Graced with Questions

We miss you all and are working to come back with some exciting, reviving, and new materials. Thank you for the Patience!

There is no better way to close the year without talking about hope in the midst of struggle, and beauty. Hope is not the absence of reality, but the presence of joy and the assurance in what is true. Join this yearly tradition with Deena and Grace closing out the year with stories of hope. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all and thank you for being part of our journey. We hope these episodes have also challenged and blessed you. We would like thank all of our amazing co-host (Deena, Hannah,Josh,Emma, Phebe, 2 guest cohosts and Grace). Note: we apologize in advance for the audio not being perfect due to an equipment issue at the time of recording. We still hope it blesses you. :)

We continue the insightful conversation from Pt.2 with Grace,Josh, and Deena. Forgiveness is available and it is relational not mechanic.

Those who were able to forgive their former enemies were also able to return to the outside world and rebuild their lives, no matter what the physical scars. Those who nursed their bitterness remained invalids. It was as simple and as horrible as that. In this episode,we continue our forgiveness series with Grace, Josh and Deena.

In this episode, we begin our journey on discussing forgiveness. This series by no means is easy, it is hard because it is touching sensitive aspects of our heart. Have grace with yourself and with us as we embark on this journey. We are excited to have Ruth Mathew, international non-profit expert, teacher, and leader join us for a powerful discussion on forgiveness. We explore various worldview on forgiveness and provide some scientific perspectives.

In this episode, Grace had the opportunity to close out the anger series with an honest, powerful, and beautiful discussion with our guest Javier Rodriguez, DJ, Pastor, and skateboarder. He came to wake us up with his powerful insight, lived-life experiences, and wisdom on how to deal with anger and live a life free of anger. You're going to be blessed. Come with an open heart and open mind.

Undealt anger can mask itself in various forms and resurface till we are honest with ourselves. In this episode, we continue our series on offense by addressing why we might still be angry over a situation that occurred in the past or present that we thought we dealt with, but the pain is still lingering. We explore some practical and psychological ideas and steps o uncover and address the pain and anger. Join us in the healing process.

Anger is not a sin, and we need to experience it because we are humans. Anger is a normal emotion with a very active impulse that can have a negative affect on our body if we don't learn how to regulate it. Anger can become rage and bitterness, which can cause damage to ourselves and others, but we don't want to shy away from addressing the realities of anger and why it is necessary. In this series, we get personal and discuss truths around anger. Join us. We always encourage everyone to process their “stuff” with a licensed therapist.

In part 3 of why we love, Josh, Emma, and Grace join hands to close out the series on Why we love with a powerful and insightful conversation on love and the world's problems. This episode tackles the complexities of love being a solution to the world's problems. We don't have all the answers but continue to create space for critical discussions and propose potential solutions. Let's continue to be challenged together.

Rejection can have deep and lasting impact particularly on self esteem and self confidence and this in turn can impact our ability to make healthy relationships decisions in the future - this can be a deeply damaging cycle. In this episode , we continue our series on why we love and specifically why we love when we feel rejected. Emma (our new co-host) and Grace had the privilege of collaborating with our guest Kimberlyn Abbey, founder of Agape Ministries.Kimberlyn Abbey and her husband are both survivors of the brutal 14-year civil war that engulfed Liberia beginning in December 1989. She and her husband are passionate about serving and giving to communities in Atlanta and other parts of the world.This powerful episode is full of gems and many moments of healing. We hope you leave this episode feeling more free to love.

Imagine love as a rope that ties people to one another. It can bend, shift and grow as we do. But what happens when the rope is torn? Do we sear the frayed edges in hate or do we repair the damage with forgiveness? Why must I love my neighbor, when hate is easier? Why must I show mercy when grudges hold more satisfaction? Why must I be the first to extend my hand when in the past I have been bitten? -Monologue by Hannah Mcintyre ( Co-Host of Graced with Questions) In Season 2 EP 1, we are excited to be back with 5 new ( Phebe, Deena, Emma, Hannah, and Tiwa) co-hosts in addition to Grace and Josh to unveil the difficult truths behind the heart. We are pursuing matters of the heart in this season, and we know it might get difficult for all of us but hang on. We are starting the season off with a series on "Why We Love". Grace is joined by Phebe on the first episode. We are excited to also add additional resources on the website ( gracedwithquestions.com) for more information. You are seen, loved, and worth it. Let's get this journey started!

It's been a powerful and insightful first season of Graced with Questions with amazing guests and discussions. Graced with Questions would like to thank you all for 500 downloads. All of your feedback and support truly blessed us. To close season one, Graced with Questions invited the phenomenal Deena Taylor, an entreprenture, creative, and a supporter/listener of Graced with Questions, to reflect on the year, holiday and for us to cast vision for the next season.

We continue our mental health series with part 2 conversation with Dr. Goodwill by addressing medication, therapy, and how the tribe supports our journey to healing. Dr.Janelle Goodwill is Researcher and Mental Health expert, and Assistant Professor at University of Chicago came to join Grace for an impactful conversation on mental health and the reality of our mental health in our generation.

