Podcasts about Belonging

(Part 1 of 2) Candace Williams talks about her term as co-leader of the Women Business Resource Group at Novant Health. Learn why their work was awarded the #1 spot at the national Impact Awards. Then join us for Part 2 where Candace shares how BRG leadership impacted her and how that's opening up new opportunities for her.Ashleigh Hargrave  00:05Welcome to mosaic, your Novant Health podcast for diversity, inclusion and equity. You'll learn more about the mosaic of similarities and differences that make us stronger, and how health equity benefits us all. Piece by piece, we're telling the stories of the beautiful mosaic of Novant Health. Becky Knight  00:24Hello, happy to have you with us for this episode of mosaic, where we focus on what Novant Health is doing in the areas of diversity, inclusion and equity. This episode will highlight the work of our Women's Business Resource Group or BRG at Novant Health. All of our BRGs are impactful and so so instrumental in embedding our value of diversity, inclusion and equity in every aspect of our organization. And the Women BRG is our most award winning. Their mission statement is the women BRG strives to offer a safe place for hard topics, a resource to gain tools for self-care and a place to increase skill, confidence and competence for team members in reaching their professional goals. And they have done just that. With me today is Candace Williams, who recently completed her term as Co- leader of the Women BRG, here to talk about how the BRG impacted our team members, and also how leadership impacted her personally and professionally. Candace, welcome, so glad to have you on this episode. Can you begin by telling us a bit about yourself and your role at Novant Health? Candace Williams  01:27Thanks so much, Becky. As you said, my name is Candace Williams, I serve as Director of Patient Advocacy and health humanities. What that means is I have the pleasure of supporting work across the organization that supports our patients and their loved ones. I think at Novant Health we're all advocates. And my role, I get to do things like our patient rights video in English and in Spanish to make sure our patients understand their rights, support our community voice patient family advisory councils, which is a way that we bring the voice of patients and loved ones in as we're making decisions and coming up with ways to better care for our patients. And then on the health community side, really the pleasure of the arts, bringing the arts into our facilities, partnering with other teams, like guests and volunteer services. And recently we've begun installing murals in our parking decks just to create a new environment. So it's about the patient and family member experience, and a team member experience and how can we use art to impact that? Becky Knight  02:31And Candace, you just ended a very successful term as C0-leader of the Women's BRG here at Novant Health. In 2020, the BRG placed number two at the impact Awards, which are a national recognition, and in 2021, you took the top spot -- number one! What did that moment feel like and what was running through your mind? Candace Williams  02:52Going into it, Becky, all we knew was that we were in the top 25. We didn't know where we fell in the top 25. We just knew we were there. And honestly, in 2021, I was feeling a lot of pressure. Because when you've been number two, where do you go the next year? you want number one! And so in my mind, I thought, Is it even possible could it be but this is what we want. We want to continue to improve and get better. So there was just a lot of anxiety. So as the countdown was happening, I was absolutely on pins and needles. I was actually in the car driving my youngest daughter back from college for the weekend and was listening in. And the closer we got like I'm screaming in the car, I'm making all sorts of noise in the car. And when we got to I think it was like number four, number five, and we still hadn't been called. I very wisely pulled over at a rest stop because I was kind of losing it and pulled over the rest stop. And I'm just sitting there just waiting. And when they said when they announced the number two spot, which meant we were the number one spot. I absolutely lost it. I was screaming, I was crying. My daughter was like looking at me like it was also strange. It was amazing. It was so amazing to hear that. And I think at some point during the night, I thought am I right? Like, I think we're in the top 25. But the numbers are still going down and they haven't gotten to us yet. Like it was very surreal. It was an awesome experience. Becky Knight  04:18Yes, that was very exciting. And you definitely, I recall, kind of putting out the intention of you wanted to be number one, and you would share that on calls. And so what did you do to earn the number one spot what was the work that was recognized?  Candace Williams  04:35Definitely was believing for that number one spot and we were saying it all the time as a BRG and just were really amazed when it happened. In terms of work itself, we saw an opportunity to create something for our team members frontline through supervisory roles. Now, while Novant Health has a training and personal development available, we really saw an opportunity to leverage some existing training. It was available in sort of a self-paced way and really create some accountability. And the way we did that was by selecting specific modules that we thought would help a team member who wanted to grow in their career. We also set specific timelines there were, there were timelines by which certain things had to be completed. We worked with this company to provide coaching sessions for our team members. So as an organization, Novant Health would cover team members to coaching sessions for free. And additional coaching sessions were $10 Each, we wanted to make sure that even that $10 wasn't an obstacle. So we agreed and determined that we would support any team member who needed that assistance with that $10. So that that even wouldn't be an obstacle for the team members. And so it was really amazing the feedback we received from those who participated in it, because they weren't taking advantage of what was already there. So instead of us we thought about do we want to build something from scratch, but we didn't need to completely reinvent the wheel, what we needed to do was present it in a way, like I said, that created that buy in, that created that level of accountability that encouraged people to take advantage of coaching, which is so valuable, and so many people don't understand the value of it. And so everybody who participated, agreed to a certain number of coaching sessions, a certain number of modules to work on resumes, and interviewing skills, and all those things. And so I think it really produced something wonderful. And those who participated gave wonderful feedback about it. Becky Knight  06:34That is, that is, yeah, great work, and was so thrilled that it was recognized, and I think sets the standard for what other people and other companies can do for their team members. And I like what you said about you don't necessarily have to reinvent it, but customize it. Know who, who your members are and what they need and create something that is accessible and relevant to that was so well done. And you did have a lot of other things that you did during your two years. When you look back, are there other moments that stand out as meaningful? Candace Williams  07:15Yeah, there are lots of things are a few things. One that I think about is how we work together to really build an eboard. When I first joined the women's BRG, it was really me and the other leader at the time, who was wonderful, but it was really just the two of us when I joined. And so we saw an opportunity to really create opportunities for other women, our organization to grow by being able to step up into these leadership roles. So I'm really proud of where we landed with this amazing group of women serving together to make things happen. Another thing that I'm really proud of is the speakers that we've been able to bring to our BRG. As I mentioned before, we're really focused on personal and professional development. So we've been able to look out at the year ahead, what are the things that we can do for our members, we've surveyed our members to hear what's important to them as well, and have just brought some really powerful speakers. One of the things at the end of each call that we ask them to do is to give us a call to action, what's the call to action for everyone who's participated on the call, because sometimes you can hear someone and you don't know what to do if they've said 15 things. What do you do? What's the one thing? So I'm really proud of the speakers, and that commitment to make sure all of our members leave each call with something specific that we want them to commit to being able to do. Another opportunity that serving open for me and for Candace Whitfield, who co-chaired with me until we both gave the opportunity to others, is that we've been able to actually speak at a local university to their women in graduate programs. And that's been amazing. And I know that that was a door that was open because of the BRG very proud, like I said, of the surveys being able to survey our members for what they want, what do they need? How do they feel about the things that took place throughout the year we send out a survey and after every meeting and invite feedback and we take the time to look at that and have it helped us shape the next year. And then the final thing I'll share is I had the honor of serving and representing Novant Health at the ERG and councils conference this year on a panel that talked about BRGs and was able to share with BRG leaders really across the world about what we're doing here at Novant Health and that was really awesome. Becky Knight  09:33All right, well, we will end there for now and continue our discussion on the next episode, where we will hear from Candace and how the BRG leadership experience impacted her. And what's next for her. I hope you'll join us Ashleigh Hargrave  09:51Thanks for listening to mosaic your podcast for diversity, inclusion and equity and Novant Health. Stay tuned for our next exciting episode.

