MercyCast

Did you know that one in five adults in the U.S. never learned to read?

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Tony Kriz, co-founder of The Children's Literacy Project and co-author of READ: How God's People Can Bring Justice Through Literacy, discuss the intersection of literacy and justice, highlighting how personal vulnerabilities can motivate individuals to make a difference. Literacy is not just critical; it is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty, and relationships are the driving force behind transformative education.

Tony shares his powerful journey from missionary work to literacy advocacy, illustrating that community involvement is critical in tackling systemic issues. This episode clarifies that we need preventative justice through literacy, and churches have a vital role in this mission.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Literacy is a fundamental justice issue.
• Relationships are key to personal transformation.
• Cyclical poverty is linked to illiteracy.
• Preventative justice can change lives.
• Community involvement is crucial in education.
• Storytelling can raise awareness about literacy.
• Every child deserves a chance to learn to read.
• Churches can be a powerful force for good.
• Mentorship can provide hope and opportunity. We've broken the cycles of commuterism and consumerism.
• We have forgotten how to really love our neighbors.
• Seeing people as neighbors changes our perspective.
• Literacy is a gateway to justice and community engagement.
• Everyone can be a reading buddy to a child.
• Churches partnering with schools can transform communities.

Read Tony’s new book, READ: How God's People Can Bring Justice Through Literacy.

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].

In this episode of Mercycast, Raleigh engages in a profound conversation with Sean Nowotnik, exploring themes of compassion, grief, and the search for meaning in life. Shawn Nowotnik, an artist and author of the new book F Happiness: The Search for Meaning in the World Gone Mad Chasing Happiness, is a filmmaker and therapist living outside Chicago. He shares his journey through the devastating loss of his son, discussing the challenges of processing grief and the importance of finding joy and laughter amidst pain. The conversation delves into the distinction between happiness and meaningfulness, emphasizing the need for authenticity and self-awareness in living a fulfilling life. They also discuss the significance of communication in relationships and the importance of accepting life's contradictions.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We often prioritize comfort over growth.
• Grief can lead to unexpected paths of healing.
• Laughter can provide relief in times of pain.
• Happiness is fleeting, while meaningfulness lasts.
• Authenticity is crucial for a meaningful life.
• Understanding core beliefs helps in finding authenticity.
• Communication is key in all relationships.
• We must accept the contradictions of life.
• Self-compassion is essential for personal growth.
• Finding meaning can help us navigate through suffering. Finding meaning is a personal journey.
• Perfectionism can hinder growth and authenticity.
• Failure is an opportunity for learning and growth.
• We should set our own standards for success.
• Procrastination often stems from perfectionism.
• Goals should have timelines and accountability.
• Creating for oneself leads to more authentic work.
• Authenticity is key to living a meaningful life.
• Self-talk influences our perception of worth.
• Hope and positivity are essential for a fulfilling life.

Learn more about. Shawn at shawnleonnowotnik.com. Buy his 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].

What happens when your story overwhelms you?

This is what happened to Richard. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Richard Hsung, author of Spring Flower, explore the profound challenges of writing a memoir, particularly the emotional toll of reliving painful memories. Richard shares his journey of completing his mother's memoir, discussing the mental paralysis he faced, the role of therapy, and the inspiration he drew from the story of Iris Chang. They delve into the complexities of identity, the importance of community, and the healing power of storytelling, ultimately emphasizing the significance of acknowledging one's past and the journey of self-discovery.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Mental paralysis can hinder creativity and productivity.
• Reliving painful memories can be detrimental to mental health.
• Therapy can provide essential support during the writing process.
• Inspiration can come from unexpected sources, like Iris Chang.
• Dredging up the past can be both painful and necessary.
• Community support is crucial in overcoming creative blocks.
• Writing can be a redemptive and healing process.
• Identity is complex and can evolve.
• It's okay to live with ambiguity regarding one's identity.
• Acknowledging one's past is the first step towards healing.

Learn more about Richard. Buy his book, Spring Flower 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].

