Simply Stories Podcast

On this episode of the Simply Advent series, my friends Cain and Lena Hall and I all sit down and talk about what it means to live with hope in light of the past, the present and its role in the future. Hope came, but it did not appear (and still often doesn’t) as we expected it to. Cain and Lena both experienced a lot of life and heartache before they met each other. They share what it was like for them in their singleness as they both chose to live with hope and trust God with their lives and the lives of their children in seasons they never saw coming, and their journey into new hard things, but how God is meeting them in it. 

Hope does not mean everything is going to be perfect, but that you are never alone in it. I love this quote from Lena in this conversation:  “Without Jesus, without Hope, there’s nothing. There’s a bunch of bad experiences that don’t have a reason, don’t have a purpose, and with Hope it ties it all together not perfectly, but in a way that doesn’t make it easier, but makes it where your past and the things you’ve been through don’t own you and they are just a part of you and there’s a bigger purpose.” As we walk with God, and surrender our lives to Him, we can look backwards of where God was in the hard, and how we can believe Him for the future.

This tender conversation covers such vast topics of where hope has impacted our grief, our waiting, our rejoicing, and how we cling to God’s Word and the Light of His Son’s presence as we choose to “dare to hope.” I pray it meets you wherever you are. You matter. Your story matters. Hope is worth the risk. 

Thank you again, ZonderKids for allowing us to read a portion of Sally Lloyd Jones' Jesus Storybook Bible before each of these episodes.

Resources:

Enneagram Types

Myers-Briggs

Alpha Delta Pi (OBIC! ) 

31 Prayers for my Future Husband: Preparing My Heart for Marriage by Praying for Him - Aaron & Jennifer Smith

The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears - Mark Batterson

“Do It Again” - Elevation Worship

Scary Close: Dropping the Act and Finding True Intimacy - Donald Miller 

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Cystic-Fibrosis (shout out to my girl, Kayla! Fight on, CF Warrior!)

Organ Donation

Living Organ Donation

“Good, Good Father”- Housefires II

The Giving Manger

Lena’s Mom: Shelia Hines contact her if you need your mailbox decorated for Christmas!

Scripture References:

Philippians 1:6

Romans 8:28

Lamentations 3:21-23

Deuteronomy 31:8

Jeremiah 29:11

1 Samuel 17 

Joshua 6

Matthew 8

John 11:38-44

Daniel 3:18

Acts 2:42-47

John 10:10

Ephesians 6:12

Revelation 19:11-21

Revelation 20:7-10

Psalm 40:2

If you feel led to find out if you might be a match for kidney donation for Cain, you can contact him here and he can connect you with all the right people at Vanderbilt :) 

Connect with me over on Instagram and on my blog for more Advent resources, Christmas Giveaways, my Book Lovers Gift Guide and other general shenanigans.

The intro and outro music is by audionautix.com

Today, we are kicking off a series that focuses on what we in the Church know as Advent. Now technically, Advent does not start until this Sunday, but I wanted to take an opportunity to put this episode out as a call to worship, so to speak. It does explain a little bit about what Advent is, but more than anything, you are going to hear people, who love each other and the Lord VERY much, talk about why Jesus coming at Christmas matters deeply to them. And actually that’s what the whole series is. You‘re going to hear me and some of my people talk about why God invading the broken world with the gift of His Son matters so much to us. In addition to that, thanks to ZonderKidz, we’re going to read my absolute favorite version of the Christmas Story for you, which is from Sally Lloyd Jones’ Jesus Storybook Bible at the beginning of each episode. Something about hearing it from the heart meant for children, awakens a beautiful longing in me to recall the gift that keeps giving at Christmas. 

So these episodes will be unique from our typical format, but I am so weepy, at how sweet this experience has been, and I just hope it blesses you wherever you are this holiday season. 

So, as we start here at the beginning, we’re going to start with somebody incredibly special to me, and that’s my Dad. Its my Dad who is reading this story over us in all the episodes, but as we were together working on this, I just had a burning question inside of me and that was “what’s your favorite part of the Christmas story, Dad?” and from there, came a conversation I will never forget with a man who has loved the Lord all of his life, not perfectly, but with perseverance that often in these days makes no sense to me, until you hear Him talk about the Lord. Then, at the end, he says a blessing over all of us for this Advent season. Ever since I was a child I treasured hearing my Dad pray over me, or over anyone, and I wanted to share that gift with you and to be able to go back and hear it again and again, year after year. And so, here it is. Let’s start at the beginning of this story, that as Daddy says, is a story so ridiculous only God could come up with it. And yet, its true. 

References:

-Annie F. Downs - Remember God

-Shepherds who watched over Passover lambs and the tower at Midgal Eder. :: I found out more about these special shepherds! This article is fascinating. 

-”Aint No Grave”- Bethel 

Scripture References:

-Commentary on Revelation 6:2 // The Rider in White

-Exodus 6:28-7:7

-Acts 9:1-19

-Ruth 2

-Hebrews 4:12

-Luke 24:27

-Book of Acts

-Luke 1:5-25

-Colossians 1:17

-1 John 1:5-7

-John 12:46

-Deuteronomy 31:6

-Xerxes in Book of Esther

-Cyrus the Great

-Darius the Mede

-Book of Daniel

-Nebuchadnezzar

-Isaiah 55:11

Connect with me over on Instagram and on my blog for more Advent resources, Christmas Giveaways, my Book Lovers Gift Guide and other general shenanigans.

The intro and outro music is by audionautix.com

Surprise friends! You’re getting an extra episode of the Simply Stories Podcast this week!  There was so much happening in my conversation with Dorena, we had to split it into two. So whether you’re traveling for the holidays, still working, or preparing a meal, let’s pick up with Dorena and I talking about how history’s narrative is being broadened by hearing it being told from new perspectives, especially from the perspective of people of color. 

This quote from our conversation is going to stay with me for a LONG time: “If parents [during Jim Crow], would have the audacity to bring their children to see a fellow image bearer treated like this, why can we not read our children these stories? Why can we not subject ourselves to the discomfort of unpacking history so that we can do better because we can’t do better if we don’t learn from the past, and we can’t learn from the past if we don’t acknowledge all of it.”

There is so much grace as we learn, friends. I’m so grateful that Dorena presented a seat at this table  to me, and I hope you felt welcomed there too. Its true that we cannot fix or change history, but we most certainly can be attentive to how others experience it, what we uproot and sow into the present and how that affects future generations. 

They who have ears to hear, let them hear. 

Resources:

Dorena’s books: Colorfull, Thoughtfull, Gracefull

“Harriet” movie (find showings here!)

The Central Park Five aka Central Park Jogger Case  // documentary “When They See Us” /// commentary on film vs. reality

New Yorker article (not Washington Post) “Who Speaks for Crazy Horse?”

Charles and Susan Robinson : The Red Road

Pocohontas (The person, not the movie. This article from the Smithsonian is FASCINATING about how the story we’ve also known may not actually be what happened. Additionally, I'd love to know what Native Americans think of the animated film... If anyone wants to enlighten me, I’d love to listen!)

-Squanto

-Sacagawea

-Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library downtown

-Brown v. The Board of Education of Topeka

Knoxville, TN’s super delayed desegregation of schools (Brown v. Board was in 1954, the ruling that officially STARTED desegregation in Knoxville was called Goss v. Board of Education, Knoxville took place in 1963. The story I told about my Mom seeing dummies in blackface hanging in the trees at her high school took place in 1965. This article details how the city was not fully “under compliance of the ruling” and “officially” desegregated until the early 1970’s. The article is an eye-opening read. 

-Our side bar about teaching children about their bodies, I can’t suggest this book enough: God Made All of Me: A Book that helps children protect their bodies

-Dorena’s tweet about the little boy bullied for his skin being the color of “poop” 

-Internment camps for Japanese Americans

-Tamera Alexander: Belmont Series, Belle Meade, Carnton -- fictional stories based on real people and real events during and after the war in Nashville, TN. (The two books I mention about Belle Meade are 1) this one with the attack on BMP and the Irish American immigrant 2) this one tells the story of a gal who attends Fisk University and joins the Jubilee Singers on their tour that saved the school --which is a true story--  that is FASCINATING.) 

