In this episode of Between the Lines, Steve Harris reflects on Gregory Boyle’s Tattoos on the Heart and its life-changing message of love, kinship, and redemption. Drawing from his experiences volunteering at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail, Steve shares powerful stories about embracing others without judgment. His time working with inmates deeply aligns with Boyle’s belief that "some lives don’t matter less than others." Steve explores how moments of grace, even with people society might disregard, can reveal surprising truths about ourselves and the divine.
Redemption is for everyone: Steve reflects on Boyle’s stories, reminding us that no one is beyond saving. “Even those who’ve massively screwed up are loved by God,” he shares, reinforcing Boyle’s message of unconditional love.
Stepping outside your comfort zone brings growth: Serving in maximum security challenged Steve in unexpected ways. "By the time I was done, I was practically floating to my car," he says, describing how helping others renewed his own faith.
We’re all searching for light: Steve quotes a powerful passage from the book: "Fumbling for grace and flashlights." He explains that life’s journey involves illuminating the path for others, even if we can’t walk it for them.
Kinship reshapes relationships: Boyle’s idea that "compassion lies in seeing ourselves in kinship with others" changed how Steve interacts with people, urging us to love without judgment.
Hope sustains us through challenges: Steve highlights Boyle’s insight: "I’m not optimistic, but I am full of hope." He explains that hope gives us the strength to keep going, even when life feels overwhelming.
This conversation with Steve offers a glimpse into the transformative power of love and compassion, both in the book and in his personal experiences. “I knew that God loved me because I could feel His love for every one of those cellies,” Steve shares. He leaves listeners with the challenge to look at all relationships—whether with strangers or family—and ask, "Am I seeing others the way God sees them?"
If you’ve ever struggled with forgiveness or loving difficult people, this episode will resonate with you. Join us as we explore how to shine a light in the darkest places and embrace kinship with those we least expect.