Simply Stories Podcast

On today’s episode, I am chatting with the absolutely lovely Valerie Fraser Luesse. Valerie is the Senior Travel Editor for Southern Living Magazine, as well as an incredible author of 3 novels. Her most recent book is called The Key to Everything, and if I’m honest with you, it was one of my favorite reads of 2020. During our chat, we talk about why the book was so impactful for me, and we learn that it is based on an incredible true story, and get to hear how special it was for Valerie to write. 

The South is such a unique part of this country, for better or for worse, and I loved Valerie’s perspective on the layers and evolution of this place we both call home. In Valerie’s book, the landscape of the journey the character experiences is almost like another character in the narrative, and it's fascinating. Valerie and I discuss the power of history, the evolution of storytelling, and how it connects communities as we all learn and grow, and process who we have been and where we are from.

Valerie and I talked several months ago now, but I’m just so grateful for the sweetness and the heartfelt nature of this conversation because, gracious, I miss getting to feel that way with people in person! It always amazes me how the Lord spaces these conversations out in His perfect timing. I hope whenever you hear this, you feel like you got to hang out with two friends swapping stories today. Know that you’re loved, friend. You matter. Your story matters. 

Resources:

Auburn University

Baylor University 

Chip and Joanna Gaines

The Waco Siege

Ree Drummond aka the Pioneer Woman and Pawhuska, OK

Southern Living Magazine - Valerie is the Senior Travel Editor

PW’s Magazine

Magnolia Journal

Progressive Farmer Magazine

50 inspirational Bible Verses- article online SL

“Nothing beats stronger than the heart of a volunteer” - Col Jimmy Dolittle

Nashville/Cookeville/Chatt tornadoes

Her book:  The Key to Everything

Eudora Welty

William Faulkner

Bryan Stevenson / “Just Mercy” - changing the narrative, changing the part we start from -- her article for Southern Living featuring him.

Charles Martin

LMU

Country Living Magazine

Fuller Story Project

Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 12- Offer up our gifts and live as the body of Christ

Luke 19- Zaccheus

Ruth- Ruth and Naomi (you can also hear this “story” on this episode of our podcast!)

Connecting with Valerie:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter 

Articles she’s authored for Southern Living Magazine

Her Blog- “Goin Down to Mama’s”

Her other books 

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:

Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)

Facebook

Twitter

Blog 

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Captain Jeff Morris is a veteran of the U.S. Army, an author and speaker on leadership, but also a family man, who is crazy about his wife and 4 kids. You’ll hear some fun stories of his minivan driving pandemic adventures, but you’ll also hear his heartbreaking, and raw story of loss and wrestling with God from his experiences during his two tours in Iraq. Jeff’s unit lost 6 men in 6 days, plus 2 more in later incidents, for a total of 8 losses under his command in an incredibly short period of time.

As we are experiencing in this season of time, life can change in a moment and often in a brutal way, and it can give birth to dark seasons. Jeff shares how the darkness of PTSD can slowly creep up on you until you can’t see the light anymore, but he also shares a word of encouragement for all of us walking forward into an unknown life and the life we’ve known before will never be the same, and the power of the choices we can make as we go.

Captain Morris does not hold back as he shares his experiences from his two tours in the Middle East so portions of this episode may be a little intense for young ears, but you know your people. I just want to be sure and give the heads up. His story and telling the stories of his men matters so much because their lives mattered. However, even though this story is hard, as many of our stories are hard, that does not mean that healing and joy are impossible. While we recorded this a few weeks ago, the message is timeless. I hope it meets you where you are today. 

In honor of the Legion 8:

Terry Prater

Blake Harris

Emerson Brand

Jimmy Arnold

Ryan Green

Nicholas Lightner

Jimmy Coon

Caleb Christopher

Heavenly Father, we lift up these names and these families and we ask that You would be close to the broken hearted. We ask that You would be near as we wrestle with our present broken reality and would you remind us that this is not how the story ends? In Christ, we are more than conquerors and death and tyranny does not get the final say. As this country works through its continued efforts to learn about what freedom is and what it is not, would you give us wisdom? Would you raise up leaders, and would you bring stories of those who have gone before us to the surface and use them to teach us? We are a broken people, but we are not a hopeless people. You bring beauty from the ashes. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and remind us that every life and every story matters to You. In Your Name we pray, Amen. 

