Podcast appearances and mentions of Sarah E Westfall

After an unplanned break, we are wrapping up season two and our series on belonging with a roundtable discussion. Sarah has invited two guests—Brittany Tinsley and Rohadi Nagassar—to join her in responding to questions that have surfaced from fellow listeners or readers of The Way of Belonging over the course of season two. The desire with these roundtable conversations is to allow room for a variety of thoughts, beliefs, and experiences so that we can continue to walk in compassion, curiosity, and humility as we learn to live more deeply with God and each other.Find episode notes and additional essays on the communal life at Human Together on Substack. Sarah's book The Way of Belonging is available wherever you typically buy your books.You can connect with Rohadi at Rohadi.com or on Threads and with Brittany on Substack and Instagram.Human Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Creativity does not often come up in conversations about belonging, but in this episode, Sarah talks with Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez (professional oboist and author of The Artist's Joy) about how reconnecting to our creative identity (yes, all of us…) changes not only how we see ourselves but also how we relate with God and each other. They talk about widening the definition of creativity and handling competition. Merideth also offers some practical questions to reconnect with our creativity and the joy of making, whatever it is that we make.Find episode notes and additional essays on the communal life at Human Together on Substack. Sarah's book The Way of Belonging is available wherever you typically buy your books.Connect with Merideth on Instagram, or pick up a copy of her book The Artist's Joy.Human Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

From her community-building background, author Sarah E. Westfall takes our longing to belong as an invitation to embrace and extend the deep love of God. After years contemplating how she fit in and trying to earn acceptance, she realized "belonging is not something to attain, but someone to become." www.sarahewestfall.com Podcast: Human Together ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Look for HOPE is Here: - at www.HOPEisHere.Today - on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HOPEisHereToday - on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hopeisherelex/ - on X (Twitter) - https://www.x.com/hopeisherelex - on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hopeisherelex - on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJ47I4w6atOHr7agGpOuvA Help us bring HOPE and encouragement to others: - by texting the word GIVE to 833-713-1591 - by visiting https://www.hopeisheretoday.org/donate   #Lexington #Kentucky #christianradio #JesusRadio #Jesus #WJMM #GregHorn #GregJHorn #suicideprevention #KentuckyRadio #HOPEisHere #Hope #HopeinJesus #FoodForThoughtFriday #MondayMotivation #FridayFeeling #Motivation #Inspiration #cupofHope #FYP #ForYouPage #SuicideAwareness

Sarah chats with Tiffany Bluhm (author of The Women We've Been Waiting For) about redefining self-care as it relates to our identity, our hunt for wholeness, and our communal flourishing.Find episode notes and additional essays on the communal life at Human Together . Sarah's book The Way of Belonging is available wherever you typically buy your books.Connect with Tiffany on Instagram, or find her books at TiffanyBluhm.com.Human Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Whether you are in the pulpit or the pews, you might question how much of yourself is welcome in faith spaces. In this episode, Sarah chats with Jon Pyle (Community Care Pastor in San Antonio) about authenticity, vulnerability, and belonging within the church, especially when you carry questions or wounds.Find episode notes and additional essays on the communal life at Human Together . Sarah's book The Way of Belonging is available wherever you typically buy your books.Connect with Jenai on Instagram or grab a copy of her book Othered.Human Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah is joined by Jenai Auman to talk about our human tendency to lean toward sameness and distance ourselves from people who are different. Jenai shares her own experience of being “othered” and how placing people into us-versus-them categories can be so damaging to not only our worth but also how we relate. Together, they explore how we can move toward a wider, more welcoming way.Find episode notes and additional essays on the communal life at Human Together . Sarah's book The Way of Belonging is available wherever you typically buy your books.Connect with Jenai on Instagram or grab a copy of her book Othered.Human Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Continuing our series on belonging, Sarah and guest Sara Billups dive into the notion of staying put—both to a geographical location but also to the church. Sara shares pieces of her own story as they ask: how does attaching ourselves to places and people affect our sense of belonging? Where and how might God be inviting us to stay?Find episode notes and additional essays on the communal life at Human Together or say hello to Sarah on Instagram.Connect with Sara Billups at Bitter Scroll on Substack.Human Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah talks with Aundi Kolber (therapist and author of Try Softer™ and Strong Like Water) about the interplay between authenticity and attachment. They talk about how our sense of belonging and ability to connect is affected when we carry unrepaired relational wounds. Aundi also offers some hard-earned wisdom on how we can take small steps toward healing while still honoring the experiences that have brought us where we are.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comDiscover more about Aundi and her work at AundiKolber.comHuman Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

In this third conversation in our series on belonging, Sarah talks with Chuck DeGroat (professor, licensed therapist, & author of Healing What's Within) about how so many of us live “habitually disconnected.” Together, they explore what it might look like to pay attention to our internal landscape and longings as a means of finding our way back home to ourselves, to God, and to each other.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Chuck at chuckdegroat.netHuman Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

