Podcasts about belovedness

When Heather Avis says she's one of “the lucky few,” she means it. In this episode, we talk about growing up with our children with Down syndrome, what it means to delight in our kids, and how all of us can participate in shifting the narrative around disability toward love and belonging. Our conversation highlights her new children's book, I Like You So Much, and focuses on:Proclaiming the worth of our childrenThe role of children's books in shifting disability narrativesUnderstanding identityExploring mutuality in relationshipsThe importance of spaces of belongingDelight and celebration in parentingMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:I Like You So Much by Heather AvisMore of Heather's booksThe Lucky Few podcastSmall Talk by Amy Julia BeckerHeather's SubstackReimagining the Good Life WorkshopSubscribe to Amy Julia's Substack newsletter_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Heather Avis is a New York Times bestselling author, public speaker, podcaster, and a Down syndrome advocate. She is the founder of and chief visionary officer at The Lucky Few, an advocacy organization dedicated to shouting worth, shifting narratives, and reimagining what it looks like when we create spaces of belonging. She lives in Southern California with her husband Josh and three kids, Macyn, Truly, and August and two Goldendoodles, Maeby and George Michael.Website: https://www.heatheravis.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluckyfewofficial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLuckyFewOfficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99_OFh29y9lVqZyHY2XztwPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-few/id1349646917New Book, I Like You So Much: https://www.amazon.com/Like-You-So-Much-Celebrating/dp/0310166594/Photo Credit: © Camilynne Photography___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Responding to status anxiety, Elizabeth Oldfield opens up the possibility of Pentecost in how we can be Fully Alive. Elizabeth is the author of Fully Alive, the host of the podcast The Sacred, and former director of Theos think tank.

In this conversation, the speakers explore the detrimental effects of busyness on spiritual connection and the importance of cultivating communion with God amidst a technology-driven world. They discuss practical steps to reduce distractions, the significance of experiencing God's presence, and the healing that comes from intimacy with Christ. The conversation emphasizes the need for quiet environments and the journey towards finding belovedness in a busy life. In this conversation, the speakers explore the importance of reconnecting with one's inner self, the journey of healing from father and mother wounds, and the significance of community in recovery. They discuss the need for a deeper union with God and the role of belovedness in overcoming sexual compulsions. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of slowing down in a fast-paced world and the healing power of love and connection in parenting and personal growth.     Got a Question? It Could Be on the Podcast! Submit It Through This Form Find Out More About My DeepClean Recovery Program Here Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, A Blueprint For Recovery Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Download the app "One Minute Pause"   00:00 The Impact of Busyness on Spiritual Connection 03:00 Navigating Technology and Distraction 05:50 Cultivating Communion with God 09:01 Experiencing God's Presence 11:56 Healing Through Intimacy with Christ 14:57 The Role of Environment in Spiritual Practices 17:55 Finding Belovedness in a Busy World 29:08 Reconnecting with the Inner Self 32:04 Cultivating Union with God 33:13 The Journey of Writing and Healing 36:19 Understanding and Empathy in Spirituality 37:17 Healing from Father and Mother Wounds 39:15 The Role of Belovedness in Recovery 42:12 The Illusion of Quick Fixes 44:44 Navigating Father Wounds and Sexual Issues 49:07 Fatherhood and Healing Childhood Trauma 52:30 The Importance of Love in Parenting 53:00 Community and Connection for Men 56:34 Future Directions for Wild at Heart

Joelle Maryn's life changed completely when her house burned down as a little girl. This week, she tells us how she has now become the fire. Jermaine has two new book suggestions, Mark Matthews tells us what was good in Hollywood after the L.A. Fires, and we reconnect with singer/songwriter Sarah Kroger who has a new book based on her song, Belovedness.

Ambition is the air we breathe—but what is it costing us? In this episode, Amy Julia Becker and theologian Miroslav Volf discuss his latest book, The Cost of Ambition. They unpack the hidden damage of a culture obsessed with competition and invite us to imagine a new way of being, for ourselves and our society, rooted not in achievement, but in love, mutuality, and genuine abundance. They explore:  Striving for superiority in American cultureThe dark side of competitionLonging for what we haveStriving for excellence vs. striving for superiorityThe illusion of individual achievementPractices for embracing love and generosityReimagining human relationships beyond superiority__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse by Miroslav VolfAbundance by Ezra KleinThe Sabbath by Abraham HeschelLuke 18:9-14, Philippians 2, 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, Mark 10:35-45The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)Works of Love by Søren KierkegaardSubscribe to Amy Julia's newsletter_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Miroslav Volf (DrTheol, University of Tübingen) is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School and founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture in New Haven, Connecticut. He has written or edited more than two dozen books, including the New York Times bestseller Life Worth Living, A Public Faith, Public Faith in Action, and Exclusion and Embrace (winner of the Grawemeyer Award in Religion and selected as among the 100 best religious books of the 20th century by Christianity Today). Educated in his native Croatia, the United States, and Germany, Volf regularly lectures around the world. CONNECT with Miroslav Volf on X at @miroslavvolf.Photo Credit: © Christopher Capozziello___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

What if the perfect family doesn't exist—and never was supposed to? Theologian Emily McGowin, PhD, joins Amy Julia Becker to explore family life in America and what the Bible really says (and doesn't say) about family life. They discuss:the idealized version of the American familythe misconceptions surrounding a biblical blueprint for familycreating a home centered on love, not expectationsapprenticing ourselves to love through daily household practices___MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Households of Faith: Practicing Family in the Kingdom of God by Emily Hunter McGowin, PhDAmy Julia's episode with Matthew Mooney about families, disability, suffering, and "the good life'Small Talk: Learning from my Children about What Matters Most by Amy Julia Becker__WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Emily Hunter McGowin (PhD, University of Dayton) is associate professor of theology at Wheaton College. She is the author of Quivering Families and Christmas, and coeditor of God and Wonder. Her articles have appeared in Christianity Today and The Week. She is a priest and canon theologian in the Anglican diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others. She and her husband, Ron, also a priest, live in Chicagoland with their three children. Follow her on Twitter: @EmilyMcgowin and visit her website at: emilymcgowin.com.___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

This week's episode isn't for a song on the “A New Reality” album, but for an exciting reason…Sarah released a devotional! “Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic” is a new book based on Sarah's song “Belovedness”. Sarah and Dom talk about how the song came to life, how identity struggles manifest in different ways, what it looks like to embrace your belovedness and so much more. Hope you enjoy it!Connect with Sarah Kroger: Website: https://www.sarahkroger.com/about Instagram: / skroger Facebook: / sarahkrogermusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_skroger Listen to A New Reality Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic (Pre-Order)Humbled Heart (Acoustic) Connect with Dom Quaglia: Instagram: domquagliajr Substack Listen now on Spotify, ...

We all have an inner voice that tells us we're not worthy of love, especially God's love. Our flaws, fears, and mistakes fill us with guilt and shame. But Sarah Kroger's song and new devotional, Belovedness, is a reminder that it's the heart of God to pursue and embrace His people — no matter our history, because He has reconciled us to Himself! Sarah's book, Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic, is based on the lyrics of the song and includes devotions, selected Scriptures, prayers, and insights from Sarah that will walk you through the process of defeating your critical voice and accepting God's unfailing love.Silence your inner critic with the affirmation of God's deep, sincere love for you.Order your copy of Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic, and leave a comment on the featured excerpt shared earlier this week for a chance to WIN a copy: https://incourage.me/?p=252385The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.Connect with (in)courage: Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more! Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives. Email us at incourage@dayspring.com. Leave a podcast review on Apple!

About The RenewingThere's a way the world teaches us to live—fast, anxious, disconnected. And there's another way. The Renewing is a podcast about resisting what deforms us and returning to what makes us whole. Inspired by Romans 12:2, it's a space to question the patterns we've inherited—hustle, disconnection, exhaustion—and imagine what healing might look like instead. Through honest conversations and deep listening, host Brent Levy explores the sacred, slow work of renewal—for ourselves, our communities, and the world.This EpisodeWhat do you do when the church isn't equipped, the system is overloaded, and the people you love are quietly unraveling? In this episode, Rev. Amanda Rigby and Dr. Elizabeth Watters share how they responded not with resignation—but with action. The result is The Well, a community-rooted space for affordable, accessible mental and spiritual care, housed at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. Born from a late-night conversation and sustained by friendship, The Well offers a model for healing that is slow, relational, justice-minded, and deeply human.You'll hear how burnout became the birthplace of something beautiful, how therapy and spiritual direction can work together, and why care that affirms your belovedness shouldn't be a luxury. If you've ever felt stretched thin, unsure where to turn, or longed for a church that holds your whole self—this episode will help you imagine what's possible.Learn more about The Well here or on Instagram here.The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Is disability a tragedy? Is it a gift? What place is there for grief and for joy in this story of disability so many of us are living within our families? Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently portrayed disability as tragic, as something that needs to be fixed, in his comments about autism. In response, Matthew Mooney, co-founder of 99 Balloons, joins Amy Julia Becker to share a better and truer story of disability. They explore: Societal perceptions of disabilityHow relationships change the story of disabilityRecognizing the inherent worth of every individualNavigating grief, loss, and sufferingCultivating the beauty found in communityMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:99 BalloonsAmy Julia's Vox essay: My daughter has Down syndrome. Would I “cure” her if I could?NYT Essay by Emily May: Kennedy Described My Daughter's RealityI Corinthians 12, Exodus 4, and John 9:3Hans ReindersRFK Jr.'s statements about autism_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:When Matthew and his wife Ginny were 30 weeks pregnant, they learned their son Eliot had trisomy 18. Eliot was born eight weeks later and lived for 99 days. The Mooneys founded 99 Balloons, a nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities locally and globally. Matthew now serves on the 99 Balloons Board and lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with Ginny and their three children—Hazel, Anders, and Lena. A writer, speaker, and consultant on disability and inclusion, Matthew is also an attorney and a PhD candidate in Theological Ethics at Aberdeen University. His work has taken him to Haiti, Mexico, Ukraine, Uganda, India, and beyond.Websites: 99 Balloons :: matthewlylemooney  Social: insta ___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone mWe want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

For some of us, Christian summer camp is where we felt most at home. But for campers at white Evangelical church camps in particular, camp was also often the place to inherit an image of God—and of each other—that was incomplete at best and toxic at worst. Author Cara Meredith joins Amy Julia Becker on the podcast to explore belonging, betrayal, and new beginnings as they talk about Cara's latest book, Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation. They examine:Personal experiences of church camp, including joy, exclusion, and betrayalComplexities of faith and belongingEmotional manipulationReconstructing faithDeciding if church camp is right for your child_MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Amy Julia's Live, In-Person Workshop on May 3: Reimagining Family Life with DisabilityFree resource: 5 Ways to Experience God's Love and Practice PeaceSurprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Cara Meredith is a speaker, public theologian, and development director who found home at a church camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains. After serving in various roles, she continued as a speaker for two decades at camps up and down the West Coast. With a master of theology (Fuller Seminary) and a background in education and nonprofit work, she is also the author of The Color of Life. Her writing has been featured in national media outlets such as The Oregonian, The New York Times, The Christian Century, and Christianity Today, among others. She lives with her family in Oakland, California. CONNECT with Cara on her website (carameredith.com) or on Facebook and Instagram. ___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

How do we redefine success, community, and family when parenting a child with disabilities? In this conversation, Amy Julia Becker and Adrian Wood, PhD, creator of the vlog Tales of an Educated Debutante and co-author of Autism Out Loud, discuss community, belonging, autism, and the ways they have grown up with their children. They explore:Cultural perceptions of family life with disabilityNavigating family dynamicsCommunication Building community connectionsCollaborating with schools for better outcomesRedefining success_MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthood by Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, Adrian WoodAmy Julia's Reimagining Family Life with Disability workshopAmy Julia's Live, In-Person Workshop on May 3_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Adrian Wood is the creator of the vlog Tales of an Educated Debutante. She has a PhD in Educational Research and contributes to Today Parents, The Today Show, and the Love What Matters blog. She lives in rural eastern North Carolina with her family.CONNECT with Adrian on her website (talesofaneducateddebutante.com), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.___We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Aujourd'hui nous sommes le 6 avril, 5ème dimanche de Carême. Avec le parcours de Carême “Mettre de l'ordre dans sa vie”, nous vous proposons pendant ces deux semaines, de porter notre regard sur notre relation aux autres.Je me présente devant Dieu avec tout ce que je suis. Je demande la grâce de contempler le Christ et de chercher à le suivre... Chaque jour, retrouvez 12 minutes une méditation guidée pour prier avec un texte de la messe ! A retrouver sur l'application et le site www.prieenchemin.org. Musiques : A Pavin by Rossetters de Philipp Rosseter interprété par Jacob Heringman - Jane Pickeringes Lute Book © Creative Commons by-nc-sa license from Magnatunes ; Belovedness de Sarah Kroger interprété par Sarah Kroger - Light © Creative Commons Youtube Audio Library.

How does language, both careless and careful, shape our world? What's the connection between social status and the words we choose? How does technology influence our understanding of culture and control? Amy Julia Becker and special guest Andy Crouch examine these questions in a conversation about language, culture, and culture making. They also ask:What does the recent rise of the r-word tell us about our culture?  In what ways are technology and vulnerability interconnected?  How can we show up with care in our relationships and creative endeavors?_MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:SUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's weekly emailPraxisCulture Making by Andy Crouch“Where the Magic Doesn't Happen” by Andy Crouch“The Trump administration's rhetoric about disability diminishes us all” by Amy Julia Becker“Embracing the Mystery (more than the magic) of Christmas” by Amy Julia BeckerBreaking Ground essay | “Wrestling with Sovereignty in a Kairos Year” by Amy Julia BeckerKen Myers and Mars Hill AudioPlaying God by Andy CrouchStrong and Weak by Andy CrouchThe Tech-Wise Family by Andy CrouchPhilippians 2: 5-8Marc Andreessen: The Techno-Optimist Manifesto_CONNECT with Andy Crouch on his website: https://andy-crouch.com/_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Andy Crouch is partner for theology and culture at Praxis, a venture-building ecosystem advancing redemptive entrepreneurship. His writing explores faith, culture, and the image of God in the domains of technology, power, leadership, and the arts. He is the author of five books (plus another with his daughter, Amy Crouch).___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Comparison is dangerous. It can cause jealousy and anger in us towards other people. We need to focus on seeing ourselves the way God sees us instead of trying to compare ourselves to those around us.

DateMarch 23, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we tackle envy—the belief that someone else's success threatens our own—through Jesus's parable of the vineyard workers. Envy isn't just comparison; it's the corrosive lie that another's blessing diminishes yours, scaling from personal insecurity to systemic oppression. The antidote? Generosity rooted in knowing your belovedness. When we celebrate others' wins instead of competing, we disrupt envy's isolating power and reconnect to what matters: in God's economy, there's more than enough for everyone.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 20:1–16About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

What happens when we step into silence? Author Pico Iyer joins Amy Julia Becker to discuss his book Aflame: Learning from Silence. He reflects on his time spent in monasteries and how he grounds the ethereal idea of silence in the very earthy realities of everyday life—filled with deadlines, relationships, and the unexpected, like the wildfire that consumed his home in southern California. Pico and Amy Julia examine:the profound lessons that arise from moments of crisishow practices of silence transform lives and relationshipsthe importance of community and servicethe essence of a good life_Women's Conference 2025 | Greenwich, CTMeet Amy Julia in person!_Free Resource/PDF Download:5 Ways to Experience God's Love and Practice Peace_MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Aflame: Learning from Silence by Pico IyerIyer's 1990 Time essay: "California: In The Blazing Eye of the Inferno"_CONNECT with Pico Iyer on his website (www.picoiyerjourneys.com)._WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Pico Iyer is the author of fifteen books, translated into twenty-three languages, and has been a constant contributor for more than thirty years to Time, The New York Times, Harper's Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and more than 250 other periodicals worldwide. His four recent talks for TED have received more than eleven million views. ___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Speaker: Kristian Hernandez   Scripture: Luke 3:21-22   Luke 4:1-4

When U.S. foreign aid is frozen, what happens to the people who depend on it? In this episode, Dr. Matthew Loftus and Amy Julia Becker dive into the effects of USAID cuts, including:The life-or-death consequences for HIV patientsThe difficult choices clinics and hospitals now faceThe political and religious divisions driving the debateWhat it means to be pro-lifeHow concerned Americans can respondMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Amy Julia's Substack email newsletter about USAID: Caring for Humans is Slow, Messy, and BeautifulNYT opinion essay by Leah Libresco Sargeant, Matthew Loftus, Kristin M. Collier, and Kathryn Jean Lopez: “As Fellow Pro-Lifers, We Are Begging Marco Rubio to Save Foreign Aid”ProPublica article:"The Trump Administration Said These Aid Programs Saved Lives. It Canceled Them Anyway."Washington Post articleMatt's thesis: Discipline and FlourishAfrican Mission HealthcareSubscribe to Amy Julia's weekly email_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. READ the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Matthew Loftus lives with his family in East Africa, where he has taught and practiced Family Medicine since 2015. He is especially passionate about Family Medicine education and mental health care in mission hospitals. He grew up in a family of 15 children and did all of his medical training in Baltimore. He also holds an M.A. in Theology from St. Mary's Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore and has written for several publications, including Christianity Today, Mere Orthodoxy, First Things, and The New York Times. You can learn more about his work and writing at www.matthewandmaggie.org___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement in the midst of life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing. In our conversation, we explore: ✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward For the days when fear is loud. When hope feels far. When you need a reminder of who you were created to be. Aundi’s words offer a gentler way forward, filled with grace, compassion, and the assurance that God is with you, even here. Connect with Aundi: Aundi Kolber - therapist + author Read the Show Notes: https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the work of reimagining, religion can play a significant part. What does it mean to be human? Does God exist? Is the universe good? Is there order and purpose to human life? These are the types of questions that help to shape our imagination about our individual lives and our life together. New York Times columnist Ross Douthat joins Amy Julia Becker to discuss his latest book, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. They explore:the current cultural landscape of religion in Americathe rise of secularism and the existential angst many face in a post-religious worldthe importance of engaging with religious questionsthe relationship between religion and politicshow individuals can begin their journey of seeking meaning and purpose__RESOURCES:Amy Julia's Lenten Daily DevotionalAmy Julia's To Be Made Well Lenten Bible Study—Small Group Video Series__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious by Ross DouthatMere Christianity by C.S. LewisThe Weight of Glory by C.S. LewisPaul KingsnorthJ.R.R. TolkienLooking for Faith? Here's a Guide to Choosing a Religion. by Ross Douthat__CONNECT with Ross on X (@DouthatNYT).__Watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. Read the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast.__ABOUT:Ross Douthat has been a New York Times Opinion columnist since April 2009. Previously, he was a senior editor at the Atlantic. He is the author of The Deep Places; The Decadent Society; To Change the Church; Bad Religion; Privilege; and, with Reihan Salam, Grand New Party. He is the film critic for National Review. He lives with his wife and five children in New Haven, Connecticut.___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

February 16, 2025 | Brew City Church | Keri Ladouceur

Send us a textRecent political changes and executive orders have polarized the complex conversation around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). David M. Bailey, the Founder and CEO of Arrabon, joins Amy Julia Becker to discuss: the consequences of dismantling DEIA initiativesthe implications of colorblindness and meritocracythe role of the church in advocating for justicethe importance of maintaining hope and engagement amidst societal polarizationthe need for critical thinking and compassionpractical steps for hope and community involvement_Amy Julia's Lenten Daily DevotionalAmy Julia's To Be Made Well Lenten Bible Study—Small Group Video SeriesArrabon Lenten Resources: available soon at arrabon.com__MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Arrabon: a spiritual formation ministry that equips Christ-followers to actively and creatively pursue racial healing in their communities. David Bailey previously on the podcast: S6 E12 | How to Cultivate Racial HealingS3 E1 | Waking Up to PrivilegeS3 E19 | Loving Our Enemies in a Nation DividedS5 E4 | What's So Controversial About Critical Race Theory? President Trump's Executive OrderBarbara Newman_CONNECT with David Bailey at @wearearrabon and @davidmbailey on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn._MORE: Watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. Read the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:David M. Bailey is a public theologian, culturemaker, and catalyst focused on cultivating reconciling communities. David is the Founder and CEO of Arrabon, a spiritual formation ministry that equips the American Church to actively and creatively pursue racial healing in their communities. He is the co-author of the study series, A People, A Place, and A Just Society. David is an ordained minister rooted at East End Covenant Fellowship, serving on the preaching team, and his greatest honor is to be married to his wonderful wife, Joy.___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters.Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Today we continue with our worship series Fully Alive, based on the book of the same title by Elizabeth Oldfield. We are each searching for meaning in our lives—searching for wisdom. And there's millions of places for us to find it. In Fully Alive, Elizabeth Oldfield reminds us of the wisdom that our Christian faith tradition holds. Within Christianity, there are signposts that show us how to become the kind of human this world needs. In a world that is rife with division, pointing fingers, selfishness, and ecological destruction, we can be part of the solution—someone who is living “fully alive” and not wasting this one wild and wonderful life. Oldfield does this by using the framework of the seven deadly sins: how they show up in our lives and what it would look like to move towards more positive, life-giving virtues. Sin is anything that causes disconnection between ourselves and others, us and the natural world, or us and God. It is something that needs to be met not with judgment, but with grace—both in ourselves and others. Because sin does not define us—our worst choices do not define us. Sin is simply part of the human experience—to have these temptations pull us in one direction when often, we truly want to do another way. And this series is meant to help us bring awareness to our own sins—not how “those people sin”—but to acknowledge how these temptations show up in our lives, and then think about how we want to move forward in the world—with or without them. This week, we focus on the sin of envy and it's opposite, belovedness.

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DateFebruary 2, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we dive into what it means to truly "come alive" through the wisdom of Howard Thurman. We explore how recognizing the divine spark in ourselves—and in those we struggle to love—transforms how we show up in the world. This message wrestles with Jesus's call to let our "yes be yes and no be no," inviting us into a life of radical integrity and courageous love. Drawing from Matthew 5:37 and Thurman's theological legacy.ReferencesScripture: Matthew 5:1–16, 33–37About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Send us a textIs disability a tragedy? Are disabled people “inspiring”? The language we use often reveals our assumptions about disability. Carrie Hahn, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother, joins me on the podcast to talk about her book Beyond Inclusion: How to Raise Anti-Ableist Kids. Maybe you feel like our culture is too full of language police and that we should just move on to more important things. Or maybe you worry that you'll never get your words right. Whether you feel cynicism or despair, this conversation is for you.Carrie's stories and suggestions offer ALL of us a way to put a reimagined life into practice. We discuss:The complexities of navigating ableismHow to cultivate inclusion and belonging one word at a timeWays to respond when we get the language wrongWhy recognizing individuality mattersSimple tips to make spaces more welcoming and accessible _REIMAGINING FAMILY LIFE WITH DISABILITY WORKSHOPFREE RESOURCE: From Exclusion to Belonging__ON THE PODCAST:Beyond Inclusion: How to Raise Anti-Ableist Kids by Carrie HahnStella YoungA Disability History of the United States by Kim E. NielsenREIMAGINING FAMILY LIFE WITH DISABILITY WORKSHOP_CONNECT with Carrie Hahn on her website (informdisability.com), Facebook (@informspeechandlanguage), and Instagram (@carriecch80)_WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. Read the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Carrie Hahn is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother. She has served children of a variety of ages in a variety of settings and has taken on additional endeavors of interest, such as an autism support group for caregivers, the distribution of a parent education newsletter, and giving talks at conferences for family advocacy groups. She creates and shares content related to disability and neurodivergence on her website and social media and uses her platform to promote education and advocacy. Hahn is the mother of two neurodivergent children, one of whom also has physical disabilities. Her book ‘Beyond Inclusion: Raising Anti-Ableist Kids” came out in July of 2024. Carrie's professional and personal lives have intensified her passion for making a safer and less ableist world.___Let's stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Send us a text"Just try harder. Work harder. Think harder." But what if the key to creativity, whether that's in our art or in the art of our daily lives, isn't more effort but surrender? Carey Wallace, artist and author of The Discipline of Inspiration, joins Amy Julia Becker to talk about:How discipline and spiritual practices nurture inspirationThe role of surrender in the creative processHow all humans can explore their creative potential and embrace the joy of creationArt as a communal experienceHow the discipline of inspiration empowers meaningful change in our world that is good and mutually beneficial_REIMAGINING FAMILY LIFE WITH DISABILITY WORKSHOP_ON THE PODCAST:The Discipline of Inspiration by Carey WallaceImage Seminar: The Discipline of Inspiration (a five-week craft workshop)Slow Productivity by Cal NewportJon Batiste interview on Fresh AirOnce a Queen: A Novel by Sarah ArthurOnce a Castle by Sarah Arthur _CONNECT with Carey Wallace on her website (disciplineofinspiration.org), Instagram (@disciplineofinspiration), or Facebook (@disciplineofinspiration)._WATCH this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. Read the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT THE GUEST:Carey Wallace is the author of The Discipline of Inspiration (Eerdmans), The Blind Contessa's New Machine (Penguin), and The Ghost In The Glass House (Clarion). She works to help people from all walks of life find inspiration and build strong creative habits to sustain a lifetime of creation. She performs as a songwriter, exhibits her own fine art, and has spoken on art, faith, and justice with students at Princeton, Julliard, Emory, Pratt, and Yale. Her articles and poems have appeared in Time, Detroit's Metro Times, and America. She is the founder of a retreat for artists in Michigan, and the Discipline of Inspiration creative habit formation program, which has been in operation for over a decade across the US and internationally. She grew up in small towns in Michigan, and lives and works in Brooklyn. _Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

DateJanuary 12, 2025SynopsisWhen God writes "Beloved" on our hearts, it transforms how we see ourselves and each other. Like a child proudly writing their name, like friends recognizing each other's baby pictures, like communities holding space for both joy and sorrow—we're called to live as if we actually believe we're beloved, and to create spaces where others can discover they are too.ReferencesScripture: Luke 3:15–17; 21–22 About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Welcome to The All Means All podcast at Cathedral of the Rockies. Today's message is the final in our How Does A Weary World Rejoice sermon series, where we learn to find joy in the advent season through a time of trial. Pastor Duane gives the story of the wise men. Donate to our Capital Campaign: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZA1K/campaign/C-14SNF Give Online: https://www.cathedraloftherockies.org/donate/ Connect with us: Facebook Downtown Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockies Facebook Amity Campus: https://www.facebook.com/cathedraloftherockiesamity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathedral_of_the_rockies/ Instagram Cathedral Families: https://www.instagram.com/cathedralfamilies/

Bethany Nass Cseh is a Pastor at Catalyst Church and Arcata United Methodist Church. She is also an author and blogger. You can find Bethany on Instagram (@bethany.nass.cseh) and Facebook (@bethany.cseh), her blog online (withbethany.com) along with her articles for the Lost Coast Outpost (lostcoastoutpost.com/author/bethany-cseh) and her two books "Stepping Into Lent: A 40 Day Reflection on Loss, Lack, & Belovedness, In the Wilderness With Jesus" and "Stepping Into Advent: Making Space to Recognize the Nearness of God" on Amazon. She is also the co-host of This Is Not Church, a podcast deconstructing faith. You can find This Is Not Church online (thisisnotchurch.com) and wherever you listen to podcasts.   12/18/2024

Mama, isn't it true that we can become so busy during this time of year, making memories for our families and caring for others? Let us not become so busy that we miss out on the blessing of Jesus calling us His "Beloved!"Join Tyler from our December Mothering Kit as he shares about the incredible, unconditional love of Jesus. Discover how Jesus came just for you—meeting you right where you are—with a love that brings true peace, hope, and joy this Christmas season!Follow Tyler Hill for more life-giving resources on living your life beloved by Jesus, including his Summit on Belovedness, HERE!You can sign up for Tyler's Monday Morning Blessing HERE!Click HERE for the FREE Printable!*Social media is so great, but do you ever feel like you want to be part of a space where you can go deeper with our team and other moms on the journey of motherhood? If so, please join the waitlist for the NEW Radiant Mom Sisterhood HERE!For more information about our ministry, visit our website http://helpclubformoms.comCheck out our YouVersion plans HERE!Our prayer team prays for you every day! Send us your prayer requests at admin@helpclubformoms.com.