References:

-Legion Rising: Surviving Combat and the Scars it Left Behind - for the record, this is not a Christian publication. It’s raw and real and his faith is part of his story, but consider this your carnage and language warning ;) 

-Purple Heart

-Green Berets

-Legion 8

-EFP vs. IED :: explosively formed penetrator vs. improvised explosive device

-PTSD

-Ways to find a therapist no matter where you live in the U.S. and there’s an option to limit your search for the military. 

Scripture References:

-John 20:29- Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed

-Jeremiah 29:11// Revelation 21:4-  God has plans for hope and your future, not to harm you // This is not how the story ends

-Daniel 3:18- God is still good

-John 10:10- Jesus came so we would have life to the full 

-Isaiah 53:3- Jesus was a man of sorrows

-Romans 8:37- we are more than conquerors through Christ

-Galatians 6:9- don’t grow weary of doing good

Connecting with Jeff:

Instagram

Website

Legion 8 Facebook

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:

Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)

Facebook

Twitter

Blog 

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I hope you are ready to be taken to school during today’s episode. Today I am chatting with esteemed theologian Dr. Michael Heiser. Dr. Heiser has a very long list of credentials, degrees and experiences (that he does a much better job explaining in the episode) that make him one of the foremost experts on supernatural and spiritual worldview. What does that mean exactly? Basically, Dr. Heiser specializes in the unseen. At the time of this conversation, his most recent book that we talk about at length is about finding the Gospel in the show “Stranger Things.” So, for all my friends who are fans of this show, you are going to LOVE this. If you have never seen it, don’t worry, neither have I and this still is one of the most fascinating conversations I have ever been a part of not just on the podcast, but possible my entire adult life.  

Dr. Heiser is one of those people that after speaking to them you realize there is just so much more to learn about the word of God. Since I had this conversation with Dr. Heiser, he released ANOTHER book, that is called Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Power of Darkness. A lot of what he shared today, especially in the second half of the episode, sets up the premise of this powerful book. I cannot say enough incredible things about it. 

This conversation is FULL of incredible insight during a season where it can feel like the world is turned upside down. This word about who God is, and who exactly we are up against is needed and power packed. We must remember who the real enemy is and recount who God still is in the upside down. 

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Resources:

-”Stranger Things”

-The World Turned Upside Down: Finding the Gospel in Stranger Things

-MP Seminars

-Lexham press

-The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible 

-supernatural worldview

-Finding God in Lord Lord the Rings

-Finding God in the Hobbit

-”X-Files”

-”The Wonder Years”

-“Contact”

-“Arrival”

-“Signs”

-the Borg in “Star Trek”

-Dead Sea Scrolls

-pantheons/idolatry

-”The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.”- Charles Baudelaire

-The Screwtape Letters

-muslims who dream about Jesus (this is FASCINATING)

-Chronicles of Narnia

-Pilgrim’s Progress

-book of Enoch- the 70 shepherds

-Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches About the Unseen Realm and Why It Matters

-The Facade // The Portent

-The Simply Stories episode with Davis Bunn aka Thomas Locke

-”Gladiator”

-”Lord of the Rings” (“Ride now!”) but this is the best one from Aragon (“Hold your ground! Brothers, I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, and we forsake our friends, and we break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day… This day we FIGHT.”) 

-”Independence Day”- (Arguably one of the top 5 best movie speeches ever. Did I cry re-watching it to link this? Yes. Yes I did. #WhitmoreforPresident2020) 

-Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness

Scripture References:

-Hebrews 2- Jesus enjoyed being human

-Esther (our reading of it on the podcast here!)

-Ruth “just so happened” (our reading of it on the podcast :))

-Revelation 20:7-10- we know how the Enemy’s story ends

-Ephesians 2:2- prince of darkness

-John 10:10

-1 Peter 5:8- a lion seeking to devour

-the Fall in Genesis 3

-Genesis 6:1-5-sons of God and daughters of men

-Genesis 11:1-9-the Tower of Babel 

-Deuteronomy 32:8- divided up the nations

-Daniel 10: Daniel’s Prince of Persia

-Ephesians 6:12- Paul’s principalities

-Genesis 12- Abraham of Ur

-Psalm 82

-Acts 2- Pentecost

-Colossians 1

-Ephesians 6:10-18-Armor of God

-1 John 2- in the world but not of it

-Matthew 10:28- don’t fear the ones who can destroy the body

-we have the authority to oppose evil (lots of verses)

