In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Grace & Brad welcome Karla Drader for a deep dive into hostility—how it shows up in our lives, its roots in fear & insecurity, and how we can transform it into something healthier. 💭🔥

Drawing from Henri Nouwen’s framework and biblical insights, they explore the fine line between hostility & assertiveness, the importance of self-awareness, and the role of boundaries on the Jesus Path. 🛤️✨

Through personal stories, thought-provoking questions, and honest reflections, they unpack how we can move from "otherness" to "oneness", creating spaces of true belonging and reconciliation. 💛🤝

🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on healing, connection, and the courage to transform hostility into hospitality.

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace conclude their exploration of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount by unpacking the powerful metaphor of building a house on a strong foundation. 🏠🌿

Hardships come to everyone, but those with a solid foundation—rooted in wisdom, integrity, and community—can withstand life’s storms. ⛈️💪 Grace shares insights from her work as a therapist, highlighting the importance of safe relationships, alignment between beliefs & actions, and holistic self-care.

They also explore how weak foundations can lead to personal and societal collapse, discussing early warning signs of emotional distress and practical strategies for resilience. 🌱✨

The episode ends with a challenge for listeners: What are you building your life upon? Plus, a sneak peek into upcoming discussions on hostility & hospitality with guest Karla Drader. 🎙️

🎧 Tune in and strengthen your foundation!

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace dive into one of the most powerful images from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: the wide and narrow paths. 🚶‍♂️🛤️

Is this passage really about heaven and hell, or is Jesus offering us a roadmap for a flourishing life? 🤔✨ Brad & Grace explore the connection between the Golden Rule and the narrow path, unpacking how self-centeredness leads to isolation, while choosing selflessness requires intentionality and effort.

As we approach the conclusion of our Sermon on the Mount series, this episode invites you to reflect: Are you choosing the path that leads to life? 🌿💛

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and take a step toward the better road.

Judgment—it’s something we all experience and participate in, often without even realizing it. But what did Jesus really mean when he said, “Do not judge”? 🤔⚖️

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace explore the difference between judgment and being judgmental, how feeling judged impacts mental health, and what it means to approach others with curiosity and compassion rather than condemnation. 💛✨

With insights from theology and therapy—plus a heated debate about 🍍 pineapple on pizza 🍕—this conversation challenges us to rethink our role in discernment and invites us to move toward the Tree of Life. 🌳🌿

🎧 Tune in for a thought-provoking episode!

Worry—it’s that constant background noise in our minds, playing through worst-case scenarios and endless “what-ifs” like a never-ending playlist. 🎶💭

But is all worry bad? And what can we do when it starts to take over?

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad & Grace dive into the psychology of worry, Jesus' strategy for dealing with it, and why our brains are wired for anxious thoughts. 🧠✨ They also share practical strategies to break free from overthinking and regain peace of mind. 🌿☁️

If worry has been running the show in your life, this episode is for you.

Tune in and take a deep breath! 🎧💛

We are back!

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into the profound wisdom of Matthew 7:7-11—"Ask, Seek, Knock"—and explore how curiosity and questioning are essential to faith, growth, and transformation. 🤔🔍🚪

They discuss the tension between seeking answers and holding beliefs with humility, touching on personal stories, neuroscience, and the teachings of Jesus. Through deep reflection, they consider how curiosity can shape not only our faith but also our mental and emotional well-being, ultimately leading to a more flourishing life.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on the power of asking good questions and embracing the unknown.

✨🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

Money—it’s one of the most personal and often taboo topics in our lives. In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into the emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects of money.

How do our early experiences shape our financial beliefs? Why does money carry so much emotional weight? And how can we develop a healthier, more intentional relationship with it?

Join us as we explore the power money holds, the narratives we tell ourselves, and how faith and financial wisdom intersect. Whether you obsessively check your bank account or avoid it entirely, this conversation is for you.

Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts! 🎧✨

What do personal character, secrets, and spiritual practices have in common? 🤔

This week on The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace dive into Jesus’ teachings on fasting and uncover how this ancient practice connects to modern struggles with authenticity, trust, and approval. How do secrets shape our relationships? Can fasting teach us something deeper about our spiritual and human nature? And how do we resist the pressure to live for others’ perceptions?

Join the conversation as we explore the tension between vulnerability and privacy, the challenge of being misunderstood, and what it truly means to live a flourishing life. Expect honest reflections, laughter, and plenty of food for thought!

#AuthenticLiving #SacredSecrets #TheSacredSofa #FlourishingLife

Every day, we’re being shaped—by big tech algorithms, polarized politics, media, and family systems. The culture around us forms who we are, whether we realize it or not. But what if prayer offers an entirely different kind of formation?

In this episode of The Sacred Sofa, Brad and Grace explore Jesus’ teaching on prayer, asking the big questions: Why should we pray? How do we pray?

Discover how prayer might be the key to a “holy formation” that leads to a truly flourishing life. 🙏✨

#HolyFormation #PowerOfPrayer #TheSacredSofa #FlourishingLife

The Sacred Sofa begins the new year with a deep dive into the growing generosity deficit. Canadians are giving less than ever—a trend influenced by economic pressures and a decline in religious participation.

In this episode, Brad and Grace explore the reasons behind this shift, examine how not to give, and uncover why generosity is essential for our well-being and the flourishing life.

Start your year with a fresh perspective on how giving can transform you and those around you.

#GenerosityDeficit #FlourishingThroughGiving #TheSacredSofa #SeasonThree