In the wake of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX, I'm dancing in the discomfort Zone with you all.  Trying to figure out, how do we all live on this planet together?  Everyone is calling for action, and I agree, but what action, I don't know.  Policy?  Sure, but what policy and how do we protect everyone's rights and still protect everyone's lives?  It's an interesting challenge.So in this episode, I reflect on some reading I've done lately (Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell is the one I talk about in this episode, https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Strangers-Should-about-People/dp/0316478520)  I reflect on belonging.  I reflect on doing better.  I apologize ahead of time if my thoughts seem rambly...I don't have answers or clear thoughts right now, but I know I want to do the best I can all the time, and here's an idea of how I can do what is 100% within my control.  Good luck out there.  Be kind, eat your veggies, drink your water, and know you're loved

Daniella Mestyanek Young is an American author and speaker born into the religious cult The Children of God. Daniella served as an Intelligence Officer in the US Army for over six years, making the rank of Captain, and became one of the first women in US Army history to conduct deliberate ground combat operations when she volunteered to serve on a Female Engagement Team. She is a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Medal. Daniella lives with her husband and daughter in Maryland and is a candidate for a Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Harvard Extension School. Daniella's first book, UNCULTURED: A Memoir of Cults, War, and Belonging, is being published by St. Martin's Press on September 20th, 2022. Daniella shares with Rachel some insights behind the stories in her book Uncultured, more than a memoir about an exceptional upbringing, but about a woman who, no matter the lack of tools given to her, is determined to overcome. Throughout her story, Daniella draws parallels between her life as a child in the Children of God commune and her time as an adult in the U.S. military. Pointing out the stunning similarities in rape culture in both organizations. She goes on to explain the dangerous deification of the U.S. Army, and the cult-like devotion and martyrdom expected of its soldiers Before you Go: Rachel reflects on her experiences with Children of God survivors over the years, explaining the difficulties of "learning life as a second language" for those who have left the high control groups they were born into. You can pre-order Daniella's book Uncultured here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57290004-uncultured Visit her website here: https://www.uncultureyourself.com/ Watch Daniella's TEDx talk here: https://youtu.be/96gBf6LNxa4 Thanks to all of our newest Patreon supporters: Brooke Parker, Kerry Stout, Laura Ollanketo, Kylie Quilliam, Lisa Shklovsky, Jo March, Stephanie Roberts, Chelsea Fralick, Pamela Kyssa, Justine Fernandes, Shira Stanford-Asiyo, Michele Fullarton and Franny Yep To help support the show monthly and get bonus episodes, shirts, and tote bags, please visit: www.patreon.com/indoctrination Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link: www.paypal.me/indoctrination You can help the show for free by leaving a rating on Spotify or Apple/ iTunes. It really helps the visibility of the show!

Today I am in conversation with someone whose work inspires me so much even more after this conversation we had. With a gentle and big heart, today I am in conversation with Anesu Mbizvo. Anesu is medical doctor currently working as a yoga teacher and yoga studio owner in Johannesburg South Africa. She has a wealth of yoga teaching experience and has been teaching vinyasa, hatha, meditation and yin yoga for roughly 6 years. She is also the proud founder and co-owner of The Nest Space Yoga Studio and Wellness Center, which is built around the ethos of inclusivity- showing her community that yoga is for all bodies regardless of color, ability, size, age, gender or sexual orientation. The studio offers daily yoga and meditation classes as well as holistic therapies such as reiki, reflexology, massage and hypnotherapy to their clients and is the first of its kind in South Africa. Expanding on all of her past experiences, Anesu also provides talks about a variety of holistic health and employee wellness focused topics to wellness teams and executives in the corporate sector and is a weekly featured guest on the “Wellness Corner” segment of the SAFM radio show, Sound Awake. In our conversation today we talk about her childhood experience of finding belonging, challenges with identity to finding her own internal validation, life lessons from being part of the survivor S8 experience and her spiritual and entrepreneurial journey. This is my conversation with Anesu Mbizvo Watch and listen to the episode on YouTube here or search for Lerato Sekanka. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Follow Anesu Mbzvo's work: Dr Anesu Mbizvo on social media: @dranesumbizvo THE NEST SPACE on social media: @thenestspaceza ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Follow Living Content's work: Sign up to receive my newsletters here Produced and Hosted by Lerato Sekanka Follow the podcast on Instagram @livingcontentpodcast Our website www.livingcontent.co.za DISCLAIMER: Do not treat the content here as a substitute for therapy or seeking professional help. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/livingcontentpodcast/message

Ultimately, an effective prayer life has to be built around our personal fellowship with our Father. Think about it, how can you honestly fellowship with someone you're really not sure of? Remember what Jesus said, “Only Believe”

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The past 2 years have been a challenge for leaders to engage and motivate their team members. The great resignation proved that employees have the option to choose their desired career paths. Thus, organizational leaders should devise ways to prevent turnover and keep  employees.On today's podcast episode we interview Deanna Figurito, Founder and Lead Coach of DFig Connects Coaching and Consulting.Today's topics are locked-in on the implementation, benefits, and significant effects of ERGs or Employee Resource Groups to improve employee engagement and talent retention.Read FULL summary here!