In this episode, James welcomes Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is the author of The Way of Belonging. James and Sarah discuss the idea of belonging, how it differs from fitting in, and the way that our relationship with God and our own self-awareness helps us cultivate a sense of belonging in the various contexts of our lives. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here. You can purchase Sarah's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). To find out more about Sarah, visit www.sarahewestfall.com.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Who we are and how we relate are intimately connected. In this episode, guest Kimberly Phinney shares how life-threatening illness shifted not only her sense of self but also her pursuit of belonging. Sarah and Kimberly talk about identity based on performance, expanding our definition of belonging, and valuing presence in the midst of pain.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Kimberly at thewayback2ourselves.comHuman Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Reimagining Who We Are and How We RelateThe welcome of God changes everything.No one is a stranger to loneliness. Despite how social we are via text, chat, and notifications, we are far from being truly connected. We all want someone else to really see us and choose us for who we are. We want a place to finally fit in. But what if finding the right people or the right place is not the answer?From her community-building background, Sarah E. Westfall takes our longing to belong as an invitation to embrace and extend the deep love of God. After years contemplating how she fit in and trying to earn acceptance, she realized "belonging is not something to attain, but someone to become." Through narrative, research, Scripture, and spiritual practice, she teaches how belonging is a way of being–a posture of welcome in the spirit of the Father who extends his arms to those returning and those who don't yet know they've resisted his love.Whether you understand the perspective of the outsider in need of acceptance well or you're eager to include, the barriers to belonging can come down as Sarah gently guides us toward deep connection―a connection where our humanity draws us closer to people and envelops us in the heart of God. Embark with Sarah on this challenge that will awaken your empathy and affirm you with the truth of these words: "You are welcome."


Loneliness is part of the human experience, but ethnic loneliness carries added layers of complexity for many people who have historically been pushed to the margins. In our season two opener, Sarah talks with Prasanta Verma about the ache to belong, how our “in-betweenness” can be essential to one's identity, and practicing curiosity with ourselves and others.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Prasanta at prasantaverma.comHuman Together is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

The need to belong is deep in our human souls. We are almost always asking, "Am I on the inside? Or on the outside?" Loneliness has strong negative impacts on our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Dr. Carol's conversation with writer, speaker, and podcaster Sarah E. Westfall will help you navigate your need to belong, and how that comes more from who you are than something you achieve. And they offer insight into how to move closer to both God and others. More resources: - Connect with Sarah Westfall on her website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  - Get Sarah's book The Way of Belonging: Reimagining Who We Are and How We Relate My article How to Find Your People When You Need Help My book and related resources: Sexpectations: Reframing Your Good and Not-So-Good Stories Around God, Love, and Relationships Dr. Carol enjoys hearing from you. You can leave a confidential message here.

Have you ever wanted to feel like you belong? You're not alone. In this episode of the More to Life podcast, author and podcaster Sarah E. Westfall talks about her debut book, The Way of Belonging. Sarah explains the difference between belonging and acceptance in that belonging is something to be given rather than to be taken. And it's a practice that can begin with the people who are already in your life. To purchase a copy of The Way of Belonging, stop by your local Christian bookstore⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit our online store by clicking ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. You can connect with Sarah at SarahEWestfall.com⁠⁠⁠. To hear more podcasts on this channel, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mtlmagazine.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠. Be sure to subscribe to the More to Life podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ or Spotify so you don't miss an episode!

You can buy Sarah's book The Way of Belonging, visit her website or subscribe to Sarah on Substack: https://sarahewestfall.substack.com/ Summary The conversation is about soul care in the digital age and the importance of belonging. The guest, Sarah E. Westfall, discusses her book 'The Way of Belonging' and how belonging is about being rooted in who we are and embracing the love of God. She emphasizes the importance of being known and seen for who we are and not trying to fit in or change ourselves to belong. The conversation also touches on the challenges of belonging, the fear of rejection, and the need for genuine curiosity and attentiveness in relationships. The conversation explores the impact of withholding and the importance of vulnerability in relationships. It emphasizes the need for reciprocal relationships and the freedom that comes from expressing oneself and being met with kindness and acceptance. The discussion also touches on the distinction between isolation and loneliness, and the longing for belonging as a natural and good desire. It highlights the resilience that comes from experiencing deep pain and the importance of embracing one's true self. The conversation concludes with a discussion on finding joy in the work one was created to do. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/betterontheinside/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/betterontheinside/support

This episode of The BETWEEN Podcast features a gentle and beautiful conversation between host Matt Mattson and our special guest, Sarah Westfall. What if BELONGING isn't something to attain, but instead is someone to become? How could faith offer a kind of belonging that could transform us all into "people of welcome"? Sarah E. Westfall is a writer, speaker, and host of the Human Together podcast. She has a brand new book out titled, The Way of Belonging: Reimagining Who We Are and How We Relate. Her previous work includes serving as director of community for online writing groups and as a student development professional on college campuses. She has been published in RELEVANT, Fathom Mag, and (in)courage. Sarah lives in Indiana with her husband, Ben, and four sons. Sarah's website: https://www.sarahewestfall.com/ Sarah's Substack: https://sarahewestfall.substack.com/ Sarah's podcast: https://www.sarahewestfall.com/human-together Sarah's social media: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_westfall/

In this episode, Sarah E. Westfall shares about belonging, identity, and community. Sarah shares her personal journey of finding belonging through vulnerability and authentic connection rather than external performance. We discuss how to cultivate belonging through contemplative practices, empathy, humility, and asking open-ended questions. We also address the challenges of loneliness and isolation, and offer tips for overcoming feelings of not belonging through small acts of connection and relationship building within existing communities. So join us as we find a path to belonging. Sarah E. Westfall is a writer, speaker, and host of the Human Together podcast. Her previous work includes serving as director of community for online writing groups and as a student development professional on college campuses. She is the author of The Way of Belonging: Reimagining Who We Are and How We Relate. Sarah lives in Indiana with her husband, Ben, and four sons. Sarah's Book:The Way of BelongingSarah's Recommendation:How to Walk Into a Room by Emily P. FreemanListen to my episode with Emily about the bookJoin Our Patreon for Early Access and More: PatreonConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcastConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowSend us a Text Message.Support the Show.

This week, Merideth chats with two fellow writers, Sarah E. Westfall and Jenai Auman. They explore ways to foster joy for the long haul as they discuss their experiences writing and publishing their first traditionally published books together. (They come out within weeks of each other!) Merideth, Sarah, and Jenai emphasize the importance of community, celebrating milestones, and managing vulnerability, and offer encouragement for finding joy in the creative process itself and staying true to oneself despite challenges. Merideth's book: The Artist's Joy Artists for Joy IG Jenai Auman, author and artist Jenai's book: Othered Sarah E. Westfall, author and speaker Sarah's book: The Way of Belonging

Welcome to another Girls Talking Life Extra.  It's not a full show, just a short chat with a past guest to let you know what she's up to now. I'm talking with Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah joined me way, way back on episode 17 where she shared her story of motherhood and heartbreak and seeking God's goodness. She was also my guest host for the Summer of Friendship in 2022 where she talked about barriers to belonging, showing up when life gets hard, and celebration over comparison. Sarah is a writer, speaker, and host of the Human Together podcast. Her previous work includes serving as director of community for online writing groups and as a student development professional on college campuses. She has been published in RELEVANT, Fathom Mag, and (in)courage. Sarah lives in Indiana with her husband, Ben, and four sons. Today we are talking about her new book, The Way of Belonging: Reimagining Who We Are and How We Relate, releasing on June 11th. This topic is so close to my heart and the mission of Girls Talking Life.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Preorder The Way of Belonging Use code IVPPOD20 for 20% off plus free shipping I'll be giving a copy of her book away to a GTL newsletter subscriber. Be sure you are on my mailing list for a chance to win! Sarah on episode 17 [Sacrificial Motherhood] Sarah as Guest Host for the Summer of Friendship   CONNECT WITH SARAH Website | Instagram   CONNECT WITH GIRLS TALKING LIFE Get the GTL Newsletter | Instagram | Facebook

We're wrapping up season one with Steve Bezner, and this episode covers a number of bases. Steve shares about his own pastoral journey, the communities that have formed him as well as the loneliness he can experience within the role. Sarah and Steve also chat about his forthcoming book Your Jesus is Too American (October 2024).Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Steve on Instagram.To support the podcast and access extended episodes, essay series, and book club, become a Human Together subscriber.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah chats with Linnea Bergstrom about hospitality in the middle of our everyday lives. Linnea shares how she has had to rethink her approach to welcoming people into her home and a few practical ways she is learning to invite others in.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Linnea on Instagram.To support the podcast and access extended episodes, essay series, and book club, become a Human Together subscriber.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Musician and writer Amanda Held Opelt joins Sarah to talk about what place has to do with the communal life. They cover a little bit of everything: church, creative circles, online life, as well as Amanda's latest book Holy Unhappiness: God, Goodness, and the Myth of the Blessed Life.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Amanda at amandaheldopelt.com.To support the podcast and access extended episodes, essay series, and book club, become a Human Together subscriber.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah chats with Brandy Wallner about curiosity and compassion—two ingredients that are essential to being human together, but don't always come easily. Brandy shares pieces of her own in-process journey of growing up with a strong sense of duty and desire to be right as well as what she is actively learning about finding comfort in questions and embracing with-ness as a way of Jesus.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Brandy at Curious Compassion on Substack.To support the podcast and access extended episodes, essay series, and book club, become a Human Together subscriber.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Poet Grace E. Kelley sits down with Sarah to talk about goodness that grows out of the ground and out of our grief. They chat about Grace's newfound farm life, navigating wounds and weariness, and her new collection of poetry, as the Sparrow flies.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comYou can find Grace most often at her Substack, The House of Rest.To support the podcast and access extended episodes, essay series, and book club, become a Human Together subscriber.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Gary Morland joins Sarah to talk about what he has learned about the communal life through 51 years of marriage. They talk about the complexities of being committed to another person for the long haul and how small acts of love go a long way in how we relate to one another.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Gary at SimplerMarriage.com.To support the podcast and access extended episodes, essay series, and book club, become a Human Together subscriber.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah and guest Emily P. Freeman talk about the shared struggle we often experience when trying to decide whether to stay or to go. Whether we are assessing relationships, ideas, faith communities, or the PTA, these decisions often carry the weightiness of a capital D. In this conversation, Emily shares some of the wisdom she has collected in her latest book How to Walk into a Room, giving us a framework for paying attention and discerning our way forward with peace and compassion.Find episode notes and ways to connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Emily and discover more about How to Walk into a Room at emilypfreeman.com.To support the podcast and access extended episodes, essay series, book club, and more, become a Human Together subscriber.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah is joined by Lara d'Entremont, who generously shares her story of navigating anxiety amidst the throes of young motherhood. They chat about the pressure we often put upon ourselves to “have it all together” and learning to live within our own limitations, while also inviting the love and care of God and other people along the way.Find episode notes at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Lara on Substack.To support the podcast and access extended episodes, essay series, book club, and more, become a Human Together subscriber.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah chats with author and Bible teacher Jessica Herberger about the significance of Holy Saturday, both in the context of our current season of Lent and our in-between days of darkness. Jess shares a bit about caregiving for her parents and how that season was formative to herself and her family. They also go in-depth about the days leading us toward Easter, exploring the invitation found within her latest book Peace in the Dark.Find episode notes at sarahewestfall.comConnect with Jessica at jessicaherberger.comTo support the podcast and access to extended episodes, essay series, book club, and more, become a Human Together subscriber on Substack.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah is joined by pastor, poet, and public theologian Drew Jackson, and they talk about how questions have become formative to Drew's work and to the way he relates to God, himself, and the world. They also chat about poetry, pastoring, and cultivating a life of paying attention.Find episode notes at sarahewestfall.com.To support the podcast and access to extended episodes, essay series, book club, and more, become a Human Together subscriber on Substack.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Navigating our differences is not easy, and disagreements often become a reason to pull away from one another. In this episode, Sarah talks with author Lore Ferguson Wilbert about ways we can stay tender toward each other's humanity and deepen our connections, even when our thoughts and opinions do not align.Find episode notes at sarahewestfall.com.To support the podcast and access to extended episodes, essay series, book club, and more, become a Human Together subscriber on Substack.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and is produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Sarah sits down with Korean-American storyteller and author Tasha Jun to talk about the tension of inhabiting in-between spaces and finding a sense of home in people, places, and (our favorite) food.Find episode notes at sarahewestfall.com.To support the podcast and get access to essays, extended episodes, book club, and more, join us over at Human Together on Substack.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

