Podcasts about it's not your turn

“Who you are when it's not your turn is more important than who you will be when it is” Heather Thompson day is the:  Host of the Jesus Viral podcast Author: I'll See You Tomorrow Associate Communications Professor  In this episode you will learn about effectively communicating what is going on underneath the surface with Scripture, why it's important to actively cheer on others, and how to practically combat anxious thoughts. I pray this blesses you friend :) 

This week Heather is joined by journalist Paul Kix, whose bestselling book You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live takes readers on a sweeping tour of the chaotic streets of Birmingham, Alabama, in the spring of 1963. It's the story of the pivotal ten-week campaign of marches, nonviolent resistance, and overnight jail stays that helped turn the tide on Jim Crow segregation. Who can forget the gut-wrenching photos and video clips from Birmingham during these days? The images of young Black students being assaulted by police dogs and water cannons went viral decades before the Internet was available to go viral on. Paul walks Heather through his research on Birmingham, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and on King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference organization. He also calls attention to the important contributions of Civil Rights Movement leaders such as Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth (whose chracteristic maxim became the book's title) and Dr. King's chief of staff, Wyatt Tee Walker, who were often overshadowed by MLK's immense fame. Paul's book reveals how those ten weeks in Birmingham changed the trajectory of American politics, religion, and race relations.Sixty years later, the Birmingham story would also have a profound impact on Paul Kix's view of his marriage and family. As a white man, married to a Black woman, with a daughter and twin sons who identify as Black, he was deeply affected by the 2020 murder of George Floyd as well as other incidents that appeared to devalue the lives of Black people. Out of his personal wrestling with those events, and hard questions from his kids, Paul found himself called to remember Birmingham 1963. When Paul originally started digging into the work of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he was not a practicing Christian. But the faith of the men who led during the Civil Rights Movement, didn't just inspire him intellectually, it also inspired him spiritually. This poignant interview sits at the intersection of faith and social justice. Heather also welcomes back our resident social media expert, Brady Shearer, to discuss another tool for your Social Toolkit. This week, Brady shares ideas for repurposing weekly sermons into condensed content for podcasts and YouTube. Guest Bio Paul Kix is a journalist and author whose last book was The Saboteur, a bestselling and critically acclaimed true story of the most daring man in World War II. His writing has also appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, GQ, and ESPN The Magazine, among other publications. His latest book , You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live, is the subject of this episode of the podcast. He lives in Connecticut with his family. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the final episode of our three-part “Listening to Black Creators” series for Black History Month. On today's show, Heather gets to sit down with Kevin Olusola, a member of the three-time Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Pentatonix. Kevin shares his story, which he credits solely to God and his call to “radical reliance.” Oh, Kevin acknowledges that he had to do his part by putting in the work to become a masterful musician; however, it was God who ultimately opened doors and provided incredible coincidences of timing that really were not coincidences at all.In this episode you will learn how Kevin went from medical school at Yale, to performing cello beatboxing for Yo-Yo Ma, to creating a viral video that landed him on a reality television show and eventually led to him becoming the fifth member of Pentatonix. This story is so wild only God could have orchestrated it. But first, it's time for Social Toolkit. Heather continues walking us through some of the obstacles facing Black creators online. Today, she focuses on algorithm bias and pay discrepancies. Guest Bio Kevin Olusola is a member of the Grammy Award-winning musical group Pentatonix, grew up in the small town of Owensboro, Kentucky, the son of a Nigerian psychiatrist and a Grenadian nurse. At an early age, Kevin began learning piano, cello, and saxophone. He performed at Carnegie Hall twice as soloist on the cello and saxophone and has appeared on NPR's From the Top. Kevin enrolled at Yale University where he studied pre-med and East Asian Studies. He spent 18 months in Beijing becoming fluent in Chinese as a part of his Yale fellowship. While in college, Kevin began developing “cello boxing,” his innovative blending of intricate beatboxing with classical cello performances. And in 2009, he won second place in the “Celebrate and Collaborate with Yo-Yo Ma” international competition. Ma would call Kevin's cello-boxing version of “Dona Nobis Pacem” both “inventive and unexpected.” In 2011, Kevin's “Julie-O” cello boxing YouTube video was featured by CBS, AOL, Huffington Post, and the Washington Post, among others. Kevin was also named one of 100 “History Makers in the Making” by NBC's TheGrio and was hand-chosen by Quincy Jones to represent him in concert at the 2012 Montreux Jazz Festival alongside Bobby McFerrin and Chick Corea. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode Heather gets to sit down with author, speaker, and activist Ally Henny to discuss Ally's latest book, I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You. Citing studies and anecdotal experience, Ally explains that in our society Black women are often made to feel like their very existence is too loud. Ally then walks us through some of the societal ways in which women are silenced, invites us to think critically about the presentations of women in Scripture, and challenges us to find our voice when the world tries to squelch it. This episode is Part 2 of our three-part “Listening to Black Creators” series and speaking candidly to the Viral Jesus community in our Social Toolkit segment, Heather discusses the obstacles and injustices facing many Black creators on digital canvases such as TikTok and YouTube. From being cheated out of proper credit for their ideas to pay discrepancies in the field, Black creators are routinely dealing with the same systemic inequities that exist offline in their social networks. Heather challenges us to be mindful of “erasure.” Guest Bio Ally Henny is a writer, speaker, advocate-minister, and vice president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, an organization committed to encouraging, engaging, and empowering Black Christians toward liberation from racism. She completed her MDiv from Fuller Seminary with an emphasis in race, cultural identity, and reconciliation, and she hopes to lead a church someday. Ally has been leading conversations about race on her social media and blog, The Armchair Commentary, since 2014, and her posts reach millions each month. She is a proud Chicago Southsider. Also Mentioned in This Episode •Here's some backstory on how the Black teen creator of the Renegade dance was denied proper credit for her IP. •The Renegade dance scandal was first exposed by journalist Taylor Lorenz, who specializes in the digital culture and social media beats. She appeared on Viral Jesus last fall. •Check out Part 1 of the “Listening to Black Creators” series for Heather's conversation with K.A. Ellis. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode Heather visits with theologian and author K.A. Ellis—the initials stand for “Karen Angela”—to kick off our three-part series for February, “Listening to Black Creators.” Mrs. Ellis, who was 42 when she married her husband Carl, talks about the experiences of single women in the church, as well as the true meaning of the word widow (it's not just about the death of a spouse). She also offers practical wisdom for how to trust God's faithfulness and Christ's sufficiency when the way forward is anything but clear. K.A.'s latest book is called Fannie Lou Hamer: The Courageous Woman Who Marched for Dignity. The beautifully illustrated tome is ostensibly written to introduce children to the famed Civil Rights heroine, but older readers will also be captivated by this colorful retelling of Hamer's story. In just 24 pages, K.A. captures an indelible portrait of Hamer—the faithful Christian and defender of human dignity. And don't forget to check out the talk by K.A. that blew Heather away. Her message on “Loving the Widow” was given at The Gospel Coalition's 2018 Women's Pre-Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the message, K.A. references the book Spiritual Widowhood by Andy Mendonsa. Elsewhere in the show, Heather also checks in with our favorite social media wiz Brady Shearer to get more tools for our Social Toolkit. Brady is the CEO of Pro Church Tools. His company helps churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Guest Bio K.A. Ellis (Karen Angela Ellis) specializes in topics centering around World Christianity and Ethics, and she's passionate about preparing the next generations to live faithfully under anti-Christian hostility. Mrs. Ellis teaches and disciples young people at her local church on Bible and Global Christianity, and is the Director of the Edmiston Center at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also the Robert Cannada Fellow in World Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode Heather is joined by Kat Armas. Kat is a Cuban American theologian and author who specializes in seeing Scripture in new ways. Her lens for engaging with the Bible reminds us that there is always so much more to Scripture than we notice at first glance. This week there's also more of our new segment Friends in the Kitchen, featuring celebrity chef Danielle Kartes. Today, Danielle is sharing her delicious Chicken Piccata recipe, which you can find on her blog here. Guest Bio Kat Armas is a Cuban American writer and podcaster from Miami, Florida. She holds a dual MDiv and MAT from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a ThM at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Her first book, Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence and Strength, sits at the intersection of women, de-colonialism, the Bible, and Cuban identity. She also explores these topics and more on her podcast, The Protagonistas, which centers the voices of Black, Indigenous, and other women of color in theological spaces. Kat is currently living outside of Nashville where she preaches regularly at Gracepointe church. Her second book, Sacred Belonging: A 40-day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture is available right now. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode Heather visits with researcher and licensed social worker Holly Oxhandler to discuss Holly's latest book, The Soul of the Helper, in which she encourages caregivers and caretakers (both professional and nonprofessional) to recognize their need for stillness, rest, and spiritual renewal. Holly says helpers are prone to trying do it all and are likely candidates for burnout. She identifies seven stages that can help us see the sacred within ourselves, and that once we can see the sacred within ourselves, we can better see it in others. Heather is also back with our new segment for January called Friends in the Kitchen, featuring celebrity chef Danielle Kartes. You may recognize Danielle from her regular appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Food and foodies are popular subjects among the Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube creators and influencers, so get ready to take notes. And if you like this segment, make sure to email us at HellotoHeather@gmail.com and let us know. Danielle's latest cookbook is Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy. And you can find her quesadilla recipe here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/viral-jesus/holly-oxhandler-soul-of-helper.html Guest Bio Dr. Holly Oxhandler is the associate dean for research and faculty development and an associate professor at Baylor University's Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health and mental health, and is especially interested in whether and how mental and behavioral health therapists discuss their client's religious/spiritual beliefs in treatment. Her latest book is called The Soul of the Helper: Seven Stages to Seeing the Sacred Within Yourself So You Can See It in Others. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather's weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode Heather visits with Madison Prewett Troutt to discuss dating, waiting, and falling in love. You may recognize Madison from season 24 of The Bachelor, where she was a finalist. Madison made national news when she shared on the show that she was a virgin and saving herself for marriage. She later eliminated herself from the competition. Fans fell in love with Madison and her commitment to her Christian faith. Now she has written a book about dating and singleness to encourage other women. The Love Everybody Wants: What You're Looking For Is Already Yours is available wherever you buy Christian books. This week Heather also debuts a new segment that will run all month called Friends in the Kitchen, featuring celebrity chef Danielle Kartes. Heather and Danielle connected at a conference last year and became fast friends. You may recognize Danielle from her regular appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show. If you do, you'll know why there's no one better to talk recipes, friendship, and current events with than this spirited woman. As for why she's doing a food segment on Viral Jesus? Heather says she started cooking regularly over the Christmas break and discovered how much she loves it. She also knows that food and food photography is a popular subject among the creators and influencers out here in the land of Instagram and TikTok. So get your taste buds ready! If you like this segment, make sure to email us at HellotoHeather@gmail.com and let us know you'd like us to bring you more recipes and more of Danielle. You can find Danielle's recipe and this episode's complete show notes here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/viral-jesus/madison-prewett-troutt-love-everybody-wants.html Guest Bio Madison Prewett Troutt first stood out for her stance on relationships during her season on The Bachelor. Since completing the program, young women have continued to turn to Madi for relationship advice, which she talks about frequently on her social channels (3.2 million social followers). She was single as she started writing The Love Everybody Wants and married her husband Grant Troutt last fall as she finished the manuscript. Although she shares for the first time some of their love story, her book isn't a manual for how to get a boyfriend or a manifesto for getting married. It's about understanding the foundations of love and your self-worth. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'llSee You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heather's weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7pm EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, in the final installment of our Meditation Monday devotions for 2023, Heather explains why Christmas is an appropriate time to be finishing this series. “Biblically speaking, there are 400 years of silence between the book of Malachi, which closes out the prophetic ministry of the Old Testament, and the words the angel spoke to Zachariah, who would be the father of John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus. Christmas is a reminder of the fulfillment of all the promises that happened despite that 400 years of silence.” Though we now have the benefit of seeing God's faithfulness on the other side of those 400 years of silence, it is challenging–often exasperatingly so–to have to wait on the fulfillment of God's promises in real time. How do we maintain our faith in the midst of deafening silence? How do we keep following God when it's not clear where he's leading us? Heather continues: “In the first chapter of John's Gospel, when the disciples are approached by Jesus, they say to him, ‘Rabbi, where are we going?' Come, he replies, and you will see. I think of this often. Even the disciples who walked with Jesus in the flesh often didn't know where they were going. Apparently, that is part of what it means to follow Jesus.” Listen to Heather's thoughtful message right now. And if it encourages you, please share it with others. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode Heather sits down with Mike “Mikey” Planeta. You may recognize Mike as one of the contestants on season 17 of the ABC dating and relationship reality television series The Bachelorette featuring Katie Thurston. Mike was eliminated in week 6, right before the show's hometown dates. He made national news when he revealed on the show that he was a virgin and saving himself for marriage. His celibacy was rooted in his Christian faith, and was a startling departure from the typical storyline we seen on reality television. In this conversation Mike and Heather talk about his experience on The Bachelorette, how he stays grounded in his faith, and what the response was like to his appearance on the show. Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about the growing sentiment among many Christians that social media is inherently ill-equipped for doing good ministry. Brady's tips will help remind us that social media is simply a tool that could be used with equal effectiveness for truth or harm. Guest Bio Mike Planeta was a contestant on the 17th season of The Bachelorette, which aired during the summer of 2021. He had a successful run as a Major League Baseball player before retiring to open a San Diego-based gym and fitness center for high school athletes. He can be reached via Instagram @mikeyplaneta or email mikeplaneta@yahoo.com. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is our 100th episode! Thank you so much for being a part of the Viral Jesus community. And a special thank you to those of you who have journeyed with us 100 times and back. In honor of episode 100, Heather shares a devotional thought about faith, consistency, and perseverance from Romans 4:19-22. This week, Heather also sits down with author Aaron Armstrong. Aaron's latest book is called I'm a Christian―Now What? A Guide to Your New Life with Christ. Heather and Aaron discuss Aaron's experience of converting to Christianity in adulthood, what a pastor did that helped Aaron feel a sense of psychological safety, and the questions Aaron thinks new believers may be asking. Guest Bio Aaron Armstrong is the author of several books for adults and children, a documentary screenwriter, ministry leader, and podcaster. A Canadian living in the United States, he serves at his local church as a community group leader and as a part of the preaching team. He and his wife, Emily, have three children: Abigail, Hannah, and Hudson. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional message that reminds each of us that our circumstances do not correlate to God's presence in our lives. Your circumstances are seasonal, situational, and circumstantial. They are not forever. They are not always. And they are not permanent. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who is forever. God is with us, even when it feels like our prayer life is blocked. Today's Scripture can be found in Isaiah 20:2-4 in the Christian Standard Bible: During that time the Lord had spoken through Isaiah son of Amoz, saying, “Go, take off your sackcloth from your waist and remove the sandals from your feet,” and he did that, going stripped and barefoot—the Lord said, “As my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, so the king of Assyria will lead the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Cush, young and old alike, stripped and barefoot, with bared buttocks—to Egypt's shame....” Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather's encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's devotion is for the person who doesn't know what happens next. I have been reading the Psalms for the past few weeks during my devotional time, and I can't stop thinking about Psalm 23. You know the one: “The Lord is my shepherd.” Sit with what that means for a moment. For the Lord to be our shepherd, to actually be guiding each of our steps—waiting for us when we wander, picking us up when we stumble, leading us to refreshing waters that will nourish our souls. Sheep are totally dependent on the protection of the shepherd. One of my favorite things that I learned about sheep is that the shepherds in the ancient East would sing or call to their flocks of sheep while those shepherds walked close beside and behind them.And so, because they would sing to them as they walked, the sheep would learn the voice of the shepherd who was guiding them on their path. The sheep would know their shepherd's voice so well that even if they stopped for water near another shepherd's flock, all their shepherd would have to do is sing his song, and his sheep would follow. How much more should you and I know the voice of our Father in heaven? To the person right now who doesn't know what happens next … I'm going to be honest with you. I'm going through some things in my life as well, and I don't know what happens next. I've had several months where I just don't know. What is supposed to happen the next day? I am praying over and over for deliverance, and I'm seeing nothing. So, what if it's okay that we don't know what comes next? What if it's okay that we can't see far down the road in our lives?Almost everyone I know right now is in some type of life transition—raising families, navigating job changes, caring for ailing parents. We are tired. We are overwhelmed. And we are just waiting … waiting to know where we're going and what's supposed to happen next.But what if it's okay that we don't know? If we can learn in this season what it means to stick close to God—to know his voice and be guided by his hand—then I think we may discover that our good shepherd is all we need for what's next. Spend some time meditating on Psalm 23 this week: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live” (CSB). Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder of the power of gratitude. Did you know that gratitude and stress can't live in the brain at the same time? If all of our prayers are simply us recounting our worry, have we really worshiped God? Heather invites you to make a list of five things you are grateful for this holiday season. And she exhorts us to “never stop looking for spaces in your life to praise God,” even amid our worries and petitions. Today's Scripture can be found in Psalm 33:1-5 in the CSB: “Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones: praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the lyre; make music to him with a ten-stringed harp. Sing a new song to him; play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout. For the word of the Lord is right, and all his work is trustworthy. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord's unfailing love.” Remember, Heather will be bringing you a meditation like this one every Monday for the rest of 2023. Thanksgiving blessings to you from the Viral Jesus team. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with writer Dorcas Cheng-Tozun to discuss how to navigate matters of social justice when you're a reserved or highly sensitive person. Do you have to be an extrovert to inspire people to rally around community needs? Dorcas explains small, quiet ways you can make an impact. In this episode Heather also addresses National Adoption month with Herbie Newell, president and executive director of Lifeline Children's Services, the largest evangelical adoption agency in the country. Herbie has a special burden for vulnerable children, and he shares with us how Christians can obey God's call in James 1:27— “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (NIV). Guest Bio Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer, editor, and speaker. She is a former Inc.com columnist whose work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Image Journal, the Unreasonable blog, The Entrepreneurial Leader, and dozens of other publications in the US and Asia. She currently serves as editorial director of the nonprofit Pax, which promotes peace and justice in the twenty-first century. Dorcas's work with various nonprofits, social enterprises, and faith-based organizations has given her opportunities to engage with a broad range of social issues toward solutions in the areas of homelessness, affordable housing, energy access, youth leadership, HIV/AIDS, and international development. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her social entrepreneur husband and two young sons. Her most recent book is Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that will encourage you in whatever waiting season you may find yourself. There is often a period of waiting between an anointing and an appointing—that is, between the event of being selected for an assignment and the act of officially stepping into that new role. David's wait was nearly 15 years. If you are experiencing what feels like a false start, today's episode will encourage you.  Today's Scripture can be found at 1Corinthians 9:24-27 and will be read using the Christian Standard Bible:  “Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” Heather will be bringing you a meditation like this one every Monday for the rest of 2023. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with Brady Shearer to talk about all the complexities of social media. Brady is a leader in the online ministry landscape, training churches on how to better navigate their social networks. Today he shares his best practices and tools for pastors, ministry leaders, and pretty much anyone hoping to grow their online presence. Brady, who lives and works in Canada, also shares his “origin story,” of how God redirected his steps and put him on the path to launching his own digital media company. In this episode Heather also shares a testimony from an incident she experienced last week when her friend Vimbo landed her dream job as the executive director of Kuda Vana, an outreach ministry serving an orphanage and school in Vimbo's native country of Zimbabwe. Learn more about Kuda Vana Partnership and make a donation here. Or contact the ministry's new director of development, Ms. Vimbo Watson, at vimbo@kudavana.org. Guest Bio Brady Shearer is the CEO of Pro Church Tools. His company helps churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together, in faith. God is invisible because he is meant to be seen in his people. Anyone who has heard me preach has probably heard me say that, and I mean it. When the world cries out, “Where is God?” It is not an indictment on God. It is an indictment on us, his image bearers, because God has always chosen to make himself known through his people. That's why we are called his image bearers. That's why our lives and choices and decisions are so important. I am telling you, when you really believe this, you cannot just “mail it in” in your life anymore. You start to realize that the way you talk and respond and treat people, it all matters. To be an image bearer is to reveal the image of God to the people who are around you. All you're called to do is be faithful with the relationships, ministries, and assignments God has entrusted to you. God chooses to co-labor with us in this world. There is a responsibility that comes with saying, “I am a Christian.” This is exactly what Dr. Scot McKnight was talking about in our conversation with him a couple episodes ago. This is what it means to be a Christian. It's an active process. It means I am choosing to walk in the way of the Lamb. Our prayer life shouldn't just be us asking God to send us someone to help us; it should also be us asking God who he is sending to us for us to help. Let me give you an example. One of my best friends was a new boss for an organization, and she found out that a veteran employee that was working for her hadn't received a raise in 10 years. So, she went to the board and got a bonus approved and also doubled that worker's PTO. When my friend told her team member what she had done for her, the woman started to cry. And do you want to know what? I'm pretty sure when this employee went home, she didn't say, “God, thank you for this new boss.” I can almost assure you that she went home and said, “God, thank you for seeing me. Thank you for acting on my behalf.” And it was because my friend made God visible in her life. God is still active in the world. And he often shows up via the movements and actions of his church. He showed up in the movements and actions of my friend who fought for her worker, even though she didn't have to. She decided, I'm going to walk in the way of the Lamb. I'm going to be faithful with the people God has placed in my hand. And there is someone this week who will feel closer and more seen by God because of what you choose to say or do. I'm asking you to see people, be present for them, show kindness, open doors, make connections on behalf of someone else.When the world cries out, “Where is God?” It is not an indictment on God. It is an indictment on the church. It is an indictment on God's people who have ceased to live lives that would make God visible to the world around them.My challenge to all of us this week is to make God visible in whatever sphere of influence you occupy. That is the call of the Christian, to be the hands and feet of our awesome God, who has chosen to be seen through his people. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” –1 Timothy 1:17, CSB Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with nationally renowned tech journalist Taylor Lorenz to discuss her bestselling book, Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet. Taylor, one of the earliest and most consequential reporters on the social media beat, catalogs the sociological story of the internet starting with how “mommy bloggers” changed the social landscape. Taylor helps us explore the world of content creation, how social power has usurped the gatekeepers, and why influencers are here to stay. She also shares a few of her favorite faith-based digital creators. In this episode Heather is also joined by her best friend and co-blogger, Scarlett Longstreet, for a spirited Safe Space conversation inspired by Taylor's book. Heather and Scarlett discuss why the term influencer has always made them feel uncomfortable. Is it about ego, or is it about misogyny? Guest Bio Taylor Lorenz is a technology columnist for The Washington Post's business section covering online culture and the content creator industry. She was previously a technology reporter for The New York Times business section, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast. Her writing has appeared in New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, Outside, and more. She frequently appears on NBC, CNN, MSNBC, CBS, and the BBC. She was a 2019 Knight Visiting Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and is a former affiliate at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. She lives in Los Angeles, and you can follow her @TaylorLorenz on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Extremely Online is Taylor's first book. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EST. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Prayer doesn't change anything” is a sentiment Heather has heard often, even from Christians. Today, she shares a devotional reminder that will hopefully encourage you to pray confidently, no matter how dire the circumstance. Every Monday for the rest of 2023, Heather is bringing you brief messages of encouragement to provide an extra boost for your week.Today's Scripture begins with Daniel 9:23, where the angel Gabriel tells Daniel, “As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed.” And in Daniel 10:12, the angel continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them” (NIV). Daniel's example of faithfulness inspires us to persevere in prayer. Keep circling, keep seeking, keep believing. The Lord is near, and our prayers to him matter. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, theologian Scot McKnight walks Heather through what we may be misunderstanding about the Book of Revelation. McKnight, a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, tackles popular misconceptions about the mysterious final book of the Bible that both fascinates and frightens its readers. Drawing from his latest book, Revelation for the Rest of Us (written with Cody Matchett), McKnight shares what John means in his use of the images of dragons, lambs, and beasts; and how the symbolism of Revelation, which was so powerful in those ancient days of Rome, still speaks profoundly to the present day—though not necessarily in the way most of us think. This conversation between two energetic communicators will have your rapt attention from beginning to end. In fact, this interview is so rich and packed with insight on how to be a better interpreter of Scripture that you will probably want to listen to it on repeat. McKnight challenges us to view Revelation not just as a novel assortment of visions and prophecies, but as a guide for radical discipleship and nonconformity to the world. But there is good news, says Dr. McKnight: Despite facing beasts, in the end, the Lamb wins! In this episode Heather also shares what you, the Viral Jesus community, shared with her online. Testimonies are part of how we share our experiences and faith. They encourage others by sharing real-life examples of how we have experienced God. Thank you for sharing your testimonies with us. Guest Bio Scot McKnight (PhD, University of Nottingham) is a world-renowned speaker, writer, professor, and equipper of the church. He currently serves as professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in suburban Chicago. He is a recognized authority on the historical Jesus, early Christianity, and the New Testament. His books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese. He is the author of The Jesus Creed, The Blue Parakeet, The King Jesus Gospel, Revelation for the Rest of Us, numerous commentaries, and is now writing a sixteen-volume series of reflections called The Everyday Bible Study. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your life is not meaningless. This day actually matters. What if you were to see your life through the lens of backward design? How would it change your perspective?  Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that will stir your sense of purpose and remind you that God is always working for your good, even when it feels like you're sinking backward into a quagmire of hopelessness. Every Monday for the rest of 2023 Heather will bring you an encouraging word in under ten minutes. This week's Scripture passage is Philippians 1:6, which says: “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Christian Standard Bible). Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with Viral Jesus “honorary co-host” Karen Swallow Prior to discuss the origins of the evangelical movement's PR troubles. And few thought leaders are better qualified to put the issue into a hopeful perspective than Karen Swallow Prior. Fun Fact: This is Karen's third appearance on Viral Jesus, and the most of any of our guests so far. Karen's latest book, The Evangelical Imagination, is about how art, literature, and popular culture have helped push evangelicals into an existential crisis of sorts. And of course, social media, with its penchant for both joy and destruction, plays a role in this evangelical saga. In her wide-ranging conversation with Heather, Karen brings sociological context to the recent talk of evangelical deconstruction; she makes the case for a return to virtue; and she offers a postmortem on purity culture, showing how its roots can be spotted in the pages of classic literature. This crackling, high-energy chat will leave you ready to get your copy of Karen's book posthaste. In this episode Heather also spends some quality time with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet for this week's Safe Space segment. Today, Heather asks Scarlett, who is not a Christian, to share what she likes and dislikes about the Christian influencers that she follows. Guest Bio Karen Swallow Prior, PhD, is a reader, writer, and professor. She is the author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis (Brazos, 2023). She has a monthly column for Religion News Service. Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, First Things, and Vox. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather shares a devotional reminder that you belong to a King. Your life is never in the hands of a single individual, organization, or opportunity. We serve a sovereign and compassionate King. And Kings usually have more information than we do. They have a broader perspective, as well as resources that their servants can't even fathom.  Today's Scripture can be found in Psalm 47:1-2 in the Christian Standard Bible: “Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry. For the Lord, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth.”  Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for a morning-worship meditation or as a soundtrack for your commute to work. If you enjoy these brief messages, please pass them along to encourage someone else.  Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Heather sits down with Viral Jesus Hall of Famer Esau McCaulley to discuss his powerful new book, How Far to The Promised Land? Esau explains why it is important to reexamine the idea of Black excellence, and he encourages us to remember that we are a part of a story that started long before us and will continue long after. In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media, popular culture, and other random topics. Today they discuss what it's like to maintain a close friendship with someone who possesses different values.  