123 | Why We're Back Next Week by And Sons

Nathan Clarkson has spent his 20's in the world of Hollywood and has a few things to say about it. As an actor, director, and published author, Clarkson lives in the worlds of the creative and story, so we thought we'd pick his brain on what it takes and what advice he might give to a younger version of himself.

In the pursuit of inner growth we can slip into a way of thinking that justifies all pain and disappointment as initiation. And while some of the time that is just fine, the Bible is filled with examples of great men and women taking their pain, fear, frustration, and all manner of lament to God. He is not surprised by our inner lives, and he is not disappointed with our lament.

What does it look like to take our pain to him, rather than trying to hold onto it for the sake of misplaced growth?

Dave Small has spent several years in the jungles of Burma and Thailand in cooperation with the Free Burma Rangers, a group dedicated to training young men in Burma to be first responders in the continuing civil war that plagues the country. With so much exposure to danger, trauma, and true adventure, we asked Dave to talk about how such work is sustainable and what the Father is teaching him.

Leaving a town, a job, a small group can feel like freedom or failure depending on the circumstances. It'd feel a lot easier if we knew God was calling us into a new season and out from the one we've been in. What are the factors in hearing, though? How do we know when it's time to Jump Ship and when is it time to buckle down?

With the next print of And Sons in the works, Sam and Blaine reflect on the process as it's happening.

Jan Meyers Proett has spent her life listening to others tell their stories. Over the years she has learned practices that make such work sustainable, powerful, and hopeful.

We may not all be counselors, but we could all benefit from such postures.

"I know everybody says

Money can't buy happiness

But it could buy me a boat, it could buy me a truck to pull it

It could buy me a Yeti 110 iced down with some silver bullets

Yeah, and I know what they say

Money can't buy everything

Well, maybe so,

But it could buy me a boat"

-Chris Janson

Today's episode was born out of a conversation with a young man. We found the conversation was lingering on a few questions that we've asked ourselves as well:

When have we done enough healing? When have we come far enough to take a rest, to build an Ebenezer, to appreciate what God and we have done? Are we always stuck in the "next thing" when it comes to our inner world? And how do we tell the difference between good work and tinkering?

Josh Imhoff is the founder of YWAM Emerge, an organization that builds food systems around the world to reduce poverty. What that means is that Josh and his team have figured out how to build aquaponics systems in harsh environments, thereby providing food and revenue for folks in rough places.

Thing is, Josh isn’t a farmer. Or a fish expert. He’s figured it out by walking with God and taking risks most people would run from. This is an episode on making a difference by growing in union with the only One who does.