Faith Over Fear

We all have a God-given and holy desire to be fully known and wholly loved. But while that’s what we all want, what we all need, sadly, past wounds can cause us to withdraw and hide. But this only increases our shame. the God who sees us, knows us, and deeply loves us is, at this moment, relentlessly pursuing us and inviting us on a journey of healing. In this episode, Psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson, MD, invites us to experience deep healing and connection through Christ’s relentless love. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions) Resource mentioned: the Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves by Dr. Curt Thompson the Being Known Podcast by Dr. Curt Thompson Find Dr. Curt Thompson: On His website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group What resonated with you most in this episode? Prior to listening to this episode, how might you have described shame? Why might it be helpful or important to recognize how we experience shame physiologically? How does it feel to know we begin to experience shame as early as fifteen months? How often do your thoughts take on a condemning quality? In what areas of your life do you most feel unseen? What are some ways you allow yourself to be seen by God? What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever feel as if you are simultaneously controlled by your eating habits and that your eating habits are controlled by your emotions? Do you find yourself turning to food when stressed, sad, and overwhelmed, then battling guilt and shame later? We live in an often painful and overwhelming world that, sadly, leads many of us to numerous unhealthy coping mechanisms, those we've perhaps, sought solace in for so long, we fear we'll never be able to experience freedom in these areas. Praise God, that's not true! We can break free from self-destructive tendencies that often only lead to increased anxiety and shame, and in this episode, author and recovered food-addict Barb Raveling shares how.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Reference mentioned: Say Goodbye to Emotional Eating: 100 Renewing Exercises to Help You Break Free from the Control of Food  Find Barb Raveling: Amazon Her website Facebook Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: Her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group (Note: We encourage you to discuss the below in relation to any ineffective coping mechanism you practice, trading your coping method of choice for "foot" or "eating.)  Was resonated with you most in this podcast episode? How often do you cope with difficult emotions or stress through food? If often, can you think about when you first began to use food as a coping mechanism and what contributed to this? How aware of you are your thoughts before you turn to food or while you're eating for emotional reasons?  What are the two most frequent lies (if you're aware of them) that most tend to drive your eating?  Why might it be important to fight our unhelpful coping mechanisms from a thought, rather than behavioral perspective? When you use food to cope, how long does your sense of relief typical last, and what do you feel after? What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this podcast episode?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you wake up anxious first thing in the morning? Does your mind race with thoughts of what you need to get done today and what you failed to do yesterday? If this is a pattern for you, we challenge you to break the morning cycle of worry with prayer! In this episode preview from Teach Us to Pray, host Christina Patterson shares what to pray in the morning for a worry-free day.   Discover More Episodes of Teach Us to Pray with Christina Patterson: 3 Signs God Is Trying to Get Your Attention: https://apple.co/3pmZYHN / https://spoti.fi/42uBdYS  How to Turn Your Worries into Prayers: https://apple.co/3I4FPgd / https://spoti.fi/3VTyWUO  How to Pray When You Sense God Moving You In a New Direction: https://apple.co/42tOrVJ / https://spoti.fi/3BoBwIJ  Why Prayer Is So Hard: https://apple.co/3pz8jZ9 / https://spoti.fi/3LUNSx9   Follow the Teach Us to Pray Podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3NBnXgt Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3NXSghLSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following after Jesus as He guides, grows and empowers us to become all He created us to be takes courage because He often leads us into new areas where we feel stretched, uncertain, and ill-equipped. In those places, we can respond in one of two ways: we can allow our fears to drive our actions, or we can turn to God, trust in Him, and find strength and courage through our ever-deepening dependence. In this episode, Rebecca George, author of Do the Thing: Gospel Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl shares what God has taught her about moving forward, even when we feel afraid. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource mentioned:  Do the Thing: Gospel Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl Find Rebecca George at: Her website Facebook Instagram Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/Reflective questions: What are some ways you discern whether or not an idea or pursuit comes from God? How often do you tend to discount "small" tasks, opportunities, or roles? Why is it important to remain rooted in biblical truth as we pursue our callings or God-driven work? How can reflecting upon God's character increase our courage to step forward when we feel hesitant or afraid? What are some ways you strengthen yourself with truth when you feel tired or discouraged? What does it mean to you that, as a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit resides in you? What might it look like to "partner with God" as you pursue your calling? What is one action step God might be asking you to take after listening to this podcast?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us feel some level of anxiety during times of transition, especially if we're unsure as to what's ahead. We might allow our discomfort to keep us stuck in the past or trying to rush forward toward what we think or hope is ahead. If you can relate, you'll enjoy this episodes conversation with author and speaker Nicki Koziarz. (Scroll down for Discussion/Reflective questions.) Find Nicki Koziarz at: Her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Lessons From the Farm Podcast Her book: Your New Now: Finding Strength and Wisdom When You Feel Stuck Where You Are Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/Reflective questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? What season of life do you feel you are currently in? What do you find challenging about this season? In what way is, might God be, teaching and growing you in this season? How can remembering God's heart toward you help you gain peace, perseverance, and patience in your current season?  When have you seen God turn what felt like an "ugly" season into something beautiful? What is one action step God might want you to take based on what you learned through this episode? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When many of us learn about acts of evil, we might be tempted to shrink back in fear. However, when Peter Ash, founder of Under the Same Sun heard about the horrific abuses children with albinism suffered due to their disability, he knew he had to do something––even though, having albinism himself, could land him in danger as well. But he wasn't afraid because he knew the God who called him to this seemingly insurmountable assignment would go before him, walk beside, him, and give him everything he needed to advocate for those who, initially, had no voice. Reflecting upon all God has and is doing in and through the albinism community that is bringing God's light into some of the darkest places in our world, inspires us all to live more courageously for Christ.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflection questions.) Resource mentioned: Free 7-Day Devotional from Under the Same Sun Find Under the Same Sun: their website Facebook Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/Reflection questions: What resonated with you most in today's episode? What was your understanding of albinism prior to this episode? What thoughts and emotions did you experience upon hearing about some of the ways children with albinism have suffered? What most inspires you regarding Peter Ash's story? What does Under the Same Sun and the work they are doing reveal regarding our Father's heart? Why is prayer such an important aspect in helping these vulnerable children? How might God be asking you to get involved in helping to protect and advocate for the vulnerable and persecuted?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When life feels hard and confusing, it's easy to feel alone and unseen. Our dark or challenging circumstances might threaten to steal our hope. In those seasons, we can hold on to this truth: our God is, always has been, and always will be faithful. In this episode, popular Bible teacher Kelly Minter reminds us of God's faithfulness and provides insight regarding how this truth can add hope to even our most painful days.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resources Mentioned: Finding God Faithful by Kelly Minter Encountering God by Kelly Minter Find Kelly at: KellyMinter.com Instagram Facebook Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group What resonated with you most in this episode? Reflect on a challenging season you endured. In what ways can you see His faithfulness during that season? How can reflecting upon God's faithfulness to people from Bible times increase our faith and confidence during difficult times? What might "the buck stops here" mean for you?  What's the difference between getting stuck in bitterness and honestly evaluating and learning from our pasts? What might it look like for you personally to find your security in Christ? How can focusing on God's faithfulness help carry you through times of need? What is one step God might be wanting you to take after having listened to this episode?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some songs convey such depth, they grab, fill, nourish, and strengthen your soul. Brighter Days, by Blessing Offor reminds us that our God is good, loving, faithful, and true–even when our circumstances say otherwise, and He always, always has our best in mind. Believe, also by Blessing Offor, remind us that oftentimes God's version of what's best clashes, at least momentarily, with ours. But as Blessing's life reveals, we can trust that His best for us indeed will be good, even if the journey to that best feels hard, long, and painful.  Find Blessing Offor: On his website On Facebook Instagram YouTube Spotify Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us know the pain that can come from living outside of God's will. We might also have experienced the increased joy, healing, and freedom that comes from a close relationship with Him and following however He leads. And we want our loved ones to avoid our mistakes and experience the same soul-deep wholeness and fulfillment Christ offers. When our desires and doubts lead to fear, however, we're often tempted to respond in one of two counter-productive ways: We become overly pushy and risk creating increased barriers between our loves ones and God, or we lean the other way and don't speak truth when God leads us to do so for fear of pushing them away. Both scenarios often indicate we've taken on responsibilities God never assigned to us.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions) Find Ava Pennington: On her website On Facebook On Instagram Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group What most resonated with you in this episode? In relation to your friends or loved ones who don't follow Christ, or who appear to be venturing further from Him, which direction do you tend to lean: pushing them to change or overly-guarding your words for fear of making the situation or your relationship worse? What are some ways we can differentiate between sharing out of love and how much is pushing the other person? How might our anxiety and fear lead make it challenging to recognize the difference? Why is it important to recognize what is and isn't our role and what role belongs to God alone? How might reflecting upon God's heart and character help us entrust our loved ones to His care? What is one action step God might be asking you to take, having listened to this episode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At some point, we've probably all wrestled with the fear that God might ask us to do something that we not only don't want to do, but that will feel hard or painful. Maybe we're afraid, if we fully yield our lives to Him, He'll ask us to quit our jobs or move overseas. Or perhaps we fear He'll ask us to give up something we find deeply fulfilling. In those seasons, one question rises to the surface: Can we really trust that God wants us to live our best lives possible, has the power to bring that life about, and will faithfully guide us toward that? Ultimately, can we really believe He is good, even in this, whatever this is?   (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Find Jill Eileen Smith: Amazon Facebook Website Book mentioned: Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Find Wholly Loved: On their website Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  Join the Private Wholly Loved Community Facebook Group Discussion/reflective questions questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? What surprised you most regarding God's request to Abraham? Had you been Abraham, what emotions might you have wrestled with? What type of thoughts might have played through your mind as you journeyed to the location God showed you? This event recorded in Scripture can help us gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God the Father sending His Son to die for our sins. What does this account show you in relation to that? What might it reveal regarding God's heart toward you? Considering God's heart toward you, as revealed through Christ's death and resurrection (see Matthew 27-28 in the Bible), how might reflecting upon this illustration increase your peace the next time you feel afraid? This event recorded in Scripture also reveals God the Son's heart for us as well. The Bible tells us that He willingly chose to die for me and you. How can this knowledge help increase your peace the next time you feel afraid? How can remembering God's heart toward you increase your courage when you sense Him asking you to do something difficult or frightening? What is one action step He might be asking you to take based on what you heard in this episode? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.