-Freedmen Schools

-Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 WWII Refugees and How They Came to America by Ruth Gruber 

-Fort Ontario in Oswego, NY, the haven/camp for the refugees. I misquoted the number of refugees who  came on the ship 984 made it. This article I just read called their process of being in America “their being given sanctuary on an old army base in Oswego, New York.” Which. Yes. But there were people who had relatives in America that wanted to take them home and they were. not. allowed. to. leave. Whether we like it or not, they were interred until the government could figure out what to do after being literal prisoners and victims of the Nazi party. I’m not saying it wasn’t complicated, but let’s not mince words.  ::Off soap box:: This article is beautiful because it equally (towards the bottom) shares the accounts of people who were there who share how hard and painful it was, but also how many people of Oswego tried to care for them regardless of the literal fence in between them. Read the book, y’all. There’s a lot of freedom and joy in the story, but there’s a hot mess of not caring for people as hurting humans in there too. We can hold them both in the same hand, just like the rest of this conversation about history and how we approach the narrative. 

-Crazy Rich Asians: movie // book (which I JUST learned is a trilogy! Here’s a link to all three.)

-Washington Post Article I read about using the song “Yellow” by Coldplay

-“Black Panther” // the movie, and an article highlighting its power

-Ann Voskamp and Lisa Sharon Harper

-Enneagram 2

-The Great Migration 

-Reconstruction (The Act of 1867; some perspective from Time Magazine about what went wrong- I’m a history buff, I could do this all day long ;))

Thank you, B&H, for publishing these incredible books and for allowing me to read little bits from them on the podcast!

Scripture References:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

John 10:10 

John 8:42-47

Matthew 6:6

Proverbs 16:20

2 Corinthians 2:15

Matthew 9:36

Mark 4:1-19

From Dorena: At Strong Tower, we do a little bit of everything in & through church; we teach a GDK (God's Diverse Kingdom) class in the spring that focuses on race and justice. Chris preaches series at times and we've done book studies as well. Truly it's a part of our DNA! Here is information on getting connected with them if you find yourself in Middle TN!

On locally ministering/helping/giving to the homeless in Middle TN:

-Project615 is a local apparel company that is passionate about giving back to the community. When you purchase one of their “Consider Others First” shirts, it gives FIVE meals to a homeless person in Nashville via, The Bridge. They also have a clothing drive for the homeless where you can bring items to their local store and receive a discount on other Project615 apparel. You can find that info here.

-The Bridge in Nashville that ministers to the homeless on Tuesday nights.

-The corner standing friends usually sell for The Contributor whose mission is: “The Contributor creates economic opportunity with dignity by investing in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and poverty”

-Nashville Rescue Mission does good work to help those in housing transition.

-Last Call 4 Grace in Murfreesboro (they also partner with Rescue 1 Global who are part of the fight against sex trafficing. Whole. Other. Podcast.)

-Green House Ministries in Murfreesboro

-Amelia’s Closet in Murfreesboro is a company whose mission is: “Providing professional apparel & hope to deserving women as they open the employment door.” They work to equip women and fight against poverty, homelessness, trafficking and more. “We want to help women feel valued, confident, and hopeful as they soar to new heights.” (AMEN!)

-Murfreesboro Rescue Mission

***I do not benefit from any of the organizations that mentioned above. I am just trying to spread the word about them, especially the local ones. The amazon book links are the only part of these very detailed lists of resources that I receive any incentive from as an amazon affiliate. However, I’d send and recommend these books to you no. matter. what. However, I am humbled and grateful for your support of the podcast and my family through their purchase. 

Dorena mentions (and part 1 and 2 of our conversation!) some people she follows that have given her great perspective, here is her list she shared with me in addition to people we brought up:

Michelle Reyes @drmichellereyes

Jemar Tisby @JemarTisby 

Ray Chang @tweetraychang

Christina Edmondson @DrCEdmondson 

LaTasha Morrison @LaTashaMorrison

Sarah Shin @SarahShinAuthor.

Dorena also mentioned going to the library and finding resources, and my son and I stumbled upon this heart breaking book called Stolen Words about how Native Americans have lost their language during the white-washing of their identities in order to assimilate into white society. Reading the book brought such a wave of compassion over my heart. It does not matter if you agree or understand it all, their stories matter and are worth telling and hearing. 