Heather and Scarlett are very different. They don't share the same religion or ethnic background, but they've done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation.  Guest Bio Esau McCaulley is associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and theologian in residence at Progressive Baptist Church, a historically Black congregation in Chicago. His latest book, How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Hope and Survival in the American South, released in September 2023. He is also the author of the award-winning book Reading While Black and the children's book Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit. He is a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. His writings have also appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Christianity Today. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, as we observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, Heather wants to remind us that our God is not superficial. He sees the unfair systems around us. He understands our struggles against inequality and injustice. He does not take our brokenness lightly. He will have the final word. But right now, we must find hope in the promise that God does not leave us alone in this tension.  Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for a morning-worship meditation or as a soundtrack for your commute to work. If you enjoy these brief messages, please pass them along to encourage someone else.  Today's Scripture verse is found at Jeremiah 6:13-14 and will be read by Heather from the Christian Standard Bible:  “For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is making profit dishonestly. From prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have treated my people's brokenness superficially, claiming ‘Peace, peace,' when there is no peace.” Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links Get Heather's weekly inspirational email delivered to your inbox every Friday night at 7 PM EDT. Sign up now at: www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather sits down for a heartfelt chat with Hosanna Wong, the best-selling author and spoken-word poet responsible for viral-video hits such as “I Have a New Name.” If you have ever struggled with issues of identity or self-worth, today's episode is for you. Hosanna also shares her reflections on the complicated reality of grace, and how sometimes it feels like God's grace isn't fair. In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media and popular culture. Today they discuss oversharing. How much is too much when it comes to sharing the details of your life online? Heather and Scarlett are very different. They don't share the same religion or background, but they respect each other and have done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation. Guest Bio Hosanna Wong is an international speaker, best-selling author, and spoken word artist helping everyday people know Jesus for real. Widely known for her spoken-word piece, “I Have a New Name,” Hosanna shares in churches, conferences, prisons and other events around the world. She reaches across various denominations, backgrounds and cultures and her latest book is called You Are More Than You've Been Told. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links You can sign up for Heather's encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, Heather wants to remind you about the God of little by little. Welcome to the first installment in our Monday Meditation series. Every Monday for the rest of 2023, we will be facing our week together in faith. These devotional episodes will always be under ten minutes, perfect for morning worship or as listening material for your commute to work. And if you find it worthwhile, please share the episode to encourage someone else. Today's Scripture passage can be found at Exodus 23:29-30 and will be read using the Christian Standard Bible: “I will not drive them out ahead of you in a single year; otherwise, the land would become desolate, and wild animals would multiply against you. I will drive them out little by little ahead of you until you have become numerous and take possession of the land.” Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter, at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Additional Links You can sign up for Heather's encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7 PM EDT at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather sits down with José Bourget, assistant vice president for faith engagement at Andrews University, for an eye-opening conversation about the chills and spills of being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an adult. More than 8 million US adults are affected by the disorder. If you have ADHD, your brain doesn't work in the same way that a neurotypical brain may process the world. It's not all in your head. José has learned that an important part of living with ADHD is understanding what it is, and what it isn't. What is neurodivergence? What are “ADHD Monsters,” and why do ADHD brains create them? And what are the strategies neurodivergent people often employ to solve their problems? If you have been wondering what ADHD is, or how to better understand a loved one with ADHD, this episode is for you. José wants everyone with ADHD to remember, your brain is not broken. In today's episode Heather also welcomes back our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer. In what may be a controversial opinion for some, Brady explains why congregations without access to good technology shouldn't livestream their services. Whether you agree or disagree with his take, Brady's tips will challenge you to think harder about your church's use of streaming technology. Guest Bio José Bourget is the Assistant Vice President for Faith Engagement at Andrews University in Michigan. He has served as a university chaplain and pastor for over ten years. Find José's sermon here. He recommends Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD by Tamara Rosier. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather's encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the final session of our three-part podclass “Disrupting American gods.” Today Heather sits down with hip-hop artist Kevin “KB” Burgess, as he unpacks the themes of his latest book Dangerous Jesus. KB wants us to meet a Jesus who questions the status quo, threatens those seeking to divide us, and teaches us radical love of others. This conversation also reveals how KB discovered his call to music and ministry. Plus, KB shares his perceptive analysis of how Christians are seen in today's popular culture. In this episode Heather also taps into a lighter conversation with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, our new segment where Heather and Scarlett share their candid takes on social media, popular culture, much more. Today they discuss the ethics and economics of featuring family in social media. Should parents who have monetized their platform, and who rely on their children as a source of content, pay their children? Let's talk it out. Guest Bio Kevin “KB” Burgess is a Dove Award–winning rapper, speaker, and podcaster. With four full-length albums to his name—including 2020's His Glory Alone, for which he won the Dove Award for Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year—the multi-hyphenate artist is an inimitable force on today's scene. He has become a No. 1 hitmaker and has received critical acclaim for his studio releases with placement on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart and top 5 on Billboard's Top Rap Album Chart. KB is cohost of the popular podcast Southside Rabbi. His latest book is called Dangerous Jesus. Furthermore, HGA—a movement he spearheaded made up of multiethnic urban men and women from all walks of life—has amassed a loyal following around the globe. Although KB wears many hats, his greatest joy is being a husband to Michelle and a father to their three children.  Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather's encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.  Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heather sits down with writer, speaker, and theologian Kaitlyn Schiess to discuss her latest book, The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics. Today's episode is part two of our three-part pod-class on “Disrupting American gods.” Kaitlyn will explain the history of using the Bible as a prop in American politics, and she'll also share her illuminating definition of “Christian nationalism,” a term we have heard a lot of in recent years.  In this episode Heather also taps into lighter subject matter with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in this week's Safe Space convo. This go-round, Heather and Scarlett debate the pros and cons of unfollowing people online.   Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Sign up for Heather's encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.  Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's impossible to be selfish in the presence of the Lord. In this message Pastor Nicole VanGelder shares on what it means to love others unselfishly in the process of walking with the Holy Spirit. Connect with The House Church: The House Church website: https://ithehouse.org Share what God is doing in your life: https://ithehouse.churchcenter.com/people/forms/152271 Follow us on social! The House Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ithehouse/?hl=en The House Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHouseOfficialPage

Today Heather sits down with Garrison Hayes, a content creator and former pastor, who has been called “TokTok's unofficial history professor and documentarian.” As a scholar of forgotten Black history, and a talented filmmaker to boot, Garrison has garnered millions of views for his videos, including his much-talked-about TikTok on the history of whiteness. In fact, when Heather saw Garrison's provocative overview of how white people became white people, she found it so fascinating that she asked him to come on the podcast to discuss it further. In their lively conversation, Garrison also reveals why he believes God designed the Sabbath to be an instrument of disruption. This week marks the kickoff of “Disrupting American gods,” our latest pod-class series. Over the next three episodes, Heather and her guests will explore America's uses and abuses of race, politics, and religion. This series will stretch your thinking and deepen your faith.  Elsewhere in this episode Heather also chats with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in our new Safe Space segment, where Heather and Scarlett discuss social media, popular culture, and other topics of interest. Today they discuss a TikTok by Julia Mazur that went viral over the weekend after she shared what her Saturday looks like as a 29-year-old single woman. Guest Bio Garrison Hayes produces innovative short documentaries for his community of 300,000+ followers on TikTok. He also has a massive Instagram presence with over 100,000 followers there. He explores the hidden or forgotten corners of Black history, faith, and politics, as well as his love of books.  Additional Links Garrison's TikTok on the history of whiteness: https://www.tiktok.com/@garrisonhayes/video/7258002292928974122?lang=en Here is an article giving more context to this week's Safe Space conversation about a young woman's unexpectedly controversial viral video about the joys of singleness: https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/viral-29-and-single-tiktok-sparks-heated-debate-single-life-married-life Sign up for Heather's encouraging devotional email, which goes out every Friday night at 7 p.m. EST, at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today Heather sits down with Jeffrey Harmon, the chief content officer of Angel Studios, to discuss the art, craft, and unconventional marketing strategies that have made both The Chosen television series and the film Sound of Freedom surprise hits in their respective mediums. Based on the true story of a US government agent who quits his job to devote his life to rescuing children from global child traffickers, Sound of Freedom stars Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ) in the lead role of Tim Ballard. Jeffrey Harmon says a key goal of the film is to put a spotlight on the global movement to end the trafficking of minors by successfully distributing the film to a worldwide audience. But even as it outperforms erstwhile blockbusters like Indiana Jones and Mission: Impossible, controversy and skepticism have surrounded Sound of Freedom, with some leaders of anti-trafficking ministries and organizations leaders concerned that it overly sensationalizes the real work of battling traffickers and rescuing abducted children. Other critics allege that it's linked to the extreme-right QAnon conspiracy movement. Heather asks Jeffrey about the QAnon connections head-on. Tune in to hear his impassioned response to those questions and much more on how Angel Studios learned to make its projects go viral. In this episode Heather also talks with her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet in Safe Space, a new segment in which Heather and Scarlett discuss social media and popular culture. Today, they talk about whether or not parents should take their kids to see Barbie. It was announced this week that the film became Warner Bros.' best-selling global release of all time reaching more than $1.2 billion in sales. Heather and Scarlett are totally different. They don't share the same religion or background, but they've done a good job of creating a Safe Space for both meaningful and casual conversation. Guest Bio Jeffrey Harmon is a cofounder and Chief Content Officer of Angel Studios. He's also a cofounder of the Harmon Brothers advertising agency, which has helped clients drive over $350 million in sales with over 1.3 billion online views. Based in Utah, Jeffrey hails from a Mormon family—another topic of ardent discussion over the years in the evangelicals spaces that he often occupies. Additional Links For a free ticket to Sound of Freedom, go to angel.com/freeticketsYou can sign up for Heather's encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Heather Thompson Day is an interdenominational speaker and has been a contributor for Religion News Service, Christianity Today, Newsweek and the Barna Group. She is also the host of Viral Jesus, a podcast with Christianity Today, that is in the top 200 of all Christian podcasts in the country. Heather is an Associate Professor of Communication at Andrews University. She is passionate about supporting women, and runs an online community called I'm That Wife which has over 270k followers. She believes her calling is to stand in the gaps of our churches for young people. She is the author of 8 books; including It's Not Your Turn, and I'll See You Tomorrow. She resides in Michigan, with her husband, Seth Day, and their three children, London, Hudson, and Sawyer Day. LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE IF: You want to learn more about how to discover your calling You are interested in learning about Gen Z and what drives them You like thoughtful conversations about the role of faith in our lives You want to increase your influence and impact on others You want to discover why you matter You can learn more about Heather: Instagram: @heatherthompsonday Twitter: @HeatherTDay www.heatherthompsonday.com

Today we launch our final pod-class series of the season: “Three Things That Could Change Your Life.” In this three-part series, we speak with three Christian thought leaders about their three areas of expertise and ask them to share simple strategies that everyday people can implement in their daily lives. We are thrilled to open this series with Pastor Mark Batterson, the bestselling author of The Circle Maker. Mark tells Heather why three simple words—Please, Sorry, and Thanks—have the power to change the lives of those who love you, those who hate you, and everyone in between. Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer. Heather and Brady discuss why you should be making your online videos shorter. Brady's tips will add more tools to your Social Toolkit. Guest Bio Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 23 books, including Please, Sorry, Thanks: The Three Words That Change Everything and Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More, as well as several books for children, including The Best Worst Day Ever, written with his daughter Summer Batterson Dailey. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill and have three children. Find him on social media @MarkBatterson. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode Heather borrows author Katherine May's metaphorical idea of “wintering” to describe the season of sadness that she's recently been navigating. Winters can be long and harsh, but they also can be vital to the healing and renewal of an environment. Our spiritual winters are no different. If this year has added pain and anxiety to your life, you will want to hear the encouragement in this episode, as Heather points us all toward spring. She also shares the important dates you'll need to know for the Viral Jesus summer series. For this week's Social Toolkit, Heather chats with digital creator Chaz Smith, who has amassed a massive social media presence with over 3.2 million followers across his YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok channels. Chaz will tell you about his latest project, an animated Bible series titled What Had Happened Was, and also share some helpful tips that will enhance your social toolkit. Remember, Viral Jesus is taking a two-week break. But Heather will be back on May 25 with our first summer pod-class titled “I Think I Need a Therapist.” Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode Heather sits down with author Shannan Martin for the final installment in our four-part series “Who Is My Neighbor?” Shannan says don't wait for community to just happen. Instead, she encourages us to become the type of neighbor that creates and inspires community. Heather and Shannan discuss practical ways we can better live out our calling as Christ followers, right where we are. Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, about Meta allowing us to buy blue check mark verification on Instagram and Facebook. Should we pay for verification? Will it help you or hurt you? Brady's tips will add more tools to your social toolkit. Guest Bio Shannan Martin is the author of The Ministry of Ordinary Places and her latest book, Start With Hello: (And Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors). Based in Indiana, she is a speaker and writer who works as a cook at The Window, a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding its community. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode Heather shares part three of our “Who Is My Neighbor?” pod-class series. She is joined by QuaWanna Bannarbie and Bethany Rivera Molinar, two of the gifted contributors to Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice, a new book inspired by Psalm 37. In their candid conversation with Heather, QuaWanna and Bethany invite us to lean into the spiritual practice of lament and reflect on its power for both personal and social transformation. If you missed it, please go back and listen to last week's episode with author Karen González on “Seeing Our Immigrant Neighbor.” This week Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, as he shares his thoughts on how to use good storytelling to stop the scroll. Guest Bios QuaWanna Bannarbie and Bethany Rivera Molinar are two of 29 Christian women of color whose writing forms Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice. Edited by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson and inspired by Psalm 37, with its outpouring of emotion about the human experience as an inspired starting place, these 29 women, representing an inclusive, intergenerational sisterhood of clergy, poets, entrepreneurs, creatives and more, make public their private stories. In so doing, they both model and offer a way to hold the tension of injustice and heartache with hope and love. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode Heather sits down with Karen González for part two of our four-part pod-class titled “Who Is My Neighbor?” If you're joining us fresh, make sure to catch last week's episode where we opened the series with Native American Bible translator Terry Wildman. This week, Karen challenges us to question our positionality as we engage with the stories we love in Scripture. “We will discover that we're not Joseph; we're Egypt.” Heather also chats with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, for this week's Social Toolkit. Brady explains why he believes social media is not just a tool for ministry; it is ministry. Guest Bio Karen González is the author of The God Who Sees. She is a speaker, writer, storyteller, and immigrant advocate, who herself immigrated from Guatemala as a child. Karen is a former public-school teacher and attended Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and missiology. For the last 13 years, she has been a non-profit professional, currently working for an organization based in Baltimore, MD, that serves refugees and other immigrants. Her latest book is called Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in our Christian Response to Immigration. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode is part one of “Who Is My Neighbor?,” our latest pod-class series on faithful discipleship and what it means to truly love our neighbor. And, in case you missed it, be sure to listen to last week's episode, where Heather revisits the parable of the Good Samaritan and explains why she chose “Who Is My Neighbor?” as this month's pod-class theme. This week, Heather is joined by minister and Bible translator Terry M. Wildman to discuss Terry's work on First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament, as well as the inherent challenges of communicating Christianity's good news to a community of people who have been historically marginalized and abused by white Christian leaders. The First Nations Version is a retelling of the Creator's story—the Scriptures—following in the tradition of the storytellers of these oral cultures. Many First Nations tribes communicate with the cultural and linguistic thought patterns found in their original tongues. This way of speaking, with its striking beauty and rich cultural idioms, still resonates in the hearts of First Nations people. In his ministry, Terry demonstrates the power of understanding our neighbors' cultural contexts so that we can connect with them in more caring and authentic ways. But first, for this week's Social Toolkit, Heather chats with author and Bible teacher Alexandra V. Hoover about how to be faithful and effective stewards of our social platforms. Her latest book is the bestselling Eyes Up: How to Trust God's Heart by Tracing His Hand. Guest Bio Terry M. Wildman (Ojibwe and Taqui) is the lead translator, general editor, and project manager of the First Nations Version. He serves as the director of spiritual growth and leadership development for Native InterVarsity. He is also the founder of Rain Ministries, and has previously served as a pastor and worship leader. He and his wife Darlene, live in Arizona. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode Heather explains why she chose “Who Is My Neighbor?” as the subject for our next four-part, pod-class series, which starts next week. To help set the tone, Heather walks us through the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Using Kenneth E. Bailey's book Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes as a framework, Heather challenges us to experience the explosive message of the parable in a way similar to how its first-century audience heard it. Also, for this week's Social Toolkit, Heather sits down with theologian Esau McCaulley to discuss the sensitive topic of gun reform in the wake of the Covenant School shooting in Nashville. How can Christians helpfully engage the topic? Esau contributed to the public conversation with his latest New York Times article: “How Can We Be a Country That Does This to Our Children?” Guest Bio Esau McCaulley is associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and is the author of Reading While Black. His latest book is a memoir titled How Far to the Promised Land, and it is available for preorder now. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode Heather unpacks some of the key themes and learnings from the past four weeks of our “Lessons from My Mentor” pod-class series. She is joined by special guests Arleny Aquino and Xavier Thomas, two of her students at Andrews University, who share their reflections on mentorship and what they were most challenged and encouraged by in the Viral Jesus pod class. They also discuss what they believe college students and young professionals need most from older adults right now, and you may be surprised by what they have to say. If you missed any of the “Lessons from My Mentor” installments, you can listen to them here: Week 1 with José Rojas, Week 2 with Christine Caine, Week 3 with Jo Saxton, and of course last week's power-packed conversation with Beth Moore. And for this week's Social Toolkit segment, Heather sits down with author Chris Martin, whose new book, The Wolf in Their Pockets: 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead, explores how social media is harming our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Martin is also editor of BibletoLife.com and content marketing editor at Moody Publishers. You can follow him on Twitter at @ChrisMartin17. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode concludes our four-part, pod-class series on mentorship. And what better way to finish than with godly wisdom and inspiration from another one of Heather's favorite online mentors? We're thrilled to welcome Beth Moore to Viral Jesus. Last week, Jo Saxton guided us through practical tips on what mentoring is, and why we need to cultivate environments that allow us to use our gifts. This week, in often emotional chat, Beth helps us to decipher the voice of God and explains why Scripture is crucial to that process. She also encourages all of us to look for opportunities to be mentors, even if we've never had one ourselves. Heather also sits down with our favorite social media expert, Brady Shearer, to learn about the strategy of inspiration over information when it comes to posting online content. Brady is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #ViralJesus with your comment. Guest Bio Author and speaker Beth Moore is a dynamic Bible teacher whose conferences take her around the globe. She has written numerous bestselling books and Bible studies. Her new memoir, All My Knotted-Up Life, debuted at No. 10 on The New York Times bestseller list. She is also the founder and visionary of Living Proof Ministries, based in Houston, Texas. Join Beth and Heather in person, June 9-10, at Living Proof Live in Fort Washington, Maryland. Get tickets at www.lproof.org/events. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode we continue with part three of our four-part pod-class series on mentorship. If you missed it, please check out last week's episode with Christine Caine, where Christine cautioned us to not confuse platform with ministry. This week we sit down with Jo Saxton to gain some practical tips on what mentoring is, how we can get a mentor, and why we need to cultivate environments that let us use our gifts. Heather also sits down to discuss the latest research on mentoring with Dr. Meryl Herr, director of research and resources at Fuller Seminary's Max De Pree Center for Leadership. She earned her MDiv and PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and resides in Watkinsville, Georgia, with her husband and two sons. Guest Bio Jo Saxton is an author, speaker, and leadership coach who has led ministries and non-profits, and pastored and planted churches. Jo is co-host of Lead Stories, a podcast that she does with her good friend Pastor Steph O'Brien. Jo and Steph share leadership stories and cover current issues with the aim of encouraging, equipping, and empowering leaders to discover all God has for them. She has written several books, including Ready to Rise and More Than Enchanting. Jo also has launched the digital program Leadership Coaching Community to help women develop their leadership skills and connect with other leaders around the world. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode we present part two of “Lessons from My Mentor,” our four-part, pod-class series on mentorship. In part one, Heather introduced us to Pastor José Rojas, her personal mentor and a former White House advisor. This week we learn from author, activist, and evangelist Christine Caine in a power-packed conversation about what it means to trust God, pursue your calling, and lean into the development process of your own life rather than rush through it. Christine also tells us why she resists the concept of “influencers” and explains why a “platform” isn't necessarily a ministry. But first, Heather sits down with her friend Katlyn Giberson, director for digital marketing at the Christian and Missionary Alliance, to discuss Taylor Swift and whether fandom culture is a hashtag bless, or a hashtag mess. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment. Guest Bio Christine Caine is a speaker, author, and activist who has been serving the local church globally for over 30 years. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign, which works at the local, domestic, and international level to end modern-day slavery. They also founded Equip & Empower, a ministry that is mobilizing people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus. Propel Women is an initiative of the ministry dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. The ministry has also planted three life-giving Zoe Churches in Europe that are not only bringing the Gospel to the region, but also serve the most vulnerable through humanitarian outreach during times of crisis.Christine is the best-selling author of more than a dozen books and studies and you can tune into her weekly podcast or television program to be encouraged with the hope of Jesus wherever you are. Christine holds a Master's Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Senior Director of CT Media: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

José Rojas went from a 1.7 GPA to a career at the White House and a lifetime of empowering others, including the host of this podcast. Today's episode is part one of “Lessons from My Mentor,” our new four-part, pod-class series on mentorship. To kick off the series Heather sits down with Pastor Rojas, her personal mentor, to discuss the power of servant leadership. José recounts his ministry journey and explains how he learned the importance of using his influence to create transformative memories for others. We also visit with our favorite social media whiz Brady Shearer for this week's #Blessed. He responds to a critical comment on his social media post about whether or not Christians should even have a social media strategy. You do not want to miss Brady's advice for how to create more engaging social media posts. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment. Guest Bios Born in East Los Angeles, Pastor José Rojas serves as president of Puente Ministries, a ministry that exists to improve the cultures of organizations through the development of servant leaders. As a national leader, Pastor Rojas was called upon to work closely with the White House, serving under two US presidents to develop and implement a variety of humanitarian objectives that met the needs of millions of Americans. After serving in a presidential summit on volunteerism in 1997, Pastor Rojas worked with General Colin Powell to launch the national organization, America's Promise Alliance, resulting in his office launching 70 tutoring centers for underprivileged children across the United States. Brady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode Heather puts on her professor's hat to walk us through the social psychology behind why human beings are wired to exist in relationship with one another. Heather says this is where evolutionary biology and Christianity can agree, that human beings are social beings whose mental and spiritual wholeness depends on our connection to other people and our connection to God. We were created to exist in relationship. This episode wraps up our thought-provoking “What You May Be Getting Wrong About God” pod-class series. If you're coming in fresh, you can go back and listen to the first four installments here, here, here, and here. We also visit with our favorite social media whiz Brady Shearer for this week's #Blessed. He gives us a breakdown of how you can get someone to stop scrolling and engage with your content. Brady calls it the 3 C's: common, care, and cliffhanger. Listen in to learn how to create stickier social media posts. Guest BioBrady Shearer is the director of Pro Church Tools and the church-software platform Nucleus. His work focuses on helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. Make sure to let us know your thoughts about this segment by typing in ViralJesusPod on Instagram or Twitter and including #Blessed with your comment. Host BioHeather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode Heather sits down with her friends Ty Gibson and David Asscherick to discuss what we may be getting wrong about the character of God. David and Ty walk us through Scripture and show us what has been there all along: God is love. What would happen to our evangelism and conversations if we, as a church body, truly started believing that this statement is true? You won't want to miss this third and final conversation in our “What You May Be Getting Wrong About God” pod-class series. Also, in a first for Viral Jesus, Heather chats with Christian comedienne Ellen Skrmetti about using comedy as a tool for life-changing communication. Ellen, whose Instagram Reels and TikTok accounts are bursting with clever and hilarious videos, has amassed nearly 100,000 followers and millions of views. The Second City alum reflects on the delicate balance between faith and humor, and she explains why “going viral” comes in many shapes and sizes. Here are links to a few of the sermons that were referenced in this episode: David Asscherick, This Is My Church? Ty Gibson, Reimagining God David Asscherick, Gospel Tribe Guest Bios Ty Gibson is a speaker/director for Light Bearers and pastor of Storyline Adventist Church. A passionate communicator with a message that opens minds and moves hearts, Ty teaches on a variety of topics, emphasizing God's unfailing love as the central theme of the Bible. Ty and his wife Sue have three adult children and two grandsons.David Asscherick is a speaker/director for Light Bearers and ARISE co-founder and instructor. Since his baptism in 1999, David has traveled the globe preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He and his wife Violeta are the happy parents of two boys, Landon and Jabel. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I'll See You Tomorrow and It's Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hey hey! Today's episode is a must-listen! The cancel culture of the world today makes it tricky to navigate relationships, doesn't it? Listen in as I chat with Seth and Heather Thompson Day about these issues on the show.  Seth and Heather provide a framework of what the Bible says about showing up for one another—even when we feel like giving up. They also share just how important it is to stop waiting for the “perfect” time to move forward in our lives. Heather Thompson Day is an Associate Professor of Communication at Andrews University. She is passionate about supporting women and runs an online community called I'm That Wife, which has over two hundred thousand followers. Heather's writing has been featured on outlets like TODAY and the National Communication Association. She believes her calling is to stand in the gaps of our churches for young people. She is the author of seven books, including It's Not Your Turn and Confessions of a Christian Wife. Seth Day is a graduate student of Educational Psychology. He has been a pastor and campus chaplain. His background in Human Service Counseling and ministry brings an important spiritual component to their most recent book, I'll See You Tomorrow.  Listen in to hear all about: How communication drives relationships and what it means to be wired to be in relationships with other people. How messages and experiences we have in childhood affect our relationships into adulthood  What weak ties are and how we can value them in our lives. Favorite quotes: ~Our experiences in life, what we go through as children; we are constantly seeking affection. We  are going to adapt our coping styles to whatever way helps us get that affection and the unfortunate part is that we carry this to our adult relationships. ~It starts with you! I can only control what I choose to do. The reality is it starts with YOU making the commitment to start living life again ~Narcissists don't want love, they want adoration. ~Weak ties matter. If we spend all our time saying we don't have any best friend  relationships we will miss the relationships that we have. ~People who are part of a church community are healthier and happier. In this episode I answered this question: How can I become more confident in my abilities? (29:51) Links to great things we discussed:  This Is Us (TV Series 2016–2022) - IMDb Abbott Elementary (TV Series 2021– )  Jesus I Never Knew, The: Philip Yancey, Bill Richards - Amazon.com Lash Boost Eyelash Conditioning Serum | Rodan + Fields® I'll See You Tomorrow: Building Relational Resilience When You ... Heather Day (@heatherday) • Instagram photos and videos The Chosen (TV Series 2017– ) - IMDb Milk & Cookies: A Merry Crowder Christmas - Amazon.com Music Naked Body Oil - Osmia Organics - Integrity Botanicals Confident Motherhood Community Join the Confident Motherhood Community here. Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli