On this episode of Our American Stories, it was initially hard for Joleen Lievaart to embrace her newborn nephew. After years of struggling with infertility, the trip to the hospital felt more like an obligation than a celebration. But over time, Joleen came to embrace her nephew both literally and figuratively, discovering what it truly meant to become a loving great-aunt. We'd like to thank our regular contributor, Leslie Leyland Fields, for suggesting this story.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, it was initially hard for Joleen Lievaart to embrace her newborn nephew. After years of struggling with infertility, the trip to the hospital felt more like an obligation than a celebration. But over time, Joleen came to embrace her nephew both literally and figuratively, discovering what it truly meant to become a loving great-aunt. We'd like to thank our regular contributor, Leslie Leyland Fields, for suggesting this story.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

She Didn’t Want to Hold Her Nephew at First

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5471f78d-a794-47b9-b1bc-b44a000278b6/transcript

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On this episode of Our American Stories, Kemmons Wilson Jr. grew up in one of America’s most successful business families after his father founded Holiday Inn. But after decades in business, mentorship, and Christian discipleship, Wilson says success belongs far lower on the priority list than most people think. In this installment of our Faith in Action series, the Memphis business leader reflects on friendship, faith, marriage, mentorship, and why “business comes sixth.”

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, Kemmons Wilson Jr. grew up in one of America&rsquo;s most successful business families after his father founded Holiday Inn. But after decades in business, mentorship, and Christian discipleship, Wilson says success belongs far lower on the priority list than most people think. In this installment of our Faith in Action&nbsp;series, the Memphis business leader reflects on friendship, faith, marriage, mentorship, and why &ldquo;business comes sixth.&rdquo;
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

The Memphis Business Leader Who Puts Business Last

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/76220836-7217-4d1b-b280-b44a00027874/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, before the Bald Eagle became America’s national symbol, the rattlesnake represented the spirit of the American colonies. After all, it was a uniquely American and dangerous animal unfamiliar to most Europeans, and the design of its rattle lent itself perfectly to political symbolism. Benjamin Franklin used the snake in his famous “Join, or Die” political cartoon, and during the Revolutionary War, the image evolved into the iconic “Don’t Tread On Me” Gadsden Flag. Our American Stories regular contributor Ashley Hlebinsky shares the surprising backstory behind one of America’s most recognizable flags.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, before the Bald Eagle became America&rsquo;s national symbol, the rattlesnake represented the spirit of the American colonies. After all, it was a uniquely American and dangerous animal unfamiliar to most Europeans, and the design of its rattle lent itself perfectly to political symbolism. Benjamin Franklin used the snake in his famous &ldquo;Join, or Die&rdquo; political cartoon, and during the Revolutionary War, the image evolved into the iconic &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Tread On Me&rdquo; Gadsden Flag.&nbsp;Our American Stories&nbsp;regular contributor Ashley Hlebinsky shares the surprising backstory behind one of America&rsquo;s most recognizable flags.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Don’t Tread On Me: The Origins of the Gadsden Flag

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f0651277-8a80-4965-a8bb-b44a00027870/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, after Jason Rivera was killed responding to a domestic violence call in Harlem, New York, his wife Dominique stood before mourners at St. Patrick's Cathedral and shared the story of their young marriage. In this moving National Police Week eulogy, Dominique remembers the everyday routines, arguments, laughter, and love she shared with the 22-year-old NYPD detective whose life was cut short far too soon.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, after Jason Rivera was killed responding to a domestic violence call in Harlem, New York, his wife Dominique stood before mourners at St. Patrick's Cathedral and shared the story of their young marriage. In this moving National Police Week eulogy, Dominique remembers the everyday routines, arguments, laughter, and love she shared with the 22-year-old NYPD detective whose life was cut short far too soon.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

The Final Conversation Between NYPD Officer Jason Rivera and His Wife

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d51d0c3d-faf1-4412-8132-b44a00027874/transcript

She Didn’t Want to Hold Her Nephew at First

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