Sometimes God gives us a message before we know why we need it.

During a visit to the Billy Graham Library, Vona encountered a simple but powerful reminder about life, death, and the hope we have through Jesus. She had no idea how meaningful those words would become in the days that followed.

In this reflective episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona explores what it means to face life's greatest uncertainties with confidence—not confidence in ourselves or our accomplishments, but confidence in God's promises.

This episode is a reminder that our influence is not measured by our platform, our accomplishments, or the number of people who know our name. It is measured by faithfulness, love, and the ways we reflect Jesus to the people He places in our lives.

Whether you're walking through grief, thinking about your own legacy, or simply longing for deeper peace, this conversation offers a reminder that because of Jesus, death is not the end—it is simply a new address.

Keep living your MORE with courage—because your best season may just be beginning.

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Check out my YouTube Channel where I post the videos of my interview shows.

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore!

Sometimes the person standing between us and God's best isn't the person we're frustrated with—it's the one staring back at us in the mirror.

That's what this conversation did for me.

When I first heard Dr. Carolyn Warren Wiley's testimony, I expected to be challenged about the culture around me. Instead, I found myself convicted by my own pride.

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Carolyn shares how Jesus transformed her life—not simply by changing her behavior, but by changing her heart. Together, we explore the difference between finding our identity in our desires versus our identity in Christ, why humility is the doorway to freedom, and how God's grace is available to every one of us.

We also discuss retirement, unexpected life transitions, and how God often uses our most difficult seasons to prepare us for our greatest purpose.

Whether you're wrestling with pride, searching for your identity, or simply longing to live more faithfully, I pray this conversation points you to the hope and transforming love of Jesus.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why pride can quietly keep us from experiencing God's best
• The difference between behavior modification and heart transformation
• What it means to find your identity in Christ
• How to love others with both grace and truth
• Why retirement and life transitions can become a new beginning rather than an ending
• The beauty of surrendering every part of our lives to Jesus

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Mirror Check Moment
00:22 Welcome to Courageous Retirement
01:18 Career Change at 47
03:03 Called Into Publishing
05:42 Pride, Conviction & My Birthday
06:54 Carolyn's Faith Journey
10:01 Following God's Conviction
17:54 Identity in Christ
20:41 Loving Others Well
24:04 Pride and Repentance
29:55 Restoration After Brokenness
35:43 Grace for Every Sinner
40:06 Jesus Is Enough
42:11 Resources & Final Encouragement

Find Dr. Carolyn at roseandpearl.net for information about publishing your story or find her bible studies at therubytent.com

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Check out my YouTube Channel where I post the videos of my interview shows.

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore!

What do you do when you hear the words, "You have cancer"?

In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson sits down with author, speaker, and coach Dana Lyons in an intimate conversation about the emotional and spiritual journey that begins with a cancer diagnosis. Drawing from their own experiences as cancer survivors, Vona and Dana share honest reflections on fear, uncertainty, faith, and finding hope when life takes an unexpected turn.

Although several years separated their diagnoses, they walked alongside one another through their respective cancer journeys, offering encouragement, understanding, and faith-filled support. Their friendship underscores one of the episode's most important messages: when facing life's greatest challenges, finding your people matters.

Together, they explore the waiting between diagnosis and treatment, the importance of choosing trusted voices, and why experiencing fear or doubt does not mean your faith has failed. Dana also shares powerful insights from her book, You Have Cancer, Now What?, including the importance of praying for God's mercy and refusing to allow cancer to become more central than God.

Whether you are facing cancer, supporting someone who is, or navigating another unexpected life challenge, this conversation offers practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and a powerful reminder that hope is not found in having guarantees—it's found in the One who walks with us through every season.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to navigate the fear and uncertainty that follow a diagnosis
• Why waiting for answers is often one of the hardest parts
• The importance of finding trusted people to walk alongside you
• How to stop fear from spiraling out of control
• Why doubt and faith can coexist
• Two life-changing lessons from Dana's cancer journey
• How a diagnosis can reshape priorities and deepen purpose
• Where hope can be found, even when the future feels uncertain

Timestamps:
00:00 Hearing The Diagnosis
00:54 That Dreaded Phone Call
03:27 Waiting For The Plan
07:09 Different Cancer Journeys
10:17 Dana's Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
13:11 When Fear Takes Over
17:05 Faith and Doubt Can Coexist
20:29 Praying for God's Mercy
23:26 Keeping Cancer Off Center Stage
24:54 How Diagnosis Changes Priorities
27:10 Living Without Guarantees
31:57 Gifts Found in the Journey
33:38 Hope, Community, and Moving Forward
37:33 Final Reflections

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Check out my YouTube Channel where I post the videos of my interview shows.

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore!