Join us for an episode that dives beneath the surface of some often-quoted Bible verses. Today, we’re unpacking a few commonly misunderstood scriptures, looking closely at the historical and cultural context that shaped them, and questioning some of the assumptions we tend to make about their meaning.

But it’s not all serious—we’ve also got a big life update from Lizzie that you won’t want to miss!

Sources for the episode include~

https://www.blueletterbible.org/

https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary

In this episode, Judi takes you on a journey through church history with a special focus on the Reformation—a time of transformation, conviction, and incredible courage. From the bold stand of Martin Luther to the peaceful teachings of Menno Simons and Dirk Philips, we’ll explore how these figures helped shape faith as we know it today. Judi also dips into Old Testament history to uncover the consistent thread of God's incredible grace running through every generation. Whether you're a history lover, theology student, or just curious about the roots of faith, this episode offers rich insight and heartfelt reflection.

sources include

The Anabaptist Story https://a.co/d/dIDgPVe

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mennonite

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Anabaptists

Trigger warning~ This episode contains heavy mention of sexual assault and attempted suicide.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Hannah, who bravely shares her powerful and vulnerable story of overcoming abuse. She opens up about the deep scars left by an abusive father and later, an abusive boyfriend, and how her faith in God helped her heal, rediscover self-love, and find true freedom. Together, we dive into the troubling issue of sexual abuse within Anabaptist communities, exploring the reasons behind its prevalence. Hannah also offers hope and practical advice for those who have experienced similar pain. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of healing.

Welcome to this episode of Why we Left, where we chat with Phil and Silas about their faith journeys. We talk about how their relationship with God has grown, and how Phil’s view of God has shifted from fear to trust. We also reflect on what it was like to leave our community and grow individually. Some parts of the conversation are serious, and some are lighthearted, but we hope you enjoy it all. Thanks for listening!

"In this short episode, Ben reflects on the Christmas story and shares his thoughts on its deeper meaning. He explores how the humble birth of Jesus reminds us of the power of hope, and love, in our own lives."

Lizzie and I get real about our relationships with our parents. We talk about the deep emotional pain many people carry because of their parents' actions—or lack thereof—and challenge the common excuses people use to justify bad parenting. While we acknowledge the hurt that can come from these relationships, we also turn to Scripture to explore what God truly says about what it means to be a godly parent. This episode is for anyone who's felt the weight of parental failure and is seeking healing and understanding on how to move forward. So, grab a seat, take a deep breath, and join us as we unpack the pain parents can cause, and the hope God offers for healing and restoration.

Connect with us on Instagram @why_we_left_

https://www.instagram.com/why_we_left_?igsh=NTVmamMzY2gxa2E3

We’re joined once again by Ben Graber for an honest and heartfelt conversation about an important and sensitive topic: why some girls wait so long to report an assault and the critical role fathers play in supporting their daughter. We dive deep into the emotional complexities surrounding assault disclosure.

Lizzie opens up and courageously shares her own story, recounting her parents’ response when she told them about her assault. It’s a raw, vulnerable moment that underscores the importance of understanding and support in difficult situations.

Ben challenges men to take responsibility for their actions and stop blaming women for "dressing indecently."

Throughout this episode, we also reflect on our shared vision for the podcast—helping listeners experience the truth in love. Our hope is that by speaking openly about these tough topics, we can guide people toward healthier relationships, not only with others but with God as well.

Connect with us on Instagram @why_we_left_

https://www.instagram.com/why_we_left_?igsh=NTVmamMzY2gxa2E3

Today, we’re joined by Ben Graber, who shares his incredible journey of faith and forgiveness. Ben grew up Amish, but his life took a turn when he was excommunicated for studying the Bible and discussing it with others. After joining the Mennonite community with his wife and kids, they faced even more rejection—this time, for reporting abuse in their family and for supposedly, dressing differently than others in the church.

Through all the pain and criticism, Ben has continued to lean on God, responding to those who’ve hurt him with love and grace. His story is a powerful reminder that, no matter what we face, change is possible with God’s help—and even those who misuse us can be loved.

It was so fun to have Ruby on the podcast this week, we talk about everything from feelings to bad haircuts, to boys and Ruby got a chance to play therapist for a bit during a candid discussion about feelings. Ruby also shares her heartfelt journey of discovering self-confidence and self-worth through her relationship with God.

William shares his journey from growing up Baptist and traveling to different churches, to eventually leaving that path and learning to pursue information on his own. Along the way, he met Judi, and together they've built a marriage full of love and connection.