-Luke 10- Sending of the 72

-Matthew 28:16-20- the Great Commission

-Romans 11:25- the fullness of the Gentiles

-Revelation 21- humans will rule the earth in the end

-Luke 10:18- Satan fall like lightning from Heaven

-John 10- the sheep listen to a shepherd

-Ephesians 1:13- sealed by the Holy Spirit

-Daniel 10

-Ephesians 6:12- we are not at war with flesh and blood

-1 Corinthians 12:27- we are part of the body of Christ

-Deuteronomy 31:6- we don’t need to fear being lost

-Romans 8:28- God has our best interest at heart

-Romans 8:37- we are more than conquerors through Christ

-Matthew 18:20- where 2 or 3 are gathered

-Psalm 23:6- we will dwell with Him forever

-2 Corinthians 4:8-18- we are oppressed but forsaken

-Matthew 16:18- upon this rock, gates of Hell will not withstand it : the Church administering the beating

-Isaiah 14:27- who can stop the Lord

-1 Thessalonians 1:6- Paul refers to Jesus as the Lord as they Spirit

-Romans 5:3-5- // Philippians 3:14- perseverance

-Galatians 6:9- don’t grow weary of doing good

-John 16:33- He has overcome the world 

Product Spotlight: Daily Grace Co. 

Connecting with Dr. Heiser and his work:

Facebook

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:

Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)

Facebook

Twitter

Blog 

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Today we have one incredible woman on with us: the one and only Dawn Barton. Dawn is a self proclaimed joyologist who believes about fighting for joy in the most unlikely places. Dawn has a Job-like story of experiences of loss piled on loss, but still has learned how to experience the miracle of joy no matter the outcome. Dawn is not a person who proclaims that life isn’t hard and you just need to be happy, she stands firm on the promises of God as we walk through seasons of unbelievable loss and grief and confusion and how He can and will make Himself known in it through joy. Her book Laughing Through The Ugly Cry: And Finding Unstoppable Joy details her life experiences and how the Lord met her in it in such an authentic and hilarious way, and she shares much of that in our conversation today as well as how we can walk out fighting for our mental health, our sanity and our joy during this unbelievable year that is 2020. 

Dawn never could have imagined that her book, which released about a month ago, would come out during a time of global grief, but as my friend Katie says “aint that like the Lord.” We talk about what it looks like for people to rally around you when you are in the depths, what happens when you believe in that season you don’t have the resources, and practical thoughts about how to take care of yourself during hard seasons and crisis to make way for joy. 

Radical obedience is following after God, even when it feels crazy. We get to decide what we put out during this time, and what we allow into our heart for out of the heart the mouth speaks. Fighting for joy is an act of radical obedience. Dawn isn’t encouraging us to gloss over what the Lord has for us in the low seasons, she is encouraging us to not be where we drown because we buy into the lie that joy is impossible. It's not, dear ones. Let’s take care of one another friends. The grace we could share with one another could be day/experience changing for someone that we encounter along the way. Let’s make space for the sad and the hard and the grief, and then let’s remind one another it is OK to laugh, and then do it. It's good for the soul to hold both. You matter, your story matters. 

Resources:

Mental Health resource, and a way to find a counselor in your area

Mary Kay Cosmetics

My conversation with Lauren Ruth Martin, licensed therapist on Simply Stories. You can also find A LOT of additional mental health resources in the show notes of this episode

Interview with Steven Furtick and T.D. Jakes about Soar

Adjustment disorder

Scripture References: 

The story of Job

Nehemiah 8:10- The joy of the Lord is your strength

Galatians 3:26- You are a child of God

Romans 12:18- You are responsible for your response 

Lamentations 3:23- New mercies and new day tomorrow

John 10:10- We are called to an abundant life

Ezekiel 36:26- To transform you from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh 

Isaiah 43:16-19- He makes a way 

Luke 16:10- To who is faithful in little is faithful in much 

Galatians 5:22- Joy is a fruit of the Spirit 

Matthew 11:28-30- Come to me

Luke 11:37-54 -An example of one of Jesus’ woe to you’s (this wikipedia page lists all of them)

John 13:34-35- The command to love one another 

Mark 12:31- Love your neighbor as yourself 

Hebrews 12:2- For the joy set before Him

Isaiah 61:1-3- Beauty from the ashes

Psalm 30:11- Turned my mourning into joy

Connecting with Dawn:

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Find copies of her book Laughing Through the Ugly Cry: And Finding Unstoppable Joy

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast:

Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life)

Facebook

Twitter

Blog 

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Today I’m talking with Beth White, who is a historical fiction author, but not only that, Beth is a southern woman, a music teacher in a high school in the inner city of Mobile, Alabama with a heart to share the South’s complicated history, elevate often untold stories, and shine a light on much of what has not been popular in history books, and ultimately to remind readers that hope was real then and it still is now. 