Join Sarah E. Westfall for a peek into the new Human Together podcast, featuring conversations on the communal life. It's a podcast for people who agree it is not good to be alone (but who secretly wonder whether it might be easier). Season one begins January 2024.To support the podcast and get extended access to essays, extended episodes, book club, and more, join us over at Human Together on Substack.The Human Together podcast is written and recorded by Sarah E. Westfall and produced and edited by Ben Westfall. Theme music is “Sit with Me” by Sarah Scharbrough.

This week Connor is joined by writer and public speaker: Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is also the host of the Not My Story Podcast and her writing can be found in places such as Fathom Mag, Relevant, and her collaborative devotional Be Still. Listen in to hear how you can make time for deep reflection, tell your story in a manner that's true to you, and how to speak on what you know. Follow Sarah:Website: https://www.sarahewestfall.com/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6b1wXPxAaaRh2qu18Gg3wV?si=f5bf82dfb1d4437bInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_westfall/

How do you react when your friend is shining in her gifting? Last week we talked about making new friends, starting conversations and being the inviter. One thing that can hold us back from starting new friendships or flourishing in our current ones...is comparison. We are in week nine of the Summer of Friendship series and special guest host, Sarah E. Westfall, joins us again to talk through CELEBRATION OVER COMPARISON. Sarah is a writer, speaker, podcast host, and director of community for hope*writers. Her work explores the intersection of faith, community, and connection. At the end of the day, Sarah's favorite place is with her people. She lives for slow Saturday mornings at home, sipping pour-over coffee with her husband Ben as their four sons play (very loudly).   Connect with Sarah Newsletter | Website   More on Comparison Episode 58 [The Burden of Better] with Heather Creekmore Episode 32 [Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison] with Richella Parham   Connect with Girls Talking Life Instagram | Facebook | Website

How do you love your friends well in the midst of their pain, loss and grief?  We are in week seven of our Summer of Friendship series and we're talking about SHOWING UP WHEN LIFE GETS HARD with my very special guest host, Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is a writer, speaker, podcast host, and director of community for hope*writers. Her work explores the intersection of faith, community, and connection. At the end of the day, Sarah's favorite place is with her people. She lives for slow Saturday mornings at home, sipping pour-over coffee with her husband Ben as their four sons play (very loudly).   Connect with Sarah Newsletter | Website   Connect with Girls Talking Life Instagram | Facebook | Website

Do you long for meaningful connection and resist it at the same time? Is something getting in the way of true connection for you? We are in week four of our Summer of Friendship series and we're talking about BARRIERS TO BELONGING with my very special guest host, Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is a writer, speaker, podcast host, and director of community for hope*writers. Her work explores the intersection of faith, community, and connection. At the end of the day, Sarah's favorite place is with her people. She lives for slow Saturday mornings at home, sipping pour-over coffee with her husband Ben as their four sons play (very loudly). Sarah was a guest on the podcast a long while back on episode #17 sharing her story of motherhood and heartbreak and seeking God's goodness. Give that a listen to hear a little more of her story.   Mentioned in this Episode John 17:21-23   Connect with Sarah Newsletter | Website   Connect with Girls Talking Life Instagram | Facebook | Website

Have you ever felt like you are both too much and not enough at the same time? That maybe you got the raw end of the personality deal? Do you feel afraid to be who you most fully are? Sweet friend, if you can only see the downsides of your personality, take heart. If you wish that you could be more like somebody else, there's hope. Here to offer us hope is today's guest Sarah E. Westfall.  This episode is the fourth installment in our Skill Set series, one in which we'll take God's wisdom and overlay it onto our real-life struggles so we can know what practical tools are at our disposal to help us overcome our struggles with God's truth and grace. Key Quotes “Accepting who we are is learning to live into that nuance.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “Who is God whispering me into becoming?” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “I don't have to perform my way into the heart of God.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “We spend so much time and energy trying to not be the bad versions of ourselves that we don't lean into the virtue and strengths that we bring to the table.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “Give yourself space to be who you are in light of who God made you to be.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “I need relationships to continue to reflect the better version of myself.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “The temptation when we decide, ‘I want to be more authentic' is to confuse authenticity with transparency.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “We can be who we are without sharing all of who we are.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “Sometimes what is good for the room is for someone to take a risk and be a little bit vulnerable to free other people to do the same.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “We are always becoming.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “Relationships both with our self and other people requires a measure of perseverance.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “When we give ourselves time to be authentic and transparent gradually, we build a really, really good foundation with people.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “Accepting who we fully are is never going to be disconnected from who we are as a whole.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall “The more we are reflective and the more we pay attention, the more apt we are to see God's answers in the midst of our daily life.” - Writer Sarah E. Westfall Mentioned in the Podcast The FCC requires that I tell you that I'm an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don't worry there's no added cost to you! Grace In Real Life Podcast Birthday Party Giveaway Episode #38: Real-life grace for the Enneagram Four with Sarah E. Westfall The Enneagram Pastor Steve DeNeff Strengths Finders Meyers-Briggs IF: Table The Monk Manual Resources to help you learn more about how God wired you Four simple questions to embrace how God wired you 5 resources to help you assess you Why knowing how you're wired helps you live out your purpose Questions to help you assess who you are right now About Sarah E. Westfall A fan of good words and great conversation, Sarah E. Westfall is a writer, speaker, and director of community for hope*writers.  Her work explores faith and belonging and has been featured in publications such as RELEVANT, Fathom Mag, (in)courage, and The Joyful Life magazine.  At the end of the day, Sarah's favorite place is with her people. She lives for slow Saturday mornings at home, sipping pour-over coffee with her husband Ben as their four sons play (very loudly). Sarah and her rowdy crew call Fort Wayne, Indiana home. Here's how to connect with Sarah Website Instagram Sign up for Sarah's email The Shelf Here's how to connect with Jill Website  GraceInRealLifePodcast.com  Instagram  Facebook group  Facebook page Subscribe to Jill's weekly “the good + the grace” email   

