In this episode, we continue our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We discuss wounds from our childhood - rejection, abandonment and a failure to feel safe - and the lasting effects these wounds can have in our adult relationships. We chat about loving our younger selves with compassion, so that we can receive God’s unconditional love today. We pray you would allow the Divine Healer to look on your wounds with compassion this week! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Mama Heidland’s Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Michelle’s one thing - Sacred Rest by by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

Heather’s one thing - Change the Way You Think: A Conversation with Louie Giglio, Jennie Allen and Craig Groeschel 

Other Books Mentioned - 

Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen

The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom - Henri Nouwen

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. Are your childhood wounds healed places of glory or are they bandaged up, still hiding, and in need of Christ’s light?  
3. How do you see core wounds from childhood - abandonment, rejection or a gap created because your heart did not feel safe  - affecting your relationships today? Do you recognize any of the effects listed by Sister Miriam in the episode? How can you receive God’s restoration for you in these places?
4. What does it look like to welcome home the little parts of yourself with compassion and gentleness?

Journal Questions:

1. Are there particular memories from your childhood that this series has brought to the surface? Where do you need to hear the truth that the woundedness caused by others was not your fault? 
2. Try to find a picture of your younger self. What would you like to share with her or him? Are there critical words and judgements you would like to take back or words of affirmation and compassion you need to speak over your younger self?
3. Pray with Jesus’ words ‘be not afraid.’  How does He desire for you to receive this message when acknowledging wounds from your childhood?

Quotes to Ponder: “You keep listening to those who seem to reject you. But they never speak about you. They speak about their own limitations. They confess their poverty in the face of your needs and desires. They simply ask for your compassion. They do not say that you are bad, ugly, or despicable. They say only that you are asking for something they cannot give and that they need to get some distance from you to survive emotionally. The sadness is that you perceive their necessary withdrawal as a rejection of you instead of as a call to return home and discover your true belovedness.”  - Henri Nouwen

“A part of you was left behind very early in your life: the part that never felt completely received. It is full of fears. Meanwhile, you grew up with many survival skills. But you want yourself to be one. So you have to bring home the part of you that was left behind. That is not easy, because you have become quite a formidable person, and your fearful part does not know if it can safely dwell with you. Your grown-up self has to become very childlike—hospitable, gentle, and caring—so your anxious self can return and feel safe.” - Henri Nouwen

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.

This week’s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.  If you are looking for beautiful Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries or other Catholic gifts, look no farther than House of Joppa. Each product is curated from artisans throughout the world, and is designed to uplift your spirit and share the beauty of our Catholic faith. If you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, head over to their website in the show notes. My favorite products are their Vintage Sacred Heart Medallion, Mini Mary Garden and Miraculous Medal rosary. Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15.  Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.

In this episode, we continue our four part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now available on youtube: https://youtu.be/0TJKUIE1HOQ. We discuss the core needs of early childhood - to be seen, known and loved - and how this time is crucial in learning to trust and receive. We share our fears of being seen as needy or as a burden to others as well as what counterfeit needs are vs actual needs. We chat about the healing that we experience when we allow God the Father to love us in the places we didn’t receive what we needed as a child. Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing - The life of our recently passed SOLT sister, Sister Maria of Merciful Love

Michelle’s one thing - The Sisters of Life and The Litany of Trust 

Heather’s one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast Healing in Marriage Series

Other Books Mentioned - Life Model: Living from the Heart Jesus Gave you - James Friesen

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. How have you felt seen, known and loved by God and others recently? In what areas of your heart and life do you still long to experience that? 
3. What counterfeit needs (I need a break, I need to watch tv, etc.) do you often substitute for your real need (I need to be acknowledged, seen, loved)? How can you take time to pause and ask yourself what you truly need in particular moments throughout your day? 
4. Do fears of rejection or being seen as ‘needy’ prevent you from expressing your needs and desires to those who want to love you? How can you better articulate your needs to your community, family, and God? 
5. How is the fruit of joy abundant and fragrant in your life? If not, what is at the root of that?

