Have you ever been chased by grace or marked by love? In this powerful episode, Crystal Mayo shares how a burn while pulling a pizza from the oven left her with a heart-shaped scar—one that became a tangible reminder of God’s relentless love. From that moment on, she began noticing hearts everywhere—on leaves, in strawberries, even in the clouds—as if grace itself was chasing her down.
Years earlier, Crystal survived a massive stroke at just 38 years old, an experience that began reshaping how she understood identity, purpose, and God’s presence in suffering.
Identity Marked by Love
Before her stroke, Crystal found her identity in achievement—planning events, serving tirelessly, and striving to get everything right.
Though she knew God’s love in her head, she often found her worth in ministry performance rather than intimacy with the Master Himself. Her stroke brought all of that to a halt and began a new journey: one from working for God to walking with Him.
In our conversation, we chat about:
- What happens when everything you depend on is stripped away
- The freedom of releasing control and perfectionism
- Learning to be present instead of performing
- Reaching for the hem of Jesus’ garment (even in her husband’s closet!)
- Rhythms of grace for living healed and whole
- The quiet impact of her mother’s grace-filled life
If you’ve ever struggled with your identity, battled burnout, or wondered who you are beyond what you do, this episode will remind you of the relentless love that chases you down and marks you as His.
💬 Marked by Love Grace Quotes from Crystal Mayo:
“I heard four words. He said, ‘I will restore you.’ Those four words became a lifeline.”
“Through the pain and the scars I will be with you.”
“In our hard moments, there is Jesus. We can cling to the hem of his garment. We can choose to be like I was and hold it all in or we can reach out to Him.”
Marked by Love Scriptures Mentioned:
Luke 8:43-48 (The woman with the bleeding issue)
Genesis 32:22-31 (Jacob wrestling with God)
Resources Mentioned:
🌿 Stroke Awareness with Free Download
🌿 Lucy’s Home book and coloring book
🎶 Crystal’s go-to grace song: Somebody Like You by Rachael Lampa with Andrew Ripp
Connect with Crystal Mayo:
Website: crystalhmayo.com
Instagram: @crystalhmayo
Facebook: @chmayo
YouTube: @crystalcancreate
Related Episodes:
Ep. 25 Divine Detour and Deepened Faith | Lori Ann Wood
Ep. 45 Embracing Grace: A Summer in the Psalms | Psalm 91
Ep. 10 Scars of Grace: Embracing Our Woundedness | Russell Joyce
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