How can we create spaces where children feel secure, valued, and empowered to thrive? In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Dr. Noah Brink to explore the transformative power of belonging in the lives of children. Together, they unpack three essential pillars—boundaries, bravery, and belovedness—that help foster meaningful connections at home and in schools. From practical family rituals to insights on celebrating individual gifts within a community, this conversation equips parents and educators to nurture the next generation with confidence and grace. Discover how belonging isn't just a feeling but a cornerstone of raising thoughtful, resilient, and flourishing individuals.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyAmericas Christian Credit UnionClassic Learning TestGordon CollegeClassical Academic PressLife Architects Coaching Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Send us a textHow do we attend to diverse voices in our churches and society without silencing or patronizing each other? Author and professor Esau McCaulley, PhD, joins Amy Julia Becker to discuss The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary. They talk about:the importance of connecting church and culturethe insights provided by scholars from diverse backgrounds and ethnicitiesthe harm caused by limiting biblical interpretation to a Western-centric lensthe role of the church in today's societythe transformative power of listening and learning from each other_AMY JULIA'S Books_ON THE PODCAST:NYT essays by Esau McCaulleyThe Esau McCaulley PodcastReading While Black: book; podcast episodeHow Far to the Promised Land: book; podcast episode_CONNECT with Dr. McCaulley on his website (esaumccaulley.com) and on social media (@esaumccaulley)_Watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. Read the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._ABOUT:Esau McCaulley, PhD, is an author and The Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College. His writing and speaking focus on New Testament Exegesis, African American Biblical Interpretation, and Public Theology. He has authored numerous books including, Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope, which won numerous awards including Christianity Today's Book of the Year. Esau also served as the editor of New Testament in Color: A Multi-Ethnic Commentary on the New Testament.On the popular level, Esau's recent memoir, How Far to the Promised Land, was named by Amazon as a top five non-fiction book of 2023. He has also penned works for children, including Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit and Andy Johnson and the March for Justice. Esau is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, and senior editor for Holy Post Media as well as the host of a new podcast with the Holy Post. His writings have appeared in places such as The Atlantic, Washington Post, and Christianity Today._Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Make a tax-deductible donation at www.faithfullygrowing.com/donate In this episode, Tim Fortescue shares a touching story about the importance of affirmation and recognition of our inherent worth, illustrated through the experience of Henry Nowen and a community member named Janet. The narrative emphasizes the universal need for genuine blessings and support, particularly in a community setting. Tim invites listeners to join the mission of providing affirmation and resources for personal and spiritual growth, especially on Giving Tuesday, and concludes with a heartfelt blessing for the audience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ifsinsightsmeditations/support

Send us a textHow do we decide who has a life worth living? Author and professor emerita Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, PhD, joins Amy Julia Becker to discuss what it means to:be humanlive in communitycare for one anothernavigate the complicated ethics of selective abortionfind the language and stories to talk about a life worth living_ADVENT DEVOTIONAL: Prepare Him Room: Advent Reflections on What Happens When God Shows Up_ON THE PODCAST:Plough essay: “The Body She Had” by Rosemarie Garland-Thomson Book: About Us: Essays from the New York Times about Disability by People with Disabilities Sara Hendren's episode: “Who Belongs? Disability and the Built World”_CONNECT with Dr. Garland-Thomson on her website: rosemariegarlandthomson.com_Watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. Read the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._About:Rosemarie Garland-Thomson is professor emerita of English and bioethics at Emory University. She works in disability culture, bioethics, and health humanities. She is a Hastings Center Senior Advisor and member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is co-editor of About Us: Essays from the New York Times about Disability by People with Disabilities and author of Staring: How We Look and several other books._Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Discover the transformative power of recognizing your intrinsic worth as a beloved child of God in our latest episode. This episode is not just about survival but embracing a more profound spiritual existence by understanding how deeply cherished and eternally significant each of us is in God's eyes. Through comforting affirmations, we'll guide you to realize the unbreakable bond and unparalleled love that surrounds you. As we explore themes of trust and faith, you'll be encouraged to rest in the everlasting embrace of your Father, who treasures your unique purpose and value. Let this episode be your reminder of the unwavering presence, protection, and blessings that your Heavenly Father offers every day.

Send us a textPolitical divides don't just disappear after elections. If you long for a hopeful way forward, this conversation is for you. Pastor Corey Widmer talks with Amy Julia Becker about how to navigate political polarization with humility, love, and a commitment to Jesus' way of life.Corey and Amy Julia discuss:Political engagement and identity formationThe dangers of political idolatry and hyperindividualism How to embody love and curiosity in political discourseLiving out the way of Jesus in a polarized worldHow to respond to the election results _FREE DOWNLOAD: 5 Ways to Experience God's Love and Practice Peace_ON THE PODCAST:Sermon on the MountThe BeatitudesRich Villodas on the podcastThe AND CampaignHow to Be Christian in the Election | White PaperHow to Be Christian in the Election | Sunday School seriesThe Good Life of the Kingdom | Sermon_Watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. Read the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast._Guest Bio:Rev. Corey Widmer is Senior Pastor of Third Church, a Presbyterian congregation in Richmond, VA. A graduate of University of Virginia and Princeton Theological Seminary, he also has a Ph.D. in theology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Corey is married to Sarah, a public health nurse, and they have 4 teenage daughters.  Corey loves reading, exploring the outdoors, and pickleball! -Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

