Faith Over Fear: A Testimony of God's Healing, Protection, and Unconditional Love

Faith Conversations with Sarah Rose | Special Guest: Lorita Crofford

What happens when life takes an unexpected turn, when doctors are uncertain of the outcome, and when fear threatens to take over? Where do we turn?

In this episode of Fearlessly Unshackled Faith Conversations, I had the privilege of visiting with Lorita Crofford.

What started as a conversation about family, horses, rodeo, and growing up in South Dakota became a beautiful testimony of God's faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the importance of sharing the love of Jesus with others.

Lorita's story reminds us that God is present in every season of our lives, even when we don't recognize His hand at work.

A Foundation of Love and Faith

Lorita grew up in Pierre, South Dakota, surrounded by a loving family, horses, rodeos, and a strong sense of community.

Her parents, Willie and Dolores, raised four children and created a home filled with love and encouragement.

Lorita shared something that really stood out to me. Growing up, they didn't realize they were poor. They had horses, food on the table, and a family that loved them.

Most importantly, her parents made their children believe they could accomplish whatever they see their hearts on. As we talked, Lorita recognized something many people don't always think about. Not everyone grows up experiencing unconditional love from their earthly parents. And when someone hasn't experienced that kind of love, it can sometimes be difficult for them to understand the unconditional love of their Heavenly Father.

God's love isn't dependent on our performance, our past, or our perfection. His love is unconditional.

Lorita was blessed to experience that love through her family, and it became part of the foundation of her faith.

The People Who Pave the Way

Horses and rodeo were a significant part of Lorita's life. She competed in college rodeo, participated in roping and other events, and developed lifelong friendships along the way. As we talked about the growth of women's breakaway roping and the opportunities available to young women today, Lorita shared an important perspective.

We need to remember and appreciate the people who came before us. The people who sacrificed, persevered, and opened doors that others now walk through. That conversation led us to reflect on something even greater. Think about the disciples who followed Jesus. After His death and resurrection, they were called to go into the world and share the Good News. They didn't have social media, podcasts, television, or the technology we have today. They simply had faith, obedience, and a willingness to go. And because people continued sharing the message of Jesus, generation after generation, we have the opportunity to know Him today.

What an incredible reminder that our willingness to share our faith can have an impact far beyond what we will ever see.

We may never know whose life will be changed because we chose to speak about Jesus.

When God Uses Someone Else to Grow Our Faith

Lorita grew up attending church, but she shared that it was actually her husband, Bob, who encouraged her to begin reading the Bible for herself. While Bob was attending lineman school in Mitchell, South Dakota, the couple didn't have a television. One day, Bob went out and purchased a Bible and began reading it. Lorita had attended church throughout her life, but she hadn't spent much time personally reading God's Word. Watching Bob develop that desire encouraged her to do the same.

I love that part of her story.

Sometimes God uses the people closest to us to help us grow in ways we didn't even realize we needed.

Today, Lorita and Bob attend Black Hills Cowboy Church near the South Dakota–Wyoming border.

What began as a small gathering in a barn has grown into a thriving church community with multiple services.

Lorita also participates in a Wednesday morning Bible study. She shared how important it is to surround ourselves with people who love Jesus, encourage us, and help fill us spiritually.

And isn't that true?

The world can drain us.

We face challenges, distractions, responsibilities, and uncertainty.

But when we gather with other believers, we can be strengthened and reminded of God's goodness.

A Life Marked by God's Protection

Throughout our conversation, Lorita shared several experiences where she believes God's hand was protecting her. When she was just a year old, she fell out of a moving vehicle and suffered a broken leg. A stranger happened to be nearby, and the family was close to a hospital. Later in life, she experienced a serious reaction after exposure to a livestock treatment product that affected her ability to walk and caused paralysis-like symptoms. She recovered, and looking back, she sees God's grace and protection throughout those experiences.

But one of her most powerful testimonies came from a medical crisis that nearly took her life.

A Fall From a Horse That Changed Everything

About eight years before our conversation, Lorita was riding horses with her grandson on their ranch.

They were riding up a hill toward a large rock overlooking the countryside when a bird suddenly flew up and startled the horses. Her horse quickly turned, and Lorita fell onto a rock. She got back up, continued riding, and initially thought little of the incident.

But over the next several days, she began feeling increasingly ill.

She had a barrel race coming up and hoped she could get feeling better in time to compete. She sought treatment, continued working, and tried to push through the discomfort. Meanwhile, her husband Bob was working near the Canadian border. During one of their evening phone calls, Bob noticed something alarming.

Lorita was slurring her words. She dismissed his concern, thinking it might be a bad phone connection.

But Bob knew something wasn't right. He contacted his boss and asked him to check on her.

At the same time, Lorita's sisters became concerned and began traveling from Pierre to see her.

Looking back, Lorita sees how God was bringing people together to help her at exactly the right time.

When the Doctors Didn't Know the Outcome

Eventually, Lorita drove herself to the emergency room in Spearfish. She thought she might receive something for the pain and be sent home. Instead, doctors discovered a severe infection. The fall had led to an abscess in her psoas muscle, deep in her hip. The infection had spread, affecting her spine and leading to spinal meningitis, sepsis, and other serious complications.

She needed specialized medical care. Because Rapid City was unable to accept her at that time, Lorita was flown to Sioux Falls. Her family gathered around her as doctors explained the seriousness of her condition.

The outcome was uncertain. Lorita became unresponsive for approximately two weeks.

But while she was unable to respond, something powerful was happening around her.

People were praying.

Her husband, sisters, family members, friends, and people who had never even met her were lifting her up in prayer.

Through social media and word of mouth, the requests continued spreading.

And Lorita believes those prayers made a difference.

When she eventually regained consciousness, her recovery continued through specialized treatment and an extended course of antibiotics.

She credits God's grace, the prayers of others, and the medical care she received for bringing her through that frightening experience. What touched me was how she described those weeks when she was unresponsive.

She didn't share a dramatic vision or an extraordinary supernatural experience. She simply believed she was resting while God was healing her. And what a beautiful picture of trust that is.

Sometimes we don't know what God is doing.

Sometimes we can't see the work taking place.

But that doesn't mean He isn't present.

The Power of Prayer and the Promise of God's Presence

As Lorita shared her testimony, I was reminded of Psalm 91.

Psalm 91:1–2 (NIV)

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

The passage continues with a beautiful reminder that God is our refuge and fortress.

Think about that.

A refuge is a place of safety.

A fortress is a place of protection.

When life becomes overwhelming, when fear begins to rise, and when circumstances seem beyond our control, we can turn to our Heavenly Father.

Lorita's family didn't know what the outcome of her medical crisis would be.

But they knew who they could turn to.

They prayed.

They trusted.

They stood together in faith.

And today, Lorita is sharing her testimony of healing and recovery.

I believe that's one of the most beautiful things about testimonies.

What God brings us through can become encouragement for someone else who is still walking through their own storm.

Put On the Armor of God Every Morning

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was when Lorita shared her morning routine.

Before she even gets out of bed, she tries to begin her day by thanking God and putting on the full armor of God.

She reflected on Ephesians 6:10–18 and the importance of being spiritually prepared for whatever the day may bring.

The belt of truth.

The breastplate of righteousness.

The shoes of peace.

The shield of faith.

The helmet of salvation.

And the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

What a powerful way to begin each morning!

Before we pick up our phones, turn on the news, or allow the demands of the day to consume our thoughts, what if we first prepared ourselves spiritually? We don't know what challenges the day may bring. But we know who goes with us.

Lorita reminded us that fear can become overwhelming when we forget the power and authority we have through Jesus Christ.

And that led to a simple but powerful declaration.

Faith Over Fear

Lorita shared a phrase she loves so much that she wants it on a T-shirt.

FAITH OVER FEAR.

Three simple words.

But what a powerful way to live.

Fear tells us we can't.

Faith reminds us that God can.

Fear tells us we're alone.

Faith reminds us that God will never leave us.

Fear tells us the situation is impossible.

Faith reminds us that nothing is impossible with God.

During our conversation, I shared how God has been calling me to step into new opportunities that sometimes feel frightening.

Even when we believe God is leading us, we can still hesitate.

We question whether we're ready.

We wonder whether we're capable.

We allow fear to convince us to remain where we're comfortable.

But what if the very thing we're afraid to step into is the thing God has been preparing us for?

We cannot allow fear to keep us from using the gifts God has placed within us.

Lorita reminded me that faith doesn't mean we never experience fear.

It means we choose to trust God rather than allow fear to control our decisions.