Connecting with Dorena:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Website 

Intro and outro music by audionautix.com

Today my conversation is with children’s book author, activist, and just generally amazing woman of God, Dorena Williamson. Dorena’s books, Colorfull, Thoughtfull, and Gracefull, take big things like skin color, living with special needs, and homelessness and breaks them down into verbiage that communicates to the heart of children the gift of God’s unique design of His Kingdom, practicing compassion, and sharing blessings with others. What’s even more beautiful about them though, is that they speak to the hearts of adults. These books have become staples in our home in helping equip our children, and ourselves, with more kind and compassionate words about our friends and neighbors who do not look or live like us. 

Dorena’s voice has played a significant role in a journey God has brought me on to see our world with fresh eyes, and let me just say that on the other side of this conversation with her, I am not the same, and I am grateful. Dorena created such a grace filled space for me to ask questions, learn and stretch what I’ve always known. There are so many incredible take-aways about how God calls us to deny ourselves, embrace discomfort,  to pursue humility and never stop learning for the sake of unifying the body of Christ. 

We go so deep and so wide in this conversation, it actually will come to you in two parts! 

So pull up a chair, friend and join us for part 1.Let’s press in. Let’s be willing to do some possibly uncomfortable and humbling work. It is worthy work to ask God to open our eyes to see the people He made more clearly. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).

Resources:

Dorena’s books: Colorfull, Thoughtfull, GracefullNashville Buddy Walk - DSAMT

Strong Tower Bible Church 

Dr. Christina Edmondson 

Doc McStuffins

Misty Copeland 

The Holocaust

Jim Crow // Jim Crow Law Examples from Tennessee

Tuskegee Syphilis Study (Y’all. This story baffled me in college. Here is the book I read about this story back in the day that was VERY good, and here is a link to former President Bill Clinton’s apology to the eight surviving men from the study that took place in oh… 1997. Just SIXTY-FIVE years later.)

Little one who sees a book with a character like them

Michelle Reyes (instagram and her blog)

Be the Bridge (International Organization // Local Nashville Facebook // Latasha’s Book Be The Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation)

Latasha Morrison

Prisicilla Shirer (also her Instagram. My favorite Bible Study from her so far is her Armor of God study. DANG what a word. Hearing her speak live is a force of the Spirit that’s hard to describe.)

Jackie Hill Perry (She might be my favorite follow on Instagram. Truly. Also, her story is incredible. Here is her book Gay Girl Good God: The Story of Who I Was and Who God Has Always Been, her Bible Study on the book of Jude, and if someone wants to get me one of her Jesus & Therapy shirts for Christmas I’m here. for. it.)

Dr. Tony Evans // Here is a link to his commentary Bible (also see some incredible videos from his son, Anthony Evans Jr.’s instagram, of the celebration Victory Live celebrating this incredible accomplishment! I cried so. hard.) 

Lois Evans (Please join us in praying for this incredible woman and her family as they continue, by faith, to face the highs and victories and lows and losses of illness.)

The Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jamar Tisby

His Testimonies: My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God 

Scripture References:

Joshua 6Isaiah 40:5

John 3:16

John 16:13

Genesis 16:13

1 Corinthians 2:10

Matthew 8

John 4

Ezekiel 36:26

Ezekiel 28

1 Corinthians 15:49 / Genesis 1:26-27

Luke 18:9-14

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

James 1:19

Philippians 1:6

Psalm 139:16

Psalm 119 

From Dorena: At Strong Tower, we do a little bit of everything in & through church; we teach a GDK (God's Diverse Kingdom) class in the spring that focuses on race and justice. Chris preaches series at times and we've done book studies as well. Truly it's a part of our DNA! Here is information on getting connected with them if you find yourself in Middle TN!

On locally ministering/helping/giving to the homeless in Middle TN:

-Project615 is a local apparel company that is passionate about giving back to the community. When you purchase one of their “Consider Others First” shirts, it gives FIVE meals to a homeless person in Nashville via, The Bridge. They also have a clothing drive for the homeless where you can bring items to their local store and receive a discount on other Project615 apparel. You can find that info here.

-The Bridge in Nashville that ministers to the homeless on Tuesday nights.

-The corner standing friends usually sell for The Contributor whose mission is: “The Contributor creates economic opportunity with dignity by investing in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and poverty”

-Nashville Rescue Mission does good work to help those in housing transition.

-Last Call 4 Grace in Murfreesboro (they also partner with Rescue 1 Global who are part of the fight against sex trafficing. Whole. Other. Podcast.)