Journal Questions:

1. Are there areas of your heart that you have shut down or relationships you have ‘canceled’ because someone did not meet your need to be seen, known and loved? How might God be asking you to give yourself or another person a new chance?
2. Take a moment to reflect on any memories or experiences from your childhood where you did not feel seen, known and loved. Invite God to restore and heal these moments and fill any gaps that may have been created.
3. Write down some practical ways you can notice, affirm and show greater love towards those who have been entrusted to you in your family and community. 

Quotes to Ponder: “Your great trust in Me forces me to continuously grant you graces. You have great and incomprehensible rights over My Heart, for you are a daughter of complete trust." -  Jesus to St. Faustina

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by Corda Candles.

Connect with the saints through scent, with handcrafted CORDA candles. Each unique scent is directly inspired by saints and the faith, and custom blended in house. As you burn the candle and enjoy the custom scent, there’s a tangible, concrete connection to the holy men and women who have gone before us.Help support SOLT, Sr. Miriam’s order, by purchasing the Cloistered Heart candle, inspired by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Its contemplative notes of cherry and violet are fresh and clean. This exclusive candle was commissioned by the Abiding Together podcast and 15% is donated to SOLT. It’s available for a limited time only, now through November 30, 2021.There are many more candles to explore, including ones inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Michael the Archangel, and Night Prayer. Shop online at www.cordacandles.com and receive 10% off with promo code ABIDE, now through October 31, 2021.

In this episode, we begin a four-part series on the identity of daughter. This episode is now offered in video on youtube! We speak about the building blocks of daughterhood: trusting the heart of God and receiving our identity from the Father. We discuss the foundational importance of believing we are beloved children even when there are parts of our humanity and frailty we do not love. We pray that you may behold the Father this week and allow him to behold you with delight! Be sure to subscribe to the Abiding Together Podcast on YouTube to watch our video podcasts! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing -  Renew Face and Body Cream from Rooted for Good

Michelle’s one thing - the entire team at Spirit Juice Studios

Heather’s one thing - Be Formed Adult Faith Formation with Fr. Burke Masters through the Diocese of Joliet

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. How have you received the identity of a daughter (or son) from the Father? What are some practical ways to stay rooted in the identity of daughter of God?
3. When the Lord looks at you and says, “you are my beloved daughter (son) with who I am well pleased”, what is your initial reaction? What would it look like to live this reality at the forefront everyday?
4. When have you experienced the Father delighting in you and what did that look like?
5. Does your mission (what you do) flow from your identity as daughter of God or do you tend to find your identity in the things you do?

Journal Questions:

1. Take a moment to picture your heart as a garden. Rather than digging through the dirt to find the roots of problems, imagine yourself playing in the dirt with the Father. With holy curiosity, ask what does the Father want to reveal to you about your identity as a beloved daughter? 
2. Pray Sister Miriam’s prayer “Father, open my heart to the truth of who I am.” Listen for what the Father wants to say to you and write it down. 
3. Write down some scriptures that help you stay rooted in the truth of who God says you are as a beloved daughter. You can google something like “scriptures about child of God” or “ scriptures about God’s love”.

Quotes to Ponder: “On first beholding created woman, man must surely have thought: “God gave you to me.” He said as much, though in different words—but he said as much (Gn 2:23). Awareness of gift and givenness is clearly written into the biblical Creation account. For man, woman is first an object of awe and wonder. “ - Saint Pope John Paul II, A Meditation on Givenness

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” - Ephesians 3:14-21

This episode is sponsored by Rooted for Good.

Rooted for Good hand makes premium all natural products that feel amazing and work really well! Enhance your skincare experience with Rooted and join the growing number of satisfied customers across the US and beyond who are switching to Rooted and going all-natural. On top of the amazing benefits and affordable pricing, using Rooted products makes a difference for others as well. Every time you choose our all natural premium products 10% of your purchase goes to help someone in need in a developing country! From Coffee Exfoliators & Sugar Scrubs, to foaming Face Wash & luxurious Bath Salts, to Premium Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and everything in between, make Rooted for Good your source for all natural healthy living. Rooted provides an option to choose all natural living that resonates with your Catholic values. See all of our amazing products and read the stories of the lives that are being blessed through Rooted purchases at RootedForGood.com and use the Abide10 promo code and enjoy 10% off your next order.

