Hello, my friend. Thanks for joining me today. You're likely familiar with the story of the first sin. The moment in the Garden of Eden when Eve defied God's instruction to not eat the fruit from one specific tree. But have you ever considered what was at war in Eve's mind and heart? Maybe she wasn't simply prideful, or disobedient, but perhaps she was first afraid?
Hello, friend. Welcome back to the Encouraging Word Podcast. Today's episode finds us considering one of the most common human emotions: worry. And in Matthew Chapter 14, we're reminded of one of God's most enduring promises: with Jesus, you always have enough.
Today on the show I'm joined by Angie, who's greiving the fact that her adult daughter went "no contact" recently, withdrawing from family activities and isolating her daughter from seeing her grandma. Angie is grieving both the loss of her relationship with her daughter as well as her granddaughter, and wondering if there is anything she can do to move toward reconciliation and connection. I talk her through the building blocks of a safe relationship,what she can and what she can't do, and what it means for her to work on creating a space of safety and security for her adult daughter and their relationship with one another, even through their differences. According to Angie, their differing political views have kept her daughter away, so we spend some time talking about navigating the difficult territory when there is a stark contrast of views and perspectives between two people, whether politically, theologically, or otherwise. This episode is more important in this generation and culture than it ever has been before, so take the time to listen, process, and learn alongside Angie. To go deeper in your relationships with others, grab a copy of People Skills and learn the skills you need to strengthen your relationships.
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DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
Summary: What's up! This week on the POGcast, the girls are talking about summer haircuts, friendships that carry you through every season (and sightings of the unofficial Point of Grace!), and the real joys of being a child of God.
We want to hear your real stories of true friendship! Email us at pointofgracestories@gmail.com and you may even hear it on the podcast!
Timestamps:
2:26 What's Up: Sunshine, Summer Cuts, and the K-LOVE Fan Awards
7:25 Circle of Friends: Cruises, Music, and Some Real-Life Golden Girls
14:08 What in the Word: John 1, Tim Keller, and the Joys of Being a Child of God
24:02 Circle Up: Catalina Crunch, Zazzle.com Personalized Playing Cards, and "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence
Sit down with Jennie, Levi, and his dad, Chip as they recount stories of childhood, upbringing, origin stories, parenting, and leaving a legacy.
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
Chip: @chiplusko
Today's conversation on Back Porch Theology took place in Wilmore, KY, on the campus of Asbury Theological Seminary, because Alli and I had the phenomenal privilege of spending time with one of our favorite - and I mean one of the most favorite of all our favorites - Bible scholars, Dr. Craig Keener. I quote or cite Dr. Keener all the time because his book on hermeneutics, his commentaries on the New Testament, and his classic Bible Background Commentary are some of the sturdiest scaffolding I've built my Christocentric belief system on. He's the one I paraphrase every time I say, "If you get out of the Bible what you were expecting to get out of the Bible, you need to raise your expectations!" because Dr. Keener is among the wise saints who've taught me that the redemptive truisms in this divine love letter we call the Bible are always bigger and better than our finite human minds can comprehend! His life's work proves that Scripture isn't a flat text to memorize or a proposition to study, but it provides a way for us to engage with the only true God who sees us and loves us, and is always in pursuit of our hearts. For Alli and I, getting to spend the day with Dr. Keener felt like being junior high kids who love singing in the choir but aren't particularly melodic, yet we got invited to harmonize with Pavarotti! And the best part about this conversation wasn't even the wisdom bombs he humbly dropped, y'all - it was how his heart is surely bigger than his extraordinary brain because even though Dr. Keener is a world-renowned New Testament scholar, almost every time he talked about the love Jesus has lavished him with, his eyes welled up with tears. I'm telling you, this man walks with God and just being in his presence helped us lean more fully into our Savior's embrace. So please grab a cup of coffee (or one of those fancy electrolyte-enhanced waters) and your Bible - unless you're picking dog hairs off your black jeans, of course - and come spend some time on the porch with us.
Do It Anyway is available wherever you buy books.
What political party would Jesus join? In this episode, Lance Hahn talks about Christianity and party politics. He will talk about the Republican and Democrat platform and analyze them through a Biblical lens. Is it possible that Christians can be on opposite sides of the aisle? Absolutely. New shows drop every Tuesday. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Hey! It's The Luskos Episode 165: Join Levi Lusko and J.S. Park in this conversation about coping with grief. J.S. Park, a hospital chaplain and author of "As Long As You Need," shares his profound insights on intrapsychic grief, managing loss, and finding peace after a personal tragedy. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one or navigating through personal hardships, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical tips for embracing grief and moving forward.
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
JS Park: @jspark3000
As Long As You Need - Book: https://a.co/d/2I3Lcbp
Incomparable Cruise: https://bit.ly/3Ta10lV
Through the Eyes Of A Lion - Book: https://amzn.to/3vT78Hy
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI
Timestamps:
02:18 - Overview of the conversation's focus on grief
04:37 - Discussion about the inevitability of facing grief.
10:20 - Explanation of "intra-psychic grief" by JS Park.
14:35 - Levi talks about the loss of his daughter and the concept of "memory unmade."
18:17 - Levi's personal experiences and ongoing grief.
20:47 - JS Park's background and calling to chaplaincy.
25:33 - How chaplaincy intersects with grief.
31:06 - Theology and personal experiences of faith and grief by JS Park.
34:40 - How grief challenges and reshapes personal theology.
54:45 - Importance of giving oneself permission to grieve beyond societal timelines.
57:20 - The meaning of the title of JS' book.
1:01:20 - How different losses bring unique grief experiences.
1:11:14 - Importance of silence and personal space in grieving.