Laura Story

Laura Story Kisses “Normal” Goodbye

by Laura Neutzling

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN artist Laura Story readily admits that she’s terrible at being “normal.” You wouldn’t think the writer of beloved worship songs like “Blessings” and “Indescribable” would be grappling over how to be normal. Her extraordinary career, which has netted her a GRAMMY and six Dove Awards, has been anything but average. But that’s not what this artist, wife, and mom is contemplating these days. “I’m great at being a person of faith until whatever chapter of my story actually requires faith,” Laura says. “I’m great when I have the whole blueprint in front of me.” When talking about the roots of her faith, Laura says she was “basically raised in the church,” and it’s where she also started to grow musically. But right after her freshman year of college, she went on a mission trip where God got ahold of her heart in a new way. “I met so many believers who had next to nothing,“ Laura remembers, “but they had Jesus, and they were fi ne. I thought, Golly, that’s the gospel: the things of this world will come and go, but He’s enough to sustain me, whatever happens.”

God didn’t create us for normal.

Feeling strongly that she was supposed to reach people through her music, Laura joined a Christian band as a string bass player. For fi ve years, she toured with Siler’s Bald, playing college campuses and youth camps. Eventually, she began to try her hand at writing and penned her fi rst big worship song, “Blessings.” Through the music and the traveling, the singing to so many people who were hungry for a blessing themselves, Laura began to peel back the covering of her life to fi nd that she wasn’t normal, nor was her faith—and that was okay. “In Scripture, I began to see that God often calls people to an unknown future. Sometimes His unprecedented work begins by calling us away from what is comfortable and familiar. And it just struck me: God, what if You’re allowing this unprecedented season for an unprecedented work that You’re wanting to do through me? And it really shaped how I began to respond to all of it.” And that response has Laura leaning into this new season of saying “so long” to normal. And along the way, she’s realized a profound, perspective-shifting truth. “God didn’t create us for normal. He didn’t create us for these manageable, self-suffi cient lives. He created us for extraordinary lives that are completely and utterly dependent upon Him.”

Adapted for print from the Jesus Calling Podcast. Put your phone in Camera mode and hover over this code to hear more about Laura!

You can fi nd Laura’s memoir So Long, Normal wherever you buy books. And check out Laura’s latest song “Hello Unknown” wherever you stream or buy music.

WHEN OUR LOSS BECOMES OUR GREATEST GAIN

The Bachelorette’s Cam Ayala on Life After Amputation and Advocating for Others

by Abigail Nibblett

IN THE MIDDLE OF A HARD SEASON, we often can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, much less how God might be working through it all. Thirtythree-year-old Camron “Cam” Ayala found himself in that position last year when a condition he’d battled since childhood left him with an impossible choice: would he continue to face the piercing chronic pain that crippled his right leg, or allow doctors to amputate that leg above the knee?

Born and raised in Houston, Cam grew up with a dream to play in the NBA. But in sixth grade, Cam was playing summer league basketball when he suff ered excruciating back pain. After months of seeking answers and visiting over a dozen specialists, Cam was diagnosed with lymphedema, a condition that causes body tissue to swell when the body’s lymph fl uid is unable to properly drain. A disease more common in the United States than AIDS, MS, and Parkinson’s combined, lymphedema largely remains a medical mystery, frustrating people stricken with the disease who require rigorous self-care to relieve pain they feel as they perform mundane daily functions. But eleven-year-old Cam settled back into life

after his diagnosis, accepting the diffi culties of his condition while staying eager for the normal activities and rites of passage for a young adult. As the decades passed, Cam found himself ready to pursue a relationship and decided to apply for the 2019 season of The Bachelorette—and made it on the show. And although he was eliminated, he quickly found his appearance had a higher purpose. “I started becoming an ambassador for a nonprofi t that helps lymphedema patients, and that’s really where I found my calling. Christ was leading me into this environment of helping patients who didn’t know how to help themselves. God has a way of showing His way if you open your heart and seek that light.”

God has a way of showing His way if you open your heart and seek that light.

