Scott Hamilton is known for his incredible figure-skating career. Though he was picked on as a kid for his small size and choice of sport, he went on to win world championships and an olympic gold medal. But he faced even bigger challenges than landing a perfect backflip on ice. Listen to how God sustained Scott through the death of his mother, cancer, and a tumor that had more to do with his skating success than you might think. Show Notes and Resources Get the book, The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (even when you have every reason to be miserable) by Scott Hamilton.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007V91IVI/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8andbtkr=1 Scott's website: https://scotthamilton.com/ Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation. https://www.scottcares.org/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Season 5 is delayed until at least Fall of 2021. Until then, you can catch up on past episodes and soon a bonus episode with figure skater Scott Hamilton!

Finding out her daughter Sophie wouldn't survive outside the womb was devastating. Lindsay R. Dennis had months to prepare for what felt inevitable. She and her husband celebrated Sophie's short life while she was in the womb, including a trip to Disney and a boy band concert. But they couldn't prepare for going through it all ... again. Show Notes and Resources Buried Dreams: From Devastating Loss to Unimaginable Hope by Lindsey R. Dennis.  https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781501869112/ Blog – Vapor and Mist.  https://vaporandmist.com/ Song used: The Joy Eternal - "The Best Is Yet To Come." https://youtu.be/PXrcrHfjZC0 Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

"My life is over." That's what Herman Mendoza thought as he raised his arms in surrender. The police had his house surrounded. His kids were in bed while his wife tried to defend him. He tried to run, but it was useless. A once powerful drug lord, Herman now faced life in prison. And "life" is exactly what he found there. Show Notes and Resources Shifting Shadows: How a New York Drug Lord Found Freedom in the Last Place He Expected by Herman Bendoza. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0821NSD6Z/ Herman Mendoza's website: https://www.hermanmendoza.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

After being date-raped and becoming pregnant, Molly S. White was told the baby growing inside of her was not yet a baby. So she had an abortion. Years later and excited to be pregnant with triplets, she lost all three of the babies before birth. But she says in the midst of sin and struggle was where new life and new hope was found. Show Notes and Resources BOOK: "Deceived: God Brought Purpose from My Pain" by Molly S. White.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZMLM32Z/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

LaMorris and Megan Crawford came from two different worlds. He grew up in gangs on the South Side of Chicago. She grew up sheltered in the cornfields of Indiana. But when Megan met LaMorris at a Christian college, she fell in love. Her parents, however, did not. They didn't have to meet him, he was black and that was enough. Show Notes and Resources LaMorris Crawford's website http://www.lamorriscrawford.com/ Support the Crawfords as Cru missionaries with Athletes In Action. https://give.cru.org/0773716 Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Now a reconstructive and plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark D. McDonough suffered severe burns as a teenager in a house fire that took his brother and mother. During his own surgery after the fire, he was awake but unable to alert the surgeons. Later in life he held pop singer Christina Grimmie as she died from gunshot wounds after a concert. And yet, through these and other tragic moments in his life, Dr. McDonough is able to trust God. How? Show Notes and Resources Forged through Fire: A Reconstructive Surgeon's Story of Survival, Faith, and Healing by Dr. Mark D. McDonough. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PXTDNSL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_7NTnFbB35KMAY Dr. Mark's website https://drmarkmcd.com/ Songs in this episode: Christina Grimmie - "In Christ Alone" (cover) https://youtu.be/RzseOqwn8oo, Christina Grimmie - "I Bet You Don't Curse God" from the album With Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Qaq0xsgjc, and Before You Exit - "Clouds" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktQBoV_96fo. Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Bob Fu wanted to become a communist leader. But after becoming a Christian, he instead led an underground, theological training center in China. He and his wife were eventually imprisoned, but were able to move to America after the intervention of a U.S. president. Show Notes and Resources God's Double Agent: The True Story of a Chinese Christian's Fight for Freedom by Bob Fu and Nancy French https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801017068/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_eNTnFbQRND72A ChinaAid. https://www.chinaaid.org/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

What happens when devastation interrupts a good life? For Rhonda Robinson, June 3, 2008, was a day that would split her life in two. On that day two of Rhonda's sons were involved in an accident. One son survived, one did not. Show Notes and Resources FreeFall: Holding onto Faith When the Unthinkable Strikes by Rhonda Robinson. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1563093006/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_0KTnFbWK9BSYD Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Dr. John M. Perkins was born in poverty in rural Mississippi and became a leader in the civil rights movement. In 1970, he was tortured by white police officers in jail. Instead of returning evil with evil, God gave him a desire to preach a gospel that could save blacks and whites together. Show Notes and Resources Dream with Me: Race, Love, and the Struggle We Must Win by John M. Perkins https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801075866/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_IHTnFbY7P5R9C Let Justice Roll Down by John M. Perkins  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0801018153/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_lFTnFbZEWZD8M The John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation for Justice, Reconciliation and Community Development (JVMPF) https://www.jvmpf.org/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

A new season of Unfavorable Odds™ is coming in September 2020. More stories of hardship, tragedy, and heartbreak, and what happens when healing is found in Christ. You can subscribe now on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Until then, you can catch up on past episodes or check out our other podcasts on the FamilyLife® Podcast Network at https://www.familylife.com/podcasts.