-Green House Ministries in Murfreesboro

-Amelia’s Closet in Murfreesboro is a company whose mission is: “Providing professional apparel & hope to deserving women as they open the employment door.” They work to equip women and fight against poverty, homelessness, trafficking and more. “We want to help women feel valued, confident, and hopeful as they soar to new heights.” (AMEN!)

-Murfreesboro Rescue Mission

***I do not benefit from any of the organizations mentioned above. I am just trying to spread the word about them, especially the local ones. The amazon book links throughout this post are the only part of these very detailed lists of resources that I receive any incentive from as an amazon affiliate. However, I’d send and recommend these books to you no. matter. what. If you decide to make a purchase, I am humbled and grateful for your support of the podcast and my family through that purchase. 

Dorena mentions (and part 1 and 2 of our conversation!) some people she follows that have given her great perspective in her journey, here is her list she shared with me in addition to people we brought up:

Michelle Reyes @drmichellereyes

Jemar Tisby @JemarTisby 

Ray Chang @tweetraychang

Christina Edmondson @DrCEdmondson 

LaTasha Morrison @LaTashaMorrison

Sarah Shin @SarahShinAuthor.

Connecting with Dorena:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Website 

*Intro and outro music by audionautix.com*

Today my conversation is with the lovely and wise, Rachel Fordham. One of the things that this podcast has blessed me with is story after story of God's faithfulness in the lives of believers, even imaginary ones. And today Rachel shares her journey of becoming an author and how through that experience, the stories God placed in her heart ministered to her through horribly hard seasons.

I love how Rachel speaks so easily of the goodness and faithfulness of God, and honestly that is how her stories read as well. The faith of her characters and the struggle with a broken world and the broken choices we make, even as people of faith, just flow so naturally from her pen, and I hope you’ll grab a copy of one of her books and savor them. Her first one is called The Hope of Azure Springs and the second is Yours Truly Thomas. Just within the last couple of weeks, she’s revealed the name and cover art for her 2020 release and it’s called A Life Once Dreamed so we’ll all have to stay tuned for that release next year! 

Resources:“We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” - C.S. Lewis - The Problem of Pain 

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Dead Letter Office

My Dearest Friend: Letters of John and Abigail Adams

All Things Hamilton: (I’m a huge #hamilhead)

the Musical // A little peak: “Your Obedient Servant” - (sorry about the language)

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (book that inspired the show)

Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin- Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter (the crazy story of “Hamilton”) 

1. S.  Lewis

Charles Martin 

Annie F. Downs

My convo with Bethany Turner :: Wooing Cadie McCaffrey and Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck

My convo with Lynn Blackburn :: “My methods are descriptive not prescriptive.”

**Two other great stories that are told via letters: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis and Letters From A Skeptic: A Son Wrestles with His Father’s Questions About Christianity by David Cook 

**All book links in these show notes are affiliate links

Scripture References:

Psalm 30:5

Psalm 90:12

Psalm 90:4

Luke 10:25-37

Luke 15:11-32

Galatians 5:22

Rachel’s Books:

The Hope of Azure Springs 

Yours Truly, Thomas

New 2020 book! A Life Once Dreamed

Connecting with Rachel: 

Instagram

Facebook

Website

*Intro and outro music by audionautix.com

Today’s episode is with author Erin Bartels. Talking with Erin is a very similar experience to reading her books. It’s time that is full of beautiful words that make you think harder, ask better questions and make you glad you just got to be there. 

Erin and I talk about the process of making writing a part of your life, the role of stories in the church and how we view our neighbors. Her newest book The Words Between Us is like a love letter to words and classic literature and its truly unique from much of the modern fiction books that exist just now, particularly in the Christian Fiction market. It is a fascinating read and would be a great gift for anyone who really enjoys classic literature or is looking for a modern novel, even if they aren’t a fan of Christian Fiction. This is one of those novels that I think can be a great segue for conversation, but it has hope attached in the layers. 

I think books and conversations like this preach a gentle reminder to me about being who you are and seeking God from that place. He doesn’t ask us to clean up before we come to Him, but just to come, no matter how long its been, and to invite our neighbors to come alongside us. You matter to Him, He wants you just as you are. 

Resources:

ELCA Church 

American Baptist

Michigan State

Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (affiliate link)

Persuasion by Jane Austen (affiliate link)

The Crimson Cord (Daughters of the Promised Land Book #1): Rahab’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith (affiliate link)

Ash Abercrombie and Rise of the Truth Teller (affiliate link for her book) and here’s her episode on Simply Stories!

Erin’s Books: The Words Between Us and We Hope For Better Things

Scripture References:

Moses

Pharisees

Luke 3:21-23

Fascinatingly enough, this scripture: “Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” is in 3 of the 4 Gospels. Matthew 9:12, Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:31 from the calling of Levi (or Matthew), who was a tax collector, as a disciple. Levi hosts Jesus, his friends and “other sinners” at his home for dinner, and the Pharisees don’t like it one bit, and this is Jesus’ response not to shame his dinner guests, but to point the Pharisees to see that ALL people have worth and have need for a Savior. 

John 10:10

Galatians 5:22

Philippians 1:6

Psalm 118:6

Hebrews 13:6

Psalm 63:1

Psalm 42

Connecting with Erin: 

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Website

*Intro and outro music by audionautix.com*

Today’s conversation with award winning author Bethany Turner is just another picture about why I love getting the perspective of Christian fiction authors because they bring such a creative view of the world around us, the church and how popular culture and faith meet head on. Bethany is a master of processing real life issues with wit and grace, mixed with a healthy dose rom-com and the result is truly delightful. In our conversation, we discuss her new newest book Wooing Cadie McCaffery (affectionately known as #WooCaM), but we also take a DEEP dive into a fascinating discussion that ended up being more timely than we could have ever known.

Her debut Christian Fiction novel is called The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck and first of all, and while it  is a fantastic read, and snort out loud hilarious, it is a story of a mainstream author, known for salacious work, becoming a Christian and her journey to figure out life with Jesus, while still wearing the same skin made famous for feeding empty hearts with worldly yuck. Within the last few months we have seen huge Hollywood names making proclamations of faith and one of them in particular, released work that demonstrates his declaration of faith and there is a significant conversation in the church about whether or not we believe Kanye or anyone else’s conversion. Ironically enough, it is a very similar tale for Sarah Hollenbeck.  Isn’t. That. Interesting. Now, I know fiction isn’t Gospel, but it can absolutely, if we are willing, allow us to ask ourselves some hard questions. Would we believe the testimony of a Sarah Hollenbeck? Will we believe Kanye West? Or Brad Pitt or Justin Beiber and etc.? And if you’ll allow me, would we have believed Rahab, Ruth, Mary Magdalene, the adulterous woman, Saul who became Paul or anyone else who lived a sin wrecked and saturated life before they encountered their Savior? God is trustworthy with their story and if it brings Him glory and draws others to Himself, then Lord, use it. The end. 

PS: Both The Secret Life of Ssrah Hollenbeck and Wooing Cadie McCaffrey are on MEGA sale on amazon right now. You can find links to those and to ways to listen in my bio. :) If you enjoy this conversation, I’d be honored if you shared it, and be sure you go and follow Bethany! Her social media presence always brightens my week.

References:

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck (affiliate link) I don’t know how long this sale will go on but Y’ALL the Kindle version of this book is on sale for less than $5 right now!!!!! Treat. Yo. Self. 

Wooing Cadie McCaffrey (affiliate link) And this Kindle version  is on sale for less than $2. That’s insane. Get it while you can!

Anne Rice

Redeeming Love - (affiliate link)

The Book of Hosea

Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon 

Tom Hanks

Rita Wilson

Let me just stop here and say, I am an amazon affiliate because your girl is trying hard to find ways to support this podcast and #TeamHumphries. In this episode, Bethany and I make SO many pop culture references, and I always try to give you thorough show notes, and with those powers combine, I just want to be sure and say up front, if you use any of the links from here on out in these notes that I give for books and movies and/or TV shows, just know if they take you to Amazon, they are affiliate links. I’m grateful for your support because I do receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. Carry on :) 

“That Thing You Do” 

“While You Were Sleeping” 

“Family Ties” // Pilot Episode via Prime 

“Growing Pains” // Pilot Episode via Prime // Series on DVD 

“The A-Team” (not the one you’re thinking of, the original from the 80’s :))

“Cheers” // Complete Series

“Wings” // “Legacy” episode via Prime

Tim Daly

Steven Weber

“NCIS: New Orleans” // Season 1

“Camelot”

“Frozen”

“Brave”

Phil Wickham “At the end of the worst thing that could happen to you is Jesus.”