We are living in a time that is full to the brim with feelings on fire, and today’s episode is yet another moment in the story of this podcast where the Lord made it clear to me: “this person, this story, this moment.” Beth’s most recent book, Reckless Love is the 3rd book in her Daughtry House trilogy that is the story of three sisters trying to put their lives back together during Reconstruction, which is the period following the Civil War. That period of time was also a time full of feelings on fire, and honestly, there are pages from these books, that carry conversations, even though they are fictional, that echo real conversations from that period of time, and from my current social media feeds. 

I have also learned lately, that MANY people in this country have very little knowledge about Black history in America beyond some key talking points. It’s so important, friends, that we dive deep, and I’m so grateful for authors like Beth who are willing to share history, even if it's woven around a fictional story. When we know the story of a person, how it laid a foundation for the present positively and negatively, it can help us develop empathy and understanding. And sometimes, using fictional characters, not unlike how Jesus used parables in the Bible, we can navigate hard and murky waters by walking through a characters’ shoes so we can then fix our eyes on our own hearts.

Beloved, we are the body of Christ, and a part of the body is suffering. It is our call to tend to it, because when one part suffers, we all suffer. (1 Corinthians 12:24-26). You know that every week, I tell you that you and your story matter, because they do. In this moment, our beautiful Black brothers and sisters need to hear from us that they matter. Does it mean anyone else matters less? No, it absolutely does not. We all need each other, but it takes work to tend to one another, especially when a part has been neglected for far too long. Let’s consider the Apostle Paul’s call to do the work. And what does that look like? Ask the Lord. He is the Great Physician. Find ways to hear this episode, connect with Beth, and connect with resources about diving in to the work of racial reconciliation at the link in bio. 

Resources:

Shape notes

Francine Rivers

Catherine Marshall

Robin Jones Gunn

Romance Writers of America

9/11

MTSU

The Civil War

The Holocaust

Jim Crow

Freedmen militia

Beth’s Gulf Coast Series

Valerie Luesse’s book The Key to Everything

Chris and Dorena Williamson and their church Strong Tower Bible Church

Colorfull

My Simply Stories episode with Dorena part 1 and part 2

More to the story markers about broadening the narrative, “Fuller Story”

Reconstruction Era - Dec 8, 1863 – Mar 31, 1877

13th amendment- Abolished slavery

Emancipation Proclamation

The Great Migration

Ku Klux Klan

“Carpetbaggers”

Indentured Servitude

Sharecropping 

Fisk University and the Jubliee Singers

Tamera Alexander

Freedmen’s Bureau

Freedman Schools

Belle Meade Plantation

Carnton Plantation

Belmont Mansion

List of African American political office holders during Reconstruction / Hiram Rhodes Revels was the very first African American to hold an office in the Senate  in 1870

Democrats // Republican flipped at the time

1877 the first Jim Crow law was passed

WW2

South Pacific

Flight Nursing

My list of resources for how to learn and listen from leaders in the Black community

Latasha Morrison // her quote 

Be the Bridge

Scripture References:

Romans 3:23- We all have sin and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 6:23-The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life

Acts 9: Road to Damascus

1 John 1:7- Live in the Light

Genesis 1:27- All people are made in the image of God

Romans 12:9-21-Learn to live in peace with one another and love one another 

Ephesians 6:12- We are not at war with flesh and blood

Luke 1:37-Nothing is impossible for God

John 10:10- the thief comes to steal, klil and destroy

Ephesians 6:10-18-The Armor of God

James 1:5- Seek wisdom from the Lord

Mark 2:17- The Great Physician

Connecting with Beth:

Facebook

Instagram

Website

Her books

Connecting with Em and catching up on episodes:InstagramFacebookBlogSign up for our newsletter!