For those of us in America, we know this Thanksgiving week boils down to two realities: Turkey Thankfulness As we gather with people we love most dearly in the whole world and with people who drive us crazy and hurt our feelings, and we break bread and carve a turkey, and share what we are thankful for, let us know deep in our bones that what we are doing -- this act of gathering and eating with people made in the image of God -- is the gospel of grace.  Grace is God's gift to us in the person of Jesus, who understands our humanity and comes alongside us to work on our behalf. When you gather in community and when you listen with sacred attention, you receive grace. You live grace. You proclaim the gospel of grace. When you eat with thankfulness, you enjoy the food, delight in the flavors and traditions and memories as a means of celebration and connection and rest, and you receive grace. You live grace. You proclaim the gospel of grace. We care for each other through food. We love each other by gathering together. We become healed and whole in relationship. We celebrate who we are becoming as we sit at a table. We give thanks for what the Lord has done. Key Quotes God will delight and laugh and cherish the time we spend with heads bowed, hands clasped, bellies full, and hearts thankful to Him who provides all, from whom all blessings flow, and who gives all good gifts.  God made you for this: for a table, for community, for relishing all the flavors He created, and to taste and see and sit with the goodness of the gospel of grace. Mentioned in the Podcast Valerie Griffin Rebekah Fedrowitz Sarah E. Westfall Previous Podcast Episodes Mentioned   #38: Real-life grace for the Enneagram Four with Sarah E. Westfall #75: Hormones + Grace: Let's get real #89: Reduce Christmas stress with these sanity-saving tips customized for your Enneagram type #90: When all doesn't feel merry + bright [Holiday Series] #91: How to slow down without opting out with Jodi Grubbs [Holiday Series] Here's how to connect with Jill Website  GraceInRealLifePodcast.com  Instagram  Facebook group  Facebook page Subscribe to Jill's weekly “the good + the grace” email

How can you practically slow down without opting out during the holidays? What does it look like to create a sustainable pace, and where do you even start? I'm so glad you asked. In this interview, Jodi shares with us: What stands in our way as we move toward slow living A simple process to help you figure out what's important to you And -- my personal favorite -- how to say “no” without actually saying “no.” I love how Jodi said that checklists are okay and we can add slowing down to them and how she reminded us to invite people into the slowing down process so we're not doing it alone.  Key Quotes “Slow living is finding life rhythms and a sustainable pace that works for you and your family.” - Writer + Podcaster Jodi Grubbs “The holidays don't have to be all or nothing.” - Writer + Podcaster Jodi Grubbs “Own the idea that you're in charge of your life, and the busyness and hustle aren't in charge of you.” - Writer + Podcaster Jodi Grubbs “Our bodies are not meant to produce and produce and produce without rest, without pausing, without fun.” - Writer + Podcaster Jodi Grubbs “During the holidays it's really important to have perspective about your bandwidth.” - Writer + Podcaster Jodi Grubbs “We just want permission to slow down.” - Writer + Podcaster Jodi Grubbs “The way I've always done things may not be good for slow living.” - Writer + Podcaster Jodi Grubbs Mentioned in the Podcast The FCC requires that I tell you that I'm an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don't worry there's no added cost to you! Facebook group  #84: Get Unstuck: Expectations with Heather Bjur Sarah E. Westfall Enneagram Nine About Jodi Grubbs Jodi is a lingering coffee conversationalist and slow living advocate. She lives outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, and shares a 1952 bungalow with her husband and teen daughter. As a former island girl, she is passionate about coming alongside women who long for that shift to slower living.  She's a writer &  the host of Our Island in the City Podcast, where she loves conversing with her guests about faith, ordinary soul care, and deep community.  Here's how to connect with Jodi Instagram Podcast Newsletter   Previous Episodes Mentioned #89: Reduce Christmas stress with these sanity-saving tips customized for your Enneagram type #90: When all doesn't feel merry + bright [Holiday Series] Here's how to connect with Jill Website  GraceInRealLifePodcast.com  Instagram  Facebook group  Facebook page Subscribe to Jill's weekly “the good + the grace” email 

You planned. You prepared. You did all the right things you knew how to do.  Then something happened that shifted everything.   The story you once knew and dreamed about has been completely turned upside down.  My guest, Sarah E. Westfall, joins us today to discuss a devastating event that changed her entire story. We discuss how she processed through this season in her life and how she learned to let go, live open-handed, and allow God to rewrite her story.The wisdom that Sarah shares in this episode is life-changing.  It will shift your entire perspective about hard seasons and embracing your story.  Share this episode with a friend.I would love to hear from you! Please take 2 minutes to provide your feedback on this podcast: https://forms.gle/ASLzgU58ngQNpMvW8About Sarah:Sarah E. Westfall is a fan of good words and good conversation—preferably paired with tacos. As a writer and speaker, Sarah invites others to pursue a life of curiosity, compassion, and connection with God and with each other. She holds a BS in English Education and MA in Student Development Counseling and Administration, and her writing has been featured in RELEVANT, Fathom Mag, (in)courage, and The Joyful Life Magazine. Sarah calls Indiana home, where she enjoys a wild and wonderful life with her husband Ben and their four sons. Connect with Sarah:Instagram//WebsiteConnect with Latasha:Website// Instagram//EmailOTB Email Tribe: Click here for updates and encouragement in your inbox!

