In this week’s episode of Lunchtime in Rome, the guys—Jay, Eric, Brian, and Chris—dive into the theme of healing and how recent events have impacted them personally and collectively.

The conversation begins with Brian sharing a harrowing story involving a dangerous chemical reaction in his pool that nearly created a catastrophic situation. For him, the experience became more than just a physical scare—it sparked deeper reflections on relationships, faith, and the importance of personal growth in the face of challenges.

Eric brings lighter updates, highlighting his growing passion for disc golf, morning walks, and supporting his daughter Maggie as she takes on first base in fall softball. Chris reflects on finding balance in his daily life, carving out intentional time for family, and learning how to let go of unnecessary guilt with the help of strong encouragement from Jay.

Jay shares exciting developments with Young Life at his local school, describing how puzzle pieces of ministry and outreach are beginning to fit together. He also recounts a surreal moment while playing disc golf with his son Joe—learning about the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk. This leads the guys into a heartfelt and difficult discussion on the attack, free speech, and the deep divisions in society. They emphasize that while politics and tragedy can divide, the enemy’s real aim is to separate people from each other. The guys challenge listeners to resist attributing the worst actions of extremists to everyone on “the other side” and instead lean into reconciliation, love, and the mission of building meaningful relationships.

The episode closes with a thoughtful reflection from listener Dan Leopold, who offered poetic insights on noticing life’s small beauties after retiring from teaching. The guys celebrate his wisdom and humor by sharing his unique birthday wish list, reminding everyone of the value of community and joy in everyday life.

At its heart, this episode is about healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and the importance of turning toward one another rather than away in times of hardship.

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