In this episode, we discuss how God meets us where we are rather than where we pretend to be and invites us into a never-ending love. We chat about acknowledging the deeper desires and longings in our hearts with a holy curiosity and responding to God’s pursuit of us. We also share a sneak peek of the depths we have planned for the rest of this season! We pray you would experience the peace of floating in the deep love he has for you this week through the grace of surrender, trust, and receptivity!

Sister Miriam’s one thing -   The Carmelite Sisters of Alhambra

Heather’s one thing - Will and Walker from Rings of the Lord and their handmade rosaries

Michelle’s one thing - The Given Forum. Applications for the 2022 Given Forum will be released on November 1, 2021.

Other Books Mentioned -

The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints -  Dr. Ralph Martin

Broken Gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Gregory K. Popcak

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What are some ways you allow God and others to only meet you where you pretend to be rather than where you truly are?  
3. In the times you have been called out into the deep - what has been the difference between feeling like you are drowning in problems and feeling like you are floating in God’s love and mercy? 
4. What identity are you most looking forward to exploring the depths of this season - daughter, sister, mother, bride?

Journal Questions:

1. What is one area of your life where you feel the need to pretend in front of the Lord? What stands in the way of you trusting God’s love for you right where you are?
2. What are the deeper desires, aches, and longings beneath the areas of your life that you are managing well on your own? What fears or insecurities keep you from surrendering these desires to the Lord? 
3. Where have you already seen Christ fulfill deep desires and longings in your life? Remember and write down the ways the Lord has already moved and take courage for the next season.

Quotes to Ponder: “The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.” - St. Teresa of Avila

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents, and all your waves and breakers sweep over me.” - Psalm 42:8

This episode is sponsored by CatholicMatch.

In a time where online dating is the new norm, CatholicMatch provides a place to meet other singles who share your faith. Unlike other dating websites that encourage casual relationships, CatholicMatch primarily strives to help singles connect for the purpose of Sacramental Marriage. We also provide a community where Catholics can share their challenges of living life in a single state and make new friends. We receive new stories every week from Catholic couples who met on CatholicMatch. You can set up a free account today in just a couple minutes and use their app or website to start connecting with other singles through messaging or video chat. Create your free profile today and start meeting other single Catholics now!

In this episode, we discuss God’s unchanging sovereignty and love despite the turmoil and constant changes brought on by the pandemic and other current crises. We chat about the illusion of control, our litanies to God of what we would change if we could, and the peace that comes only with surrender. We discuss the importance of allowing ourselves to experience our emotions fully in the face of recent disappointments, while always choosing to submit our feelings under the truth of God. We pray that this week you would know how much God delights in your trust as he works a new thing in your life! 

Sister Miriam’s one thing -  Organic Rose Hips for tea and other fun uses 

Heather’s one thing -  ID Intentional Disciples

Heather’s other one thing - Seasons Change - United Pursuit

Michelle’s one thing - Man Your Post: Learning to Lead Like St. Joseph - Duane and Carrie Daunt. Use the code MANYOURPOST20 at checkout for 20% off.

Michelle’s other one thing  - Our Lady of Podcast - Gene Monterastelli

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. We were hoping to return to a new normal by now but it seems we are in a constant state of change and a departure from normal. How are you seeing God through your current situation?
3. What “ancient paths” might God be inviting you to walk in during this season that will keep yourself in His light and your eyes on His eternal perspective? 
4. Michelle shares, “Our sense of control is just an illusion and His sovereignty is the only thing we can trust.” Where is God inviting you to surrender your desire for control? 