Today, Kate and Jim are joined by one of the most important figures behind the England men's team's recent success - it's performance coach and author, Owen Eastwood!Owen's book ‘Belonging: The Ancient Code of Togetherness' charts the ideas, influences and techniques behind a hugely successful career that's taken him from the All Blacks rugby team to NATO and now England's national team, as he looks to improve culture and togetherness among the world's best teams. Today, he talks about how the notion of whakapapa has guided his journey, how impressive Gareth Southgate really is behind the scenes and what takeaways we can all apply to our everyday lives. Owen's book is now available to pre-order in paperback here! Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From our Easter series, Belonging John 5:1-9

When it comes to true and lasting inner transformation, context is critical. If we want to stay open to growth, trust and safety are necessary and those components are found in the context of belonging. Join me in transformational conversation with Loren Romeus, Executive Director of the T & T Project, a prison ministry focused on helping the incarcerated transform and transition into the healthiest and truest versions of themselves, as we discuss the role belonging plays in lasting inner change. 

May 15, 2022 Speaker - John Bevere Message -"The Bait of Satan” "I Said Yes To Jesus" - Click Here! The Belonging Cø • Nashville, TN USA For the latest on what's happening at church, visit thebelonging.co Watch live services here, or on our Facebook page or the TBCØ App!

Lots of us feel the need to believe in something in order to make sense of the world whether it takes the form of religious faith, the provability of science, or some singular strongly-held theory. But belief does not necessarily satisfy another great human need, the need to belong to a community. Joining Ed Kessler, Danny Smith and Grace Davie explore... Like this podcast? Please help us by writing a review

From Homer's Odyssey to the Wizard of Oz our native soil draws us home, whether home is a small Greek island or a simple Kansas farm. The soul has a natural longing to return to the place of its beginning and belonging. Home is a state of safety and changelessness; it is our foundational experience of original completeness, containment and care. As we mourn the loss of the familiar and face the unknown, homesickness generates neural activity similar to physical pain. Its underlying intent is to spur us into detaching from the familiar and investing in the foreign. Homesickness asks that we bear leave-taking and loneliness in service to belonging to a wider world, building new relationships, and the eventual realization that the soul's true home is a transcendent source of personal being.  Dream I am walking up the street toward my apartment at night. Near my building I see a man with a small dog on a leash. The dog is a tiny Yorkshire terrier and the man is very large. He is wearing a long, dark trench coat and has wild black hair. He looks a bit threatening. The dog is on one side of the sidewalk, the man is on the other, and the leash is between them, blocking my path. I try to step out into the street to go around, but as I do, the man swings around and the dog runs around my legs. I get all bound up in the leash and am pressed up against the man. He puts his face right up to mine, like he might try to kiss me, and I see that he is the Devil from the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. He begins to blow some kind of smoke into my mouth. I think he is trying to get inside of me--to possess me or steal my soul. I blow the smoke back into his mouth and it forms a kind of ring that circles between his mouth and mine. I know that I won't have the strength to keep him out for very long.  References John Hill. At Home in the World: Signs and Symmetries of Belonging. https://www.amazon.com/At-Home-World-Symmetries-Belonging/dp/1685030211/ref=sr_1_2?crid=P2ZQNH4HXQN6&keywords=at+home+in+the+world+john+hill&qid=1651613839&s=books&sprefix=John+Hill.+At+home+in+the+world%2Cstripbooks%2C128&sr=1-2

Sheila Whitescorn, Intuitive Life Coach, joins Yo to discuss Brené Brown's book Atlas of the Heart and how understanding the emotions of Fitting In and Belonging can make us better leaders. This is part 3 of 3 and you can listen to parts 1 and 2 in episodes 15 and 16. Please accept our sincerest gratitude for listening to this series. It was an amazing journey for us to navigate these emotions and relate them to our own life experiences. We'd love to hear how they related to you - please feel free to post on our FB group page (details below) or send Yo an email. Tell us what your thought! During this episode we explore the following questions around emotions and dig a little deeper into Fitting In and Belonging: · What is the difference between Fitting In and Belonging? · How do you feel when you belong? · What happens when we don't belong or need to make a change? · What emotions can be present during a layoff? · What can we do to heal from betrayal? · How does the emotion of Bittersweet fit into this conversation? We hope you'll enjoy this episode and will tune in to hear the rest of the series! Here's the line up by episode: Episode #15, Part 1: Empathy and Compassion Episode #16, Part 2: Stress, Overwhelm, Comparison (Envy, Jealousy, Resentment) Episode #17, Part 3: Fitting In and Belonging Here's link to the resources we mention in the episode: · The book Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown · The book Bittersweet by Susan Cain · “Why Belonging Matters”, a podcast by Mike Robbins More about Sheila: Following a successful 20-year career as a Marketing Communications expert with Fortune 500 companies, Sheila became a certified Intuitive Life Coach. She became certified by successfully completing a 12-month program with Atmana Coaching Academy which provided her with a dual credential in both Intuitive and Life coaching. Sheila lights up when she is able to help her clients turn their stresses into resilience and assist them with their transformation into the life they desire. They learn how to recognize and tap into their intuition to align with their true purpose. As a result, they live a more fulfilling, authentic, soul-led life. On a personal note, Sheila lives in the Bay Area with her husband and collie, Rowan. Ways you can contact Sheila: eMail Sheila.A.Whitescorn@gmail.com Link Tree: Linktr.ee/Sheila.a.whitescorn IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheilaWhitescorn Ways to reach Yo: eMail yo@yocanny.com Public FB group: Girl, Take the Lead! https://www.facebook.com/groups/272025931481748/?ref=share IG: https://www.instagram.com/yocanny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yocanny/

Veritas Culture, led by Vince Brantley and Chris Armstrong, guides culture exploration, understanding, and resolution in an inclusive, root-focused manner. Chris and Vince specialize in deep, honest dialogues that bring people together to explore challenging issues and topics. The Veritas Academy offers training, coaching, and facilitator certification programs on Diversity-to-Belonging and Culture Assessment facilitation.  https://veritasculture.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/veritas-culture/

This week on Here to Help, Chris reflects on Mother's Day in the US with Romney Donald, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, Generalist at Indeed. Romney and Chris will discuss how caregiving and work intersect and what each of us can do to take care of ourselves while taking care of others. They will also explore our idea of what it is to be strong and soft at work that can lead us to misunderstandings. Romney will also explain why flexibility is a mindset that fosters resilience.  

Determined to discover where she came from, Sana L. Cotten recalls her ventures to uncover her past, face her family's trauma, and reconnect with relatives who are part of her story. Hear from Sana how the process of learning about her birth family after adoption has helped her break generational cycles, shape her identity, and begin a journey to healing through empathy. Trigger Warning: Descriptions of rape and sex trafficking Show Notes 00:01:19  | Meet Sana L. Cotten, as she recalls, through the reading of her case files, how she and her twin brother were taken by child protective services as children after undergoing traumatic experiences in their home. 00:06:24  | Sana paints a picture of life as a young child in Bridgeport, Connecticut 00:09:30  | Sana describes the limited relationship she had with her mom as a result of being in foster care and her mother being incarcerated. 00:11:05  | Sana shares a memory of her mother's attempt to visit Sana at her foster home, which was rejected by Sana's foster mother. 00:14:58  | Sana talks about her experience of being adopted, still yearning for a relationship with her mother, and beginning a journey to find her.  00:15:38  | Sana learns that her birth mother, who was incarcerated, had been longing to connect with the twins. 00:17:46  | Matt asks Sana about the opportunities she had to ask her mother about the details of her childhood. 00:19:38  | Sana shares her experience of developing a relationship with her mother once she was released from prison and why it was brought to a halt. 00:21:10  | Sana recalls being 18 years old and pregnant and feeling an urge for her birth mother's presence after being written off by her adoptive family. 00:24:18  | Sana learns of her birth mother's passing. She recalls being angry and feeling victimized because of the harmful events she endured as a young child. 00:26:28  | Sana reflects on impact of the reunion she had with her uncle on her healing journey as she learned more about her family's history and her mother's regrets.  00:31:12  | Matt reflects on the nuanced conversation on framing experiences with ‘what happened to you' versus ‘what's wrong with you' with guest Dr. Bruce Perry as it applies to Sana's journey finding love for the inner child of her mother.  See more on S1 E3: PEOPLE CHANGE THROUGH STORIES. 00:33:55  | Sana shares that she originally intended on learning more about her dad when she reunited with her uncle.  Resources Meet Sana L. Cotten Book: “Everyone will know it was God” by Sana L. Cotten Connections Matter: Relationships with Birth Families are Important for Foster, Adopted Children | The Imprint Human Trafficking | Child Welfare Information Gateway Child Trafficking and the Child Welfare System | Polaris Project Connect Our Kids Connect with us and support us by...Supporting our show through PaypalVisiting our podcast website for more content

On this episode of THRIVE — sponsored by accessiBe — Kelly and Rhodes Perry discuss how each agency leader can transform their culture into one of belonging and inclusion over time.Rhodes Perry and I cover these points and more:How Rhodes felt the challenges he faced in the beginning of his career led to his work;Why self-actualization is so powerful and how to examine ourselves to be better leaders;What the deeper reason of why DEI work fails, and the most common pushbacks;Examples of how this work is never done, and why it's a decades' long experience;Taking the risk to utilize the courage to share your story in order to model vulnerability.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes of THRIVE to get practical tips on becoming a conscious leader, growing your agency, and more. Thanks for listening, and I'd love to hear your takeaways!If you enjoyed this episode, post it in your stories and tag me @agencyscaler. And don't forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen.Learn more about THRIVE at https://klcampbell.com/category/podcast/ and https://accessibe.com/thrive CONNECT WITH GUEST NAME:WebsiteTwitterLinkedInPodcastCONNECT WITH KELLY CAMPBELL:LinkedInInstagramTwitterWork with Kelly 

In which I sit beside the river and share ideas about decolonizing the inner landscape, slowing down & shifting the Emotional Climate-Change (within every humyn on this planet). Also discussed: Grieving and celebrating as part of honouring life; Carrying grief from ancestors; Sensitivity as a gift to humyns; Colonial mindset ("it only has value if I decide it has value") vs Community mindset ("everything has intrinsic value whether or not I understand it"); "I don't own my emotions"; Climate change as humyns forgetting how to belong; PEACE as a fluctuating state (like the seasons and emotions); Welcoming my anxious parts; Being a part of the earth system and the internal system; Being PART of community; Meditation & rest; “I'm too busy to rest and slow down”; The dominator/colonial mindset (the anthropocentric mindset); Remembering how to belong (to self and community); Remembering how to be apart of the non-humyn community; Decolonization (starts within—how I treat my self, my body, my emotions); Inner peace is outer peace; Realigning the inner parts; Where I'm at is exactly where I'm at (honouring that); Welcoming in all of my parts and emotions; Being a part of a humyn system that is beyond us (which is actively destroying & harming the planet and ourselves); The first step is saying “whoa, I'm stuck” and honouring that and BEing there; AND MORE. Recorded April 16, 2022. This is a PATREON Bonus Episode!  Go to www.patreon.com/feelinweird to listen to every bonus episode. SUPPORT via PATREON*: patreon.com/feelinweird/ Buy MERCH: kyeplant.bandcamp.com/ DONATE via Paypal Review, Rate & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Instagram: @feelinweirdpod Website: www.feelinweird.com Email: feelinweird@gmail.com Here's a list of EVERY regular & bonus Feelin Weird episode :) *Please consider contributing $5-50/month to support the show (and receive ~100 bonus episodes)