A few years ago, Angela Ray Rodgers posted a video online of her then 3-year-old daughter, Grace Anna, singing the national anthem at the top of her lungs. The adorable rendition gained national attention. Grace Anna is one seriously cute little girl who has some seriously challenging health issues, including enduring several life restorative surgeries. Her mother's book, Grace Anna Sings, tells the story of a brave little girl whose joy in the midst of her challenges has brought hope and inspiration to the world. Be sure to hang around until the end of the episode to hear from Grace Anna and enjoy a special performance. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Angela Ray Rodgers and Grace Anna and their books, Grace Anna Sings and What Do You See When You Look at Me? https://www.graceannasings.org/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Vicki Rose dreamed of having a beautiful family and of being rich and famous. So marrying Billy should've been a dream come true. They lived in Manhattan, hung out with important people, and ate at fancy restaurants. But married life was more like a nightmare. Between drug addiction and a long separation, divorce looked inevitable. But God had other plans. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Vicki Rose or her book, Every Reason to Leave: And Why We Chose to Stay Together. https://www.vickirosenyc.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Dr. S. Todd Townsend grew up in the inner city of Philadelphia and, in his own words, was a "common thug." He dealt drugs, stole cars, and broke into people's homes. He was heading for a life of destruction-until Jesus intervened. Dr. Townsend is the senior pastor of the Resurrection Center in Wilmington, Delaware, and author of "Getting Up From Being Down." Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Dr. S. Todd Townsend or his book, Getting Up From Being Down. https://stoddtownsend.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Carlos Evans was on his fourth deployment, serving as a Marine. While leading his team on foot patrol, he stepped on an explosive device, leaving him with life-altering injuries. The journey to recovery would not be easy for Carlos or his wife, Rosemarie. But by God's grace, they were able to turn tragedy into triumph. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Carlos and Rosemarie Evans or their book, Standing Together. https://crevans.org/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Terry Wardle grew up in a small coal mining town with a tough, dysfunctional extended family in which the men had a distaste for religion and education. Despite a traumatizing childhood, Terry became a Christian, earned a doctorate, and would eventually become dean of a seminary in New York. But after losing a job for being too controversial, Terry spiraled into depression and could barely get out of bed. He checked himself into a psychiatric facility and for the first time encountered true Christian fellowship. That's when his healing began and his past was redeemed. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Terry Wardle or his book, Some Kind of Crazy. https://www.terrywardle.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Shelly Genovese Calhoun married the man of her dreams, moved to New Jersey, and started modeling in New York City. Her husband worked on Wall Street. They built a house and had a beautiful baby girl. Returning home on September 10, 2001, from a family trip to Texas, Shelly had no idea it would be her last night together with her husband. Shelly tells her story of finding God's grace in the midst of tragic loss. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Shelly Genovese Calhoun or her book, Twice Blessed: A Journey of Hope Through 9/11. https://www.twiceblessed911.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne's pretzels, grew up in a loving Amish-Mennonite home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where feelings were not often put to words. As an adult, she lost her nineteen-month-old daughter in an accident, and things got worse when she opened up and confided in her pastor. Anne tells of how trauma and tragedy changed her, and the healing she has found in God. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Anne Beiler or her book, The Secret Lies Within. https://auntieannebeiler.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Rebecca Bender went from good kid, to stripper, to prostitute. Wanting a family for her daughter, she followed her boyfriend, only to be sold for sex. How did it happen? And why was it so hard to leave? Rebecca tells her story of being trafficked and how God delivered her. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Rebecca Bender or her book, In Pursuit of Love. https://rebeccabender.org/ National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888,  SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO") Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

A new season of Unfavorable Odds™ is coming in March 2020.More stories of hardship, tragedy, and heartbreak, and what happens when healing is found in Christ. You can subscribe now on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Until then, you can catch up on past episodes or check out our other podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network at FamilyLife.com/Podcasts.

Clementine Bahiga's infectious laugh and positive outlook are not what you expect from someone with her past. Life was good growing up in Rwanda, until, at age 8, genocide forced her family to flee their home. She survived a violent attack and a disease-ridden refugee camp before getting the chance to move to the U.S. with her family. Even after arriving in the U.S., her troubles didn't end. She was bullied in school, and a devastating miscarriage later in life was followed by suicidal thoughts. But she wrestled with God and found hope. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Clementine Bihiga's book, "Happily Broken." https://www.amazon.com/dp/1511439777/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_066VDbR901Q4S Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Moments after Daniel Ritchie was born without arms and with difficulty breathing, the doctor asked his father, "Do you want us to let him go?" Thankfully Daniel's father said no. His childhood would be similar to any other boy's, except he had to figure out how to do everything with his feet-from playing with toy cars to eating. The innocence of childhood would give way to cynicism in his teen years as Daniel realized his life was much different than everybody else's. Being different invited the cruelty of others-stares, rude comments, and being kicked out of restaurants-which lead to bitterness, resentment, and loneliness. But when Daniel trusted in Jesus, he found a new identity, a calling to serve others, and a joy in the Lord that transcends circumstances. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Daniel Ritchie. https://danielritchie.org/ Daniel's book "My Affliction For His Glory." https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B9NPZ5Y/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_DC4MDbG45JBDW Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. https://www.familylife.com/familylife-podcast-network/ Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds™. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Dr. René Rochester and her best friend committed to each other they would get yearly mammograms. The year she almost missed it, Dr. Rochester was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through the support of her close friends, her students, her medical team, and the providential timing of it all, Dr. Rochester was able to go through treatment without having to even miss much work. Her healing was not instantaneous; it was more of a process God took her through. But her faith in God and His Word has sustained her through it all, including a recent scare. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Dr. René Rochester. https://drrenerochester.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

A gang can look like a family to a kid who grows up with an abusive father and little sense of family at home. For Casey Diaz, it was the protection and loyalty of a gang that drew him in. After violent initiations and living the gang life, Casey was arrested for murder while still a teenager. In prison, Casey became a “shot caller” and commanded the respect of enemy gang members. Then while enduring solitary confinement for most of everyday, he was visited by an unexpected visitor and would experience an unexpected change in his life. Casey’s life is a reminder that no one is too far gone to be used by God. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Casey Diaz or his book, "The Shot Caller." https://caseydiaz.net/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

Josh and Aly were enjoying life in the early years of marriage. God was good and life was good. But on October 17, 2011 Aly received a phone call from her doctor and learned she had breast cancer. Through the treatments, the possibility of ever conceiving children seemed to disappear. Life was not looking good, but God still had good in mind for Josh, Aly, and their family. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Josh and Aly Taylor and their book, "Aly's Fight." https://alysfight.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

John Driver had the privilege of writing a book with Tyler Trent. When Tyler was 15, he was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of bone cancer. When he was a 20 year old student at Purdue, he had beaten the cancer and had it return multiple times. At Purdue, his love for life, football, and the Lord became apparent and would soon be known by people around the world. Tyler became an honorary Purdue team captain. His story went viral on ESPN and his prediction of Purdue's upset over highly ranked Ohio State became a metaphor for Tyler's life. Stricken with cancer, barely able to move or speak, Tyler showed the world that, in Christ, when we are weak, He is strong. John Driver shares his perspective of Tyler's life as a pastor and author and as one of many who was inspired by Tyler's life. Show Notes and Resources Audio clips of Tyler Trent provided by John Driver.  Learn more about John Driver. http://johndriver.com/about/ Learn more about Tyler Trent's book "The Upset" (with John Driver). https://www.tylertrentbook.com/ Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

What happens when at 14 one of the biggest bullies in your life is your own mother? Sarah Mae thought moving in with her with her "cool mom" was going to be great, but soon realized that her mom's alcoholism revealed her mean and verbally abusive side. And when Sarah became pregnant as a teen she chose abortion when encouraged by both grandmothers. But through the shame and sadness, God's love still pursued Sarah. Show Notes and Resources Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. https://www.familylife.com/familylife-podcast-network/ Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

How do you forgive someone who has murdered your spouse and isn't sorry about it? Anthony Thompson's wife, Myra, was one of nine victims shot and killed on June 17, 2015 at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. The shooter purposefully targeted African-Americans in hopes of starting a race war. But when Anthony Thompson and other family members of the victims faced the shooter, it wasn't hate, but love and forgiveness that won the day. Show Notes and Resources Audio clips in the beginning montage are from Voice of America and Charleston County Government. Learn more about Anthony Thompson or his book, "Called To Forgive." http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/called-to-forgive/394390 Check out all that's available on the FamilyLife Podcast Network. Your generous support of FamilyLife helps create podcasts like Unfavorable Odds. https://donate.familylife.com/unfavorable-odds/