What's the difference between being selfish and living into the Jesus-expression of who you are? How can you tell when you're living under the weight of unhealthy expectations? How have we misinterpreted “dying to self”? Today we are talking about unhealthy expectations, and don't we try-hard girls struggle with expectations? We think about them less as ill-fitting and heavy standards and more as “just what we are supposed to do.” We hold expectations about: How we'll crush our goals, How we will measure up to “Good Mom” status, How many calories are acceptable, And about 1,000,001 other things like: what Christmas morning will be like,  when we're allowed to say “no,”  even how popular or talented or smart our kids will be,  and how close we'll be with our spouse.  So what does God say about expectations? God offers invitations; He is not a demanding Father. God says that He delights in you because you are IN HIM, not because you incorporate every best practice. God says you are allowed to relax and rest in His sovereignty, not your striving. The parts that stick out to me from this conversation with Heather are: “The inability to deal with other people's freedom” -- in other words, getting frustrated and irritated when people don't react like I want them to Her grace-filled way of looking at “dying to self,” so that we die to the parts of the flesh that push us to keep up our image or feed our people-pleasing nature. And how Jesus is happy with us all the time, simply because we are found in Him.   Key Quotes “The inability to deal with other people's freedom is a wake-up call.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “The goal is to be hopeful, prayerful, and yet open-handed.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “When I parent not how I'm wired… that's when things go wonky.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “Honoring our own souls has so much more to do with our heart than where our pocketbook or actions are.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “If we're primarily operating out of obligation, that's a warning sign.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “To die to self means to die to the self inside of me, the flesh that says, ‘I have to do this because I'm a Christian.'” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “We have so much more freedom than we even realize.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “God is so much bigger than our legalism and our rules.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “I get to walk in grace. I get to walk in love. I get to walk in freedom. I get to be Spirit-led.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “Because we are found in Him, Jesus is happy with us all the time.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “What would it look like to relax?” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “God, You're big enough and good enough to handle me in all my different stages of disappointment, anger, rage, and depression.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “I don't want to do God's work for Him.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “Open-handedness is me showing up as me,” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur “When I do All The Things, I sacrifice my relationships, my sanity, my soul.” - LMFT, Certified Spiritual Director, and Writer Heather Bjur Mentioned in the Podcast The FCC requires that I tell you that I'm an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don't worry there's no added cost to you! hope*writers Inner Critic Challenge Dane Ortlund's Gentle and Lowly Northwestern Christian Writers Conference How to break free from our destructive expectations How to stop expectations from ruining this Christmas How unmet expectations are actually a gift Episode #38: Real-life grace for the Enneagram Four with Sarah E. Westfall Episode #57: Delete + Reset: Slowing down, releasing expectations, and creating an unhurried heart with Jennifer Dukes Lee  Episode #81: Get Unstuck: Your identity in Christ with Jen Babakhan Episode #82: Get Unstuck: Your thought life with Lauren Gaines Episode #83: Get Unstuck: Shame with Heather Davis Nelson Association of Biblical Counselors  American Association of Christian Counselors Global Counseling Network   About Heather Bjur As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Spiritual Director, Heather is drawn to the depth and richness of the human soul.  Words like desire, lament, connection, and restoration describe just a bit of the way she engages the world. Leaning heavily on the Holy Spirit, her heart is to come alongside those who have been wounded in relationships.  She leads with curiosity, affirmation, and grace, as it is in the presence of these gifts that she found healing as well. On a constant quest for growth and maturity, Heather believes we can only take people where we've been.  She currently practices at True North Counseling Center in Fargo, North Dakota, where her therapeutic focus is freedom from codependency and emotional legalism.  She lives in western Minnesota with her husband, Chris, and her two boys, Elijah and Ezra. Here's how to connect with Heather Bjur Website Podcast Instagram Facebook Here's how to connect with Jill Website  GraceInRealLifePodcast.com  Instagram  Facebook group  Facebook page Subscribe to Jill's weekly “the good + the grace” email 

Sarah E. Westfall on being present with God and others as well as how we pay attention and participate in our stories. Join guest Sarah and I as we talk about aspects of slower living, direction and sustainability in cultivating this lifestyle. Sarah is the host of Not My Story Podcast and is a wife, mother of 4 boys, writer and speaker. You can find her at www.sarahewestfall.com and follow her on IG @sarah_westfall & @notmystorypod.     

