The Truth Over Trend Podcast

That Guy's Mom: Episode 15: The Journey from Judgment to Compassion

UPDATE: September 29, 2010 "A Police Officer's Request"

Andrea tells about a phone call she received  this week from a police officer with a special request.  This police officer took a risk and reached out to help spread the story among fellow law enforcement officers. His instructor's reaction may surprise  you!  Do you know of a school, counseling center, youth group or another organization who could use Matt's landing page video and "I'm That Guy" Presentation to impact others?  Please e-mail us at iamthatguy11@gmail.com and we will be happy to send one your way.  A sincere "Thank You" to everyone who continues to help spread this story.  God bless you!

That Guy's Mom: Episode # 15: The Journey from Judgment to Compassion

Are there certain core virtues and character traits that are borne solely in the throes of suffering?  Andrea's entire life had been marked by success and opportunities for leadership. This reality was enjoyable---virtually pain-free---but clearly something was missing.   Despite her reputation as "The Friend to the Friendless", She lacked the deep compassion that develops in the fire of affliction.  "That Guy's Mom", Andrea Maher,  discusses her personal journey from judgment to compassion---and how her own struggles and tragedy have enabled her to see others with a new set of eyes.  She and Pastor Scott discuss how it feels to be judged and practical ways we can reach out to those who are suffering.

That Guy's Mom: Episode 14: Conquering Discouragement

That Guy's Mom: Episode #14:

UPDATE: EDEN AND MICHELLE

Exodus 31:1-5 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.

During this update Andrea talks about how our God is so intimate that he places unique gifts and talents within each of us that we can use for His purposes.  She talks about two members of the Matt Maher  Story TEAM and how God is using them to help advance the Kingdom and spread this story.

That Guy's Mom: Episode #14: Conquering Discouragement

This episode was taped on location of the Maher Brothers IV Victory Soccer Camp.  The Maher Brothers began running these free Christian soccer camps---focused on character building---after their oldest brother, John, passed away in 2005.  Andrea talks with Pastor Scott about how quickly discouragement can consume us.  Discouragement is a natural emotion that we all experience---but what do you do with it?  Andrea talks about a phone call with Matt from prison that left her on the verge of tears and how God used people from all over the country to encourage Matt that day in a supernatural way. She also talks about how to cope with the waves of emotions that come and go during the trials that we experience.

That Guy's Mom: Episode 13: DON'T BAIL OUT BEFORE THE BREAKTHROUGH

"That Guy's" Mom

Episode#13 UPDATE: POINTS OF LIGHT

Andrea Maher names several individuals who she considers "Points of Light" in our journey to Spread this Story . These men and women all experienced a personal, devastating loss but were willing to push past their sadness to pursue a bigger purpose.

Several weeks ago we added a new "slice of current" to our radio show broadcast. The Weekly Update airs at the beginning of each broadcast and covers the latest news---real time---regarding Matt in prison and/or the Matt Maher Story in general. Since Matt writes hand-writes his blogs and mails them home to us to post, we will always be a tad behind.   We thought the addition of an Update segment would provide us an opportunity to fill you in on the latest.  We hope you'll join us each week for a new episode of "That Guy's Mom" and we encourage you to send us your comments, questions or feedback.  There is a place for you to comment at the bottom of each episode on the Podbean Site so you can feel free to leave your comments there.  You can also send us feedback via the website, Matt's facebook, or via e-mail at iamthatguy11@gmail.com Praying you are all able to "Be Still" this week~~

"That Guy's" Mom

Episode 13: Don't Bail Out Before the Breakthrough

Often times when faced with trials or difficult circumstances we are tempted to bail out prematurely.  Whether it's a marriage in crisis, a thankless job, or a child who refuses to "change the attitude", it is crucial that we persevere. Do your circumstances define who you are?  Is it possible to retain our joy and peace in the midst of impossible situations?  Join Andrea, "That Guy's" Mom, as she and Pastor Scott explore these questions and more.  You can read more about "That Guy's Mom" here.

We'd like to thank FreshStart Fellowship for their generosity and commitment to spreading this story. FreshStart Fellowship is a wonderful ministry devoted to helping those who are left behind when a loved one goes to prison.  To learn more about their ministry, click here. Our loyal BLOG READERS and RADIO SHOW LISTENERS cover such a broad spectrum of audiences! Very exciting to be able to bring hope and encouragement to those in the midst of storms.

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 12: FACING OUR SHAME

EPISODE 12 UPDATE

This week's update highlights some of the exciting opportunities there are for you to join the Matt Maher Story TEAM.  This story is spreading---over 83 countries and approx. 3600 cities have heard and we'd like to continue sharing!  Please go to http://www.themattmaherstory.com and take the "Got Skillz?" Survey.

Episode 12: Facing Our Shame

"How do you face your friends, family and the community while riddled with shame and guilt?  Negative publicity, media onslaught and cynics can seem too much to bear when shouldering a personal tragedy or failure. Andrea discusses the way she chose to deal with the vigilant "Haters" and her personal shame in the aftermath of her son's public fall last March, 2009 when he killed an innocent driver while drinking and driving.  She and Pastor Scott discuss several comments from radio show listeners and explore the following question "When faced with public scrutiny, humiliation and powerlessness----what path should we take to move forward?"

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 11

Andrea and Pastor Scott discuss the Maher's return home after the meeting with the Kap family.  How do we face the public in the midst of adversity and shame? How do we resist the urge to crawl under the covers and hide when we are weighed down with heaviness?  The conversation and events after sentencing were quite different than anticipated.  Join "That Guy's Mom" and Pastor Scott as they discuss the power and strength that is always readily available to us through God. www.themattmaherstory.com Have a blessed week!

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 10

On this week's episode of "That Guy's Mom", Andrea updates everyone on the latest news regarding the Matt Maher Story.  The show focuses on the powerful, supernatural meeting that took place with the Victim's family immediately after sentencing.  Andrea addresses a few of the comments that came in via our web survey.

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 9

Are your children being pruned or disciplined?  Is there a difference? Sometimes when raising children our results don't match our investments.  Where do we turn when the portrait we are left with is not what we had envisioned?  Is there a certain prescription for raising children that guarantees desired outcomes? Join Andrea and Pastor Scott as they discuss these questions and more on "'That Guy's Mom':The Radio Show: Episode 9"

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 8

Matthew Maher is "That Guy."  "That Guy" who had the world at his fingertips, but because of one foolish and reckless decision to drink and drive, is now responsible for taking the life of an innocent man.  Six children are left without their father and countless others are now realizing that one careless choice can flip so many worlds upside down in an instant. "That Guy's" Mom, Andrea Maher, shares candidly from a mother's perspective about what this ordeal has been like for the entire Maher family since the day they received the shocking phone call.  The news reached the Maher family household in the early hours of March 7, 2009, and the sobering reality that their youngest son, Matthew, killed Mr. Hort Kap while drinking and driving, is still sinking in over a year later.  Since that fateful day, Mr. Hort Kap has been laid to rest, Matthew plead guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter and ten months later, was sentenced to five and a half years in State Prison.  He must serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. During this episode of "'That Guy's',Mom",  Andrea and Pastor Scott discuss Sentencing Day in more detail. She walks us through the powerful moment in the courtroom that prompted a collective "sigh" and left the entire room full of onlookers and participants wiping away tears.  What did the victim's family have to say about Matt's horrible decision to drink and drive?  How did it feel to sit in the audience as "That Guy's" Mom?  How does a person prepare for such an event?  Is it possible to experience unexplainable peace in the midst of such devastating loss? Tune in and listen to episode 8 of "That Guy's" Mom.  Be sure to check out the archived shows to hear the story from the very beginning.  It is our family's sincere hope and prayer that you are able to continue to "Be Still and Know That He is God"--- today and always---no matter what "storm" or trial you are experiencing. (ps. 46:10) Be sure to check out "That Guy's" daily writing from prison.  Matt mails his hand-written journals home from prison and we post them on the website http://www.themattmaherstory.com as a way to encourage others who are struggling through adversity.  No matter what your situation is----physical, financial, emotional, etc----it is critical that you are able to believe there is hope available to you and everyone who believes in the power of God's mercy and forgiveness. Please contact us via the website and/or at iamthatguy11@gmail.com if you have feedback, suggestions or a question for "That Guy's" Mom and she will be happy to respond.

~~"BE STILL"~~

<3 Maher Family

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 7

Join "That Guy's" Mom as she talks about being in the courtroom on Sentencing Day.  Andrea and Pastor Scott discuss what it was like to be ushered into a courtroom knowing that your child is responsible for such a horrendous crime. She describes the surreal process of watching the day unfold and credits her strong God with sustaining her and the entire Maher family. They explore the reality that God is there with us in the midst of any situation and explore the parallels between the role of Matt's lawyer---his earthly advocate-- and his heavenly advocate, Jesus Christ..  Andrea thinks back to one of the first requests that came in after the accident and Matthew's surprising response.  Sometimes we just need to take that "first step" forward---as difficult as that may be--- and allow God to work on our behalf.

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 6

Andrea discusses what it was like to drive to the courthouse on the day of her youngest son's Sentencing.  She shares the secret to the "foundational peace" she experiences and where it is located in the Bible.  She talks about her surprising demeanor, the courtroom vibe and additional details that testify to the faithfulness of our God.

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 5

During this show Andrea walks us through the days leading up to Sentencing Day.  She talks about the passage of scripture she and her husband used to exhort their boys on the night before.

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 4

On this week's program, Andrea brings out her personal prayer journal and shares various entries dating back to the weeks and months following the Accident.  She explains how to keep a prayer journal and warns her listeners not to "get fancy" as the journal is simply between you and God.  She thinks back on a major fear she thought she could finally "put to rest"---once and for all---when her son John died----only to find it resurface years later.  Pastor Scott and Andrea discuss what it means to "Be Still" and wait on the Lord.

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 3

On this week's program (now available for viewing) Andrea reflects back on a crisis phone call regarding her oldest son John and describes her husband's surprising reaction. She talks about how God used the struggles in her son John's life to build certain qualities in her that were previously lacking. Andrea also tells more about the prayer letter that was distributed in the weeks prior to the sentencing date of her youngest son, Matt. It's not too late to catch up on show 1 and show 2 if you are just joining us. Be sure to check out the radio show archives to access those you may have missed.

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 2

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 1

“THAT GUY’S MOM” Andrea Maher never dreamed she would be “That Guy’s” Mom. She had high aspirations for each of her four children and raised them in a strong, loving Christian home. She has been married for thirty-three years to John, who is a retired Police Chief and currently Executive Undersheriff of the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office in Southern New Jersey. She served as the Managing Editor of PARENT ABCs, writes a monthly column called, “Family Matters”, and is a sought after speaker for church groups and women’s organizations. She teaches the adult Sunday School class at her church. In just five years, she has lost two of her sons—her oldest died at the age of 28, and her youngest son, Matt, is serving a five and a half year prison sentence for aggravated manslaughter due to a drunk driving accident. Matt was “That Guy” who grew up achieving in every area of his life. He was a role model, active in his community, excelled in academics and athletics, earned himself a full scholarship to Temple University, and eventually signed a professional contract as a soccer player. Now he is “That Guy,” a drunk driver, who killed an innocent man and who now resides in prison. Join “That Guy’s” Mom on our weekly program on FreshStart Broadcasting or visit “That Guy’s” website at themattmaherstory.com. They hope to spread the message that with God’s help, one can find hope in hopeless situations, and turn failure into a greater purpose of changing, impacting and ultimately saving lives. Help us Help Those Left Behind. FreshStartFellowship.com

"That Guy's" MOM: Episode 1: Audio Only

“THAT GUY’S MOM” Andrea Maher never dreamed she would be “That Guy’s” Mom. She had high aspirations for each of her four children and raised them in a strong, loving Christian home. She has been married for thirty-three years to John, who is a retired Police Chief and currently Executive Undersheriff of the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office in Southern New Jersey. She served as the Managing Editor of PARENT ABCs, writes a monthly column called, “Family Matters”, and is a sought after speaker for church groups and women’s organizations. She teaches the adult Sunday School class at her church. In just five years, she has lost two of her sons—her oldest died at the age of 28, and her youngest son, Matt, is serving a five and a half year prison sentence for aggravated manslaughter due to a drunk driving accident. Matt was “That Guy” who grew up achieving in every area of his life. He was a role model, active in his community, excelled in academics and athletics, earned himself a full scholarship to Temple University, and eventually signed a professional contract as a soccer player. Now he is “That Guy,” a drunk driver, who killed an innocent man and who now resides in prison. Join “That Guy’s” Mom on our weekly program on FreshStart Broadcasting or visit “That Guy’s” website at themattmaherstory.com. They hope to spread the message that with God’s help, one can find hope in hopeless situations, and turn failure into a greater purpose of changing, impacting and ultimately saving lives. Help us Help Those Left Behind. FreshStartFellowship.com