MercyCast

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Jessica Hurlbut, a pastor, podcast host, and author of Unlimited Motherhood. Jessica's story is one of unwavering strength and resilience as she shares her journey of raising two children with severe autism. Her experience has not only challenged her Faith and perfectionism but also inspired her to trust in God and let go of her need for control. Jessica's profound insights on the value of every human being, regardless of their abilities or achievements, are a testament to her unconditional love. The conversation delves into the theology of glory and the theology of the cross, shedding light on the struggle of perfectionism and the necessity to embrace suffering. It underscores the significance of leaning on God and relying on Him in difficult times. We explore the concept of Faith, urging listeners to focus on what they can do now rather than worrying about the future. The conversation also touches on the idea that God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, even amid limitations and challenging circumstances.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Facing reality and admitting our struggles to God is essential to finding freedom and healing.
• Raising children with special needs can challenge our Faith and perfectionism, but it can also teach us to trust God and let go of control.
• Their abilities or achievements do not determine the value of a person but by the fact that they are created in God's image.
• Parenting children with special needs can help us let go of societal expectations and love unconditionally.
• Trials and challenges can lead us to rely on God and move from self-reliance to God dependency. We often have an inner theology of glory that believes life will go smoothly if we do all the right things. However, the theology of the cross teaches us that growth and dependence on God come through suffering.
• Suffering can unite and connect us with others and with God. It is in our weakness and dependence on Him that we can experience His power and grace.
• Instead of worrying about the future, focus on what you can do today. Take small steps of Faith and trust that God will show up and work in and through you.
• God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, regardless of our circumstances. Trust Him and lean on Him in all situations.
• Embrace limitations and challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. God can use even the most challenging seasons of life to accomplish His purposes.

You can get to know Jessica by starting at her website, Jessicahurlbut.com. Follow her on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Buy her new book, Unlimited Motherhood.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Flame, a Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award-winning hip-hop artist and author, shares his journey of theological transformation and the freedom he found in understanding the gospel. He discusses the importance of theology and the dangers of living by works instead of Grace. Flame emphasizes the need to revisit Scripture and church history to understand God's love and atonement better. He encourages listeners to find comfort in the gospel and to seek out a church that understands the word of God and sacraments. Flame also highlights the release of his album, Freedom Lessons, which brings Luther's Small Catechism into a contemporary context, making it more accessible and relatable for modern listeners. 

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Our theology shapes our lives and can sometimes lead us to live by works instead of Grace.
• Questioning and reevaluating our beliefs can be a transformative journey, leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and Grace. This process, though challenging, can empower us to embrace a more profound faith.
• A Christocentric focus and the belief in a universal atonement can bring profound comfort and freedom. This understanding of the gospel can reassure us of God's love and Grace, offering a beacon of hope in our lives.
• Reexamining scripture and church history can help us better understand God's character. Study the origins of the Reformation, starting with Martin Luther and the church fathers, grasping the true Catholic faith.
• Read the Book of Concord and other documents written in defense of ancient Christianity to explore the teachings of the Reformation.
• Recognize that the gospel is something done to us, not just a mental exercise, and that the sacraments are physical means through which God's Grace is applied to us.
• To find rest and freedom in Christ, seek the plain meaning of Scripture and a clear understanding of the law-gospel distinction.

If you haven't heard Flame, check out his newest release, Freedom Lessons. Read his latest book, Extra Nos. Follow him on Instagram and X.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Justin Davis, USA Today Bestselling author of Being Real is Greater Than Being Perfect, and I explore the profound significance of authenticity and transparency in our relationships. We investigate the idea of projecting a false version of ourselves and the negative impact it can have. Justin shares his journey of behavioral modification, recounting the moment when it all came crashing down. His story is a testament to the fact that we all have our struggles. We underline the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-denial in genuine transformation. We also discuss the power of confession and the liberation of being fully known and loved. Above all, we encourage you not just to accept but to embrace your imperfections and trust in the grace of God.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We often project a false version of ourselves to others, curating an image that may not be authentic.
• Behavioral modification and image management can lead to a house of cards that eventually falls apart.
• Being authentic and transparent is greater than striving for perfection.
• Authenticity starts with self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• Confession and vulnerability are essential for healing and transformation.
• Dying to ourselves means putting away the false selves we've created and allowing the person of Jesus to live in us.
• Desperation often leads to change and transformation.
• Trusted relationships where we can be fully known and loved are crucial for living transparent lives.
• Short-term misery for long-term transformation is a trade worth making.