If you've ever heard about Ancestry.com and thought that this wasn't something for you due to your own family's immigration story, or alternately if you love nothing more than to have centuries of your family's history in the United States documented for you, then this episode is for you. Or, if you've never heard of Ancestry before, but you work in corporate America and know you want to help make change for the better, or you're a parent who wants to talk about origin stories with your own kids - you'll still want to listen. This isn't just about tracing your roots. This is about belonging, which is something that impacts all of us every day.   We had the amazing privilege of sitting down with Ashlee Davis, who is the Global Head of DEI at Ancestry, to talk not only about her road to her current position, but also really everything related to inclusion and belonging and psychological safety in so many spheres, and not just in her professional roles.  After this conversation, we left wanting so much more - and hopefully you will as well. Don't sleep on this episode - you may want to listen to it a second time, and DEFINITELY share it with your friends.   What to listen for:  Major inspiration for getting involved in public service, based on Ashlee's experience working in the White House during the Obama administration (hello, Air Force One?!) What role DEI programs play in corporate America - and what to do to make them more successful Honesty about what allyship is, particularly from White women The role belonging has played in Ashlee's life   About Ashlee:  Ashlee Davis, J.D. (she/her/hers) – Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion   “One of the strongest and most important threads that unites all of us is the importance of family.”   Ashlee Davis brings 15 years of diversity and civil rights experience to lead Ancestry's global end-to-end Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) strategy. Her professional experience spans the industries of private, nonprofit, and the Executive branch of the federal government, where she held roles in agriculture, finance, banking, and social services. Ashlee served six years in the Obama administration in positions including the Senior Advisor for Civil Rights and Director of the National LGBT Rural Summer Series, a national initiative to connect LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities with resources to address food insecurity, housing, and youth empowerment.      In her role, Ashlee heads policies and programs to foster an inclusive and equitable work environment where there are diverse voices and backgrounds at the table. She also partners with product and marketing leaders to create inclusive product experiences to help everyone easily discover, craft, and connect around their family story.   Ashlee is a native of Nashville, TN, a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Howard University School of Law, an avid sports fan, and someone with wanderlust who is always planning her next adventure with her life partner.

In this episode, Jeff interviews Enrique Rubio, who is a top 100 HR influencer, and the Founder and CEO of Hacking HR. Hacking HR is a global community for all who are interested in learning about everything people at work and doing HR in a better way. Jeff and Enrique explore the definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and psychological safety. Enrique shares what it looks like to adopt these key strategies as part of your internal culture, versus making them short-term, “check the box” events. They discuss ways that HR can remove friction and barriers within organizations to create better workplaces. Enrique shares how adopting HR technology is often done in a backward fashion – implementing what looks “sexy” compared with first paring down your processes, then fully understanding your objectives and the important customizations that are needed.

May 8, 2022 Speaker - Alex Seeley Message -"The Path to Greatness” "I Said Yes To Jesus" - Click Here! The Belonging Cø • Nashville, TN USA For the latest on what's happening at church, visit thebelonging.co Watch live services here, or on our Facebook page or the TBCØ App!

Witness to World War II in Austria, Benedictine monk for the last 66 years, friend to Swami Satchidananda, and internationally-recognized practitioner of gratitude Brother David Steindl-Rast sits down to talk with Avi Gordon of the Integral Yoga Teachers Association. The discussion covers prayer and meditation, Swami Satchidananda, gratitude, fear and trust, the remembrance of death, joy, and other topics.Network for Grateful Living: https://gratefulness.org/Brother David's Bio (from A Network for Grateful Living):David Steindl-Rast was born Franz Kuno Steindl-Rast on July 12, 1926, in Vienna, Austria, and spent his early years there and in a small village in the Alps. He spent all of his teen years under the Nazi occupation, was drafted into the army, but never went to the front lines. He eventually escaped and was hidden by his mother until the occupation ended.After the war, Franz studied art, anthropology, and psychology, receiving an MA from the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts and a PhD from the University of Vienna. In 1952 he followed his family who had emigrated to the United States. In 1953 he joined a newly founded Benedictine community in Elmira, NY, Mount Saviour Monastery, where he became “Brother David.” In 1958/59 Brother David was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, where he also became the first Roman Catholic to hold the Thorpe Lectureship, following Bishop J.D.R. Robinson and Paul Tillich.After twelve years of monastic training and studies in philosophy and theology, Brother David was sent by his abbot to participate in Buddhist-Christian dialogue, for which he received Vatican approval in 1967. His Zen teachers were Hakuun Yasutani Roshi, Soen Nakagawa Roshi, Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, and Eido Shimano Roshi. He co-founded the Center for Spiritual Studies in 1968 and received the 1975 Martin Buber Award for his achievements in building bridges between religious traditions.Together with Thomas Merton, Brother David helped launch a renewal of religious life. From 1970 on, he became a leading figure in the House of Prayer movement, which affected some 200,000 members of religious orders in the United States and Canada. Since the 1970s Brother David has been a member of cultural historian William Irwin Thompson‘s Lindisfarne Association.”He has contributed to a wide range of books and periodicals from the Encyclopedia Americana and The New Catholic Encyclopedia, to the New Age Journal and Parabola Magazine. His books have been translated into many languages. Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer and A Listening Heart have been reprinted and anthologized for more than two decades. Brother David co-authored Belonging to the Universe (winner of the 1992 American Book Award), a dialogue on new paradigm thinking in science and theology with physicist, Fritjof Capra. His dialogue with Buddhists produced The Ground We Share: Buddhist and Christian Practice, co-authored with Robert Aitken Roshi. His most recent books are Words of Common Sense for MInd, Body and Soul; Deeper than Words: Living the Apostles' Creed; 99 Blessings: An Invitation to Life; The Way of Silence: Engaging the Sacred in Daily Life; Faith beyond Belief: Spirituality for our Times; and his autobiography, i am through you so i.Brother David has contributed chapters or interviews to well over 30 books. An article by Brother David was included in The Best Spiritual Writing, 1998. His many audio and videotapes are widely distributed.At present, Brother David serves a worldwide Network for Grateful Living, through Gratefulness.org, an interactive website with several thousand participants daily from more than 240 countries and territories. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

First things first, navigating God's world only happens through faith. And if faith isn't part of our life, when it comes to the things of the Spirit, which prayer is, it will be an area we'll stay uncomfortable with as long as we constantly question its realities.

Part Thirteen of The Great Commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission Find out more about Ramp Church Manchester by visiting https://ramp.church/mcr If you would like to partner in giving, please visit: https://ramp.church/mcr/giving

Relational Intimacy is a process of deepening and evolving our sense of relatedness to ourselves, each other, and our natural world. This is an experiential and mystical workshop designed to heal the wounds of the trauma-induced adaptive child and tap into the natural genius and interdependency of the wise adult. Come, discover the magic and mystery of relational intimacy.If you find yourself in repetitive and habitual arguments, challenges, and difficulties in your personal, familial, or work relationships, feel you are not being heard or seen by the most important people in your life, or experience frustration in having your voice be heard and your most important projects manifested, this is a course for you. We will also learn the alchemy of living relationally and interdependently which will create a new paradigm for living a thriving life.The topics Michael will be exploring include, Establishing Trust and Safety, The Art of Presencing, Your Relation to Self, Healing the Mother Wound, Healing the Father Wound, Developing and Belonging, and Relational Intimacy Practices.Michael Stone is a spiritual author, mentor, shamanic practitioner, radio host, producer, and trauma integration facilitator who co-creates individual and group environments and experiences that support people in transcending the myth of separation, and experiencing deep and profound interconnection with others and all of life. He has been teaching and leading experiential events, classes, teleseminars and workshops on Organizational Development, Embodied Shamanism, Moving Meditation, Mysticism, Personal Growth, and Spiritual Fulfillment for over 40 years.For more info on the Course: www.welloflight.com/relationalintimacy.htmlFor more information on the Well of Light Global Community, Programs, Radio shows and Services go to www.welloflight.comTo access other great interviews and offerings: www.patreon.com/welloflightYour donations are gratefully received and make it all possible!

Dr. Rev. Ray Hylton, Senior Pastor

Week 3 of Belonging Acts 11:1-18

What happens when things go wrong? Kinship means that we companion one another in our hopelessness, and in this companioning the other experiences belonging, as we do this we model community. What does it look like to come alongside?

The practice of Christian Meditation helps us live with the peace of Christ. Relax to the sounds of lake waves. You are sealed for the day of redemption! Meditate on Ephesians 4:30. Find peace and rest during this guided meditation for mind and body with deep breathing, prayer, and scripture. Use these meditations as a bible study in the morning to center yourself on the truth in God's word. For more Bible meditations, download the Abide app: https://abide.co/awesome

Dr. Lauren Burns (OAM) is an Olympic gold medallist, who is not impressed with my grade five egg and spoon race victory. Lauren won Australia's first Olympic gold medal in taekwondo at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, competing in the women's under 49 kg class. Apart from having earned a PhD and being a 3rd dan black belt, Olympic champion and straight-up Lady Ninja, I'm pretty sure I could take her. But then, I'm delusional. Seriously, this was a fun chat with a super down-to-earth woman, who shares great stories, insights and inspiration. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Edumagic podcast is back with another episode. Today, Dr. Ilene Winokur will discuss the importance of being connected as an educator through a sense of professional belonging. Find out what professional belonging is and how to find it in a school or district in this episode. As a new teacher, you will also learn about different types of communities. Show notes can be found here: https://www.sfecich.com/post/professional-belonging-featuring-dr-ilene-winokurIf you are loving this episode, please tag me @SFecich on social media and share! Check out the books EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers, EduMagic Shine On: A Guide for New Teachers, and get your semester ready with the EduMagic Future Teacher Digital planner. Want to get started with your digital portfolio? Check out this self-paced, digital, mini-course digital portfolio from scratch in one week or less. Find these and more resources for future teachers at www.sfecich.com. Remember you have the #EduMagic in YOU!

In this episode of In this episode of Chitchat with Aiecat, I talk about belonging. What does it mean to feel like you belong? What does it look like to cultivate belonging and where do we hold space for that --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/chitchat-with-aliecat/message

We've titled our talk “Faith Begins…” because faith is literally where a life in Christ starts. Hebrews makes it very clear, that anyone who comes to God, must believe that He is.

Toral and Bert have an engaging conversation with Sonia Rucker (she/her/hers), the new AVP of Inclusion and Belonging and member of the Presidential Advisors for Diversity and Equity (PADE). Sonia worked at Cornell 2003-2011 and rejoined in 2021. Toral and Bert talk to Sonia about her journey back to Cornell and how issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion impact all staff at Cornell.

A hybrid episode! We run the risk of oversimplifying educational concepts, packaging them in seminars and professional development sessions for sale, and actually HARMING students. Or at least not helping them. Educational theories often carry precious little evidence, but we as educators frequently feel ill equipped to question them. Often times these oversimplifications are simply … Continue reading "Episode 102: Belonging Isn’t Top-Down"

In this conversation, Jacob and Scott talk about what depression can look and feel like for the two of them, and what they do when they're feeling depressed and/or hopeless. They discuss bringing radical acceptance to the experience of being human and seeing how different life can feel when we're not acting in a constant state of resistance to what is. The friends talk about the power of choice in our lives, and checking in with and listening to the body when it comes to making decisions. Scott ends the episode with a guided meditation that takes listeners into the love of their hearts and the peace of their souls. Subscribe to Scott's Substack content Scott's May 17th Online Breath & Belonging breathwork journey Get the info on Jacob's Writers' Community launch Catch Julia Cameron's virtual workshop: The Artist's Way Essential Tools

Heidi Weston and Peter Felten discuss how mattering matters on episode 413 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Quotes from the episode Belonging is tied to a lot of things that we value and that students value. -Peter Felten Mattering is not about if you fit or not, it is about being valued. -Peter Felten Different students trust faculty differently than others. -Peter Felten Resources Mentioned Asher, S. R., & Weeks, M. S. (2013). Loneliness and belongingness in the college years Cole, D., Newman, C. B., & Hypolite, L. I. (2020). Sense of belonging and mattering among two cohorts of first-year students participating in a comprehensive college transition program Cook-Sather, Alison; Allard, Samantha; Marcovici, Elena; and Reynolds, Bill (2021) Fostering Agentic Engagement: Working toward Empowerment and Equity through Pedagogical Partnership Elliott, Gregory, Suzanne Kao, and Ann-Marie Grant. Mattering: Empirical validation of a social-psychological concept Flett, G., Khan, A., & Su, C. (2019). Mattering and psychological well-being in college and university students: Review and recommendations for campus-based initiatives Gravett, K., & Ajjawi, R. (2021). Belonging as situated practice. Studies in Higher Education Meehan, C., & Howells, K. (2019). In search of the feeling of ‘belonging'in higher education: undergraduate students transition into higher education Reeve, J. (2013). How students create motivationally supportive learning environments for themselves: The concept of agentic engagement Reeve, J., & Shin, S. H. (2020). How teachers can support students' agentic engagement Reeve, J., & Tseng, C. M. (2011). Agency as a fourth aspect of students' engagement during learning activities Schlossberg, N. K. (1989). Marginality and mattering: Key issues in building community Strayhorn, T.L. (2012). Exploring the Impact of Facebook and Myspace Use on First-Year Students' Sense of Belonging and Persistence Decisions Erin Whitteck (taking improv classes)