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Today’s episode is a little bit different than our regular programming around here, as we are commemorating Pentecost with a reading of the book of Ruth! In the first part of the episode, my friend, and worship pastor, Kevin Perry and I will unpack why this unique book of the Bible carries such a powerful punch, the history that makes various moments significant, and how we can see our Savior foretold in this beautiful story of redemption. Why commemorate Pentecost with a reading of this particular book? What is Pentecost anyway? We’ll absolutely address that and so much more as we celebrate the first fruits of the Church, and celebrate the way our Redeemer tells a story. 

I hope you enjoy this conversation and this beautiful reading of Ruth! I want to say a HUGE thank you to our cast of characters for giving us their time and their talents: Kevin and Alicia Perry, David Wilkinson (host of the fabulous Dad Matters Podcast!), Chris and Stephanie Teauge (check out their beautiful music Out of the Dust), edited, produced and a little voice work by the best husband in the world, Andrew Humphries. 

I pray this leaves you encouraged, friend. The same God who can work this kind of beauty from smoldering ashes,  can and will work in your life too.

Resources:

Esther Reading on Simply Stories 

Pentecost

Festival of Weeks

The Mission of the Body of Christ - Russ Ramsey

The Bible Binge Podcast: Ruth episode

“From Now On” - The Greatest Showman

Poldark

Downton Abbey

Demons: What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness - Dr. Michael Heiser

A Refuge Assured - Jocelyn Green

Whiskey Rebellion

Jewish Calendar for barley harvest

Kinsman redeemer

Levirate marriage

The northern kingdom

Northern Kingdom exile

Scripture References:

The book of Acts

God gives the Law through Moses

The book of Judges

Judges 21:25- In those days there was no ruler in Israel

Deuteronomy 17-34, Psalm 91- God says in Deuteronomy: famine is one of the judgement

Daniel 3:18- If not He is still good

Isaiah 61:1-3- Beauty from the ashes

Esther 4:14 - Deliverance will come from another place

Matthew 1- Rahab and Ruth part of the lineage of their Messiah

Genesis 13- Lot and Abraham

Genesis 19-Lot, Sodom and Gomorrah

Genesis 19:30-38-Lot’s daughters

Genesis 6

Ruth 1:16-  your people will be my people

Deuteronomy 24:19- law written for gleaning (esp for the widows and the poor)

Judges 19 -Gross last chapter of Judges (UGH. That’s all I have to say about that. UGH.)

Joshua 2- Rahab’s story in Jericho

Genesis 38- Judah and Tamar

Mark 12:30-31- Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself

Acts 2:14-36-Peter’s first Spirit filled sermon

Micah 5

Connecting with Em and catching up on episodes:InstagramFacebookBlogSign up for our newsletter!

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*Edited and produced by the world’s best husband, Andrew Humphries

Today we are jumping back into my conversation with Cordila Jochim about her incredible battle with her body, mind and heart after suffering from a traumatic brain injury. For much of this story, she was not a woman of faith, but God had His hand on her anyway. In part two, Cor shares with me about her experience of being bed bound in body, and bound up in a codependent relationship. She also expresses the idea of “fifty-cent” thinking, where we accept our value to be less than others, and we interpret half living as what we deserve. After experiencing a second trimester miscarriage, a medical revelation came to fruition that ultimately saved her life. But even once the physical began to take place, Cor began to realize it wasn’t just her body that needed resurrection, but every part of her was longing for redemption and restoration. 

Listen, friend. I don’t know where this conversation finds you, but the hope found in Jesus is available to you, just as it was for me and for Cor. I pray that this conversation blesses you and maybe sparks the tiniest bit of curiosity about God in a way you’ve never experienced before. Whether you’ve been a believer for most of your life, or it's something you have never been and never wanted to be, that doesn’t make you less held and valued by the One who made you, and there is always more to learn about walking with Him. Jesus came so that we would have life and life to the full. It is never too late to say to the Lord “that’s the life I want.” He’s closer than your very skin. 

Catch Part 1 of our conversation, as well as find an opportunity to engage our whole conversation (with a behind the scenes look) here.

