What starts as a single “yes” can influence a lifetime. In this episode, we speak with Tennessee’s First Lady Maria Lee, who shares how a short summer of ministry in Nashville turned the trajectory of her life—from teaching in a classroom to serving alongside her husband in public life—and taught her that true impact often comes from simply showing up and seeing others.

Speaker and radio personality Brooke Taylor’s story takes a different turn when a sudden stroke changes everything, forcing her to relearn how to live and let go of perfection, only to discover that God could use her brokenness to reach people in a deeper, more meaningful way. Together, their stories reveal a powerful truth—that even in the most unplanned moments, God is guiding us with compassion toward connection.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Anita Renfroe

Upcoming interview: Trey Tucker

Jesus Listens for Moms

Maria Lee

Bill Lee

Christ Presbyterian Academy

My Utmost for His Highest

COVID

Covenant school shooting

Tennessee Serves Project

Brooke Taylor

Joy99

Interview Quotes:

“The hardest part I think with being in the public eye is the criticism that comes along with that. But the thing that has grounded me and [helped with] being able to handle being in that public eye is staying in God’s Word and knowing what He’s called me to do and being able to walk that purposefully and intentionally. Being in His Word reminds me of who I am and who He is, what He values and what He wants me to value.” - First Lady Maria Lee

“I think there’s a lot of bright, shiny things in the world that draw our attention away from what the Lord has called us to, and if we’re not grounded in daily communion with Him and daily relationship with Him, you can easily be distracted.” - First Lady Maria Lee

“I think if we are going to emulate the character of Christ, He came not to be served, but to serve. And if we’re going to follow in His footsteps, I feel like each one of us who is a believer and confesses Christ should be finding a place to serve.” - First Lady Maria Lee

“There are so many ways to serve, and it doesn’t have to be big, it can be little. I think one of the greatest ways to serve somebody is just to be present with them, to show up and let them know that you see them.” - First Lady Maria Lee

“When I heard how the [radio] listeners were praying for me and how they were sending cards and how they were sending messages that they were praying for me, I knew that was God’s way of surrounding me with His love.” - Brooke Taylor

“As a radio personality, you’re pouring out and pouring out and pouring out. You say things, but you don’t know if anybody’s listening. You don’t know if it’s reaching anybody, or if you made any sense with that sentence. And then to have that all come back to me—the listeners pouring out to me—it was very humbling.” - Brooke Taylor

“[After my stroke] I felt like God was with me, and it was as if He was saying, ‘I don’t need the perfect you. It’s actually more effective for Me if I use the broken you. Because the broken you is going to be able to reach people that are also broken.’” - Brooke Taylor

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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel!

Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7

Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw

Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C

Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj

Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u

What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj

Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY

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