You May Be the Only Bible Someone Ever Reads

Toward the end of our conversation, Lorita shared something I hope everyone takes to heart.

"You may be the only Bible somebody ever reads."

What a powerful thought.

Not everyone is going to walk into a church.

Not everyone is going to open a Bible.

Not everyone is going to listen to a sermon or podcast.

But people are watching how we live.

They're watching how we treat others.

They're watching how we respond when life becomes difficult.

And they're watching whether the love of Jesus is reflected through us.

Lorita loves talking with people, whether she's at church, in a store, or even filling her vehicle with gas.

We laughed about the possibility of her asking someone at the gas pump whether they've accepted Jesus as their Savior!

But behind that laughter was a beautiful message.

Sharing Jesus doesn't have to be complicated.

It doesn't require a stage, a microphone, or a podcast.

Sometimes it begins with a simple conversation.

A smile.

An encouraging word.

A willingness to listen.

Or an opportunity to share what God has done in our lives.

We never know how God might use one conversation to change someone's eternity.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Come to Jesus

Lorita also shared a message that I believe so many people need to hear. You don't have to become perfect before coming to Jesus.

You don't have to fix everything in your life first.

You don't have to have all the answers.

You simply need to recognize your need for a Savior and place your faith in Him.

As she explained, we can make salvation seem much more complicated than it is. Jesus has already paid the price for our sins. He invites us into a relationship with Him.

And through that relationship, He begins transforming our lives.

Lorita also reminded us that accepting Jesus is not simply about knowing we will spend eternity with Him.

It's about learning to walk in His promises today.

It's about replacing the lies of the enemy with God's truth.

It's about understanding that we are loved, forgiven, accepted, and never abandoned by our Heavenly Father.

John 8:32 reminds us:

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (NIV)

We cannot walk confidently in God's truth if we don't know what His Word says about us.

That's why spending time in Scripture, praying, and growing in our relationship with Jesus matters so much.

Your Testimony Has a Purpose

As our conversation came to a close, I was reminded again why God placed Fearlessly Unshackled Faith Conversations on my heart.

Everyone has a story.

Not every testimony involves a life-threatening illness or a dramatic moment.

Sometimes our testimony is simply how God helped us through a difficult day.

How He gave us peace when we were anxious.

How He provided when we didn't know what to do.

Or how He placed someone in our path at just the right time.

Lorita's story is a reminder that God can use every season of our lives for His glory.

And when we share what He has done, we give someone else a reason to hope.

Revelation 12:11 reminds us of the power of testimony and overcoming through the blood of the Lamb.

Your story matters because it points people to Jesus.

A Final Encouragement: Choose Faith Over Fear

Maybe you're reading this today and facing a situation that feels overwhelming.

Maybe you're waiting for healing.

Maybe you're concerned about someone you love.

Maybe you're afraid to step into something God has placed on your heart.

Or maybe you've never truly experienced the unconditional love of your Heavenly Father.

I want to encourage you with the same reminder that came through this beautiful conversation.

God sees you.

God loves you.

God hears your prayers.

And you don't have to face life alone.

Put on your armor.

Stand on His Word.

Surround yourself with people who will pray with you and encourage you.

And when fear begins to whisper, remind yourself:

FAITH OVER FEAR.

Not because life will always be easy.

Not because we will never experience hardship.

But because our hope is in Jesus Christ, who promises never to leave or forsake us.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your unconditional love, Your grace, and Your faithfulness.

Thank You for the testimony Lorita shared and for the reminder that You are present with us through every season of life.

Lord, I pray for every person reading this today. For those who are hurting, bring comfort. For those who are afraid, strengthen their faith. For those who are facing illness, we ask for Your healing touch, wisdom for their medical teams, and peace through the process.

Help us to recognize Your presence even when we cannot see what You are doing.

Give us courage to step into the purpose You have placed on our lives.

Help us put on Your armor each day, stand firmly on Your promises, and share Your love with the people around us.

May our lives reflect Your goodness, and may our testimonies bring others closer to You.

In Jesus' mighty name,

Amen.

Watch or Listen to the Full Faith Conversation

I am so grateful to Lorita Crofford for joining me and sharing her heart, her testimony, and her love for Jesus.

Her story is a beautiful reminder that we serve a faithful God and that our testimonies have the power to encourage others.

I invite you to watch or listen to our full conversation and share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

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