Made New Podcast: Finding Freedom and Joy in Jesus

(Sensitive Content Warning) In our final episode of the Summer Stories mini-series, my friend Jodi bravely shares her story of overcoming the shame of sexual abuse. She was abused by her teacher at a Christian school, who later went on to plant and pastor churches, but her message is one of hope, healing from God, and the power of empathic community. She describes how she "buried" her trauma for decades, but how the Lord graciously began "unburying" and bringing the truth to the light. Our God graciously brings what has been kept in the dark into the light, for our healing, for our freedom, and for his glory. Emotional healing and freedom from shame do not happen quickly, but God faithfully gives us all that we need for the long journey. Listeners are encouraged to link arms with one another, and most importantly to look to the one, true Healer- Jesus Christ. Recommended Resources: Diane Langberg, PhD- https://www.dianelangberg.com/ Wade Mullen- https://wadetmullen.com/ (Jodi's story on his blog here: https://wadetmullen.com/jodis-story-of-surviving-sexual-abuse/) Justin Holcomb- https://justinholcomb.com/bio/ especially his book: "Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault"

We all need to know that we're not alone! We continue this summer mini-series all about freedom from shame and isolation, and we get to hear Emma share her journey with loss and a mental illness diagnosis. We discuss stigmas surrounding mental health within Christian circles, and she points to the hope and joy that God has brought her throughout her journey. I know this will encourage you as you listen! 

We all need to know that we're not alone. This new Summer Stories Mini-Series is all about freedom from shame and isolation as we hear other people's journeys and get to see God's faithfulness along the way. On this first episode of the mini-series, the editor of the Made New Podcast, Angela Nabors, shares her journey with unexpected (and initially unwanted) motherhood. You don't want to miss this candid and encouraging conversation!

On this season finale episode Candace and Myra share some lessons that God has taught them through this Made New podcast journey! They chat about the battle with control, worldly measures of success, remembering our identity in Christ, and the trap of people pleasing. Thank you to all of our listeners! This has been such a fun season. We'll see you soon for Season 2!

In this final episode of the Gospel Identity Series, Candace and Myra talk through Philippians 3:20-21 and how the reality of our heavenly citizenship shapes us! The hope of heaven is a secure promise for those in Christ, and it changes how we view the joys and sorrows of this world. We eagerly await the day that we will see our Savior face to face as we abide in him & gaze at him with spiritual eyes now. Article Reference: "Looking Forward to a Heaven We Can Imagine," Gavin Ortlund & Randy Alcorn Book Reference: Heaven, Randy Alcorn

Candace and Myra talk about our identity as being FREE in Christ, using Galatians 5:1 as the anchor verse. Sharing candidly from their own lives, they discuss some of the things we're free from, like shame, cyclical sin, and works-based righteousness. They also discuss some things we're freed to, like confidence in God's love, life in community, and Spirit-led obedience- which is our truest joy! Book Reference: Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners, Dane C. Ortlund Additional Resource: Talking Back to Purity Culture: Rediscovering Faithful Christian Sexuality, Rachel Joy Welcher

What does Hebrews 13:20-21 mean when it says, "May God...equip you with everything good that you may do his will"? This week Candace and Myra discuss our identity as equipped by God- both what he has already done and what he continues to do- and they delve into that tricky topic of knowing God's will for our lives! Book reference: In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character by Jen Wilkin Article reference: “Sisters, You Have Permission to Lead an Ordinary Life” by Melissa Kruger

What does it mean to be adopted into the family of God? Using Romans 8:14-16 as the anchor verses, Candace and Myra discuss this beautiful reality, made possible all because of Jesus, and how it impacts the way we relate to God and to others. *More to come on the practical out-workings of this spiritual reality, specifically orphan care and adoption. We love our (personal) partnership with My Village Ministries to support families in crisis! Book reference: Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison, Heather Holleman

Candace and Myra continue the series on gospel identity by discussing Ephesians 1:7-8 and what it means to be forgiven. We may know that God forgives us by grace alone, through Jesus alone, but how do we deeply believe and operate out of that on a daily basis? And how does believing that we are forgiven change how we approach God and how we treat others?

In this second episode Candace and Myra discuss 2 Corinthians 5:17 and what it means to be "made new in Christ" and what it doesn't mean. We live in the tension of the already and the not yet- we are given a whole new identity in Jesus, but we are still us, walking in the brokenness of this world and our sin nature. Does being made new mean our past doesn't matter, or that we don't have to reckon with it? How does the gospel give us hope and freedom to walk out this new identity?

Welcome! In this first episode Candace and Myra introduce themselves and the Made New podcast. They hope to point listeners to Jesus and live out the call in 1 Peter 2:9 to "proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."