Whether you lived through Snowmaggedon 2021, walked through a recent trial, experienced their life upended -- even if for a short while, and felt so shaken that they were clutching to hold onto anything stable, this episode is for you.  In Episode #56, we’re talking about how to extend grace to yourself and others when you’re living through and cleaning up the aftermath of a crisis. In this episode, you’ll take stock of your mental health and learn three ways to extend grace to yourself, plus I share a bonus way to give grace to your kids! Let’s make peace with the fact that you are and were and may continue to be under a tremendous amount of stress. Your brain may feel foggy. You may not be able to muster enough brain space to think more than twenty-four hours in the future. Your heart may feel the hurt of the consistent, vice-like pressure of the last twelve months.  To you, I say: Of course, you’re worn out and stressed. You’re doing a great job. You’ve lived through a crisis on top of a crisis, and there’s only so much even the toughest try-hard girl can take before she crumbles. It’s okay to fall apart. Just know, you’re not gonna stay there, because Jesus has good plans for you.  Here are 5 easy-peasy ways to give yourself grace as you walk through an acutely stressful time: One: Don’t diminish your hardship by saying “It could be worse.” So often when we go through hard times, we think of all those who experience harder times or live in more extreme circumstances. You and I relegate our pain as unimportant or not a big deal, by saying phrases like, “It could be worse…” or “I’m just so thankful that at least…” Two: Remember when life gets crazy, you don't have to maintain your same productivity level.  Grace says when life gets crazy you don't have to keep up. You can live this minute, clinging to the hand of God and do what He asks you to do next. Three: Don’t beat yourself about how you felt or what you did (or didn’t do) during your time of hardship.  Do not beat yourself up that you found suffering hard. Do not tell yourself you’re a terrible Christian if you only prayed sporadically -- or not at all.  Even a weak faith is held in the almighty, unshakable hands of Jesus. God is faithful when you are faithless. God is not ignorant of your circumstances, and He knows your heart.  Four: Ask for forgiveness. Anxiety is all-encompassing right now. If you haven’t lost it with your husband, kids, the dog, or your power company, you just might in the upcoming weeks. Forgiveness is a three-for-one gift:  God grants you forgiveness when you sin You can ask for forgiveness when you mess up with your people You can offer forgiveness when your people mess up, even if they don’t ask to be forgiven. Finally, Five: Turn over every feeling to God. Acknowledge every one of those emotions and bring them to Jesus. As my writer friend Sarah Westfall said in Episode 38, emotions are the language of the soul. They are God’s way to get your attention, to point out what’s important to you, and to give you another reason to talk to Him.  BONUS: How to give your kids grace in a crisis: Ask your kids how they’re doing. Here are questions I’m asking our girls: What do you need from me? How can you help someone else today? How can you be kind to yourself right now? Have you talked to your friends recently? Our kids don't have the grown-up stress we're experiencing, but snowstorms and a lack of routine impact them too. They don't have the language to process it, so let's help them by listening. Key Quotes It’s okay to fall apart. Just know, you’re not gonna stay there, because Jesus has good plans for you. Grace makes a way for multiple emotions at the same time without a need to justify any of them.  Release yourself from any guilt, knowing your God is perfectly aware of your situation and is using it to grow your faith. God says your sin is not greater than His grace.  95% of grace is listening; listening to your heart and those around you.  God longs to comfort you. He is with you in the room right now. He is your hope. Previous Episodes Mentioned Episode 38: Real-life grace for the Enneagram Four with Sarah E. Westfall Episode 43: How to navigate the tension between grief and gratitude Here’s how to connect with Jill Website  GraceInRealLifePodcast.com  Instagram  Facebook group  Facebook page  Subscribe to Jill’s weekly “the good + the grace” email 

Please join us as we chat with Sarah Westfall!  She is a speaker, fellow podcast host and writer.  She talks to us about not looking away on the important things, losing a loved one, and her podcast story.  We hope you enjoy!

Elizabeth is joined by fellow Enneagram 4, Sarah E. Westfall, to discuss how the Enneagram has impacted their spiritual formation and relationships.  Sarah also shares practical ways she engages silence and solitude in some unconventional ways.  Listen and learn how to cultivate a quiet heart in a loud world. https://breathingroom.life  

What it’s like to be an Enneagram Four? What can you do when you struggle with contentment and comparison? And how in the world can you practice silence when your house is loud? In this episode, I talk with Sarah E. Westfall, an Enneagram Four. We talk about: the difference between rigidity and rhythms the spiritual discipline of sharing the spotlight how to not stay stuck in your emotions and why you’ll want to create your own soul practices. There is So. Much. Practical. Love in this episode. Win a devotional written by Sarah! Sarah has a devotional out called “Be Still.” I’d love for one of you to win it. Here’s how: Go here (it’s Sarah’s interview on my blog) Comment on the post by 9 p.m. CST on Monday, November 2. I will email the winner.  See how easy that is! Someone is going to win! Why not you? Key Quotes “My emotions are God’s language to my soul… They are how God gets my attention.” - Sarah E. Westfall “Once I felt like I didn’t have to have an answer about everything all the time, that was really freeing to me.” - Sarah E. Westfall What are my body and emotions telling me about what I need to know to reconnect with God and reconnect with other people?- Sarah E. Westfall “When I start to say, ‘God, where are you in the present?’I remember who God has been in the past.” - Sarah E. Westfall “God, who are you? Not who I want you to be. Not who other people say you are. Help me to see You for who You are in Your Word.” - Sarah E. Westfall “If God can have this broad spectrum of emotion then we, too, can find freedom in that.”- Sarah E. Westfall “Give yourself permission to learn the language of emotions.” - Sarah E. Westfall About Sarah E. Westfall Sarah E. Westfall is a fan of good words, good conversation, and big earrings. She lives for lazy Saturday mornings at home, sipping coffee with her husband Ben and watching their four sons play. Sarah is a writer, speaker, and host of the Not My Story podcast.  Mentioned in the Podcast The FCC requires that I tell you that I'm an Amazon Affiliate, which means I earn a bit of commission on each sale. But don't worry there's no added cost to you! Episode #7: What the Enneagram is, what it isn’t, and why it’s important to your spiritual growth Episode #29: How to acknowledge your feelings but not stay stuck in them The best Enneagram books all Enneagram-lovers need to read To win the “Be Still” devotional, go here The Road Back to You by Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile The Path Between Us by Suzanne Stabile The Sacred Enneagram by Christophe Heuertz Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson, M.D. Here’s how to connect with Sarah Website Instagram: Sarah Instagram: Not My Story podcast Podcast  Twitter Here’s how to connect GraceInRealLifePodcast.com Instagram Facebook group Facebook page Subscribe to Jill’s weekly “the good + the grace” email

