Faith Over Fear

In a world that is becoming increasingly disconnected, we crave deep, safe, and healthy relationships. But we've all experienced hurt that can make building those types of connection feel frightening. We might not even know exactly what that kind of relationship looks like. But as we grow closer to Christ and follow His lead, He will help us heal and gain the courage to unveil those places in our soul in which we most crave connection. To live more fully known so that we can experience being more wholly loved.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Find Michelle Lazurek: On her website Facebook Instagram 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 most resonated with you in this episode? What most tends to challenge your ability to connect deeply with others? How often do you feel able to live completely as yourself without feeling the need to hide (your opinions, emotions, needs, and desires), withdraw, or self-protect? What insecurities and lies tend to pop into your mind when you engage, or think of engaging with, others? What might it look like to turn to God when you feel vulnerable or rejected by others? What is one area in your life you wish you could feel more fully seen? Who is someone you can build a deeper relationship with, and what are some ways you can do that? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This is a continuation of the discussion Wholly Loved's Michelle Lazurek and Jennifer Slattery began last week on the courage and resiliency we gain through human connection. Neural scientist and psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson, who joined us two weeks ago, states, "The human brain can do really hard things for a really long time so long as it doesn't have to do them alone." While we understand, in today's increasingly disconnected and polarized culture, it can be challenging to build deep, healthy relationships, science, Scripture, and human experience tells us doing so is well worth the time, effort, and perseverance required for this level of connection. We are most courageous when we know we are seen, understood, accepted, and loved. (Want to help us encourage and support others who feel unseen and alone? Contact Jennifer at WhollyLoved.com. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Find Michelle: On her website Facebook Instagram Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? Prayerfully consider the depth of some of your closest relationships. How known and accepted do you tend to feel? Consider times when you feel reluctant to be vulnerable with others or feel judged and/or rejected by them. How much of those feelings might be connected to rejection or soul-wounds you've experienced in the past? When are times when you most long for connection? When are times when you most guard yourself against deeper connection, and what does this look like for you? When has someone surprised you with their level of care, compassion, or understanding during a time of need or anxiety, and how did this make you feel? While it isn't healthy to share all with everyone, it is important that we find "our people"–those who we are comfortable engaging with without withdrawing, pretending, or hiding the most vulnerable parts of ourselves. Who might God be encouraging you to go deeper with? What might that type of depth look like in this relationship? What is one action step God might be asking you to take having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Our world has become increasingly disconnected, where independence is often emphasized. This, and the past wounding that comes from engaging with imperfect people living in a broken world, can make it challenging to build deep, interconnected and interdependent relationships. We might even begin to believe that we can live life alone. But God invites us to find safe, loving people we can connect with, gain strength from, and experience support when circumstances feel hard and uncertain. In this episode, Wholly Loved's Michelle Lazurek and Jennifer Slattery discuss the courage that can come when we know we're not alone.  (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Find Michelle: On her website Facebook Instagram Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? What are some of the characteristics of healthy relationships? How would you describe "interdependency"? When do you tend to feel you most need the support of others? Who, in addition to God, do you most tend to turn to when you feel overwhelmed or frightened? How can (or has) leaning on others during difficulties help (or helped) increase your strength during stressful times? How can our living deeply connected with others help us experience God's love on a deeper level? What is one action step God might be asking you to take having listened to this episode?   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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?    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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/3NXSghL Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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?  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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?  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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?    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.