NWSL Press Release  

How do we as leaders cultivate a deeply caring, resilient, just/equitable, and loving community? Perhaps the answer lies in “sacred activism”. I brought on sacred activist, Hanifa Nayo Washington who has been working at the forefront of mindfulness, place-making, and social justice to cultivate organizations, gatherings, spaces, and experiences rooted in the values of beloved community. As the Co-founder and Organizing Principle of One Village Healing, an online BIPOC centered healing, resilience, and psychedelic wellness space, and the Fireside Project, a nonprofit that is creating systemic change in the field of psychedelics in three key domains: safety, diversity, and equitable access, Hanifa knows how to lead courageously with her heart in collaboration with plant medicine, inner guidance, and her community. In this episode I ask Hanifa about how to embody sacred activism and spiritual resilience. You will learn how to truly be there for someone else through deep and reflective listening. We explore our relationship with power, how to utilize our energy in conscious co-creation, and how to work with rage in a healthy way.  Hanifa is the Co-founder and Chief of Strategy at Through their Psychedelic Peer Support Line, Fireside Project has created a nationwide safety net that has substantially decreased 911 calls and hospitalizations while democratizing access to free high-quality care. The line has supported thousands of callers since launching in April of 2021.    Key TakeawaysUnderstanding our relationship to power is vital in creating a just and equitable society. Gratitude is a great place to start becoming aware of our relationship with power. Then where is the pain? We have to start with self inquiry. Being with another, in their full expression is real peer-support and is a deep practice of ally-ship, without trying to fix or heal them, nor move them away from their present experience.    https://lauradawn.co/free-music-playlists/ (4 Free Playlists For Psychedelic Journeys & Beyond) https://lauradawn.co/free-microdosing-course/ (Free 8 Day Microdosing Course) https://instagram.com/livefreelaurad (Follow @LiveFreeLauraD on Instagram) Resources Mentioned http://www.handsofhanifa.com/ (Hanifa's Website) https://www.bd101.org/ (Beyond Diversity Workshops) http://www.lauradawn.co/52 (…more resources on my website at www.lauradawn.co/52) Featured Musichttp://www.lauradawn.co/52 (Episode #44 of the Psychedelic Leadership Podcast) features a song called "River" by Hanifa Nayo Washington. https://open.spotify.com/artist/53PgA4rDdV78JzOjFaeIA8?si=lfcLC_9SQB-3_niwJWuPvA (Listen on Spotify) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hanifa-nayo-washington/1289800949 (Listen on Apple Music) Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts"I love Laura Dawn and The Psychedelic Leadership Podcast.”

It's natural to want to stay in our comfort zones, to hang out or work with people who think like we do, to feel like we belong. But if you feel called to be a change maker in this world, you may find that you'll have your greatest impact by stepping out of your insular world and into one where people don't believe the same things you do. You may also find that fear of rejection will kick in full force when you think about striking out on your own.   Listen to this podcast episode to learn the truth about seeking out belonging, how belonging can keep us stuck, and how to navigate the tension between belonging and making change.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://unfuckyourbrain.com/237

Have you ever felt that because you are a Latina living in the U.S. you are “ni de aquí, ni de allá” (not from here nor from there)? This is something I personally struggled with, I was never Latina enough, but never American enough and I know I am not alone. I invited the “Queen of Belonging” to this episode, so she can help us unpack and transform how we think and speak about culture, identity and what it really means to belong.     In this episode, Denise Soler Cox, award-winning activist filmmaker, Top 100 podcaster, and sought-after Fortune 500 speaker, also shares with us her experiences around money and specific stories on how it impacted her life. We also learn what sparked her interest as a filmmaker and the distinct financial challenges she faced during the process. What you'll learn about in today's episode: What sparked Denise's interest as a filmmaker The making of her first film and the distinct financial challenges she faced A sneak peek on her upcoming book For a quick recap of this episode go to http://www.jenhemphill.com/308   Want to get social? Let's connect more on Instagram @jenhemphill   Grab your copy of My Daily Dinero Ritual and increase your money confidence here: https://jenhemphill.com/dinero   For all of those financially strong women who want to keep learning and taking control of their finances. Financially Strong Circle, learn more here: http://www.jenhemphill.com/membership   The post, What it Really Means to Belong with Denise Soler Cox | HDM 308  appeared first on the Her Dinero Matters Podcast.

How can we cultivate ceremonies of transformation and belonging? In this episode Amisha talks with Isla Macleod, a ceremonialist who facilitates rites of passage ceremonies, rituals, retreats and healing journeys. Through her work of attending to the more-than-human world, Isla fulfills the service of a traditional medicine-woman, providing a bridge to the unseen and restoring balance to the web of life and to help heal our separation from the natural world. Devoted to remembering and reimagining the indigenous ceremonies of her Celtic ancestors, Isla has spent time living in solitude in the woods, apprenticing with the Yew clan. At the heart of her work is the practice of learning how to meet death in a good way, to enhance the richness of life, and prepare for becoming a well and wise ancestor. Isla shares her personal journey seeking earth based spiritual practices amongst the Yew trees embracing the lunar calendar traditions of her Celtic ancestors. Her rites of passage and shamanic training with trees as witnesses affirmed a sense of belonging to the more than human world.  Together they speak of the loss of ceremony in Western cultures and the consequences for our sense of belonging. They talk about the importance of ceremony to bring alive our intimate relationship with the sacred and the natural cycles of transitions. Isla speaks of the importance of rites of passage rituals as vital pauses that can help receive the wisdom of our elders and open ways for communities to hold us whilst we let go of phases of life and emerge into the new phases as whole beings. We learn that living in cyclical and ceremonial reciprocity with nature's wisdom keepers hones our visceral sense and our sense of belonging. It offers a way to be curious about our darkness, to  tend to grief and death, to align with our integrity and embody our human potential. Links from this episode and more at www.thefutureisbeautiful.co   

May 1, 2022 Speaker - Paul Bergin Message -"Staying the course in Times of Deception” "I Said Yes To Jesus" - Click Here! The Belonging Cø • Nashville, TN USA For the latest on what's happening at church, visit thebelonging.co Watch live services here, or on our Facebook page or the TBCØ App!