“The Thornbirds”

The Scarlet Letter (Movie and Book) 

“Christy” (Book and TV Show) 

“The Ten Commandments” and Charlton Heston

“Sleepless in Seattle” and Rosie O’Donnell (Here’s the clip of that scene!)

Chronicles of Narnia (Complete set of books!)

Charles Martin

King George and the Ducky (Veggietales)

Phil Vischer and “What’s In the Bible?”

Right Now Media :: The Mr. Phil Show (Study of 1 Peter)

Chris Pratt and Christianity

“Overcomer”

Episode 1 of Simply Stories with Shari Rigby

Cameron Arnett’s story

Scripture:

John 16:33

John 10:10

Mark 12:30

Mark 10:17-27

Nathan, not Samuel comes to David :) BUT it takes place in 2 Samuel chapter 12 0:) 

Exodus 31

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Calling of the JV Team, I mean, Disciples: Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11, John 1:35-51

Connecting with Bethany:

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Website/Blog

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Today I am honored to share my conversation with two incredible women, Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland. Sarah and Beth are the co-hosts of the bi-partisan political podcast Pantsuit Politics and the co-authors of the book  I Think You’re Wrong, but I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations. Sarah and Beth are committed to creating a space to talk through the hard things that are surrounding us in grace-filled and nuanced ways. 

You may be someone who has always struggled with this topic (and listen, friend, I’m right there with you) and you are thinking “Em, that’s great, but why do I need to care about politics? Why should I be informed at all?” As my friend Stephanie and I discussed this summer, there is so much happening in the world and in our country that really impacts people and if we don’t know what’s going on, how we can listen to their story with deeper empathy and how can we speak the Gospel into their pain if we don’t have context for it? 

I know this is hard stuff, you guys. Believe me. But people matter, it isn’t about the politics per say, its about being willing to walk in the hard with our neighbors.

Additionally, I would HIGHLY recommend their book. It is not about politics and specific agendas at all, it is literally what it says: a guide to grace filled conversation about hard things. As you head into the holiday season with this insane political upheaval happening around us, an election year in the making, and you approach the various tables in your sphere of influence, couldn’t we all use some reminding about the people behind the stories and experiences that surround us? We have to got to remember that we may not always agree, and we won’t, that’s not how humanity works, but we can be better humans to one another. You matter, friend. And so does your neighbor. 

Resources:

Enneagram Types :: One / Two 

Pedro and AIDS and “The Real World”

Emerge Kentucky 

OJ Simpson // You also can see “The People vs. OJ Simpson” 

Clarence Thomas

I Think You’re Wrong But I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace Filled Political Conversations (affiliate link)

“A League of Their Own”- “Of course its hard. That’s what makes it so great.”

One and two of many articles in reference to families being shifted by certain news outlets.

My original #metoo post from instagram

Kavanaugh 

Rachel Held Evans

Jim Crow

Brown Vs. The Board of Education Topeka 

Vietnam War

Walter Cronkite

All Sides 

The New Paper

Start here: ABC News

Up First: NPR News

Ash Abercrombie // Our episode on Simply Stories Podcast

Pantsuit Politics Live from Evolving Faith Conference 

Scripture References:

2 Samuel 12

Matthew 28:16-20

Ephesians 6:10-18

Psalm 143:3

Philippians 3:14

Esther 4:14

Connecting with Beth & Sarah of Pantsuit Politics

I Think You’re Wrong But I’m Listening: A Guide to Grace Filled Political Conversations (Affiliate Link)

Pantsuit Politics Podcast

The Nuanced Life Podcast

The Nuance Nation Tour

To get access to the Nightly Nuance, you have to be a Patreon supporter. Link here!

PSP Website

PSP Instagram

Sarah Instagram

Beth Instagram

Facebook

PSP Twitter

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My conversation on this episode of the Simply Stories Podcast is with international best-selling and award winning author, film writer, and all around renaissance man, Davis Bunn. 

Davis shares his life story of seeing the world and reaping its successes, only to encounter the Lord later in his life and deciding following Him was worth pursuing a whole other life and career. 

Now with twenty-five years worth of publishing fiction novels that span multiple genres, Davis crafts stories that move readers to look for the good in the world around them and in the One who made them. He also has moved into the film writing world, which he discusses some of that journey with me, but his latest novel Unscripted carries incredible details and an inside look into the world of film making as well. It’s an incredible story, with a wild ride of unpredictable turns that leave you turning page after page, and so engrossed in the story that you find yourself invited into the room where it happens alongside his fantastic band of misfits longing for second chances. 

Davis also shares such good wisdom and insight for those of us have creative capabilities in how we approach new things and new possibilities. Davis challenges us to be willing to pursue humility and know that we are never truly done learning, nor should we limit what God can do with His story and His people when they submit their story to Him. 

There is so much possibility when we submit our creativity to our Creator. Davis’ life and career is a powerful testimony of this truth, and I hope it encourages you to remember that the same is true for you, friend. 

Scripture: 

Isaiah 43:16-19

Resources:

Unscripted by Davis Bunn (affiliate link)

The amazing Isabella Bunn (Davis’ fabulous wife)

Janette Oake J.R. R. Tolkein

Arthur C. Clarke

2001: A Space Odyssey 

Anne Graham Lotz

Billy Graham

The Chronicles of Narnia- The whole series in one book! (affiliate link)

The Magician’s Nephew 

Dante’s Inferno

C S. Lewis

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling 

Blenheim Palace 

Cotswolds 

Oxford University

Firefly Cove (affiliate link)

Delilah’s Book Club feature of Firefly Cove

“When Calls the Heart” (#missinglissing) 

Charles Martin 

“The Mountain Between Us” :: This is a fascinating blog from Charles Martin about what it was like for him to have his book become a mainstream film. He shares similar sentiments Davis did in our conversation about where God can use ANYTHING that has been submitted to Him for His glory and our good. Charles summed it up this way: “Jesus tells us, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me.”  I pray my stories do that. Movies, too.” Amen, brother. Amen. Let us “love furiously.”

Connecting with Davis:

Website // Thomas Locke

Facebook

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I want to invite you to grab a cup of coffee and sit around the table with me and with an incredibly courageous woman named Jennifer Greenberg. Jennifer has written a book that shares the story of her growing up in an abusive home, and gives an incredibly vivid, raw and beautiful picture of what survival has looked like, her healing process and her journey with the Lord in it. 

Jennifer is gifted at sharing her story honestly, but through the lens of Gospel through such a specific lens for abuse victims, and those who have battle depression and even suicidal thoughts. This conversation is such a tender, but important moment. If you are a person who is living in the thick of this kind of struggle, personally or within your people, I am just praying my guts out that this conversation and this book, and/or any of the resources listed below bless and encourage you. You matter, and we want you here.

Scripture:

-Ephesians 6:10-18

-Genesis 1:26

-Matthew 16:24-26

-Matthew 24:6-13

-Isaiah 53:3-5

-Genesis 37 and 39, 40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, 46- The story of Joseph

-Matthew 4:1-11

-Psalm 107:2 

-The Book of Jonah

-Matthew 26:36-46 

-Colossian 1:16 // Proverbs 16:4 // 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

-John 11:1-44

Resources:

-Hinds Feet on High Places

-Suicide Prevention Awareness Day/Month #Bethe1To

-TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms)

-The suicide hotlines and text line: 1-800-273-8255 // Text: HOME to 741741

-Psychology Today is a great place to find therapists and their profiles. Open Path Collective has options for sliding scale therapists. 

-Middle Tennessee Counseling Resources (AND their Instagram resources for non-locals): Branches Counseling (Insta)  // Novel Counseling (Insta) // Daystar Counseling Ministries (Insta) 

Chapters Mentioned in her Book:

-Chapter on Love- Chapter 13: “Defining Love” 

-Chapter on Forgiveness- Chapter 12: “The Truth About Forgiveness”

-Chapter on Self Destructive Behavior- Chapter 5: “Deconstructing Self-Destruction” 

-Chapter on Jesus’ temptation and how He relates to abuse survivors- Chapter 9: “The Stranger Inside” 

-Chapter containing the Walk with Depression and Suicide (an allegory)- Chapter 10 “Out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death”

Connecting with Jennifer:

-Twitter

-Facebook

-Instagram

-Youtube

-Find her book Not Forsaken: A Story of Life After Abuse on Amazon. (Affiliate Link)

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