Why the Worst Thing That Can Happen is Actually the Best

About this episode

Austin Gardner and Pastor Rickey Howard discuss the transformative power of grace and changing one's story.

Send us Fan Mail "I grew up stirring the mash... that kid grew up and is getting to preach the gospel today." In this concluding session of Followed by Mercy, Austin Gardner and Pastor Rickey Howard dive deep into what it means to truly "change your story." Rickey opens up about his heritage—from a moonshining family to a life of legalism and "goofball" mistakes—to the radical freedom of living under the "umbrella of grace." If you’ve ever felt like you’ve wasted too much time or that your pa...

People in this episode

Host: Austin Gardner

Guest: Rickey Howard

Topics covered

• personal growth
• grace
• overcoming adversity
• faith
• storytelling

Keywords

• change your story
• grace
• personal transformation
• faith journey
• overcoming mistakes

More episodes of Followed By Mercy

• Learning a Person, Not a Religion: The Lifelong Discovery of Christ · June 3, 2026 · 36 min
• You Were Created for a "Love Party": Rethinking the Gospel · May 29, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Fig Leaves and Fake Religion: Why We Still Hide from God · May 28, 2026 · 52 min
• The Dangerous Prayer That Changes Everything | Austin Gardner & Steve McVey · May 27, 2026 · 48 min
• Spiritual Direction: Finding a Safe Place for Your Story · May 26, 2026 · 33 min
• From Burnout to Beloved: Practical Soul Care with Austin Gardner & Mike Pennington · May 25, 2026 · 33 min