With family: Numbers 19; Psalms 56–57 Numbers 19 (Listen) Laws for Purification 19 Now the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer without defect, in which there is no blemish, and on which a yoke has never come. 3 And you shall give it to Eleazar the priest, and it shall be taken outside the camp and slaughtered before him. 4 And Eleazar the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, and sprinkle some of its blood toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times. 5 And the heifer shall be burned in his sight. Its skin, its flesh, and its blood, with its dung, shall be burned. 6 And the priest shall take cedarwood and hyssop and scarlet yarn, and throw them into the fire burning the heifer. 7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp. But the priest shall be unclean until evening. 8 The one who burns the heifer shall wash his clothes in water and bathe his body in water and shall be unclean until evening. 9 And a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and deposit them outside the camp in a clean place. And they shall be kept for the water for impurity for the congregation of the people of Israel; it is a sin offering. 10 And the one who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes and be unclean until evening. And this shall be a perpetual statute for the people of Israel, and for the stranger who sojourns among them. 11 “Whoever touches the dead body of any person shall be unclean seven days. 12 He shall cleanse himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day, and so be clean. But if he does not cleanse himself on the third day and on the seventh day, he will not become clean. 13 Whoever touches a dead person, the body of anyone who has died, and does not cleanse himself, defiles the tabernacle of the LORD, and that person shall be cut off from Israel; because the water for impurity was not thrown on him, he shall be unclean. His uncleanness is still on him. 14 “This is the law when someone dies in a tent: everyone who comes into the tent and everyone who is in the tent shall be unclean seven days. 15 And every open vessel that has no cover fastened on it is unclean. 16 Whoever in the open field touches someone who was killed with a sword or who died naturally, or touches a human bone or a grave, shall be unclean seven days. 17 For the unclean they shall take some ashes of the burnt sin offering, and fresh1 water shall be added in a vessel. 18 Then a clean person shall take hyssop and dip it in the water and sprinkle it on the tent and on all the furnishings and on the persons who were there and on whoever touched the bone, or the slain or the dead or the grave. 19 And the clean person shall sprinkle it on the unclean on the third day and on the seventh day. Thus on the seventh day he shall cleanse him, and he shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and at evening he shall be clean. 20 “If the man who is unclean does not cleanse himself, that person shall be cut off from the midst of the assembly, since he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. Because the water for impurity has not been thrown on him, he is unclean. 21 And it shall be a statute forever for them. The one who sprinkles the water for impurity shall wash his clothes, and the one who touches the water for impurity shall be unclean until evening. 22 And whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean, and anyone who touches it shall be unclean until evening.” Footnotes [1] 19:17 Hebrew living (ESV) Psalms 56–57 (Listen) In God I Trust To the choirmaster: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths. A Miktam1 of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 56   Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;    all day long an attacker oppresses me;2   my enemies trample on me all day long,    for many attack me proudly.3   When I am afraid,    I put my trust in you.4   In God, whose word I praise,    in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.    What can flesh do to me? 5   All day long they injure my cause;2    all their thoughts are against me for evil.6   They stir up strife, they lurk;    they watch my steps,    as they have waited for my life.7   For their crime will they escape?    In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 8   You have kept count of my tossings;3    put my tears in your bottle.    Are they not in your book?9   Then my enemies will turn back    in the day when I call.    This I know, that4 God is for me.10   In God, whose word I praise,    in the LORD, whose word I praise,11   in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.    What can man do to me? 12   I must perform my vows to you, O God;    I will render thank offerings to you.13   For you have delivered my soul from death,    yes, my feet from falling,  that I may walk before God    in the light of life. Let Your Glory Be over All the Earth To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam5 of David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave. 57   Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,    for in you my soul takes refuge;  in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,    till the storms of destruction pass by.2   I cry out to God Most High,    to God who fulfills his purpose for me.3   He will send from heaven and save me;    he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah  God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 4   My soul is in the midst of lions;    I lie down amid fiery beasts—  the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,    whose tongues are sharp swords. 5   Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!    Let your glory be over all the earth! 6   They set a net for my steps;    my soul was bowed down.  They dug a pit in my way,    but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah7   My heart is steadfast, O God,    my heart is steadfast!  I will sing and make melody!8     Awake, my glory!6  Awake, O harp and lyre!    I will awake the dawn!9   I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;    I will sing praises to you among the nations.10   For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,    your faithfulness to the clouds. 11   Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!    Let your glory be over all the earth! Footnotes [1] 56:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 56:5 Or they twist my words [3] 56:8 Or wanderings [4] 56:9 Or because [5] 57:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [6] 57:8 Or my whole being (ESV) In private: Isaiah 8–9:7; James 2 Isaiah 8–9:7 (Listen) The Coming Assyrian Invasion 8 Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters,1 ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.'2 2 And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” 3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father' or ‘My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The LORD spoke to me again: 6 “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, 7 therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River,3 mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, 8 and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” 9   Be broken,4 you peoples, and be shattered;5    give ear, all you far countries;  strap on your armor and be shattered;    strap on your armor and be shattered.10   Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;    speak a word, but it will not stand,    for God is with us.6 Fear God, Wait for the Lord 11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” 16 Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching7 among my disciples. 17 I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. 18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. 21 They will pass through the land,8 greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against9 their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. 22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness. For to Us a Child Is Born 9 10 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.11 2   12 The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;  those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    on them has light shone.3   You have multiplied the nation;    you have increased its joy;  they rejoice before you    as with joy at the harvest,    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4   For the yoke of his burden,    and the staff for his shoulder,    the rod of his oppressor,    you have broken as on the day of Midian.5   For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult    and every garment rolled in blood    will be burned as fuel for the fire.6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon13 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called14  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7   Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,  on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold it  with justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Footnotes [1] 8:1 Hebrew with a man's stylus [2] 8:1 Maher-shalal-hash-baz means The spoil speeds, the prey hastens [3] 8:7 That is, the Euphrates [4] 8:9 Or Be evil [5] 8:9 Or dismayed [6] 8:10 The Hebrew for God is with us is Immanuel [7] 8:16 Or law; also verse 20 [8] 8:21 Hebrew it [9] 8:21 Or speak contemptuously by [10] 9:1 Ch 8:23 in Hebrew [11] 9:1 Or of the Gentiles [12] 9:2 Ch 9:1 in Hebrew [13] 9:6 Or is upon [14] 9:6 Or is called (ESV) James 2 (Listen) The Sin of Partiality 2 My brothers,1 show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Faith Without Works Is Dead 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good2 is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. Footnotes [1] 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 5, 14 [2] 2:16 Or benefit (ESV)

In this episode, I talk about belonging.