Some of the biggest barriers to our transformation come from our toxic self-narratives. In this episode, James Bryan Smith shares how these narratives shape the way we interact in the world, and what we can do to see ourselves as God does.

James Bryan Smith — Transforming Toxic Self-Narratives

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South African Spiritual Director Adri-Marie van Heerden talks with Nate about making friends cross-culturally, the need for humility, and learning to see others as God sees us — with great regard. Adri-Marie's organization is called Tending the Fire. You can contact her at a3mvanheerden@gmail.com.

Adri-Marie van Heerden — Learning to Look Again

Nathan talks with prison chaplain John Paul Westin about the penitentiary as parish and learning to see each person there as God's "friends and special ones." Show Notes A few annotated book suggestions from John Paul:Cur Deus Homo — Anselm of Canterbury thinks about why God needed/chose to become human.The 3 Colors of Community, Christian A. Schwarz — How highly flawed individuals can use their propensity to sin to help build healthy Christian community.Fearfully and Wonderfully, Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancy — The human body (sick or healthy) can show us so much about the wonder of God and our human nature.The Shack, William Paul Young — God can heal the deepest wounds and betrayal.John's Gospel, John son of Zebedee — A look at life through the eyes of the beloved.Life of the Beloved — Henri Nouwen's beautiful consideration of the nature of Jesus' friendship.The Brother's Karamazov — Fydor Dostoevski's brilliant and crazy story of God's presence in a chaotic Russian family life.The Heart of the Parish, Martin Thornton — Seeing wherever you are as your parish and your life as filled with your neighbors and parisioners. Everyone.Hearing God — Dallas Willard's encouraging challenge to believe Jesus when he tells us we really can talk to God like we talk to one another.Reading the Bible with the Damned — Bob Eklad's believes that people on the margins often have intense experiences of God's involvement in their lives that are of biblical import.Letters and Papers from Prison —Dietrich Bonhoeffer's reflections on seeing God's loving presence in prison and how it transformed his thinking.

John Paul Westin — Befriending the Prisoner

Audrey Elledge and Elizabeth Moore, authors of Liturgies for Wholeness, join Nate to talk about the formational power of liturgy and friendship.Friendship is a relational connection point many people struggle with, but it's a grand invitation into deeper relationship with God. —Nathan FosterShow Notes Books by Elizabeth Moore and Audrey ElledgeLiturgies for Hope: Sixty Prayers for the Highs, the Lows, and Everything in BetweenLiturgies for Wholeness: 60 Prayers to Encounter the Depth, Creativity, and Friendship of God in Ordinary MomentsAlso mentioned in the episode:Every Moment Holy (liturgy series by Douglas McKelvey and other authors)Ways to connect with Audrey and Elizabeth: Elizabeth Moore: Instagram Twitter Audrey Elledge: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

The Liturgy of Friendship — Elizabeth Moore and Audrey Elledge

This meditation by Nathan Foster on Luke 22 invites us to the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed “let this cup pass from me.”

Audio Retreat: The Cup - A Meditation for Holy Week on Luke 22

Trevor Hudson shares reflections on the influence that Desmond Tutu had on his life — as a friend, colleague, cellmate, and “contemplative in action.” Show NotesDesmond Tutu's Nobel Prize biography pageMade for Goodness by Desmond TutuBooks by Trevor Hudson
Other Episodes With This GuestEp 47: Trevor Hudson — Friendship with GodEp 73: Trevor Hudson — Holiness is Better Than You ThinkEp 131: Trevor Hudson — Listen to the GroansEp 154: Trevor Hudson — Meeting Christ in Our TearsEp 153: Trevor Hudson — The Litmus Test for LentEp 215: Trevor Hudson and Jan Johnson — What Is Spiritual Direction?Ep 239: Trevor Hudson — Seeking God

James Bryan Smith — Transforming Toxic Self-Narratives

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