Lifted By Love

If you're feeling the frustration of wanting to make positive changes but constantly struggling to balance personal desires with higher purpose, then you are not alone. You may be experiencing unhealthy feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness that are so common in our culture today. It's time to start cultivating healthy practices like community, empathy, and humility that can help you bring about a more abundant life.
In this episode, you will be able to:

Learn to combat burnout by moderating time.

Examine the intricate interplay between personal ambitions and ethical responsibilities to the community.

Develop the ability to live with authenticity while recognizing constraints on personal autonomy.



Appreciate the essential nature of fostering empathy and connections through daily practices.


My special guest is Drew Daniels @drewdaniels4
Say hello to Drew Daniels, a versatile musician and dedicated pastor who has navigated the intriguing intersection between life's passions and spiritual calling. With experience spanning from metal bands to acapella, Drew found his path leading him toward greater understanding of both his faith and the world around him. Venturing into seminary in pursuit of answers, he emerged with a unique perspective on how Christians can manage personal desires while maintaining their commitment to a higher spiritual ethic. Drew's experiences and heartfelt insights on striking this delicate balance are sure to inspire those grappling with this familiar struggle.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:

Visit Church on Boulevard's website to learn more about their services and events. churchonblvd.com

Follow Church on Boulevard on social media for updates and inspiration. @churchonblvd

Consider attending one of Church on Boulevard's in-person services if you live in the Richmond area.



Read up on the works of Korean-German philosopher Byung-Chul Han for further exploration of the limits of the self-optimization mindset and achievement society.

Consider exploring your own doubts and questions about faith through conversations, community and learning.



Resist the seductive nature of the achievement society and focus on finding balance between self-expression and community values.

Support independent content creators like Patricia Clarke and Drew Daniels by following their work and sharing with others.
www.patriciaclarke.org


Finding Deeper PlacesOne of the struggles people face in a deeply connected yet often lonely world is finding authentic connection with others and oneself. Taking time away from technology, noise, and the hamster wheel of daily life is essential for discovering deeper, more meaningful experiences. Engaging in activities such as prayer, meditation, or spending time in nature can tap into a sense of profundity that brings solace and comfort to the soul. Drew Daniels notes the importance of taking breaks from the constant stream of communication and stimulation to find those deeper places within. He suggests starting by unplugging from devices and dedicating mornings to meaningful practices like scripture reading, prayer, or deep breathing. Drew believes this approach can foster a more purposeful lifestyle and smoother connection with God and others.

Writer and speaker Amy Julia Becker joins us to share a story about her family's experience at a Taylor Swift concert. We talk about our unlikely friendship, somatic healing, our struggles with hyperdrive and hypervigilance, and when God gives us more than we can ask or imagine. I hope you enjoy this fun and uplifting conversation!

You can find links to her books and articles at:
www.amyjuliabecker.com, @amyjuliabecker
Podcast: amyjuliabecker.com/podcast/

Eleanor Angle tells her story of hope, resilience, and strength after experiencing a massive right brained ischemic stroke.
Texts mentioned:
Advent by Fleming Rutledge
Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Rehabilitation facility: www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com
Discussions for podcast groups:
1. What stood out to you most about Eleanor's story?
2. In what way do you see the paradox of God's absence and presence in the world around you?
3. How does social media add to your life? What does it take from you?
4. In your day-to-day life, what is something little or big that provides meaning?
Lectio Divina Text: John 1:1-5

In this episode, we discuss God's presence in us in the form of the Holy Spirit. This episode compliments the Lifted by Love workbook chapter entitled Who Am I? Emily DuBose, founder and director of The LightHouse RVA, tells her story of the non-profit she started for women in recovery, and how she learned to listen to God and take risks she never thought she would take.
*****
"The LightHouse RVA provides a joy-infusing community for women in recovery from addiction. Rooted in compassion, we believe that love heals the world one relationship at a time. Together, we have meals, participate in life-giving activities, serve in the community and connect with available resources to address needs. The LightHouse RVA is an invitation for each person to feel seen, known, and loved on their journey toward healing."
The age range is 21 to 75+
Email address: info@thelighthouserva.org
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 29051
Henrico, Va. 23238-9998
www.thelighthouserva.org
@theLightHouseRVA
Facebook: The LightHouse RVA

In this episode, Patricia talks with author David Zahl about Peter's reinstatement and low anthropology, a concept from his new book which is described as "perceptive, funny, subversive, and nourishing." Many of us spend our days feeling like we're the only one with problems, while everyone else has their act together. But the sooner we realize that everyone struggles like we do, the sooner we can show grace to ourselves and others. In this discussion, we discover a liberating view of human nature, showing why the good news of grace is so "urgent and appealing" today.
You can learn more about David Zahl and the organization, Mockingbird at www.mbird.com.