Learn more about Justin's work at Refine Us Ministries and buy his new book, Being Real is Greater Than Being Perfect. Follow him on X and Instagram.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Eric Shoemaker and I delve into weakness and vulnerability in this deeply personal conversation. We share our experiences and reflections, recounting moments when we felt weak and vulnerable and how we found strength in Christ. We explore the origins of weakness in the Garden of Eden and the consequences of sin, drawing parallels to our own lives. We also discuss the reality of death and the need for God's strength, sharing how we have personally experienced His strength in times of loss. This conversation is a testament to the importance of embracing weakness and finding strength in Christ, as we have seen it transform our lives. It underscores the biblical perspective on weakness and the transformative power of relying on God's strength. Eric Schumacher, in particular, shares how Jesus' display of weakness on the cross was a moment of great strength, demonstrating his victory over sin, Satan, and death. He emphasizes that through faith in Jesus, believers can find strength and security, not in their abilities or the approval of others, but in their union with Christ.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Weakness is inherent to human nature and is not a result of sin alone.
• Recognizing and embracing our weaknesses allows us to experience God's strength.
• God often works through the weakest and most vulnerable individuals to display His power.
• Boasting in our weakness and trusting in Christ's power is a means of survival and a pathway to a life of dependence on God. 
• Weakness is not something to be feared but rather a gift that allows us to experience the transformative power of relying on God's strength. This realization can inspire us to live a life of faith and trust in Him, encouraging us to embrace our vulnerabilities and see them as opportunities for growth.
• Jesus' display of weakness on the cross was a powerful act that defeated sin, Satan, and death.
• Through faith in Jesus, we are united with Him in his life, death, resurrection, and future.
• Our identity and security come from our union with Christ, not from the approval of others. This truth should reassure us and ground us in our faith, reminding us that our worth and security are not dependent on human validation.

Did you know that Eric's last name is pronounced 'shoemaker?' It's important to understand this little fun fact so that it won't be weird if you meet. Find out everything else you want to know about Eric on his website, Emchumacher.com. Want to connect with him? Check out his daily updates on X, Facebook, and Instagram. If you like this conversation (or even if you don't, because, let's be honest, vulnerability can be a scary subject), buy his new book, The Gift of Weakness.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

There are lots of opinions on it: some positive and some negative. In this episode, we are privileged to have Christa Harden, a relationship coach, podcast host, and author of the new book The Enneagram in Marriage: your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing, join us. Christa's journey with the Enneagram and how it revolutionized her marriage is truly inspiring. She also addresses criticisms of the Enneagram, highlighting its transformative power as a tool for self-reflection and understanding rather than a means of labeling or judging others. Together, we emphasize the importance of fostering healthy relationships and finding safe people to support our growth and healing as we navigate our unique journeys.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The Enneagram is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that can significantly enhance our self-awareness and understanding of our behaviors and motivations.
• Understanding our Enneagram number can aid in personal growth and compassion for others.
• We should refrain from using the Enneagram to label or judge others and instead use it as a tool for self-reflection and understanding.
• Recognizing our shadow pieces and unhealthy states allows us to make conscious choices and work towards growth and healthier behaviors.
• Building healthy relationships requires finding safe people to support our growth and healing.
• Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and protecting ourselves.
• Soul friends are those rare individuals who can truly see and accept us, flaws and all. They love us unconditionally, providing a safe space to grow and heal. 
• Navigating differences and tribalism requires staying connected and showing love to those with different viewpoints.
• Using the Enneagram can provide valuable insights into ourselves and our interactions with others.

Learn more about Christa and her work at Enneagramandmarriage.com. You can buy her Enneagram and Marriage book and check out her podcast. Don’t forget to follow Christa on Instagram.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Kevin Palau shares his journey of self-discovery and purpose, which resonates with many of us. He opens up about the profound impact of his father's passing on his life and how it led him to confront his self-doubt and performancism. Kevin's exploration of the concept of belovedness is a game-changer, as it completely transformed his perspective on success and worth. He also highlights the importance of silence and solitude in reconnecting with one's true identity and finding peace. Kevin's insights on the adverse effects of perfectionism and the need to be present with others are equally powerful. His story is a beacon of hope, inspiring listeners to embrace their belovedness and let go of the need to prove themselves.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Grieving and Transition: The loss of a loved one, particularly a figure as significant as a father, can trigger a profound emotional journey. Even with a strong family bond and a legacy of ministry, the transition can be arduous, stirring up questions about one's identity and purpose.
• Identity and Performance: There's a tendency for individuals to tie their sense of self-worth to their performance or achievements. This perfectionist mindset, coupled with anxiety and self-doubt, can lead to a constant striving for validation and success.
• Belovedness: The profound realization of being beloved by God, irrespective of performance or external validation, can be transformative. This understanding offers a comforting foundation of love and acceptance that transcends accomplishments or failures.
• Silence and Solitude: Engaging in practices like silent retreats or moments of solitude can provide opportunities for introspection and encountering the divine. In these quiet spaces, individuals may come to understand their belovedness and confront inner struggles.
• Reorienting Priorities: Embracing one's belovedness can lead to liberating shifts in priorities and relationships. It may involve repentance for past behaviors driven by perfectionism and a renewed focus on loving others authentically, free from the burden of performance-based acceptance.