DateNovember 3, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore the life of Henri Nouwen—Catholic priest, prolific author, and wounded healer—whose lifelong struggle with feeling worthy of love led him to discover God's grace in unexpected places. Through Nouwen's journey from prestigious academic positions to living among those with disabilities at L'Arche, we learn that our wounds aren't liabilities but pathways to healing, and that like trapeze artists, we're all called to trust in the divine Catcher who promises to hold us. This message will especially resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an impostor, struggled with feeling worthy of love, or longed to be enough—inviting us to consider how our own wounds might become sources of healing for others, just as Nouwen taught us that "when our wounds cease to be a source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers."ReferencesScripture: Matthew 3:13–17; Hebrews 12:1–2About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. We're also posting good stuff on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, too. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Send us a textWhat freedom could we offer one another as humans if we weren't so stuck on the treadmill of achievement and quantified learning? Pepper Stetler, PhD, is the author of A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test. She joins Amy Julia Becker on the podcast to share her personal journey navigating the world of IQ testing with her daughter Louisa, who has Down syndrome. Amy Julia and Dr. Stetler explore: the historical roots of these intelligence assessmentsIQ testing's societal implicationsthe ethical dilemmas the tests present for parents and educatorshow IQ tests shape our understanding of intelligence and the pursuit of a fulfilling lifeways to challenge conventional notions of achievement and success_Noonday Lucky Few bracelet (in celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness month): https://noondaycollection.com/products/lucky-few-bracelet_On the Podcast:A Measure of Intelligence: One Mother's Reckoning with the IQ Test by Pepper Stetler Alfred BinetDSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)Henry Goddard_Connect with Dr. Stetler on her website (pepperstetler.com) or X (@PepperStetler)._Watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking here. Read the full transcript and access detailed show notes by clicking here or visiting amyjuliabecker.com/podcast.Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Send us a textThe way we tell the stories of our past plays a crucial role in shaping our imagination for the future. Author and historian Jemar Tisby, Ph.D., insists in his work that we tell a fuller story of our past, especially when it comes to the history of race and justice within the United States. Jemar joins Amy Julia Becker to discuss his latest book, The Spirit of Justice. Their conversation includes:The persistent spirit of justice in the Black Christian experience in AmericaThe historical and ongoing struggles against racismHow faith and storytelling fuel resilience and hopeAmy Julia's book: White Picket Fences: Turning toward Love in a World Divided by Privilege_Guest Bio:Jemar Tisby, PhD, is the author of new book The Spirit of Justice, and he also wrote the New York Times bestselling The Color of Compromise, and the award-winning How to Fight Racism. He is a historian who studies race, religion, and social movements in the twentieth century and serves as a professor at Simmons College of Kentucky, a historically Black college. _Connect Online with Dr. Tisby:Website: https://jemartisby.com/ | Instagram | Facebook | Substack/Newsletter_On the Podcast:The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance by Jemar TisbyThe Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar TisbyMississippi Civil Rights MuseumAmy Julia's previous conversations with Jemar: S5 E10 | How Kids Can Fight Racism with Jemar Tisby, PhD S4 E1 | How Do We Fight Racism? with Jemar TisbyS3 E6 | Now Is the Time for Justice with Jemar Tisby_TRANSCRIPT here_YouTube video here with closed captions_Let's Reimagine the Good Life together. Find out more at amyjuliabecker.com.Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Send us a textWhat does it mean to be human? Who counts as a human being and why? Anthropologist Tom Pearson has been asking these questions for a living for a long time, and then his daughter was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome, prompting him to ask the questions all over again in his book An Ordinary Future. Amy Julia and Tom discuss:Normalcy, disability, and the human experienceCultural perceptions of disability and the historical context of eugenics and institutionalization How prenatal testing influences societal views of disabilityInterdependence and its relationship to the human experienceThe ways disability is a source of innovation and community, not just an inevitabilityFREE RESOURCE: 10 Ways to Move Toward a Good Future {especially for families with disability}Guest Bio:Tom Pearson is a cultural anthropologist with wide-ranging interests in the fields of environmental justice and disability studies. He teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he also chairs the social science department. His writing has appeared in numerous scholarly journals and other public outlets. The birth of his daughter Michaela and her diagnosis with Down syndrome thrust him into an unfamiliar world of disability and difference. His book An Ordinary Future: Margaret Mead, the Problem of Disability, and a Child Born Different examines this experience in relation to Margaret Mead's path to disability rights activism. It confronts the dominant ideas, disturbing contradictions, and dramatic transformations that have shaped our perspectives on disability over the last century. Connect Online:Website | TwitterOn the Podcast:Washington Post: A mystery illness stole their kids' personalities. These moms fought for answers.An Ordinary Future: Margaret Mead, the Problem of Disability, and a Child Born Different by Thomas PearsonTRANSCRIPT: amyjuliabecker.com/tom-pearson/YouTube Channel: video with closed captionsLet's Reimagine the Good Life together. Find out more at amyjuliabecker.com.Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