Part 2 Notes:

Definition of Codependency 

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No and Take Control of Your Life

Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself (great resource for someone who can relate)

Enneagram 2 

Lumen 

“Graves into Gardens” by Elevation Worship 

Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth- the idea that creation is bound up because of our sin

Young Life- “you were made for this”

Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Definition of refinementI merged quotes: C.S. Lewis said: “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul.You have a body.” and the “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Billy Graham Library 

Billy Graham’s interview where we talked about was actually by Greta Van Susteren in 2010. This one with Katie Couric is from 2005, and it also good :)

History of Billy Graham

Learned all about the holy vessels used for unholy things perspective from Beth Moore’s study of the book of Daniel

Scripture References: 

Galatians 6:2- Called to bear one another’s burdens

John 7:37-39-Jesus is the water of life (living water)

John 1:23- Make way for the presence of the Lord (John the Baptist)

1 Peter 5:7 / Matthew 6:26- He cares for you 

Jeremiah 29:11- The Lord has plans to prosper you and not to harm you

Psalm 27:13- What would have become of me had I not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord

The woman who bled for 12 years

Jairus’ daughter’s resurrection 

John 11- Lazarus’ death and resurrection 

1 Corinthians 13:12 -- what we see now, we see dimly 

Revelation 7:9- Every tribe and nation will dwell in the house of the Lord 

Romans 8:19-23- Creation groans with longing 

Revelation 21:4 / Joel 2:25- The Lord longs to restore

1 Samuel 2:2- There is none holy like the Lord 

Ephesians 5:26- We need to be washed 

1 John 3:1- He lavishes love on us 

John 10:10- He came so that we would have life and life to the full 

1 Peter 4:10-11- Called to use our gifts for the glory of God

2 Timothy 1:7 - For we were not given a spirit of fear

John 6:25-29- Jesus is the bread of life

Ephesians 2 - We are inhabited by the Holy Spirit

1 John 2:1 / Romans 8:26- We have an intercessor in Heaven 

Ephesians 6:10-18 / 1 Peter 5:8- There is spiritual warfare

John 14:27- He gives us peace

Philippians 1:6- He will complete the work He began in you 

Matthew 11:28-30- His yoke is easy and my burden is light

Luke 10:38-42- The Mary and Martha question (from their story)

2 Kings 24:15- Nebuchadnezzar takes the people of Jerusalem captive and carries them and their vessels to Babylon

Daniel 5 - Holy vessels used for unholy things : the story of the writing on the wall  

The book of Psalms -- If you need a good study as a place to start, I cannot recommend At His Feet study on the book of Psalms. So. Good. You can also hear my interview with them here as well! 

Connecting with Cor:

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

From the Core Workshops

Connecting with Em and catching up on episodes:InstagramFacebookBlogSign up for our newsletter!

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Today on the podcast I am getting to chat with the absolutely incredible Cordila Jochim. Cordila, affectionately known as Cor, is a beautiful force of a human being with a story that will blow you away. Cor experienced a traumatic brain injury as a child and it began a domino effect through her physical, emotional and spiritual well being that would ultimately leave her bed bound for a decade. Her new book From the Core: A Spiritual Journey of Losing Everything and Finding Hope is literally just that, a memoir that details her story and ultimately led her to find faith in God who redeems all broken things. 

If anyone can speak powerfully into this strange season of covid19, its Cor. After spending nearly 40 years in her very own wilderness of isolation and feeling completely cut off from life on the outside, she speaks with passion and conviction about the healing and freedom that can come from a life given over to Christ. We were made for resurrected life, and it is possible no matter our circumstances. Don’t you give up on hope, friends. Hope has not given up on you. 

When we started our conversation, we got hit with several technical difficulties that made us have to stop and start several times, but what ultimately came out was such a beautiful and passionate conversation about what God can do, our value, and the beauty that can come from the ashes. We went so deep and so wide, I ended up busting this guy up into two parts! So join us today for part 1 and stay tuned for part 2 Tuesday!

If you are anxious to get connected with Cor and get a glimpse into her book, she is actually reading it chapter by chapter on her youtube page! AND if you want to hear the FULL conversation with Cor and I, start to finish without having to wait for part 2, you can actually view our conversation on her youtube page as well! You’ll get some more candid moments between us and more. I kind of love that you can see that.. And I’m possibly praying through making that a thing… stay tuned on that. OH! And one more thing, y’all were the FIRST to hear about Cor’s upcoming workbook!! If you are curious about that, hop over to her website and sign up for her newsletter so that you can get those details as they come!

Resources:

Cor’s book From the Core: A Spiritual Journey of Losing Everything and Finding Hope

Pentecost

Traumatic Brain Injury

The TED Talk she references about Kids at Hope (which Cor accidentally called Kids(dot)org) Kids at Hope organization 

The second assault and open head vs. closed head injury

Natasha Richardson (Liam Neeson’s wife)

Autonomic nervous system

Two episodes of this podcast discuss what happens in the mind/heart/spirit when wrestling with suicidal thoughts. The first with abuse survivor Jennifer Greenberg and the other with local therapist Lauren Martin. Stand for life, friend.

“Real World Seattle”

Andrew Peterson’s “Matthew Begats” song that sings through the lineage of Christ

Hear Cor read chapters of her book AND our conversation via video on her YouTube page

Scripture References: 

Luke 22- Judas’ betrayal

Luke 22:54-62- Peter’s betrayal

John 21:15-17-Peter’s repentance

Book of Ruth

Joshua 2- Rahab

John 6:68- “Where else would we go?’ 

Isaiah 42:16- “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known before”

Isaiah 43:19- “I am making rivers in the wasteland”

1 Corinthians 15:58- The Lord wastes nothing

Genesis 2:15- God gave Adam and Eve a job

Connecting with Cor:

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

From the Core Workshops

Connecting with Em and catching up on episodes:InstagramFacebookBlogSign up for our newsletter!

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On this episode of the podcast, we get to hear from the always  lovely and wise, Rachel Fordham. Rachel was on the podcast earlier in the season, but I wanted her to come back and share about her newest work coming out this summer, as well as her and her husband’s journey of foster parenting (let alone parenting SIX other kids!). Rachel’s honest, but hope filled perspective about the love we give and the love we receive when we offer ourselves over to be the hands and feet of Jesus is so encouraging.

Throughout our conversation, Rachel leaves us with some really great take away questions and reminders:

--We get to choose what kind of memory we want this to be, what do we want to remember? 

---As we process reentry: Do we want our normal to look like it did before? What should stay from this pandemic learning experience, what should we bring back from before, and what should go altogether?

---How can we be Your hands and feet up a hurting world, Lord?

Rachel loves people with a grace and intentionality that I treasure. If you hang out around her on the internet at all, she’s so genuine with everyone and that pours out into her writing as well. She is someone that is a great and uplifting, but honest follow. So, be sure and save the date for Rachel’s newest book A Life Once Dreamed that will release on August 4th, but if you haven’t read her other two novels yet, be sure and add them to your summer reading list! 

A quick PS: You are listening to two Mommas talking through things they really care about… while their kids are at home lol You’re definitely going to hear from some of our kids, and while I cut some of it out, some of it was so classic to this pandemic (and honestly cute) that I just decided to keep it real over here. Thanks in advance for the grace!

Find ways to connect with Rachel, access resources we mention in our conversation below.

Resources:

Our first convo! Episode 9 of the Simply Stories Podcast

Yours Truly Thomas - Rachel’s 2nd book

A Life Once Dreamed- Rachel’s upcoming book, releasing August 4th, 2020

The Hope of Azure Springs- Rachel’s 1st book

Orphan train

Dead Letter Office

If you want to see her baby goats go see her Instagram!!!

Syrian Refugee Crisis

Office Mom and Dads- Locations in Washington and Idaho. // Other ways to volunteer help locally in foster care

What Momma Left Behind by Cindy Sproles -- Releases June 2nd, 2020

““Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” - CS Lewis

Passover

The Esther episode of Simply Stories Podcast

Women’s Reformatory

Gilbert Blythe and Anne of Green Gables

Rachel McRae (we love you, Rach!)

Camp Ba-Yo-Ca

Scripture References:

1 John 4:7- Beloved let us love one another

Romans 12:15- Mourn with this who mourn

Matthew 25:36-40- When I was naked you clothed me

Romans 8:14-17- God’s heart for adoption // Great article from John Piper on this

Galatians 3:26 / 1 John 3 - We are children of God

Romans 12:6-8 / 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 / 1 Peter 4:11- Spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 6:19-20- Honor Him with our lives

Psalm 107:1 God is good no matter

John 1:5- The light shines in the darkness

Revelation 21:4- This is not how the story ends

Psalm 27:13- There is good to be seen in the land of the living

Connecting with Rachel:

-Facebook

-Instagram

-Website

-Goodreads

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories:

More episodes

Blog

Facebook

Instagram (Podcast) // Instagram (Writing, Family, and other general shenangians) 

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Today, my dear friend Lauren Ruth Martin, LPC-MHSP who is a licensed therapist here in Tennessee is on the podcast, and we are going to be hanging out in the DEEP END of the pool, my friends, but with quite a bit of humor, whit, and a whole lot of heart. We talk through many facets of mental health in general, but especially during this time and how we can respond to the feelings that threaten to overwhelm us, and to the people around us who are grieving too.

