Behind The Mirror

In this episode, I tackle many of the not-so-fun things Christians are told to watch out for. I answer questions like: 

• Are spiritual attacks a thing?

After being in a ministry role for nearly a decade, I got an up close and center look at ALL things dark and light. I share from my own journey the wrestling of what I had been taught, versus what I actually saw in the model of Jesus. I expose the good, bad and the ugly of all things super spiritual, and get right to the center of what most if this boils down to: Fear vs. love. Other's voices vs. your own. A benevolent God vs. a punishing God and facing your pain vs. hiding from it.

Anna's blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel/memberships

FB Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

In this episode, I invite our first female guest onto the podcast and it couldn't be more fitting than screenwriter and film director, Sandra Martin. If you've been thinking of pursuing a creative venture, making a career change or going after a passion project, you will leave this conversation feeling inspired and encouraged to say yes to that thing you've been dreaming about. Sandra shares her unconventional journey of becoming a screenwriter and gives an honest look inside her battle of self-doubt. She offers insight into how to handle moments of feeling unqualified and gives practical advice on what to expect while experiencing the learning curve of something new. Our conversation is full of wisdom and inspiration while packaged in a vulnerability that you just can't help but love her for. 

Show Notes:

Did you know there are 3 groups we are constantly trying to win approval from? Yep. They are the same for all of us: family, friends and our tribe/society. We do everything in our power to gain their approval and keep our status inside each of those groups set. But, if you tend to be a  follower of a still, small voice inside, eventually you will encounter a tension brewing between following that inner voice and pleasing your groups.

When faced with speaking your truth from that inner knowing or making a decision that poses potential rejection, anxiety and sleepless nights are ready companions. As one who has bucked the status quo most of my life, I SO GET IT. I offer 3 steps that I live by when faced with potential rejection that will bring relief, courage and much needed peace. And, should you find yourself braving the unknown as you speak your truth or follow a decision that is sure to reap rejection from your family, friends or tribe, I've got you covered. I offer 4 bonus tools that will empower you as you embark on following your inner knowing that are SO good. 

These are tools I so wish someone would have shared with me decades ago and I am eager to share these secrets with you. 

Show Notes:

Anna's Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

FB Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

In this episode I talk with author and former minister Tim Rymel. Tim was the outreach director of the ex-gay ministry Love in Action, between 1991-1996 that specialized in conversion therapy. He is also a contributor to The Huffington Post and The Good Men Project and a member of the American Psychological Association and the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual Issues. We talk about his story and get a behind the scenes look into conversion therapy as well as discuss his new book, Re-Thinking Everything.

Show Notes:

Tim’s Website: https://timrymel.com/

Behind the Mirror Facebook Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Trauma is that line the separates the before and the after; the once was and now is. Whether mental, emotional, physical or spiritual the effects of are often the same. In this episode, I share a personal traumatic event and the 3 steps I took to climb to the other side: finding safety, grief/remembrance and re-writing my inner dialogue. These tools changed my life and brought me back to who I was before - only better and stronger. There is hope for you and your journey and I can't wait to see who you are on the other side. 

Show Notes:

My book, Forgiveness is not an Option: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Not-Option-Journey-Freedom/dp/1620200155/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438031104&sr=8-1&keywords=forgiveness+is+not+an+option

Podcast Episode, Rising from Pain: https://behindthemirror.podbean.com/e/rising-from-pain-how-to-heal-from-heartache/

My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

FB podcast group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

In this episode I dig into American history with a look at the laws and religious customs of the Protestant colonists: how they behaved towards outsiders, how they viewed those who thought differently and how they treated those inside their faith who dared to step outside the lines. There are compelling similarities between the early colonists and the pattern of behavior inside American churches today.  If you’ve felt like an outsider, been mistreated by your faith community or wondered why American faith groups behave the way they do, you will find much hope and clarity in this conversation. The best way to protect our future is to understand our past. 

Show Notes:

My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Facebook Podcast Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

In this episode, I tackle some common questions surrounding recent topics inside Christianity: what about taking the word of God literally? How do we know which perspectives on scripture are correct? Isn't the Bible clear on so many of these issues? How can so many "Christians" believe so differently? I admit to the bias lense I was taught to see with and share how I evolved into thinking differently.  I break down each of these questions from the view of scripture itself, the model of Jesus and our overall history as a faith group. There is an offering of peace and clarity inside this conversation as well as hope for unity. 

Show notes:

My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Podcast FB Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

In this episode, I tackle some common questions surrounding recent topics inside Christianity: what about taking the word of God literally? How do we know which perspectives on scripture are correct? Isn't the Bible clear on so many of these issues? How can so many "Christians" believe so differently? I admit to the bias lense I was taught to see with and share how I evolved into thinking differently.  I break down each of these questions from the view of scripture itself, the model of Jesus and our overall history as a faith group. There is an offering of peace and clarity inside this conversation as well as hope for unity. 

Show notes:

My blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/annadimmel

Podcast FB Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

In this episode, I talk with pastor, author and blogger Carlos Rodriguez of happysonship.com. This has to be one of my favorite conversations this season. We candidly discuss the state of American Christianity and the current tension between Christians. He offers a unique perspective on how to make sense of the condemning God of the Old Testament versus the redemptive God of the New Testament and offers empathy and understanding for those who feel like they need a break from church. He shares insight as to what we can learn from this new up-and-coming-generation and why he believes deconstruction for Americans is not only needed but is a good thing.

Show Notes:

Carlos Rodriguez: www.happysonship.com

Anna's Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com

I talk with blogger, writer and former evangelical ministry leader Micah J. Murray about his journey of leaving the Christian norm. Micah candidly shares his story of being raised inside a conservative Christian cult and the heresy he witnessed during his evangelical career. He shares his deep longing to know that God was good and equally the fear and loneliness he faced once he stepped outside the box. His story is honest, brave and covered in marks of Divine love. If you’re up for a candid, unfiltered conversation offering different ideas and perspectives (and don’t mind a bit of swearing) you’ll love this conversation.

Show Notes:

Micah Murray Blog: http://micahjmurray.com/

Podcast Group: www.justajesusfollower.com/podcast/podcastgroup

My Blog: www.justajesusfollower.com