Are leaders allowed to fail?

In this episode of Mercycast, I talk with leadership consultant Bob Kaplan to explore the intersection of compassion, leadership, and personal growth. Bob Kaplan is the author of the new book GRAPPLING: Leaders Striving To Improve, a series of short stories that bring executive coaching to life. The book is based on his decades of experience consulting CEOs, founders, and senior leaders. He is the founder and president of his own leadership consulting firm, Kaplan DeVries. We discuss the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the role of mercy and connection in relationships, and how suffering can impact leadership dynamics. Kaplan shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome through positive feedback and the significance of building trust and confidence in leadership roles. In this conversation, we both explore the nuances of compassionate leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing productivity with personal connection. We discuss the concept of healthy selfishness, feedback's impact, and self-care's necessity in leadership roles. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on personal growth and the faith required to navigate challenges in leadership.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Failure can be an influential teacher in leadership.
• Mercy is a challenge for those in positions of power.
• Connection is crucial for couples facing challenges.
• Suffering can either unite or divide relationships.
• People often underestimate their own abilities.
• Positive feedback is essential for personal development.
• Trust between partners enhances their ability to support each other.
• Addressing problems compassionately fosters growth.
• Imposter syndrome can hinder self-confidence and performance.
• Building confidence requires focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Compassionate leadership empowers individuals to grow at their own pace.
• Positive feedback is essential for building confidence in teams.
• Balancing focus on people and productivity is crucial for effective leadership.
• Healthy selfishness allows leaders to recharge and support others better.
• Work-life balance is vital for personal and professional fulfillment.
• Self-care should be meaningful and restorative, not just a checklist.
• Leaders can be kind and candid simultaneously when providing feedback.
• Recognizing one's own needs is essential for effective leadership.
• Growth requires acknowledging imperfections and striving for improvement.
• Faith in oneself and a higher purpose are necessary for overcoming challenges.

Learn more about Bob Kaplan. Buy his book, Grappling 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 stop and experience the peace we were meant to possess?

In this episode of Mercycast, Terry A Smith, pastor of The Life Christian church for the last 33 years and author of "The Lord Give You Peace: A 28-day Journey to Thrive in God's Shalom," explores the profound concept of peace, mainly through the lens of 'shalom.' We discuss the importance of understanding shalom as more than just the absence of conflict but as a holistic state of well-being that encompasses flourishing in all aspects of life. Pastor Terry shares his experiences of adversity and how they shaped his understanding of peace, emphasizing the need for individuals to seek shalom for themselves and their communities. This conversation highlights the interconnectedness of personal and communal peace, urging listeners to cultivate a flourishing life and actively contribute to the shalom of their cities.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Shalom encompasses wholeness, well-being, and flourishing.
• Experiencing peace is possible even in adversity.
• God desires for us to thrive, not just survive.
• We have a responsibility to seek shalom in our communities.
• Holistic well-being includes spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
• The journey to peace involves holding onto God's promises.
• Flourishing is a result of God's desire for us.
• We must cultivate peace in our relationships with others.
• Seeking shalom is both a personal and communal mission.
• "Shalom is about an abundance of positivity."
• "Peace is about holistic well-being."
• "We can experience peace even in adversity."
• "We have to hold on to what God's Word says."
• "We are supposed to be spreading shalom."
• "God wants us to thrive."
• "God desires to give you peace."

Learn more about Pastor Terry’s work and follow him here. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of his book, The Lord Give You Peace.

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].

Without an atmosphere, we suffocate. Full stop.

So, how can we create the right atmosphere around us to help us grow?

In today’s conversation, we discuss the theme of transformation—how adversity can propel us toward personal growth and how embracing revelation is the first step toward unlocking our potential. Rick Dubose, the Assemblies of God Assistant Superintendent and author of the new book, the Creator’s Wheel, shares how the Biblical creation narrative gives us a paradigm for transformation. Your identity and purpose are closely tied to the environment you create. In this episode, Rick and I reflect on how life’s seasons bring challenges and opportunities for transformation.

