All Things

Many All Things listeners wonder if they are called to pursue foster care. Many believe it’s a worthwhile calling, but they wonder if they have what it takes, how it will affect their biological children, and if they can endure the potential loss that may come. On this episode my two good friends and members of my church, Jen Stef and Julie Stephens who are both foster moms, share authentically about what caused them to dive into foster care and what keeps them going. Jen and Julie share so many wise perspectives about their mission as a foster family, the privilege of coming alongside families and children in crisis, viewing their foster children’s biological moms and dads with a foundation of hope and redemption, crying out to the Lord in the midst of the unpredictable and the hard, trusting God’s sovereignty, and so much more. In particular I love how Jen and Julie see themselves as servants of God, servants of birth moms, and servants of children in need. Their paradigm is so good and, I think, so rare. This episode is eye-opening, honest, and full of hope. It will serve well anyone considering foster care and those already in it, who could use a shot of encouragement.

#FosterCareAwarenessMonth

Reframing Foster Care: Filtering Your Foster Parenting Journey Through the Lens of the Gospel

May is #FosterCareAwarenessMonth! My friend and colleague Jesse Hulling joins me on this episode to share his perspective on foster care. Jesse is a pastor with us at Redemption Parker and he has recently worked with Project 1.27, an organization that serves as a bridge between the foster care system and the Christian church. Jesse was in the foster care system himself, and was adopted by his parents along with his brother and sister. On this episode he generously and vulnerably shares his perspective. He gives us a glimpse into the lives and hearts of families and kids in crisis, why love isn’t all you need, and he prophetically calls Christians to get involved in foster care. His words are wise and faithful and will teach you so much.

Project 1.27

Last week President Biden raised the number of refugees that the United States will allow in this fiscal year to 62,500 from the historically low number of 15,000 that President Trump declared last fall. There is so much confusion in the media, politics, and everyday rhetoric about exactly who refugees are. Is it risky to be admitting more into the US? Where are they coming from? How do we know they’re safe? Do they harm the economy? On this episode of All Things you will find answers to those questions, as well as the findings from numerous studies and statistics that reveal just what a unique and important population refugees are.

The following resources were used in creating this episode:

Why a Robust Refugee Resettlement Program Matters for Religious Freedom - Chelsea Sobolik, Providence

A Case for Rebuilding the US Commitment to Refugees - Jeff Pickering, Providence

Christians can welcome refugees and support national security - Eric Costanzo, ERLC

Is There a Link Between Refugees and U.S. Crime Rates? - New American Economy

Evangelical Immigration Table - Statistics

The Refugee Brief – 7 May 2021 - UNHCR

Refugees and immigrants - World Relief

What is a refugee? - UNHCR

U.S. Refugee Admissions Program: Overseas Application and Case Processing - US Dept. of State

Living in limbo - World

THE 10 LARGEST REFUGEE CRISES TO FOLLOW IN 2021 - Concern USA

Rigorous Refugee Vetting Process for the U.S. - The Centre for Victims of Torture

Key facts about refugees to the U.S. - Pew Research Center

Refugee Figures at a Place - UNHCR

Fact Sheet: U.S. Refugee Resettlement - National Immigration Forum

U.S. Annual Refugee Resettlement Ceilings and Number of Refugees Admitted, 1980-Present - Migration Policy Institute

Earlier this month the Biden administration reversed a Trump-era policy that required abortion pills to be dispensed by providers to women in person. Previously, the FDA required women seeking a medical abortion to obtain the pills in person, but now they can be obtained via phone call or even text message and sent to the woman by mail. Medical abortion by mail is attractive to many women because it’s seen as effective, safe, and completed from the comfort and privacy of their own home. However, data from the United Kingdom’s Pills by Post program, which is just one year old, proves otherwise. The reality is that even successful medical abortions are physically and emotionally traumatizing, but also that many medical abortions cause life-threatening and even life-ending side-effects. 

Have a listen to this episode to gain a better understanding of what happens when a woman or girl ingests medicine for abortion at home, the alarming data from the UK, the possibility of reversing the abortion pill, and other ways you and I can offer life-saving and life-giving alternatives to this violent practice. Medical abortions are evidence that there is a great need in our communities and we who are pro-life must step in with compassion, care, creativity, and our own resources. Women, girls, and babies deserve so much more.