Journal Questions:

1. Where have you made agreements with powerlessness and hopelessness, telling God that a situation will not change? Take a moment to surrender these agreements and ask God to fill you with his truth.
2. In the last 18 months, what fruit have you seen emerge maybe unexpectedly from ground you have tilled with God for months or years? 
3. How can you practice feeling your emotions fully but submitting your emotions to the truth of God? Are there any particular feelings or emotions you want to surrender to God’s truth right now?
4.  How could greater trust in God’s sovereignty free you from the need to make things happen yourself? Take a moment to recount how God has been faithful in the past.

Quotes to Ponder: “Night: we cannot stop it, or hasten it; it just comes, and it teaches us every twenty-four hours that we are not in complete control.” - Father Iain Matthew, The Impact of God

Scripture for Lectio Divina -  “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.

At Chews Life, it is our mission to equip all Catholics with Rosaries for life. Chews Life believes that even the youngest Catholic can develop a devotion to the Rosary and come to know our Mother Mary. Their silicone Rosaries make this possible. Children discover through their senses, especially touch. Just as a baby knowingly caresses their mother’s face, so too their little hands will come to know the Rosary and cherish it.  

Chews Life also makes Rosaries for adults! Chews Life’s Rosaries are designed in such a way that no one can make the excuse that they don’t have time to pray the Rosary. Chews Life’s Rosaries are actually Rosary bracelets so that they are with you all day and easily accessible. These Rosary bracelets also feature a “bookmark” crucifix charm so that if you don’t have time to get through a whole Rosary at once, you can use this charm to hold your place until you can continue your prayer.

Head over to the Chews Life website right now to check out their brand new, limited edition Fall Collection. This collection and so much more are available at www.chewslife.com and use the code ABIDE10 to get 10% off your next purchase!

In this episode, we reconnect after our summer break to discuss the ways God has grown us this summer and our hopes for the season to come. We marvel together at how the Lord continues to heal us, remind us of His truth, and invite us to abide deeper in who He is and who He says we are. We chat about how the maturation that comes with repentance and the willingness to start over again with God. We pray that God will do a new thing in you as you join us on the journey this season!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Separate Vocations of Man and Woman - Edith Stein from Essays on Woman (The Collected Works of Edith Stein) - Edith Stein

Heather’s one thing - Speak the Unspoken Podcast S02 E02: The power of story with Heather Kyhm

Michelle’s one thing - Fr. Dave Pivonka, Dr. Bob Rice, and the entire orientation team at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Discussion questions:    

1. What stood out to you from this week’s episode?
2. What areas did you learn you needed to grow over this summer? How did God stretch you, humble you, invite you to abide more?
3. In what ways would you like to begin again today? What must you repent of? What must you turn your eyes away from to be able to see Christ looking at you?

Journal Questions:

1. How did you see the Lord using events or memories of your past to grow you, mature you and heal you this summer?
2. What desires would you like to name for the Lord to fulfill as we move into a new season? 
3. How can you let the Lord love you where you are most vulnerable and dependent?

Quotes to Ponder: “Always, we begin again.” - St. Benedict 

Scripture for Lectio Divina -   “It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity,  but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:12-14

In this episode we discuss the virtue of Christian Hope through a discussion on Pope Francis’s homily from the 2020 Easter Vigil, A Right to Hope. We chat about hope as more than mere optimism or wishful thinking, but rather a deep trust that God keeps his promises and He is who he says he is. We discuss the necessity of practicing hope in patience and humility as God reveals the mystery of how He is making all things new. This is our last episode of Season 9 and we pray that you may receive the gift of hope this summer. We will see you for Season 10 in the Fall!

Michelle’s one thing - Summer Reading List

Heather’s one thing -  Our Patreon Supporters!

Sister Miriam’s one thing - All those who make the podcast happen: Lizzie, Kristina, Kathy, Emily, and Rebecca.

