Casper Ter Kuile's new book, "The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities Into Soulful Practices," is so timely. He's been researching community, ritual and connection for years -- and his work has become so popular that it really demanded book form! In today's interview, we talk about how things like SoulCycle and CrossFit became sort of "religious" in their followings. As people have left traditional religion, they have sought other ways of connecting. Unfortunately, many people haven't found those communities, but Casper hops to reinvigorate the search for community and finding sacredness in everyday life. While I still believe the Church is the very best form of community, it certainly isn't the only place to find … [Read more...]
Richella Parham: Finding Freedom From Perfection (Podcast)
Comparison is the thief of joy. We've all heard it -- and my guest today -- Richella Parham -- has lived it. She's a mom of three, and writer and author of the book, "Mythical Me: Finding Freedom From Constant Comparison." Throughout her life, Richella has struggle with comparison -- from appearance to achievements to personality traits. As an adult, she finally found a breakthrough and writes about the many cultural and spiritual myths so many women believe to their detriment. In today's interview, I chat with Richella about growing up with a rare skin condition that she felt set her apart, and how that contributed to her comparison mindset. We also talk about how she's dealt with the health conditions her children have endured and … [Read more...]
Mary DeMuth: Sexual Abuse and the Church (Podcast)
Mary DeMuth has written over 40 books and her recent "We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis" -- took a lot out of her. Mary is still healing from wounds of sexual abuse in her past, as she many likely will be for a lifetime. As the #MeToo movement traveled across the country several years ago, the #ChurchToo movement followed close behind. There is abuse in the Church, beyond what was previously known, and there are those who would protect rather than preserve justice. Mary is a leading voice in helping churches choose differently and act justly. Churches have begun to change and address these things more recently, but it's simply not enough. There's a lot going on in the world but sexual … [Read more...]
Sharon Hodde Miller: God Calls Us to Use Our Voices
My episode today is with Sharon Hodde Miller, author, speaker, church planter, mom -- and a very wise soul in my opinion. In Sharon's latest book, "Nice," she covers the concept of Christian "niceness" and how we've confused being "nice" with being a Christ follower. This episode was recorded just before COVID and definitely before the recent racial justice protests in our country, but I found so much of it extremely relevant to the current conversation. We have a responsibility as Christians to speak out for justice. We discuss how Jesus approach situations like the ones we are seeing today. It always helps to consider the age old question: What would Jesus do? Sharon enlightens me on why she values the Church s much -- and why … [Read more...]