Mental health awareness does not begin and end with a month. It is an intentional decision to prioritize your mental state well-being every day of your life. The state of our well-being is the engine for the excellent functioning of other aspects of our bodies and lives. On this episode of a 2-part series, does God care about our mental state? An answer we need to inform the vastness of God's character as a father and healer. We had the privilege of having Dr. Janelle Goodwill, Researcher and Mental Health expert, and Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago come to join Grace for an impactful conversation on mental health and outline the reality of our mental health in our generation. They also discuss how we can participate in the process of well-being. Join us on this impactful episode.

Grace and Josh conclude this series on God on the Stand with a personal reflection of their own faith journey. They briefly cover their evidence for why they still believe and why they choose to wrestle with God in moments of doubt. They recognize the power of the holy spirit in directing them to the truth. We hope this moves you to reflect on your “why”.

On this episode Grace and Josh had the privilege of inviting Brandon Washington, a theologian , Author, and Pastor to discuss the matter of God and justice. In our conversation, we dig into the concept of a Just God in an evil and suffering world. This conversation left us with deep insights and great hope for the future. We invite you to take a seat at the table to be encouraged by the powerful , knowledgeable and wise words spoken and explained by Brandon.

We continue on our journey examining the evidence for the existence of the Christian God. This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Yoder, Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, and the 2nd of the 4 part series. Please feel free to leave us questions and comments at gracedwithquestions.com. Leave a review on apple podcast and follow us at gracedwithquestions on instagram.

We now embark on a new journey for examining the evidence for the existence of the Christian God. We are excited and looking to uncover some of the evidence for and against the existence of God. We, your hosts, have also explored and struggled with the questions around the evidence for the existence of God, and at times, have doubted. Thus, we understand and know the significance of the questions around the existence of God. We want you to bring your questions and an open heart to the table, and to be safe at the table. Josh and Grace are privileged to have Dr. Yoder, Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary join us for 2 episodes of the 4 part series on the evidence for the existence of the Christian God. This episode is Part 1, and Part 2 is coming in July! Please feel free to leave us questions and comments at gracedwithquestions.com. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us at #gracedwithquestions on Instagram.

In this episode, we finish off our truth series by addressing the topic of disagreement. Disagreement often leads us to feel terrible and uncomfortable, but there are ways we can enter into disagreement without the loss of our human dignity. This discussion was rich and filled with grace. We hope you leave this conversation with strong principles and tangible skills in the way you engage with others. Here some of the tangible points for your reflection: What are ideal steps that can be taken when you are engaged in a conversation that is triggering and difficult for either party? Does knowing and finding truth matter to you? The goal is not... It is not to necessarily agree, but to engage in critical discourse that will allow for true listening and engagement. It is not to necessarily compromise on your belief, but to show grace to the individual and/groups of people you are engaging with. It is not to simply prove your rightness and knowledge It is not to be hostile It is not further disgrace and dehumanize the human you are engaging with It is not to sympathize The goal is….. It is to identity where your biases have limited and clouded your understanding of the other human It is to also recognize how your privilege and power might dominate the conversation It is recognise how your cultural, social and environment has shaped your ideas and beliefs It is to establish the fundamental rule of human dignity It is to create a space and brave space It is to empathize When engaging in these conversations ( your are addressing a person not a question), it is important to consider these points of yourself and consider of the other person: Are you willing to listen? Or do you only want to be heard? Or can we do both? How well do you know yourself? How did you come to believe the things you hold close to your heart and your identity? Why do those things hold such strong influence in your life? What foundations do your beliefs stand on? Can it be discussed with others? If so, are you willing to be honest? Who influences your daily consumption of ideas and thoughts? What are the personal beliefs, values, and stereotypes you hold about the other person or group? How are your triggers and bad experiences influencing your ability to perceive truth ? What fears do you hold that are rooted in lies or truth? What does honesty and truth look like to you?

We all participate in “cancel culture” one way or another. It is also called disassociation. Cancel culture can be good or bad. It is not simplistic in its nature, but warrants careful discussion that takes into account, power, privilege, accountability, abuse, wrong and right. In this episode, we address the complexities of cancel culture and its impact on our society. Take this journey with us and let us know what you think….it is an evolving conversation.

Is Truth relevant now? And do we need to save it? In many ways, that question should be an easy answer because we are dependent on the Truth to function in our daily lives. In this episode, we explore the concepts of saving Truth for the present and the future. We also discuss the critical point in cultivating Truth in a safe and brave community. Join us in our exploration of saving Truth.

“The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth”. Truth is the bedrock in which society is able to thrive, live, and be free. True justice is predicated on knowing, living, and speaking the truth. Our education, justice, healthcare, and other institutions cannot properly function without truth as a fundamental. In the episode, we go on a journey of understanding and exploring what makes something true and how others for centuries have explored the concept of truth. Take a seat at the table and let's explore the truth.