Learn more about Kevin and his organization, the Luis Palau Association. Buy his book, Unlikely. You can also connect with him on Instagram.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Enter Dr. Maureen Michele Petersen. She is a physician, life coach, mom, and author of the new book Reclaiming Life: A Guide for Parents of Chronically Ill Children. She shares her journey in this episode as a mother of a chronically ill child and offers insights on caring for others while practicing self-care. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude, viewing challenges as gifts, and understanding the beauty of life's dichotomy. Dr. Petersen highlights the significance of emotional health and provides strategies for recognizing and processing emotions. She encourages journaling as a tool for self-reflection and suggests seeking help and support when facing difficult situations.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Practice gratitude to shift focus from challenges to the goodness in life.
• View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Prioritize self-care to maintain emotional health and better care for others.
• Journaling can help recognize and process emotions and identify self-limiting beliefs.

You can get to know Dr. Maureen Petersen by connecting with her on LinkedIn and getting a copy of her new book, Reclaiming Life.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Michelle Cushatt, author of A Faith that Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World is Falling Apart, shares her transformative journey of maintaining faith amid suffering. She discusses the challenges she faced when diagnosed with cancer three times and how it affected her identity as a communicator. Michelle's story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and hope. She emphasizes the importance of relinquishing control and trusting in God's faithfulness. She encourages listeners to remember God's past faithfulness and to find light in the darkness. Michelle also highlights the practice of waiting and the significance of lamenting in painful seasons. Her hope is contagious. You will enjoy this conversation. 

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Maintaining faith in challenging times requires relinquishing control and trusting God's faithfulness.
• Remembering God's past faithfulness can provide hope and strength in suffering.
• Finding light in the darkness involves looking for treasures and hidden blessings during pain.
• Lamenting and grieving our pain is a valid and necessary part of the healing process.

You can get to know Michele by starting at her website, michelecushatt.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify. Buy her new book, A Faith that Will Not Fail.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this conversation, seasoned CEO and New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author Gary Harpst shares his experiences and insights on leadership, faith, and the power of relationships. He discusses the challenges of facing reality and making tough decisions, emphasizing the importance of perspective and learning from failures. Harpst highlights the role of faith and trust in leadership, stressing the need to define purpose and lead oneself before leading others. He also explores the power of relationships and the significance of embracing imperfection and dealing with failure. Harpst brings us back to the Gospel by discussing the supernatural love of God and its impact on leadership. If you are a leader, this episode is for you.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Facing reality and making tough decisions is a crucial aspect of leadership.
• Perspective and lessons learned from failures can shape personal growth and leadership effectiveness.
• Faith and trust play a significant role in leadership, especially during challenging times.
• Defining purpose is essential for effective leadership, both in leading oneself and others.
• Building strong relationships and demonstrating love are key components of successful leadership.
• Embracing imperfection and learning from failure are essential for personal and leadership growth.
• Living out faith in leadership involves making decisions that align with one's values and beliefs.
• The supernatural love of God has a transformative impact on leadership and relationships.

Learn more about Gary and his organization, LeadFirst. Buy his new book, Built to Beat Chaos. You can also connect with Lead First on LinkedIn.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Last week's episode discussed finding hope in trials and how God can heal. In this episode, I want to return to the idea of suffering and explore the question of what happens when you aren't healed and live with chronic pain or suffering with Karis Meier, author of 'Suffering Redeemed.' She shares her journey of living with chronic illness and finding joy and beauty amid suffering. We discuss the importance of vulnerability, receiving from God, and surrendering to His will. Karis encourages listeners to embrace the mystery of suffering and to focus on God's faithfulness and love. The conversation highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Chronic pain and suffering can be a long and challenging journey, but it is possible to find joy and beauty in the midst of it.
• Vulnerability and receiving from God are key in navigating the challenges of chronic illness and suffering.
• Surrendering to God's will and having faith in His plan can bring peace and hope amid suffering.
• Looking back on God's faithfulness and the growth that comes from suffering can provide encouragement and perspective.

You can connect with Karis on Facebook, Instagram, and her website. Also, if you haven’t read her book, Suffering Redeemed, you can find it here. Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.