This episode is packed with practical insights about how to better people with our people during this full and confusing season as well as just general wisdom for responding to life and the role our mental health plays in our lives whether we willingly engage it or not. Exploring mental health may not always contain content we can immediately relate to because it is so layered and unique to every person, but any time I can learn more about how to have compassion on those around me, I’m here for it. I think that’s a big call on the body of Christ to learn about how to hold space for one another more intentionally instead of getting caught up in trying to fix each other or be distracted by comparing one another. 

I also love that Lauren really put a name on legitimizing this experience for anyone and everyone during this pandemic. We are ALL adjusting. Let’s have grace for each other as we process and prayerfully pursue our next right steps each on our paths in this wilderness, following the same faithful pillar of dust by day and pillar of fire by night.  Let’s give ourselves and each other grace, friends. Let’s remember that we are all truly in this together, and also remember that though some of this may not make sense or apply to you, it does for others, and all our hearts, stories, and experiences have value. They matter. Your neighbor matters. You matter. Every story matters. 

Resources: 

-Alpha Delta Pi (OBIC, y’all!)

-Novel Counseling

-”Gangsta’s Paradise” 

-Chronic Suicidal Ideation -- for more practical thoughts on this as someone who survived suicidal thoughts see episode #4 of the Simply Stories Podcast with Jennifer Greenberg

-Difference between Depression and Anxiety

-Marsha Linehan 

-Suicide Prevention Lifeline :: 1-800-273-8255

-To Write Love On Her Arms

-Find a Mental Health Provider via Psychology Today 

-Branches Counseling in Murfreesboro, TN- I’ve been a patient there for 10 years and I cannot say enough good things about it. Xo

-”Welcome to Midnight” and “Take Back the Night”

-Humans are Complicated House Plants (see blog for image)

-Radical Openness - “how we perceive things is coming from our bias”

-mirror neurons

-Chelsea Bastocky- The Enneagram Guide- her episode with me!

-Beth McCord- Your Enneagram Coach- her episode with Tanya and I on the Emerge Podcast

-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

- adjustment disorder: “changes to your life have an impact on your mental health”

-Lauren’s value sheets and podcast episode about this process 

Scripture References: 

-Exodus 3: Moses burning bush moment 

-Psalm 57:2, Esther 4:14, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 1 Peter 2:9, Proverbs 19:21 - you were made on purpose and during this season on purpose

-Jeremiah 31:3, John 3:16, you are loved

-you are wanted

-John 16:33- in this world you will have trouble

-2 Corinthians 5:2-longing for Heaven 

-spiritual warfare (<--- tons of scriptures on this) 

-Genesis 3: Eve and Satan in the Garden of Eden

-Isaiah 46:9-11, Revelation 21:4-  This is not how the story ends

-Psalm 130:6- More than watchmen wait for the morning 

-1 Peter 5:8 We have an enemy who lurks

-Lamentations 3:22-23-His mercies are new every morning 

-Isaiah 53:3-Jesus was the man of sorrows

-Jesus was sad and did not sin : exhibit A, exhibit B, exhibit C

-Jesus was angry and did not sin : exhibit A, exhibit B, exhibit C

-Ephesians 4:26- In your anger do not sin

-Mark 2:17- Jesus came to heal the sick 

-Matthew 22:37-Love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind

-Romans 12:2-be transformed by the renewing of your mind 

-Ephesians 6:10-18-the Armor of God 

-Matthew 4:17- the fruit of repentance (showing you’re trying to do things differently) - more on this in my conversation with the women of At His Feet Studies, episode #17 of the Simply Stories Podcast 

Connecting with Lauren: 

-Website

-Instagram

-Facebook

-Podcast

Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories:

More episodes

Blog

Facebook

Instagram (Podcast) // Instagram (Writing, Family, and other general shenangians) 

Intro and Outro music by audionautix.com