Religion has a way of stripping individuals of their humanity and demanding perfection through performance. This behavior is detrimental to everyone involved. In this episode Abi’s lifelong friend, Pietze, joins Abi and Justin. Pietze shares about her upbringing as a Pastor’s kid and the painful affects institutionalized religion had on her family. Together they take a gracious look at the driving force behind people’s destructive actions, while humanizing everyone involved. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve had to throw out your personality, desires, and voice to become acceptable in the sight of any group, this episode is for you.

134: Restoring Humanity in Religion

The Connected Life is a thought-provoking conversation about all the beautiful and messy ups and downs of life. Join Life Consultants Justin & Abi Stumvoll as they share vulnerable stories and practical wisdom that will lead you on a journey of connecting with yourself, others, and the world right in front of you. Their authentic, no-BS style will make you laugh, challenge you to dig deep, face your fears, and inspire you to love yourself and others more.

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

We’re all looking for acceptance, love, and connection. It’s no surprise that for many of us, it’s easy to suppress our opinions, beliefs, and desires, for the sake of fitting in. Having our autonomy, and sense of self, can create conflict and disconnection. But what if the price of blending in comes at the cost of living an authentic and fulfilled life? In this episode, Justin and Abi explore the  impacts of an underdeveloped sense of self and how to healthily transition to a lifestyle of power and identity. They discuss ways we perpetuate victimhood while looking at ways to approach life in a balanced and powerful manner. They address the pendulum swings and pitfalls in developing autonomy, while also giving keys to help transition into a lifestyle of confidence and respect for others. If you want to learn how to foster more authentic relationships filled with mutual respect and healthy boundaries, this episode has some great tools for your belt! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

282: Developing a Healthy Sense of Self

There is very little in life we can be totally certain of. The certainty we do have is often an illusion, much like control. When that illusion is shaken, many of us lose our sense of stability. We can quickly find ourselves feeling powerless to circumstances, but what if it’s possible to become confident in the most uncertain times? In this episode Justin and Abi share vital keys to creating stability in the craziest situations. They explain how embracing the reality that life is seasonal and is always changing has established peace beyond understanding. They also explore how an eternal perspective and connecting to yourself is necessary to gaining power over unsettling times. Lastly, they take a look at how a pessimistic attitude blinds us to the unimaginable possibilities all around us. If you’re needing to learn how to let go of the how and learn how to connect to the here and now, this episode is perfect to help you with ways to clear the clutter and settle in. AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

281: Creating Stability in Uncertainty

It’s easy to bury the past, and the dead, in our hearts, but left unprocessed things can start rotting. The loss of those we loved, reviled, and were indifferent about can leave us with many unspoken and unresolved matters. But, what if it was possible to have much-needed hard conversations even when the person you’re dealing with is dead? In this episode, Justin and Abi discuss unique ways of approaching loss. They explore powerful moments of reconciliation with the dead through healthy reflection and inner dialogues, while also tackling the necessity of forgiveness and the reality of the redeemed eternal self. Lastly, Justin shares wild stories of being visited from beyond the grave, but does he really see dead people? If you’re looking to truly put to rest those that you’ve lost, this episode will give you plenty to think about! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

280: Making Peace with the Dead

In the messiness of humanity there is a world of pain and suffering all around us that we can’t deny. For some of us, reconciling that there’s a good God that could have created a world filled with tragedy and trauma, feels nearly impossible. For many others the greatest hurdle isn’t the world around us, it’s the pain that strikes our personal lives that leaves us confused and questioning our faith.  In part 2 of this mini-series, Justin’s best friend Marcus returns to discuss ways to stay anchored to the idea of a good God when circumstances seem to differ. Justin shares openly about Abi almost dying and its surprising impact on his view of God. Together they address spiritual bypassing, the destructive nature of accusation, and the powerful role being present plays in discovering a faithful Papa in trying times.  If you’ve ever had difficulties that caused you to question your faith, this episode will help you be honest with yourself while making room for exploration and authentic conversations with people you trust. Don’t miss out!   AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

279: Believing in a Good God in Trying Times Pt. 2 of 2

In part one of this deeply emotional and impactful two-part series, Justin and his best friend Marcus share stories of a radically loving God. Reflecting on their own experiences, they shine a light on how the intimate knowledge of a good and present God has far-reaching emotional and physical impacts. Through miraculous stories of God’s faithfulness and intervention, they remind the world that we’re not alone, left to figure it all out on our own.  If you enjoy a dose of hope and a giant injection of goodness, this episode is just what you’re looking for! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

134: Restoring Humanity in Religion

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