Send us a textThe ways we have envisioned success—whether it's more wealth, social media followers, recognition, or power—might actually lead us away from an abundant, spacious life. Pastor Rich Villodas, author of The Narrow Way, joins Amy Julia Becker on the podcast to examine how the Sermon on the Mount challenges prevailing notions of success and the good life and invites us to reimagine faithfulness to Jesus. Amy Julia and Rich discuss:Reimagining success, morality, and individualismInterior examination and the integration of loveThe paradox of the narrow path and the spacious life in Jesus' wordsPractices for reimagining the good life in a world of distractionsEmbracing grace and seeking transformationCheck out Amy Julia's live, online WORKSHOP: Reimagining Family Life with Disability. Use code FAMILY24 at checkout and take 30% off!Guest Bio:Rich Villodas is the author of 4 books, including his latest The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls. He is the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church with more than 75 countries represented, in Elmhurst, Queens, and Long Island, New York. He is the co-host of the Resilient Pastor podcast. He's been married to Rosie since 2006, and they have two beautiful children, Karis and Nathan.Connect Online with Rich: Website | Instagram | Facebook | TwitterOn the Podcast:Matthew 5-7BibleProject Podcast: Sermon on the Mount seriesHope Heals CampMatthew: A Commentary, Volume 1 by Dale BrunerPete ScazzeroTRANSCRIPT: amyjuliabecker.com/rich-villodas-2024/YouTube Channel: video with closed captionsLet's Reimagine the Good Life together. Find out more at amyjuliabecker.com.Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

We start a new Narrative Lectionary year at a very good place to start: In the beginning… We begin with the genesis of all things, and it doesn't take long for everything to devolve into deception, messing up, shame, hiding from God, and scapegoating. If our ancient Hebrew forebears in the faith told this story because they - like us - knew their overwhelming capacity to screw up royally, then I think it's telling to back up a few steps and see how they START that story. Despite what some may have you believe, their story (and ours) does not originate with sin, but with the tender shaping of soil, the intimate breathing of life, and holy belovedness.Sermon begins at minute marker 6:22​​​​Genesis 2.4b-7, 15-17; 3.1-8ResourcesBibleWorm podcast: Episode 601 – The Knowledge of Good and Evil, Amy Robertson and Robert Williamson, JrWikipedia article on the doctrine of “Original Sin” and Augustine's shaping of it.“Beloved Is Where We Begin,” blessing by Jan Richardson, also published in her book, Circle of Grace.Image: Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash Hymn: 531 Holy Presence, Holy Teacher. Text: Shirley Erena Murray (Aotearoa New Zealand), alt., © 2008 Hope Publishing Co. Music: C. Hubert H. Parry (England), 1897. Permission to podcast the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, license #A-726929. All rights reserved.

Send us a textHow do we envision the good life in a way that is hopeful and human and freeing and good? My name is Amy Julia Becker. I help people reimagine the good life through my writing and speaking on disability, faith, and culture.My hope for the work I do, and for this show, is that we would:–Challenge the assumptions about what makes life good–Proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being–And envision a world of belonging–Where everyone mattersDiscover captivating conversations with leading authors, professors, and experts who delve into what it truly means to be human and what makes life good. If you're ready to explore helpful, beautiful perspectives on belonging and belovedness and mattering, now is the perfect time to join.Subscribe today to catch new episodes every other week, beginning September 10. Let's reimagine the good life together. Mark your calendar, and make sure you're subscribed. You won't want to miss this.REIMAGINING THE GOOD LIFE is available wherever you get your podcasts.Also, check out my live, online WORKSHOP: Reimagining Family Life with Disability. Use code FAMILY24 to take 30% off registration! It begins September 18th!YouTube Channel: video with closed captionsLet's Reimagine the Good Life together. Find out more at amyjuliabecker.com.Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

This week's guest is the incredible Kate Bowler! She is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and an Associate Professor of American Religious History at Duke University. Jann and Kate discuss the importance of taking action in the face of challenges, the need for authentic conversations about grief, and the pressure to always be positive. They also touch on the topic of medically assisted dying and the complexities surrounding it. Kate Bowler shares her personal experiences with chronic pain and how it inspired her latest book, 'Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day,' which offers bite-sized reflections for navigating ups and downs in life. In this conversation, Kate Bowler discusses the challenges of navigating grief and supporting others in times of difficulty. They explore the concept of being overwhelmed by other people's problems and the need to set boundaries. They also discuss the role of religion and spirituality in coping with hardship and finding a sense of community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, love, and self-compassion in helping each other through tough times. More about Kate Bowler: Kate studies the cultural stories we tell ourselves about success, suffering, and whether (or not) we're capable of change. She is the author of Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel and The Preacher's Wife: The Precarious Power of Evangelical Women Celebrities. After being unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at age 35, she penned the New York Times bestselling memoir, Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I've Loved) and No Cure For Being Human (and Other Truths I Need to Hear). She has also co-written with Jessica Richie, spiritual reflections: Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection and The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days. Kate's most recent book, Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs, and In-Betweens, is packed with bite-sized reflections and action-oriented steps to help you get through the day, be it good, bad, or totally mediocre. Kate hosts the award-winning Everything Happens podcast where, in warm, insightful, often funny conversations, she talks with people like Malcolm Gladwell and Beth Moore about what they've learned in difficult times. She lives in Durham, North Carolina with her family and continues to teach do-gooders at Duke Divinity School. https://katebowler.com/ Watch Kate Bowler's Ted Talk Order her latest book Have a Beautiful Terrible Day: Daily Meditations For the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens Jann, Caitlin & Sarah also talked through some comments from listeners from last week's episode surrounding medically assisted death - stay tuned for next episode but here is the article that was referenced during this week's show: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/why-are-15-times-more-canadians-than-californians-choosing-assisted-death Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Matthew Breuninger is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Franciscan University of Stuebenville, and the Director of Teaching Excellence. He has research interests in the role of religion in one's psychological well-being • Attachment to God—the experiences of felt security with God • Understanding the overlap between psychological habits and theological virtues • Virtue formation.  Dr. Breuninger is the author of Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life's Hurts published by Emmaus Road Publishing, and the Co-founder of KNOWN: Embraced by the Heart of the Father.  We talk today about how our own experience of Fatherhood shapes our understanding of who God is as Father, and the accompanying challenges brought on by negative or incomplete experiences of belovedness as a child of our father, coupled with the importance of handing on a good experience of attachment and belovedness to our own children.