The following articles contributed to this episode:

U.S. women can get abortion pill via telemedicine - World

At-home abortion trauma - World

The pill and the pandemic - World

People Can Now Get Abortion Pills Delivered at Home — What to Know - Healthline

Biden administration to lift abortion pill restriction amid pandemic - CBS News

The Abortion Pill - Planned Parenthood

California Just Became the First State to Require Public Colleges to Provide Abortions - Vice

Can the abortion pill be reversed after you have taken it? - Planned Parenthood

Abortion Pill Reversal - Alternatives Pregnancy Center

On this episode of All Things I interview two friends who are my sisters in Christ, attend my church, and are also pharmacists (they both have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)). One friend is currently a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and the other has recently practiced in a community pharmacy and is now homeschooling her children. Their perspectives as Pharmacists and Christian moms have been a gift to me and I know they will be to you too. We talk about vaccine myths and misinformation, the efficacy and quality of the vaccines, misconceptions after getting vaccinated, and the moral and Biblical perspective on the vaccines. We cover so much, including—but not limited to—the following: the vaccines will actually give you Covid-19, cause infertility, or were developed too quickly to be safe; MRNA technology, microchips, and issues related to breastfeeding and pregnancy; long-term effects of the vaccines, issues for those with auto-immune disease, aborted fetal cells, blood clotting and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause; whether or not you need the vaccine if you’ve already been infected and other issues related to exposure and transmission after getting vaccinated; research showing that white Evangelicals are the least likely religious group to get the vaccine, and finally our agreed upon conclusion that getting the vaccine is an important way to love God and love neighbor in this historical moment.

The following resources were helpful in creating this episode:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Both guests on this episode who are both pharmacists say this is the best place for listeners to get research and data.

The COVID-19 Vaccines: A Conversation with Dr. Francis Collins - ERLC

The Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist - Emily Smith is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Public Health at the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University

J&J Vaccine Pause - The Friendly Neighborhood Epidemiologist

10 facts about Americans and coronavirus vaccines - Pew Research Center

Black Protestants aren’t least likely to get a vaccine; white evangelicals are - Religion News Service

The Spiritual Problem at the Heart of Christian Vaccine Refusal - David French, The Dispatch

Abortion, Vaccines, and Moral Imagination - Public Discourse

Why We Plan to Get Vaccinated: A Christian Moral Perspective - Public Discourse

Martin Luther on How Not to Tempt God During a Plague - Village Anglican

The Equality Act easily passed in the House of Representatives in February 2021, and it now awaits a hearing in the Senate. People of faith are increasingly anxious as the bill represents the biggest threat to religious liberty to ever appear before Congress. In the face of eroding rights and status, fear and anger come easily. But how ought Christians respond? What is the way of Jesus when our rights are removed?

On this episode of All Things I explore six truths that we must hold on to in the days ahead:

1) God is our creator, and as such he has a say in how all humans conduct ourselves.

2) It will always be good and right for Christians to seek God’s will and God’s best for all people—but we do this for the flourishing of others, not for our own protection and status.

3) We must be students of God’s word and submit ourselves to it—yes, God really did say that.

4) We are likely to be insulted, rejected, and maybe even persecuted, and that’s okay.

5) God’s kingdom is upside down. The gospel is subversive.

6) Jesus is the light of the world and Christians are light-bearers. Others will come to know Christ through our warmth, compassion, and humility.

Ultimately, the way of the cross is not one of political clout and power. The way of the cross is one of humility, meekness, and shame. Current cultural trends are no match for that which lasts forever. The United States is not the Kingdom of God. His kingdom has no end (Luke 1:33). So then, let’s give our eternal King our allegiance. Let’s live for him alone.

The following resources were helpful in creating or were mentioned in this episode:

Explainer: Senate considers Equality Act - ERLC

Tim Keller on Twitter

All Things Episode 31: Explosive Church Growth in Iran and What We in the West Might Learn

Four Truths to Embrace as Religious Liberty Erodes - Jen Oshman at GCD

For months there has been a notable uptick in acts of violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the US. The recent mass shooting targeting women of Asian descent in Atlanta was horrific in and of itself, but it also came on the heals of a year rife with verbal and physical assaults against Asian Americans across the country. On this episode of All Things I invite two friends in my community and church to share their stories as Asian American women. We talk about the long history of anti-Asian sentiments, crimes, and laws in the US, the things my friends experienced growing up Asian in predominantly white spaces, the increase in micro-aggressions and anxiety that they and other AAPIs have been experiencing since the start of the pandemic, the otherization/fetishization of women of Asian descent, and so much more. This topic is huge and varied, as is the AAPI community. While we only just barely scratched the surface in this episode, my hope is that listeners will be able to pause, hear these stories, believe them, and respond with empathy. I am deeply indebted to Miryam and Esther for taking a risk and sharing their voices with the All Things community. They are dear to me and taught me much during our 40-minute conversation. Thank you, friends.