Sister Miriam’s other one thing - Easy Chickpea Greek Salad

Other Links Related to This Episode:

Read Pope Francis’s 2020 Easter Homily

Live Differently Mug from the Abiding Together Shop

Season 2 Episode 5: Hope in Seasons of Darkness

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What are the things that stand in the way of you receiving the gift hope? Are there specific areas where you have been hurt in the area of hope?
3. How can we live into the virtue of hope that promises heaven is our home and God is working all things towards our redemption and restoration? 
4. How do our lives look different because we are a people of hope?

Journal Questions:

1. What wounds does the Lord want to heal in you in order to restore hope and trust in his promises?
2. Are there situations of disappointment that have stolen your hope in Jesus?
3. Where is God inviting you to practice patience and humility to receive hope?

Quote to Ponder: “At dawn the women went to the tomb. There the angel says to them: “Do not be afraid. He is not here; for he has risen.” They hear the words of life even as they stand before a tomb... And then they meet Jesus, the giver of all hope, who confirms the message and says: “Do not be afraid.”Do not be afraid, do not yield to fear: This is the message of hope. It is addressed to us, today.” - Pope Francis’s Easter Vigil Homily, 2020

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce* this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”” - Matthew 28: 1-10

In this episode we discuss the idea of personal revival through the power of the Holy Spirit, repentance and reawakening. We discuss the necessity of an interior death in order to experience resurrection and the fears that prevent us from living in the power of the Holy Spirit. We chat about how to identify areas in our life that are dormant or require repentance in order to experience new life and chat about the importance of community in bringing about revival. We pray the Holy Spirit would move mightily in your life this week!

Michelle’s one thing - Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress - Fr. Mark Mary Ames, CFR

Michelle’s other one thing - A Work of God: Images of Renewal - Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Heather’s one thing -  My daughter Maria coming home from Franciscan University

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Healthy Granola Recipe

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Who do you know that is living in the power of the Resurrection or Holy Spirit power? What characteristics define this kind of revival?
3. If we cannot experience resurrection and revival without experiencing dying, what needs to be put to death within you? What fears, hesitancies, or comforts keep you from experiencing the Holy Spirit’s power in this way? 
4. Revival starts with us. How can you make more room for the Holy Spirit?

Journal Questions:

1. What areas of your life do you need to repent in order to experience revival? Where are the areas in your life where something is dead that needs to be revived?
2. Where are the areas you may have blocked or avoided the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? Where are the areas you have given full permission to the Holy Spirit and what fruit has that created?

Quote to Ponder: “Let us implore from God the grace of a new Pentecost… May tongues of fire, combining burning love of God and neighbor with zeal for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom, descend on all present!” — Pope Benedict XVI, homily in New York City, 4/19/2008 

Scripture for Lectio Divina:  “In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” - Acts 2:17

This episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.

This week’s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa.  If you are looking for beautiful Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries or other Catholic gifts, look no farther than the House of Joppa. Each product is curated from artisans throughout the world, and is designed to uplift your spirit and share the beauty of our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic faith. If you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, head over to their website in the show notes. My favorite products are their Vintage Sacred Heart Medallion, Mini Mary Garden and Joyful Mystery themed rosary.

Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15.  Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.

In this episode we discuss the power of Christ to untie the knots of bitterness and unforgiveness in our life as we grow in holiness. We discuss the lies that come from our wounds and cause us to make agreements and judgements because of our hurt. We chat about the simple, but sometimes hard path towards greater freedom in Christ. We close our time together with a beautiful prayer led by Sister Miriam. We pray you would allow the Lord to untie the knots in your life this week!

Michelle’s one thing - Rosemary Fig Sauce

Heather’s one thing -  Loved As I Am - Sister Miriam James Heidland

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Forgiveness Meditation and Talk on Forgiveness by Fr. John Burns and Sr. Miriam 

Other Episodes on This Topic: 

S05 E24: Forgiveness 

S05 E15: Healing the Whole Person - An Interview with Dr. Bob Schuchts

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What does it mean for you to be tenderhearted? Are there particular situations or experiences that have caused you to close your heart?
3. What is the biggest or most visible knot in your life? Are you ready to be honest, open and willing to address this area with the Lord? Why or why not?
4. What is an area that you struggle with forgiveness?

