MercyCast

Have you ever felt disillusioned?

In this episode of MercyCast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Nick McDonald, the author of The Light in Our Eyes: Rediscovering the Love, Beauty, and Freedom of Jesus in an Age of Disillusionment. Our conversation was a raw and honest exploration of vulnerability, adversity, disillusionment, and rebuilding faith.

Nick opened up about his journey—what it looked like to question long-held beliefs, wrestle with evangelicalism, and confront the trauma that often lingers in religious spaces. I deeply resonated with Nick's reflections on what it means to rediscover the Gospel, not just as a theological concept but as a source of grace, compassion, restoration, and renewal.

This episode is a reminder that it's okay to ask questions. It's okay to lament. And it's okay to start again.

If you've ever felt disillusioned by the Church, or if you're searching for a faith that embraces both the head and the heart, the spiritual and the physical, I believe this episode will meet you where you are.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Vulnerability is a scary but necessary part of faith.
• Many people are deconstructing their faith to find what is real.
• Deconstruction can lead to confusion, but it can also foster growth.
• The Gospel often presented is anemic and lacks depth.
• We need to address the whole person in our faith journey.
• Jesus cares about both our souls and our bodies.
• Historical context is crucial in understanding evangelicalism.
• The Social Gospel has implications for how we live out our faith.
• Restoration and renewal are central to the Christian experience.
• Disillusionment can be a part of growth in faith.

Read Nick’s book, The Light in Our Eyes.

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You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

What happens when you begin to lose your voice? How do you regain it?

In this powerful episode of the mercyCast, Vanessa Abraham, author of the new book, Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life, shares her inspiring journey of healing and recovery, diving deep into themes of compassion, trauma, and reclaiming one's voice. Through honest conversations about mental health, identity, and self-acceptance, Vanessa explores how community support and resilience play a vital role in overcoming adversity. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of healing and the importance of owning your truth on the path to recovery.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We often hide our struggles, but they remain present.
• Losing one's voice can lead to an identity crisis.
• The journey to reclaiming voice is terrifying yet transformative.
• Grief and pain can lead to dark thoughts.
• Practicing gratitude can help ground us in difficult times.
• Community support is crucial for healing and recovery.
• Our thoughts shape our reality and identity.
• Finding joy in small moments can foster resilience.
• It's important to acknowledge the impact of trauma on loved ones.
• We are not alone in our struggles; community can lift us up.

Read Vanessa’s book, Speechless. You can also follow her on Instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Surrender and connection often go together.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages in a profound conversation with Brittany Higgs, founder of the Her Campaign, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking. They explore the journey into anti-trafficking advocacy, the personal experiences that shaped their commitment, and the importance of connecting with vulnerable individuals. Brittany shares her transformative experiences in war zones, the impact of personal connection on healing, and the necessity of intimacy with God in the healing process. The conversation emphasizes the challenges of healing, the significance of triggers, and the balance between striving for perfection and embracing grace. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Britney Higgs explore the profound theme of surrender in the context of faith and personal growth. They discuss the challenges and fears associated with surrendering to God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His goodness and promises. Britney shares her journey with the Her Campaign, illustrating how surrender has played a crucial role in her work with survivors of trafficking. The conversation highlights the significance of trusting God in difficult times and the transformative power of vulnerability.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Brittany Higgs shares her journey into anti-trafficking advocacy.
• Personal experiences in war zones shaped her commitment to helping survivors.
• The importance of connecting with vulnerable individuals is emphasized.
• Healing is a painful but necessary process.
• Triggers can be seen as gifts that reveal deeper issues.
• Intimacy with God is crucial for personal healing and growth.
• Striving for perfection can hinder our relationship with God.
• The power of the Holy Spirit can transform our lives.
• Understanding our identity as God's children is essential.
• Healing is an ongoing journey that requires surrender and trust. Surrender comes from recognizing God's nature and promises.
• Trusting God can lead to unexpected blessings.
• Surrendering can be a scary but necessary journey.
• God's presence is felt in our vulnerability.
• Surrender allows us to experience God's power on display.
• It's important to anchor ourselves in God's promises.
• Surrender is about being willing to do the impossible.
• God is good, even when situations are not comfortable.
• Vulnerability can lead to personal growth and healing.
• Trusting God means leaning into His goodness.

Learn more about the Her Campaign.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

How do we move forward when we are waiting?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Rebecca George, author of You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry Up World, delve into the theme of longing, exploring how unmet needs and desires shape our lives. They discuss the importance of waiting well, living fully in the present, and recognizing God's orchestration in our stories. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the challenges of navigating envy and identity, especially in the context of singleness, while emphasizing the beauty of individual journeys and the hope found in faith. In this conversation, Rebecca George and Raleigh Sadler explore the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the themes of perfectionism, reality in marriage, the concept of 'chill hours' in longing, the importance of surrendering to God's will, and finding purpose in periods of waiting. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges with faith and self-awareness.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We all have unmet needs and longings.
• God is at work even when we can't see Him.
• Longing can lead to more longing.
• Waiting well involves living fully in the present.
• Acceptance is key to navigating life's challenges.
• God writes beautiful stories in our lives.
• Envy can arise in seasons of waiting.
• We can hold both joy for others and our own longings.
• Personal stories illustrate God's orchestration.
• Living in community helps combat feelings of isolation. Not everything was perfect and it was messy and it was hard.
• The reality of married life is not always shiny and happy.
• We often superimpose our desires on a pedestal meant for God alone.
• Surrendering means recognizing when something has become an idol.
• Chill hours are necessary for growth and fruitfulness.
• We need to savor the moments we have, especially in marriage.
• Longing can be a part of God's purpose for us.
• Trusting God means believing He has our best intentions at heart.
• It's important to take things slow and enjoy the journey.
• You are not too late; God sees the entirety of our lives.

Find Rebecca’s new book, You’re Not Too Late, here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

How vital is empowerment?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler speaks with Andrea and Haril Kazindra, co-founders of Musana, about their journey of taking legal guardianship of 80 children in Uganda. They discuss the importance of origin stories, the challenges faced in rescuing vulnerable children, and the need for empowerment over dependency in charitable efforts. The conversation highlights the transformative power of self-reliance and community engagement in addressing poverty and vulnerability. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler engages with Andrea and Haril Kazindra about the transformative work of Musana, a holistic organization focused on breaking cycles of dependency through locally-led social enterprises. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for healing, the vision of impacting lives through education and healthcare, and the balance between mercy and justice in community work. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift in how philanthropy is approached, advocating for sustainable solutions that empower communities rather than create dependency. The speakers share personal challenges and the importance of trusting in a higher purpose while encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort and take risks in their own lives.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Pain often points to our purpose.
• Andrea and Haril took legal guardianship of 80 children.
• They faced death threats while rescuing children.
• Empowerment is key to community transformation.
• Charity alone does not develop countries.
• Self-reliance fosters dignity and creativity.
• Communities can solve their own problems.
• Musana employs 700 Ugandans as change agents.
• Lydia's story exemplifies empowerment and transformation.
• True change comes from within communities.
• Creating safe spaces for healing is essential.
• Musana's mission is to impact lives through education and healthcare.
• Holistic approaches are necessary for community transformation.
• Breaking cycles of dependency is a key goal.
• Mercy and justice must coexist in community work.
• Trusting in a higher purpose helps overcome challenges.
• Self-reliance and spiritual dependency can coexist.
• Philanthropy should focus on sustainable solutions.
• Embrace discomfort to foster growth and change.
• Mindfulness in giving is crucial for long-term impact.

Learn more about the work of Musana.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

Have you ever experienced an answer to prayer?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Richard Gamble, founder of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer UK. They explore the significance of prayer, personal testimonies of faith, and the importance of sharing stories of answered prayers. Richard shares his journey of faith, including his own experiences with chronic illness and how prayer has transformed his life. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience in waiting for God's answers, the power of testimony to inspire hope, and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God through prayer. Richard challenges listeners to trust in God's timing and to actively engage in their faith journey, even in the face of adversity.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Prayer is a powerful tool for connecting with God.
• The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer aims to make hope visible.
• Personal testimonies can inspire and encourage others.
• Waiting on God can lead to character refinement.
• Testimonies of answered prayers change the spiritual atmosphere.
• God's timing is often different from our expectations.
• Maintaining a relationship with God is crucial in prayer.
• Sharing stories of faith helps others in their journey.
• Prayer is about trust and dependence on God.
• Choosing to engage in faith can lead to deeper intimacy with God.

Learn more about the Eternal Wall of Prayer.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

How do we finally achieve boss-level authenticity and deep connection?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Tom Bennardo explore the significance of authenticity and vulnerability in building meaningful relationships. They discuss the challenges of navigating these concepts in a world that often promotes curated versions of self. The conversation delves into the role of suffering in revealing our true selves, the importance of community, and the need for deeper levels of honesty in our interactions. They also address the balance between setting boundaries and being open, emphasizing the necessity of trust in fostering genuine connections. Ultimately, they highlight the value of sitting with one another in life's messy moments, rather than rushing to fix or gloss over discomfort. In this conversation, Tom Bennardo and Raleigh Sadler explore the significance of vulnerability in leadership and community. They discuss how being open and honest about struggles can lead to healing and deeper connections. The importance of finding safe spaces for vulnerability, cultivating genuine fellowship (koinonia), and the dynamics of community relationships are emphasized. They also touch on the unexpected nature of friendships and the intentionality required to build meaningful connections within a church or community setting.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Authenticity is crucial for meaningful relationships.
• Connection often falters when authenticity is absent.
• Vulnerability is a risk that can lead to deeper connections.
• Suffering can reveal our true selves and prompt authenticity.
• There are different levels of honesty in relationships.
• Curated authenticity is still a form of inauthenticity.
• We often create walls instead of healthy boundaries.
• Trust is essential for vulnerability in relationships.
• Sitting in discomfort together fosters genuine community.
• The cross exemplifies the beauty in messy, vulnerable moments. Vulnerability is essential for personal and communal growth.
• Connection with others is a pathway to healing.
• It's important to find safe spaces for openness.
• Koinonia fellowship is about heart-to-heart connections.
• Community dynamics can be navigated with intentionality.
• Unexpected friendships can form in surprising ways.
• Intentionality is key in building deeper connections.
• A culture of openness can transform a community.
• Leaders must model vulnerability to inspire others.
• Unlearning surface-level interactions is necessary for deeper relationships.

Find Tom’s new book here!

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

How do we break the relational patterns that have gotten us stuck?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Justin and Trisha Davis, authors of One Choice Away from Change. They discuss the patterns we carry from our past into relationships, the importance of self-awareness in breaking cycles, and the journey of healing and forgiveness. The conversation emphasizes that recognizing our cycles and being honest about our struggles can lead to personal growth and healthier relationships. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler engages with Justin and Trish Davis to explore the themes of honesty, authenticity, and transformation in relationships. They discuss the fear of being truly known, the importance of scriptural foundations in breaking cycles of dysfunction, and the significance of inviting God into our messy lives. The conversation emphasizes the journey of self-discovery, the power of choice, and the necessity of taking small steps toward change, ultimately highlighting that God loves and likes us as we are.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We carry patterns from our family of origin into relationships.
• Recognizing cycles is crucial for personal growth.
• Pain avoidance can lead to dysfunctional relationships.
• Hitting rock bottom can be a catalyst for change.
• Failure can be a breeding ground for growth.
• Self-awareness is key to breaking unhealthy cycles.
• Forgiveness is essential for healing.
• We need to own our contributions to relationship dynamics.
• Honesty about our struggles is the first step to healing.
• Relationships require ongoing work and self-discovery. Honesty can be intimidating but is essential for deep relationships.
• The desire to be known often conflicts with the fear of not being loved.
• Transformation comes from being authentic, not from pretending to be better.
• God's love is about choice and acceptance of our true selves.
• The messiness of life is an invitation to grow and seek God.
• We often hide our mess, but God seeks us out in it.
• Recognizing our false selves is crucial for personal growth.
• Taking one step toward change is more important than perfection.
• God loves us unconditionally, and we are worthy of love.
• Living authentically attracts others to God's glory.

Learn more about Justin and Trisha at www.refineus.org. Don’t miss their new book, One Choice Away from Change.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

What if you could enter any room or situation with complete confidence, knowing exactly what to say and how to act while still being fully true to yourself?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Dr. Mike Bechtle, author of the new book How to Read a Room: Navigate Any Situation, Lead with Confidence, and Create an Impact at Work, explore the themes of compassion, individual temperament, and how people engage with the world. They discuss how understanding one's wiring can lead to a more authentic expression of faith and connection with others. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vocation in sharing the gospel, the value of genuine relationships, and the lessons learned through social interactions and mistakes. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of being rooted in community and the freedom that comes from caring for others without an agenda. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Mike Bechtle explore the dynamics of relationships, focusing on the differences between introverts and extroverts, the impact of assumptions and first impressions, and the importance of setting boundaries. They discuss how to navigate emotional energy in conversations and the significance of being intentional in interactions to foster deeper connections. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-awareness and understanding in relationships, encouraging listeners to be mindful of their energy and the energy of those around them.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Every one of us is different and has a unique story.
• Understanding our temperament can change our perspective on effectiveness.
• Evangelism strategies often cater to extroverted personalities.
• Vocation allows us to engage with others meaningfully.
• Building genuine relationships is more important than closing a sale.
• Observing social dynamics can help us navigate interactions better.
• Making mistakes is a crucial part of learning and growth.
• Rooted relationships provide a foundation for new connections.
• Caring for people is more important than following a strict agenda.
• God uses us as we are, not as we think we should be. Introverts are wired for deeper relationships.
• Assumptions can cloud our judgment of others.
• Listening is a powerful tool in conversations.
• We often project past experiences onto new people.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for emotional health.
• Understanding energy dynamics helps in social settings.
• Intentionality in conversations fosters connection.
• Every relationship deserves a different level of energy.
• Words can uplift or discourage others.
• Self-awareness is key in navigating relationships.

Learn more about Mike and how to find his newest book, How to Read a Room, and all of his other books at his website, mikebechtle.com.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

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

What does faith and leadership look like in a season of transition?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler discusses the theme of transitions in life with Greg Elzinga, the president of Calvin University. They explore the challenges and opportunities that come with change, the importance of empowerment in education, and the role of faith in leadership. Greg shares his journey from the corporate world to nonprofit work and ultimately to his current role, emphasizing the significance of submission and surrender in leadership. The conversation concludes with a call to create space for lament and hope in our lives.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Transitions can be scary but are a part of life.
• Every character in the Bible is in transition.
• Empowerment is key in helping vulnerable communities.
• Leadership is about creating a supportive culture.
• Submission and surrender are essential in leadership.
• The future is secure because our world belongs to God.
• It's crucial to balance lament and hope.
• God often provides after we take a step of faith.
• Community and support are vital in times of transition.
• Trusting God can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Follow Greg on X. Here’s an article that gives you more about what we discussed.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].