As Cam tried to lead a normal life, he kept experiencing recurring infections in the bone of his right leg, and each infection required surgery. He endured the operation sixteen times in seven years before opting for a total knee replacement in 2021. However, when he still felt agonizing pain after the surgery, doctors eventually discovered the routine procedure wasn’t performed correctly and gave the thirty-three-year-old a heartbreaking choice: a knee revision that would include three more surgeries without the guarantee of a pain-free life, or an aboveknee amputation. While it would be a major lifestyle adjustment, Cam knew the amputation could take away his chronic pain. He spent the next three months researching, talking to other people who had experienced an amputation, and fi nding encouragement in a men’s group at church. Eventually, he realized amputation was the way forward—but only if he made the journey with God. “I knew that reigniting my relationship with Jesus was going to be the only way I would make it through this surgery and through the rest of my life,” he admits. When Cam woke up from the amputation, he sat up to look at his missing limb for the fi rst time and felt his body fl ood with anger and questions like, Why me? But with the support of his pastor, along with his family and friends—and a copy of Jesus Calling to lean on in moments of uncertainty—Cam felt his attitude begin to shift to overwhelming gratitude. “I’m a fi rm believer that God gives His toughest battles to His toughest warriors. With the loss of a limb is going to come a great gain in what Jesus is going to do with me, and ultimately for other people to bear witness to.” Since the surgery, Cam’s continued his work as a patient advocate, and learned that it’s okay to grapple with your relationship with God. It’s okay to be angry and to be scared. But ultimately, your pain can be used for a purpose far greater than you’ve ever imagined. “I have an opportunity to use my journey to inspire another individual who’s going through a rough season. Turning everything over to Him has given me clarity, peace, and confi dence as I’m navigating this new life of mine.”

You can follow Cam’s life and work on Instagram @camronayala.

Adapted for print from an upcoming episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast.

Walking Grandma Home Grandma Home

(and Walking Children Through Grief & Loss)

Grief is a hard emotion to process at any age. But being introduced to grief for the fi rst time can feel overwhelming. In her new picture book Walking Grandma Home, child psychologist and counselor Nancy Bo Flood equips parents and caregivers to help little ones process their big feelings in a healthy and loving way. Here, she shares how families can help children honor the memory of their loved ones.

We honor those we love who have died when we share their stories. So talk about a favorite memory. Begin together with “I remember when . . . ” followed by funny moments or special traditions.

Make a list of the person’s favorites: ice cream, doughnuts, a pet, a song, a baseball team. The child might enjoy creating a poem from this list.

Create a “memory book” together. Follow the child’s lead. Draw pictures. Add photographs. Invite the child to write (or dictate) a few sentences. A child might like a special keepsake that helps them feel close and connected to their loved one. When my grandmother died, my father gave me her favorite shawl.

Children often don’t want to talk about death, but when they do, be ready to listen. You are giving your child the words and the permission to express their feelings. Throughout, be gentle with yourself, too. It’s not an easy task when you are also grieving.

Walking Grandma Home is available is available at your favorite book retailer today.

G A M E S j P U Z Z L E S HOST A Game Night!

When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing like gathering your people for a cozy night in! Grab a board game and your favorite snacks—or try one of ours.

Play A Word Game!

On a piece of paper, write the letters of the alphabet, then cut them into small squares and put them in a bowl. Have someone draw a letter. Then, set a timer for two minutes and ask each player to write a response to each prompt on a sheet of paper.

When time’s up, each player reads their answers aloud. If no one at the table has that answer, the player gets a point; if an answer matches, those players get zero points for their answer. After everyone has read their answers, draw another letter and play another round (and play as many as you’d like!). Whoever has the highest score at the end of the game wins.

1. Cartoon character 2. Things that use a remote 3. Store names 4. Type of drink 5. Furniture 6. Things you save up to buy 7. Things at a carnival 8. Things you wear 9. Excuse for being late 10. Ice cream flavor

MAKE A SNACK TRAY EVERYONE WILL LOVE

Author of So Much to Celebrate Katie Jacobs knows a thing or two about hosting a gathering with delicious food. Try her tips on creating the perfect snack tray (or charcuterie, if you’re feeling fancy):

I love giant platters of amazing cheeses with lots of goodies to go with them! There’s something for everyone, and the best part? Absolutely no cooking! Try gathering:

• Cured meats, such as salami and prosciutto • Hard cheeses, such as aged Cheddar and Parmesan • Soft cheeses, such as goat cheese and Brie • Crusty bread slices and crackers • Your favorite fruits, such as grapes and apples • A ramekin of nuts • Honey, or your favorite fruit jelly