Rick emphasizes the importance of aligning our values with God’s values, especially in times of confrontation. We also discuss the necessity of structuring our lives for growth and embracing the cyclical nature of life—how each season, with its unique challenges, prepares us for what’s to come. Ultimately, we discuss the need for rest, reflection, and returning to our foundational beliefs to fuel our transformation and spiritual growth.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Transformation is a continuous journey of becoming something new.
• Adversity or opposition is a gift and often holds the key to personal growth.
• Revelation reveals dysfunction and paves the way for change.
• A supportive atmosphere is foundational for growth.
• The atmosphere we create in our lives determines what can thrive.
• Understanding your identity is crucial to discovering your purpose.
• Gifts within us only emerge when placed in the right environment.
• Rest and reflection during the Sabbath are vital for receiving new revelation from God.
• Small, daily habits are the building blocks of character.
• Recognizing the importance of life’s seasons helps us understand God’s work in us.
• Return to your foundational beliefs—they will guide you through the transformation process.
• “God created us to be dynamic beings.”
• “God sees in me what should be there.”
• “Restructure your life for growth.”
• “Dormancy is healed by the spring.”
• “Embrace the season you're in.”
• “Sabbath rest leads to new revelation.”

Find Rick’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].

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

Can pain and purpose co-exist?

In this episode of Mercycast, I sit down with my friend, Hannah Hughes, to discuss the complexities of life, faith, and purpose—especially when life feels anything but perfect. We get real about the challenges of finding meaning amid pain and struggle and how, as followers of Christ, we need to embrace the messiness of life rather than run from it.

We explore how vulnerability is a path to healing and a powerful way to connect with others. Pain isn't something to shy away from; it can be an invitation to draw nearer to God. Through our struggles, we often find our deepest purpose, which is centered around loving others. We talk about how being a Christian doesn't guarantee a life free of suffering. Instead, it's about how we love, show up, and be present in the challenging moments.

We also address the dangers of perfectionism and how it can hold us back from fully embracing God's grace. I share some personal stories of my struggles with feeling like I need to “get it right” and how that pressure can prevent us from living out our calling. Ultimately, we conclude that our true purpose isn't found in perfection; it's found in connection, being honest about where we are, and walking alongside others in their mess.

If you've ever felt like your life is too messy to have a purpose or that you're not “perfect enough “to be used by God, this episode is for you.

Listen now and remember: your mess doesn't disqualify you from purpose—it is part of the story writing with your life.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Life can be messy, and that's part of being human.
• Finding purpose often comes from our struggles and pain.
• Our purpose is often found in loving others amidst our struggles.
• Suffering can lead to a deeper understanding of our purpose.
• Embracing our imperfections allows us to connect with our purpose.
• Vulnerability is essential in understanding our purpose.
• Surrendering to the process can bring freedom and peace.
• Pain can lead us closer to God if we allow it.
• Processing emotions is crucial for healing.
• Community plays a vital role in our faith journey.
• Our purpose is rooted in loving our neighbors.
• Perfectionism can hinder our ability to find purpose.
• We are loved by God regardless of our performance. Perfectionism can drain the faith out of our actions.
• The process of unlearning ingrained beliefs takes time and honesty.
• Sharing our struggles can create safe spaces for others.
• Jesus’ ministry was characterized by messiness and connection with the broken.

Find Hannah’s books and social media handles at her website, thehannahhughes.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 if you didn’t have to save the world? What if you could focus on what was in front of you?

In this episode of Mercycast, I’m joined by Becky Murray, founder and CEO of One by One, as we dive into her incredible journey in the world of compassion and justice. Becky shares a pivotal moment from her time in Sierra Leone, where an encounter with a young girl ignited her passion for helping vulnerable children. We discuss the importance of recognizing the neighbors in our everyday lives and saying yes to opportunities to help. Becky also explains One by One’s holistic approach to addressing exploitation and human trafficking, emphasizing the role of consumer responsibility in tackling global issues. We also talk about the launch of the Mercy Centre, a safe haven for girls rescued from trafficking, and the critical role it plays in providing restoration. Tune in for a poignant conversation about justice, compassion, and the impact we can make.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Becky's encounter with a nine-year-old girl changed her life.
• Small acts of kindness can lead to significant change.
• Recognizing neighbors in everyday life is crucial.
• Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected journeys.
• God invites us to be part of the solution to injustice.
• Consumer choices impact global issues like human trafficking.
• Living with open hands can enrich our lives and others’ lives.
• The Mercy Centre aims to provide safe shelter for vulnerable girls.
• Education and awareness are key to preventing exploitation.
• Compassion and justice are intertwined in our daily lives.

Learn more about the work of One By One here! You can follow them on Instagram, Youtube, and X.

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

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

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

Email us at [email protected].

What were you made for? Is selfishness anti-human? How can we understand our pain?

In this milestone 100th episode of MercyCast, I’m joined by Chad Bird, my first guest, to answer these questions and for a deep dive into the central theme of the MercyCast: how adversity is not just something to endure, but a classroom in which we learn the invaluable lesson of compassion.

Chad and I discuss how shared suffering creates deeper bonds and understanding and how God's comfort in our afflictions equips us to extend that same comfort to others. We also reflect on the vital distinction between the law and the gospel—how the law can burden us with demands while the gospel offers the grace and hope we desperately need.

This episode reminds us that love is vulnerable and that true connection with others is found in our shared humanity and willingness to suffer alongside one another. There is a ripple effect to compassion. When we give love away, we enrich our experience.

Join us for this robust conversation, and remember, the way forward is often through the shared, compassionate love of those around us.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Compassion is learned through adversity and suffering.
• Life experiences serve as a classroom for understanding compassion.
• Shared suffering creates deeper connections and understanding.
• God comforts us in our afflictions so we can comfort others.
• The law can burden us, but the gospel offers grace and hope.
• Finding purpose often comes from serving those around us.
• You’re not alone in your pain—others have struggled similarly.
• Jesus understands our suffering and offers compassion.
• Love requires vulnerability and connection with others.
• Love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a choice to enter into someone’s pain and walk with them through it.
• Giving love away enriches our own experience of it.

Follow Chad and learn more about his work! 

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.

Sometimes, hip isn’t always healthy.

In this episode of Mercycast, I sit down with Pastor Danny Torres of Swerve Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Together, we dive into the complex reality of gentrification in this vibrant neighborhood, exploring its impacts on longtime residents and the ongoing shifts in the community's dynamics.

Danny, a lifelong resident of Bushwick, shares his journey of growing up in an area that has seen profound change. He opens up about gentrification's challenges—displacement, rising costs, and cultural divides—and how the church can play a crucial role in bridging these divides.

We discuss the gospel's power to break down barriers, particularly within communities undergoing significant transformation. The conversation touches on the importance of churches being incarnational, meaning they're deeply involved in the community's life as institutions and as active participants in the healing and reconciliation process.

This episode challenges us to think about how we engage with our neighborhoods and how the church can be a faithful witness in times of societal change. It reminds us that social justice and ministry can go hand in hand, and the gospel is the foundation to bring true reconciliation.

Tune in for a conversation on gentrification, gospel-centered ministry, and the call to be present in our communities' messiness, following Christ's example of love and compassion.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Each of us has an origin story that shapes who we become.
• Gentrification creates a clash of cultures in neighborhoods.
• The church can bridge cultural gaps through the gospel.
• Incarnational ministry requires being present in the community.
• Churches should serve their communities consistently, not just on special occasions.
• Building relationships is key to effective ministry.
• The gospel compels us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
• Awareness of community issues is essential for effective ministry.
• Churches should strive to be mission centers, not mausoleums.
• God invites us to join Him in caring for the vulnerable.

Follow Danny on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about Swerve Church!

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.