Journal Questions:

1. What agreements have you made - I am… I’m not… I will never… I will always… - when you have been hurt? Take a moment to practice forgiveness and breaking these agreements and untying these knots.
2. What beliefs about yourself or judgements about others are acting as a knot in your life? What is the origin of these beliefs and judgements and what does the Lord say is true?

Quote to Ponder: “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive.” - C.S. Lewis

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” - Ephesians 4:31-32

This episode is sponsored by MyCatholicDoctor.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is MyCatholicDoctor. For more than 2000 years, the Catholic Church has led the world in healthcare, answering the call of Jesus Christ to heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God is near. At MyCatholicDoctor, they answer that call by providing evidence-based, holistic Catholic healthcare to all of God’s people. 

MyCatholicDoctor is a nationwide organization that brings a network of faithful medical professionals to patients through video visits, in-person care, and a referral network. As a telehealth provider, they can initiate your medical care virtually, order any necessary labs or imaging, and send prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice. We provide services of a range of specialties such as primary care, functional medicine, physical therapy, pediatric care, sleep medicine, and addiction treatment. 

Their team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and certified educators meet you where you are in your suffering, and accompany you on a path to healing. They integrate Catholic spirituality into their care to ensure God comes first in the decisions, treatments and procedures to heal your mind, body, and soul.

Not only do they work with patients and their families, but they also collaborate with schools and universities to meet the needs of their students through our telehealth resources. When you visit MyCatholicDoctor, you will find a provider who not only meets your immediate medical needs, but exceeds your expectations for the level of compassion, understanding, and appreciation for you as sons and daughters of Christ.

To find out more about the services they provide, meet their providers, and schedule an appointment, visit mycatholicdoctor.com. As a special thank you to our Abiding Together listeners, they are offering $25 off for your first appointment through May 30th. Please visit mycatholicdoctor.com/abide25 to claim your gift certificate.

In this episode we discuss the mystery and gift of the Church in the midst of scandals, disappointments, heartaches and failures. We discuss the “both and” nature of the Church that delivers the grace of the sacraments and is made up of only sinners. We chat about the family of the Church and our role as women to help reconcile and restore the broken places through transparency and repentance. We pray you would notice the Holy Spirit working a new thing within your heart this week. 

Michelle’s one thing -  Be Transformed - Dr. Bob Schuchts

Heather’s one thing - Restore the Glory Podcast with Dr. Bob Schutchts and Jake Khym

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Broken gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart - Dr. Gregory Popcak

Other Episodes on This Topic: 

Season 4, Episode 1: On Summer and Scandal

Season 4, Episode 10: Joint Restoration: An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. Have you ever felt like you didn’t want to continue being a part of the Church? What experiences brought you back into communion? Where do you still need to experience reconciliation and restoration with the Church?
3. How do we, especially as women, create safe places for people to repent and for victims to be reconciled to the Church?
4. What areas does God want to redeem, restore and make new in your own life to bring restoration to the Church?

Journal Questions:

1. What trauma have you experienced at the hands of the Church and have you been able to forgive? What wounds have you caused to others within the Church and have you been able to repent?
2. What wounds is God inviting you to bring to the foot of the cross this week? Take a moment to ask Jesus to meet you there and do for you what you cannot do for yourself.

Quote to Ponder: “How baffling you are, oh Church, and yet how I love you! How you have made me suffer, and yet how much I owe you! I would like to see you destroyed, and yet I need your presence. You have given me so much scandal and yet you have made me understand what sanctity is. I have seen nothing in the world more devoted to obscurity, more compromised, more false, and yet I have touched nothing more pure, more generous, more beautiful. How often I have wanted to shut the doors of my soul in your face, and how often I have prayed to die in the safety of your arms.” - Carlo Carretto, Letters from the Desert

Scripture for Lectio Divina: “When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you, arise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.’ Luke 7:13-15

This episode is sponsored by Chews Life.

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