This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and drug use and may not be suitable for some listeners.

Listener discretion is advised.

I grabbed her hand and I smacked it and she just started bawling and crying and wailing and she went and ran to my stepdad. And I was like, oh, no, I am about to die.

And so I just cower in my room, and my stepdad comes in there like a raging bull.

Hey, I'm Heather Loggy from Littleton, Colorado, and I'm an events and development specialist at a local nonprofit.

I went through a dark season last winter where I became hooked on true crime dramas, and while entertaining, they left me feeling depressed and hopeless. I was actually looking for my next crime drama podcast when by God's grace I stumbled upon compelled. Listening to

the testimonies of brothers and sisters in Christ told in such a dynamic way was both convicting,

encouraging, and dare I say, entertaining.

Hearing how God shows up powerfully in the lives of people who struggle, just like me,

changed my own walk with God for good.

I hope you enjoy today's episode.

I know I will.

I'm Paul Hastings, and you're listening to the season seven premiere of Compelled, where every two weeks we use gripping, immersive storytelling to bring Christian testimonies to life.

Today, our guest is Hayden Jernigan, who grew up in a home marked by chaos.

Unsure of who loved him or who wanted him, Hayden pursued everything he thought would bring him happiness, including money, women, and drugs.

Yet he was unaware that actually his entire life

there was someone who was pursuing him.

So gather around, lean in, and join us

for another compelling story from the kingdom of God.

Three weeks ago, my buddy Gabriel and I took a whirlwind trip to New Orleans to record some

podcast interviews at a local church put us in touch

with Hayden and as soon as he arrived

...