Have you ever looked at the circumstances of your life and said, “This is Not My Story- this is not the narrative I would have written for my life?”  I know that I have.  This week on the podcast, Sarah Westfall, shares her personal “Not My Story” with us.  As she vulnerably shares about the loss of her son, Sarah describes how God met her in the middle of the grief.  She wanted to quickly move past the pain, but instead God spoke in her heart and said “Be Still. Stay. Rest in Me.”  This moment in time birthed a devotional called *Be Still: Leaning into God when Everything is Falling Apart. Sarah invited other writers to join her, and I love that God is the consistent thread that runs through all the devotionals.    Sarah is the host of the Not My Story Podcast as she invites others to share their unexpected story and how God showed up in the middle of the grief.  If you are walking through the Unexpected, Sarah wrote an ebook called Interrupted just for you.  We talk about it on the podcast and you can download it on her website: https://www.sarahewestfall.com/subscribe I promise you do not want to miss what Sarah shares this week.  Also, I am so excited for someone to win a copy of Sarah’s devotional: *Be Still: Leaning into God when Everything is Falling Apart. All the details of the book giveaway are on my website at jodirosser.com or you can click on this direct link: https://jodirosser.com/giveaways/be-still-devotional-giveaway/ Sarah E. Westfall is a full-time writer, speaker, and host of Not My Story, a conversational podcast about faith and the unexpected. She holds a BS in English Education and MA in Student Development Counseling, and her past work includes teaching and serving as a student life professional on college campuses. After experiencing the loss of her son almost a decade ago, Sarah invites readers into a life of authenticity and deep communion with God and with each other. Her work has been featured in RELEVANT, Fathom Mag, and The Joyful Life Magazine. Sarah calls Indiana home, where she lives with her husband Ben and four sons. You can connect with Sarah at sarahewestfall.com or on Instagram @sarah_westfall & @notmystorypod LIFE ON PURPOSE SUMMIT:   I am so excited to part of the Life on Purpose Summit! The goal for this summit is to encourage you in purposeful faith! For 5 days, starting November 2nd, writer/speaker Katy Epling is bringing together teaching and resources from 18 speakers and authors who have found their identity and purpose in God. You’ll hear about everything from faith & family to healing from heartbreak & loss to ministry & handling the overwhelm of everyday life—and more. For example, I’m going to be talking all about Hope for the Hurting Heart! The best part? It’s totally free! There’s more I’d love to tell you about this summit, but I’ll let you check out all the details for yourself. Here is a link to get your free ticket for the Life On Purpose Virtual Summit today!  Life on Purpose Registration Page You can also get your hands on the All-Access Pass for a reduced price right now of $17! With the All Access Pass you’ll get Summit Recordings in case you cannot watch them live, VIP Speaker Bonuses and more. Check it out here!  Life on Purpose All Access Pass Don't forget to subscribe to the show so you don't miss any new episodes. *Amazon affiliate Link  

ABOUT THE EPISODERacial reconciliation and healing was not the work that Dr. Lucretia Berry originally picked. Her younger self envisioned a future well-entrenched in the black community: her college, her career, her church, and ever her future husband and family. But that is not the path God laid out. In episode 13 of Not My Story, Lucretia talks with Sarah about her experiences growing up within black America, moving to a predominantly white area, agreeing to partner with her pastor to transition their historically black church to a multiethnic congregation, and marrying a white man. In 2015, all these experiences converged when Lucretia founded Brownicity.MEET THE GUESTDr. ​Lucretia Berry​ is the founder of ​Brownicity - Many Hues, One Humanity, an agency dedicated to advocacy, education, and support for racial healing and antiracism. She is a wife to Nathan, mother of three little girls, and a former college professor whose love for humanity led her to author ​What LIES Between Us: Fostering First Steps Towards Racial Healing,​ a journey guide designed specifically for ‘beginners.’ She is the Anti-race/ism Curriculum Specialist for Community School of Davidson (NC), a contributor for (In)courage.me, a TEDx and Q Ideas speaker (Charlotte), and a Senior Consultant for Point Made Learning’s The American Dream Game.​You can connect on Instagram with Dr. Berry at @lucretiaberry or with Brownicity at @brownicity.EPISODE NOTES- HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) - CLICK HERE to see the College Navigator’s list of accredited HBCU institutions in the United States- Lucretia’s TED talk - “Children will light up the world if we don’t keep them in the dark”- Music mentioned: Vineyard, Hillsong, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin- Brownicity Membership - CLICK HERE to learn more- What Lucretia is reading: Neither Wolf Nor Dog by Kent Nurburn and American Blindspot by Gerardo Marti- hope*writers- b.kids: LET’S LEARN ABOUT - new preschool and elementary age kids course from BrownicityTo connect with Not My Story on Instagram: CLICK HEREGet a free download of Interrupted: Prayers & Meditations in the Unexpected, written by Not My Story host Sarah E. Westfall.

Sarah E. Westfall is a fan of good words, good conversation, and big earrings. She lives for lazy Saturday mornings at home, sipping coffee with her husband Ben and watching their four sons play. Sarah is an author, speaker, and host of the Not My Story podcast. You can find her writing at SarahEWestfall.com and connect on Instagram and Twitter.

Welcome to Not My Story—a conversational podcast about faith and the unexpected. Author and speaker Sarah E. Westfall talks with guests about the unplanned pieces of their lives and how those narratives shifted their understanding of God. Full episodes start May 2020, but you can catch the sneak peak here, where Sarah reveals what you can expect from the show.To get the latest, subscribe to the show and follow along at NotMyStory.com or on Instagram.