This Good Word With Steve Wiens

Episode 235 | You are Not Your Feelings

Why do we get so triggered by Facebook posts with which we disagree? Why can't we just smile and move on? This episode deals with the idea of dualism, and how our brains are still hardwired to keep us safe from sabertooth tigers hiding behind the blueberry bush even when they aren't there. It also explores a mindful practice that can help you to move on more quickly by detaching yourself - and your identity - from your feelings. 

Also mentioned in this episode: Fun Parts Podcast! Check out the trailer for this brand new podcast that explores the relationship between sexuality and spirituality.  

Episode 234 | Separated by the Border with Gena Thomas

Gena Thomas advocates for families who have been separated at the border. In this conversation, we talked about Gena's experience adopting Julia, a child who had been separated from her family at the border between the US & Mexico, and also about how she worked tirelessly to find Julia's mother, Guadalupe, so they could be reunited. You can read all about Gena's story in her book, Separated by the Border.  

You can follow Gena on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and find out more about her work at www.genathomas.com

Also mentioned in this episode: 

Kids in Need of Defense

Bethany Christian Services 

In the Country We Love

Episode 233 | A Conversation with Austin Channing Brown

I recorded this interview with Austin Channing Brown in July of 2018, but it's incredibly poignant given the events of the last few weeks, with the killing of George Floyd, the global protest, and the overwhelming call for systemic change. Please consider buying her book (which is currently #15 on the NYT Bestseller list): I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness. 

Episode 232 | You are Not Alone and This Will Not Last Forever with Jessica Kantrowitz

Jessica Kantrowitz is a writer and theologian living in Boston, Massachusetts. She writes about theology, culture, social justice, and chronic illness, including her own struggles with depression and migraines. Her writing has been featured in places like Sojourners, Think Christian, The Good Men Project, and Our Bible App. She earned her MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

 

You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and you can purchase her new book, The Long Night: Readings and Stories to Help You Through Depression here. 

 

Episode 231 | Finding Grace for Yourself and Hope for the World

Click here to buy my new book, Shining Like the Sun: Seven Mindful Practices for Rekindling Your Faith. 

 

Episode 230 | What the Faith? With Allison Del Fium & Ashten Wickham

We live in a multi-faith society which often results in misinformation, ignorance, disagreements, hate speech, violence, and even wars. What the Faith is a new community born out of a desire for empathy rather than division. To find commonality in the midst of chaos. To find out more about What the Faith, check out this episode's show notes. 

Episode 229 | Beyond Awkward Side Hugs with Bronwyn Lea

Bronwyn Lea is the author of Beyond Awkward Side Hugs: Living as Brothers and Sisters in Christ in a Sex-Crazed World. Find out more about Bronwyn and her book by visiting this episode's show notes! 

Episode 228 | Resurrection with Amanda Held Opelt, Rachel Held Evans' sister

It's been almost a year since we lost our friend Rachel Held Evans. In fact, she was supposed to come out of her medically induced coma on Easter Sunday, 2019. Just two weeks after that, we lost her. I had the incredible opportunity to have a conversation with Amanda Held Opelt, Rachel's sister, about her journey of grief, the hope she's holding onto these days, and her renewed view about what resurrection means. 

Her words were powerful and inspiring; I hope you enjoy this conversation. 

Episode 227 | Good Friday Bonus Episode: Experiencing the Stations of the Cross

A custom of our Christian tradition is to keep vigil with Christ at different times and in different ways during Holy Week. One of the places from which we draw this custom is Jesus’ request to his disciples to keep watch while he prayed and agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane. We also know that there were those few—including Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ mother Mary, and the apostle John—who stayed near the cross and kept watch as Jesus suffered and died. Despite the horror of what was taking place, those most intimate with Jesus stayed with him to the end.

Walking and praying through the stations of the cross is one way we can keep vigil with Christ during these holy days. Traditionally, there are fourteen Stations of the Cross—most of them taken directly from Scripture, along with a few that have been passed down in Christian tradition.

This episode is based on An Invitation to Walk with Christ: Stations of the Cross Prayer Guide by Ruth Haley Barton. 

Exploring Further:
Transforming Resources; Lent Resources
Transforming Community
Ruth Haley Barton

Music Credit:
Lead me to Calvary performed by Don Moen, from the album Hymns of Hope
Were you There, performed by The Vigil Project (featuring Andrea Thomas), from the album  Vigil, Series 1
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, performed by Sandra McCracken, from the album She Reads Truth: Hymns

Episode 226 | Exploring Monastic Rhythms of Healthy Leadership with Jerome Daley

You know when you meet someone for the first time and find yourself agreeing with almost everything they say? That was how my entire conversation with Jerome Daley went. His emphasis on soul-care, on finding sane rhythms for your life, and on the contemplative journey was all water for my parched soul these days. 

For more, check out his amazing book, Gravitas: The Monastic Rhythms of Healthy Leadership.

Jerome Daley is an executive coach, retreat leader, and conflict consultant who is passionate about helping leaders thrive...and build thriving organizational cultures. With over 20 years in people development, he strengthens leaders in the journey toward true identity and vocational calling. Making his home in the mountains of North Carolina, he and his wife Kellie are parents of three grown children. His great delights are taking spiritual retreats, drinking good wine, backpacking in the mountains, and playing with his grandson. More at www.Thrive9solutions.com.