The following resources were helpful in creating this episode:

My White Adoptive Parents Struggled to See Me as Korean. Would They Have Understood My Anger at the Rise in Anti-Asian Violence? - Nicole Chung, Time

The long, ugly history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S. - Gillian Brockel, The Washington Post

Asian Americans Are Still Caught in the Trap of the ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype. And It Creates Inequality for All - Viet Thanh Nguyen, Time

The History Of Anti-Asian Sentiment In The U.S - NPR

Anti-Asian violence has surged in the US since COVID-19. But it didn't start there - Maura Hohman, Today

Stories Shed Light On Recent Attacks On Asian Americans - NPR

Many Black and Asian Americans Say They Have Experienced Discrimination Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak - Pew Research Center

The Rise and Fall of Denver’s Chinatown - History Colorado

Immigration is in the headlines again, as a record number of unaccompanied minor children are seeking entry at the US - Mexico border. As immigration reform is debated in the days and months ahead it’s imperative that Christians be informed by both the truth and the Scriptures. In this episode of All Things we’ll look at what’s true about immigrants in the US, especially undocumented immigrants. For example, did you know that the vast majority of undocumented immigrants pay taxes? They are not the “drain on society” that so many claim they are. Did you know that undocumented immigrants are 44% less likely to be incarcerated than native born citizens? The immigrant community, in reality, plays a vital role in our economy and culture as a country. Not only should Christians be informed by these facts and realities, though, we also need to think Biblically. This episode covers a number of Bible verses and commands of Jesus and closes out with some resources for taking a deeper dive in loving the sojourners amongst us.

The following resources were helpful in making this episode:

Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang

World Relief

Evangelical Immigration Table

Women of Welcome

Evangelicals Say It Is Time For Congress To Tackle Immigration - Lifeway Research

Immigration and the Border - NBC

Backlog of migrant children in Border Patrol custody soars to 4,200, with 3,000 held past legal limit - CBS

A majority of Americans say immigrants mostly fill jobs U.S. citizens do not want - Pew Research Center

Millions of Undocumented Immigrants Are Essential to America’s Recovery, New Report Shows - Center for American Progress

Immigration White Paper Series - George W. Bush Presidential Center

When most people call 911 they’re routed either to the criminal justice system or to the hospital emergency system. Realizing these two streams aren’t accurately meeting the needs of many Denver callers, the city instituted a pilot program called STAR in June of 2020. After a six month trial reports show that it was a huge success. Callers experiencing issues such as a mental health need, homelessness, or drug misuse received person-centered trauma-informed care, rather than a potential arrest or costly trip to the emergency room. The best news is that no one was arrested and no one required the involvement of the Denver Police Department. I’m sharing this good news story in hopes that it is added to our national conversation on police reform. More programs like this would be a win for the 911 caller, a win for the community receiving more holistic care, and a win for law enforcement saving valuable time and money so they can direct it elsewhere.

The following resources were used in compiling this episode:

Can Christians Smoke Pot if it’s Legal? by Jen Oshman (contains data on the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado.

STAR Program Evaluation

Denver's STAR program sees promising results in first six months - 9News

Instead of Responding With Cops, Denver Sends Health Care Teams to Non-Criminal Calls — and It’s Already Saving Lives - Joshua at Caring for Denver

The news is full of eye witness accounts and survivors’ testimonies of torture inside Uighur “reeducation” camps in Xinjiang, China. Last month the BBC released especially gruesome details of the extent of the human rights violations there. The US, Canada, and the Netherlands have called the actions “genocide.” On this episode of All Things I take a deep dive into understanding who the Uighurs are, the bigger picture behind why the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is committing such heinous acts, and what the CCP’s goals are for cultural homogeneity and global domination. It becomes very personal as we come to terms with the reality that our insatiable appetite for consumer goods has played a role in the sinister cycle of human rights violations. Corporations like Disney, the NBA, and Apple all have a role too—not to mention the Olympics, which are slated to be in Beijing in Winter 2022. The world must act. What can be done?

The following resources were used in the creation of this episode:

Ask Your Congressperson to Support the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act

The Dispatch Podcast: China and the Uighur Genocide

BBC The Real Story Podcast: Is China erasing Uighur culture?

The Capitol Conversations Podcast: A Deep Dive on the US China Relationship with Micheal Sobolik

BBC News: 'Their goal is to destroy everyone': Uighur camp detainees allege systematic rape

The New York Times: Disney Wanted to Make a Splash in China With ‘Mulan.’ It Stumbled Instead.

World Magazine: Beijing’s Olympic reckoning?

Uyghur Human Rights Project: What You Can Do

CNet: Apple, like Coca-Cola and Nike, is lobbying on China forced-labor bill in Congress

Forbes: What China Is Really Up To In Africa

Generous Justice Sermon by Tim Keller