MercyCast

What if your purpose today was to play a supporting role? In this episode, I catch up with my friend, Chris White, a screenwriter and director, about how life imitates art as we discuss his film, Electric Jesus. Chris unpacks the filmmaking process and the challenges of failure and perfectionism.

Failure can be an entry point into being a supporting character. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of being a supporting actor in the lives of others, namely seeing the stories unfold around us and choosing not to see ourselves as the lead.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Failure can be a valuable learning experience and an opportunity for growth.
• Nostalgia can be a tool for redeeming the past and finding value in our experiences.
• Recognizing our role as supporting characters in the stories of others can lead to empathy and understanding.
• Remembering the gospel and the grace of God is essential for navigating life's challenges.
• Embrace the role of a supporting actor in your own life and the lives of others.
• Practice active listening and be present in your interactions.
• Ask curious questions to deepen connections and understanding.
• Support and celebrate the brilliance and success of others.
• Cultivate empathy through genuine curiosity and minimizing distractions.
• Take small steps and focus on continuous improvement.
• Be present and engaged in the world around you.

Find out everything you need to know about the movie, Electric Jesus. Follow him on Twitter 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.

In some ways, it seemed easier when we were kids. Now, finding friends can feel impossible. In this episode, Phil Knox, the author of The Best Of Friends: Choose Wisely, Care Well, discusses the meaning and importance of friendship. Phil shares his personal experience of loss and how true friendship helped him through difficult times. Phil and I explore the role of faith and friendship in grief, setting boundaries and communicating needs, and the power of presence in friendship. We also discuss the definition of friendship, choosing friends, and determining who our real friends are. Trust me. You want to listen to this one.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Surround yourself with friends who bring spiritual life and influence you positively.
• To become a better friend, spend time with Jesus and learn the art of friendship.
• Developing deep and lasting friendships takes time, patience, and vulnerability.
• Friendship is a gift that has significant health benefits and is essential in combating loneliness.
• Four key ingredients for making friends: time, vulnerability, sacrifice, and presence.
• Popular people are not interesting; they are interested.

Learn more about Phil’s ministry. Follow him on Twitter. Also, as mentioned in the episode, check out his new book, The Best of Friends.

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, sit down with Aaron Armstrong, author of the book I’m a Christian Now What? A Guide to New Life in Christ. We discuss the shift when someone becomes a Christian and the challenges and turmoil that can follow.

Aaron shares his journey to Christianity and the lessons he has learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of guidance and community for new Christians and encourages them to be convictionally kind in their interactions with others. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of faith and the need for support and understanding in the Christian journey.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Becoming a Christian does not guarantee a problem-free life; challenges and adversity are still a part of the journey.
• New Christians need guidance and community to navigate their faith and understand their new identity.
• Engaging with creativity as a Christian means recognizing and appreciating the beauty in art, even if it explores dark topics.
• Being convictionally kind involves holding firm to one's beliefs while treating others with dignity, respect, and love.
• New Christians should seek supportive and like-minded individuals to walk alongside them in their faith journey.

Follow Aaron on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Also, read his new book, I’m A Christian—Now what?

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.

My guest and I deal with this question head-on in today’s episode. In this conversation, Kerri Rawson, the author of the New York Times-selling book A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, love, and Overcoming, shares her journey of trauma, healing, and faith. She discusses the life-altering moment when she learned about her father's crimes and the impact it had on her mental health. Kerri talks about her experience with PTSD and the importance of therapy in her healing process. She also explores the challenges of separating her story from her father, the serial killer BTK, and the power of writing in her healing journey. Throughout the conversation, Kerri emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion when discussing and addressing trauma.

Ultimately, Kerri Rawson shares her journey of finding God amid her struggles and trauma. Don’t miss this honest conversation.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Trauma can have a profound impact on mental health and daily life.
• Therapy and counseling are essential tools for healing from trauma.
• Writing can be a powerful outlet for processing and healing from trauma.
• Understanding and compassion are crucial when discussing and addressing trauma.
• Even in the darkest times, God is always with us and calling us back to Him.
• Resting in church and finding a community can bring healing and support.
• Therapy is an essential tool for processing trauma and finding healing.
• Being present in the moment and practicing self-care are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.

Follow Kerri on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, read her autobiography, A Serial Killer’s Daughter.

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.

Happy New Year! We are back with More Mercy! This week, I sat down with Jordan Raynor to discuss the sacredness of our work. But during the talk, we addressed knowing God's will specifically in terms of our jobs. Take a moment and listen to this most recent episode.

You have probably wrestled with this question before. If so, you may need to sit down for this episode because Jordan Raynor, the author of The Sacredness of Secular Work, is on the MercyCast! Jordan sits down with me to discuss the sacredness of secular work and the importance of embracing one's vocation. He challenges the notion of a sacred-secular divide and emphasizes that all work has intrinsic value to God. Together, we explore the cultural mandate and the first commission given to humanity, highlighting the significance of creating culture and making the world more useful for others, with the added bonus of a passionate conversation about "mere" Christians and their impact on sharing the gospel. If you have a job or have ever thought about having a job, this episode is for you.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• All work has intrinsic value to God and can be a means of worship.
• There is no sacred-secular divide; all aspects of life, including secular work, can be sacred.
• The cultural mandate, the first commission given to humanity, highlights the importance of creating culture and making the world more useful for others.
• Mere Christians, who are not religious professionals, have significantly spread the gospel throughout history.
• Understanding God's plan for earthly life and the hope of heaven on earth can give meaning and purpose to our vocation. Everything will be healed and restored in the new earth, and believers will be lavished with love and grace.
• Every believer has a dual vocation: making culture and making disciples.
• All aspects of work, both material and spiritual, can matter in the grand scheme of eternity.
• Believers are called to submit their work to Jesus as King and steward it in line with His commands.

Want more from Jordan Raynor? Find everything from his books to his podcasts at his website, Jordanraynor.com. Buy his newest book, The Sacredness of Secular Work, for pre-order now and purchase on January 30th. Follow Jordan on Twitter and Instagram. Also, if you want further resources on the doctrine of vocation, check out Michael Berg's book, which I mentioned during the episode, Vocation: The Setting for Human Flourishing.

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, our second guest, Krista McDunn, returns to discuss the challenges and complexities of the holiday season, particularly Christmas and New Year's. You heard it here first, folks: we are putting the Krista back in Krista-mas this year. 

Together, we explore the feelings of stress, unmet expectations, loneliness, financial strain, and family conflict that can pop up between meals, parties, and holiday specials. 

We cover everything from navigating family conflict to maintaining sobriety during the holiday season. At the heart of our conversation, you will find the importance of radical acceptance and finding hope in the gospel message. 

Oooh, and one more thing: I pit the advent of Jesus against the advent of the commercialized Santa Claus. Is it controversial? Tune in to find out. What are the holidays without a little bit of drama? Am I right?

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The holiday season can bring various challenges and emotions, including stress, unmet expectations, loneliness, financial strain, and family conflict. Join my guest Krista and me as we point you to the peace on earth that can seem so elusive during the holidays.
• It is essential to navigate family conflict during the holiday season by setting boundaries, seeking support from trusted friends, and giving yourself breaks when needed.
• Approaching New Year's and sobriety requires planning, setting boundaries, and enlisting the support of others.
• Radical acceptance involves acknowledging and accepting the reality of our emotions and circumstances while still seeking growth and change.
• The Gospel message provides hope and joy amid struggle, reminding us of the purpose and significance of Christmas.
• The advent of Jesus and the cultural phenomenon of Santa Claus offers contrasting perspectives on vulnerability, acceptance, and the pursuit of perfection. Approach the new year differently, focusing on our freedom in Christ.
• Understand that sanctification is a process, and God lovingly guides us in our journey.
• This holiday season, try being gentle with yourself and take time to rest and rejuvenate.
• How about this year, we resolve to be okay with imperfection and focus on simply being.

If you enjoyed this conversation, rest assured that Krista consistently reminds us of the truth about ourselves and shares wisdom on the interwebs. Follow Krista on Twitter 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.

The lens through which we see the world and ourselves matters. In this episode, David Zahl stops by to discuss a different way of viewing humanity and ourselves. Though this outlook may seem new, it’s not entirely unfamiliar to those in the Christian faith. David, the director of Mockingbird and the author of Seculosity and Low Anthropology unpacks the importance of adopting a low anthropological view of ourselves.

In this critical conversation, we discuss the detrimental effects of perfectionism and the importance of accepting our imperfections. We explore the challenges of parenting and the pressure to be a perfect parent. Dave shares insights from his book, emphasizing the need for a realistic view of human nature and the role of vulnerability in experiencing grace. We also discuss the paradox of personal growth and the importance of embracing uncertainty.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The Perfectionist Mindset
• Parenting and Perfectionism
• The Nature of Low Anthropology
• The Paralysis of Perfectionism
• The Illusion of Control
• Understanding Our Limitations
• Embracing Imperfection
• Encouragement for the Broken

If you enjoyed this conversation, pick up a copy of David Zahl’s book, Low Anthropology. You can also follow Mockingbird on X, Facebook and Instagram. Also, don’t miss the plethora (there’s that word again) of resources at Mockingbird.

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.

It's time to head home, Pilgrims, but Spoiler alert: your Camino is not over. You've only reached the halfway point. In this episode, Alexander John Shaia, the author of Return From Camino, joins me, and we reflect on the moments that followed after arriving at my "destination" in Santiago de Compostela. We discuss the importance of pilgrimage, Joseph Campbell's influence, and the concept of the four-part journey. We also discuss the significance of choosing one's own Camino and bringing the Camino experience back home.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The Camino is not just a physical journey but a spiritual and emotional one.
• The journey is about embracing weaknesses and going deeper into oneself.
• Each person's Camino is unique, and it is essential to choose your own path.
• Bringing the Camino experience back home and integrating it into everyday life is transformative.
• The Camino is a constant state of progressing and learning, and the journey never truly ends.

If you enjoyed this conversation, pick up a copy of Alexander John Shaia’s book, Return from Camino. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about his work with Quadratos.

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.

Hey Peregrinos! As you know, we’ve been vicariously walking the Camino de Santiago together. Last week, Kiko and I took you stage by stage and broke down the trials that we experienced. After I parted ways with Kiko towards the end, I finished walking with Pia and Simon. So, I’m happy to have them join this conversation on finishing the Camino. They share their experiences, challenges, and reflections on the final moments of the journey to Santiago de Compostela.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Fear and Uncertainty in Transitions
• The Abruptness of Joining Up with the French Way
• Navigating the Pressure of trying to figure your life out

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.