone. Healing is possible, and your mission isn’t over—it’s just been redeemed.

Listen in and take the first step toward reclaiming your mind, your faith, and your life.