What would you do if your beloved son was transformed from an exemplary patriot and soldier into a calculating and premeditated murderer? Carol Kent shares what it is like to surrender everything to God, including her hopes and dreams for her son, Jason, now doing life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his wife's ex-husband. Show Notes and Resources When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent.  https://www.amazon.com/When-Lay-Isaac-Down-Circumstances/dp/161291442X Carol Kent talks to Dennis Rainey about her son’s sentence to life in prison, and how Carol and her husband are planting hope in the midst of despair.  https://www.familylife.com/podcast/series/when-i-lay-my-issac-down/

Wouldn't it be great to be tall, athletic, musical, and good looking? And on top of that to have good character and spiritual strength as well? For David Kline, it seemed that God had given him these blessings, and more. So when he broke his neck in a freak diving accident, David wasn't even particularly concerned. After all, God is the God of healing, right? David Kline shares a faith undiminished, as he explores the lessons learned as a lifelong quadriplegic. Show Notes and Resources David Kline's website https://davidklineauthor.com David's book Walk by Faith https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1635253047/

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. For Heath Adamson, Psalm 23 is more than a familiar verse. Heath's journey to those pastures of God's care included detours through parental abuse and neglect, drug addiction, and even homelessness. Kim explores the riches of God's Word through Psalm 23 with Heath Adamson. Show Notes and Resources "Grace in the Valley" by Heath Adamson https://www.heathadamson.com/grace-in-the-valley/

Everyone dreams of a life free of trouble, and Cameron Cole seemed to be one of those lucky few who actually achieved the dream. He lived a trouble-free childhood and adolescence and even married his high school sweetheart. But in one day Cameron's illusion of charmed perfection was shattered by four shocking words: "Our son is dead." How can someone who's life seemed so blessed continue to exhibit a vibrant faith in a God who seems to have slipped up? Show Notes and Resources "Therefore I Have Hope" by Cameron Cole. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079XXYNYC

Marriage should be the most trusted and intimate relationship of all, but for Ramona Probasco, marriage quickly turned into a prison of fear and danger. She suffered and persevered through two decades of physical, emotional and verbal abuse. And in spite of her ex-husband's evil intent, Dr. Ramona triumphed-not only escaping the abuser, but in the process becoming personally whole and professionally equipped to help thousands of other women overcome domestic abuse. Show Notes and Resources Healing Well and Living Free From an Abusive Relationship by Dr. Ramona Probasco. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5418-healing-well-and-living-free-from-an-abusive-relationship.aspx Dr. Ramona's Website: DrRamona.com "Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" by Lundy Bancroft. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Q9J0RO Dr. Ramona's interview on FamilyLife Today® https://www.familylife.com/podcast/series/living-free-from-abusive-relationships/

Kate Clark was a busy mom with a long to-do list that included Friday mornings at the playground. But, on one particular Friday, the arc of Kate's life was redirected by an accidental blow to her neck from a playful 9-year-old boy. In an instant, she was paralyzed and immobile. That began Kate's two year journey of fear, faith, acceptance, and healing from total paralysis. Show Notes and Resources Where I End by Katherine Clark. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5444-where-i-end.aspx Katherine's interview on FamilyLife Today® https://www.familylife.com/podcast/series/where-i-end/

For 17-year-old Chelsea Sobolik, key signals of her passage into womanhood were late-very late. As she prepared to enter college, a visit with her physician confirmed Chelsea's worst fear: She was permanently infertile, born without a uterus. In this episode of Unfavorable Odds, Chelsea Sobolik reveals how this difficult diagnosis led her on a journey of self-discovery. Show Notes and Resources Longing For Motherhood by Chelsea Sobolik. https://shop.familylife.com/p-5417-longing-for-motherhood.aspx Chelsea's interview on FamilyLife Today®. https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-today/a-silent-sorrow/

Meg Miller and her husband Joe knew that marriage would be challenging, and Meg understood that, like many men, her husband might struggle with those classic "hidden sins." But she was confident that she would be able to handle those challenges if they came. Nevertheless, when Meg discovered pornography on the family computer, she was beyond devastated. Meg shares how a quiet bitterness in her heart that defied healing eventually led her to a stunning discovery about her own heart, and her own part in their martial brokenness. Hear how God used Meg Miller's husband's struggle with pornography to save their marriage, on this episode of Unfavorable Odds with Kim Anthony. Show Notes and Resources Benefit of the Debt by Meg Miller https://shop.familylife.com/p-5408-benefit-of-the-debt.aspx BenefitOfTheDebt.com FamilyLife Today® interview with Meg Miller: "My Husband’s Porn Use Saved Our Marriage". https://www.familylife.com/podcast/familylife-today/my-husbands-porn-use-saved-our-marriage/