Crystal Mayo: Faith, Community & Life After a Stroke

May is Stroke Awareness Month.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Crystal Mayo, a storyteller for the soul whose life took an unexpected turn when she suffered a stroke at just 38. Crystal shares how her faith, deeply rooted in her upbringing in a beauty shop, gave her strength through recovery. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the role of therapy (including pet therapy) in her healing journey, and how it all led to the creation of Lucy’s Home.

Now a children’s author, Crystal uses her experiences to inspire hope while managing the everyday realities of life—deadlines, dishes, and a hungry dog. We also discuss the warning signs of stroke, the power of community in overcoming hardships, and why we will always be happier when we follow God's guidance.

You can find more about Crystal at https://www.crystalhmayo.com/

For more on Stroke Awareness Month: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-the-american-stroke-association/stroke-awareness-month

A conversation with stroke survivor, Lori Vober: https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/choose-good-when-unexpected-happens-with-lori-vober

Memorable Quotes from Crystal:

“When modern medicine has no answers, Jesus is the One you turn to and He’s the Great Physician.”

“When you can’t do what you did before, you have to listen in a different way.”

“You don’t have the same circles you have when you go through a trauma.”

“My community became everything.”

“Only God in His loving grace would give me something that I didn’t think I needed, but I would definitely have to have in my recovery.”

“Sometimes we may walk through something that is hard, but I believe God gives us grace to walk through those difficult times.”

“Whatever He’s calling you to, you’re going to be the most fulfilled and happy if you’re walking in that calling.”

Stroke Warning Signs F.A.S.T. – Face drooping. Arm weakness. Speech difficulty. Time to call 911.