The French Press with Emily Downs

I’m recording in the semi-dark with sideways rain, gale warnings on Lake Michigan, and a dead power grid. I can't help but think of how life's sudden storms take us by surprise.

In this episode, we chat about what happens when our spiritual power goes out, how God trains our endurance through the hard seasons, and why slow-cooked faith in an instant-microwave culture produces something that truly nourishes.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Experiencing God by Blackaby 

Waking up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson 

In this episode, I step out of my comfort zone—talking about books and theology—to share some personal stories from the "life in between." Right in the middle of our chaotic move, I attended a retreat that turned into a powerful object lesson on God's personal, practical love, the necessity of community, and what it means to live a poured-out life.  A midnight crisis in a bunk bed taught me first hand how God provides exactly what we need when we feel fragile. And how He builds a "pour spout" into our lives so we can bless others.  

Books mentioned in this episode:

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby 

The Gospel of John

Welcome back! I'm recording this episode from a completely new spot - we unexpectedly moved to a beautiful rental house right on the beach of Lake Michigan. While I am so grateful for this stunning space, the move has brought up some deep reflections on the temporary nature of life, the concept of stewardship, and how we handle major transitions.

In this episode, I share stories about our pets (including our anxious dog Scout and a "Lazarus" fish), dive into the story of Moses, and share a personal moment of conviction about wanting credit versus embracing the humbling role of an "unnamed servant".

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry T. Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, and Claude V. King

Exodus 3 & 4

Philippians 2:5–8

How do we handle the bad cards we have been dealt without losing the game? Let's take an honest look at the stewardship of our minds. The person who talks to you the most every single day is you, and so much of our daily thought life runs on autopilot—just like driving a car or making a morning cup of coffee. But what happens when those background thoughts are holding us back, or when we hesitate to call sin what it actually is? We’re breaking down how to rework those mental habits, why forgiveness is the ultimate key to living an abundant life. The hardships in our lives are wildcards in the hands of a loving God, He can play them anyway He wants! God's redemption wins everytime. 

Books mentioned in this episode:

More than Redemption: A Theology of Christian Counseling by J. E. Adams

Soul Care by Rob Reimer

2 Samuel 

In this episode we're taking a close look at what it actually means to be human. We often rely on our culture to tell us what’s "normal," but culture is constantly shifting—and honestly, a lot of what the world calls normal comes out of brokenness.

We will examine human nature and what it looks like to let God reshape our hearts to His standard rather than our own. Growth is messy and we all experience "theological puberty"—how we grow in uneven spurts—and why time doesn't actually heal all wounds unless we bring them to Jesus. 

Books mentioned in this episode;

A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption by J.E. Adams

Tea Time Discipleship by Sally Clarkson

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp

CORRECTION: We screwed up the difference between a watch and warning numerous times in this episode. Hopefully that doesn't hinder the message too much. We will try to do better with our weather-related metaphors in the future, but honestly, we're still confused, so it's not looking good.

In this upcoming discussion, we’re digging deep into the world of soul care—what it actually means, why it matters for you and future generations, and how to spot the heavy "ingredients" brewing in your life before they turn into a full-blown tornado. We’re chatting about everything from King David’s grief to epigenetics, navigating a "civil war" in our hearts, and learning how to step into true freedom through Christ. Grab your notebook, because this one is packed with truth! Brought up a landmark case study from Jay Adams' book about a devastating flood where a Bible school lost many loved ones. I couldn't recall the location details during recording, but that study was based on the 1972 Black Hills Flood in Rapid City, South Dakota. It highlighted how believers grounded in faith processed tragedy with an anchor of hope that shocked secular researchers.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption by Jay E. Adams

Soul Care by Rob Reimer

Sacred Marriage and Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas

A More Excellent Way: Be in Health / The Spiritual Roots of Disease by Henry W. Wright

Waking Up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson 

2 Samuel 

In this episode, we’re diving back into our ongoing conversation about soul care and what it really means to walk closely with the Lord. We often crave safety, baseline comfort, and an easy, orderly life, but kingdom work is rarely convenient or cheap.

Using the story of the widow’s mites, the life and failures of Peter, and insights on the counsel of God, we examine how answering God's call requires us to risk beyond our comfort zone, embrace sacrifice, and bring something truly unique to a broken world

Books mentioned in this episode: 

A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption by Jay E. Adams

Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer 

Psalm 1 

Gospel of Mark

Gospel of John 

In this episode, we are getting vulnerable about the beautiful, chaotic, and deeply sacrificial reality of doing kingdom ministry. We are stripping away the "Instagram-perfect" version of faith and diving into what it actually looks like to live a life of joyful, grateful dependence on God. I talk about why we have to stop reading our messy circumstances like tea leaves, the true cost (and immense beauty) of showing up for deep friendships, and how a devastating story in 2 Samuel gives us one of the most stunning foreshadowings of Jesus' love for us.It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s a reminder that God uses us exactly as we are—flaws and all. Stream the full episode now! 

Books Mentioned 

• A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption by J.E. Adams

• The Soul Care Book (and the Soul Care Ministry principles)

• Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas

• Tea Time Discipleship: Sharing Faith One Cup at a Time by Sally Clarkson

• 2 Samuel 

What if the things we’re chasing aren’t actually the things that will satisfy us? The perfect home. The perfect body. The perfect life. The version of ourselves we think will finally make us enough. In this episode of The French Press, we’re talking about the “glamorous lies” we believe — and how God gently invites us to trade them for something real. Because what matters most isn’t what people see. It’s what God is doing in our hearts.

Books mentioned:

Soul Care — Dr. Rob Reimer

Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls — Gary Thomas

90 Days with Christian Classics

Welcome back to The French Press with Emily Downs. If you have been following along recently, you know that we have been exploring the vital topic of soul care. In this episode, I am sharing my reflections fresh from attending a three-day, fully immersive Soul Care conference. To be completely honest, I initially felt so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and the depth of the experience that I considered not mentioning it on the podcast at all. However, I felt a strong prompting from the Holy Spirit to share this journey with you.

In this season, my goal is to move away from "safe," comfortable topics and instead confront the more complex, challenging areas of our spiritual walk. Today, we are discussing soul wounds—those unhealed spaces of past trauma, sin, or unforgiveness that cause us to metaphorically bleed into our daily lives, ministries, and relationships.

We will talk about how true sanctification requires more than just cosmetic fixes or painting over our issues; it demands a deep, radical renovation of the inner life. True healing can only be achieved through the tenderness of Jesus, and quite often, our moments of deepest desperation become the exact platform God uses for our spiritual breakthrough.

Books Mentioned:

Soul Care: 7 Principles for Resiliency and New Life by Dr. Rob Reimer

Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On: Trusting God in the Tough Times by Stormie Omartian

The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian

Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas