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The Sentence of Death
In Scripture, Paul describes feeling the "sentence of death" in his heart—a despair of life that leads to a loss of joy and sense that all good things are ending. As the "Guard Your Heart" series concludes, John, Alex, and Allen reveal ways to resist this attack and cultivate hope in our hearts.
164 | Fathering Sons and Daughters
Being the dad of a girl is a radically different experience than fathering a boy. Yes, every child has their own personality. But a boy and girl also provoke the heart of a father in uniquely specific ways. Sam and Blaine share stories of being dads to their sons and daughters - as well as what this season is revealing about them as men, husbands, and fathers. It's the beautifully messy, always new, never dull adventure of being a dad.
Don't Let Hate In
In Part 2 of the "Guard Your Heart" series, John and Stasi address how to invoke love against the raging hatred that's swirling in our world.
163 | Jonathan Tremaine Thomas: Civil Righteousness
Jonathan Tremaine Thomas is an actor, activist, pastor, producer, social entrepreneur, fifth generation “preacher’s kid”, and the grand-nephew of the legendary Civil Rights artist Dr. Nina Simone. In this timely and timeless conversation, he addresses the topic of racial justice and reconciliation through the unique lens of the gospel. He calls it Civil Righteousness and it involves four key pillars: 1) Engaging Justice, 2) Restoring Communities, 3) Mobilizing Allies, and 4) Building Bridges. Discover how God, at his core, is a healer - and what it looks like to participate in the restoration of all things in this chaotic moment in time.
The Kingdom of Your Heart
In the first of the Guard Your Heart podcast series, John and Stasi discuss the concept of governing our hearts and how - even in hard times - we have the choice whether to let our hearts be troubled.
162 | The Challenge of Change
We live in a polarizing time of stark opposites. The result is growing tension fueled by an odd swirling of opposition, offense, anger, and withdrawal. Sam and Blaine process what's going on behind the scenes - drawing on research and examples of why we believe certain things, how we process new information, and why true change is both more valuable and complex than we imagine.
A New Name
John, Stasi, JD, and Allen discuss the power of names - and reveal big news about Wild at Heart that you don't want to miss!
161 | Dan Allender: Forgiveness is Freeing
161 I Dan Allender: Forgiveness is Freeing Dan Allender believes forgiveness must be at the forefront of our actions - especially in these fragmented times. Rather than take offense, we're invited to create peace. Doing so is a necessity and a privilege that allows the love of God to heal a world filled with hate. When we stop trying to contain, control, or manage life and others, we can start participating in the kind of reconciliation that allows us to experience union and communion with others. Discover how genuine forgiveness is the necessary soil for kindness, generosity, and play to flourish freely in our hearts and relationships.
The Social Upheaval
As the world continues to be shaken, it's essential we keep our eyes on Jesus. John and Stasi recorded this special podcast installment June 3rd to provide guidance and prayer during these unprecedented times.
160 | Wendell Moss: Race, Trauma, and Masculinity
A few reminders. The gospel transcends every human identity and tells you a few important things about the world. Like, the fact that the human heart is fallen. It’s the original problem. It is the well from which all injustice and violence pours. And there’s Satan, God’s sworn enemy, who stokes human sin. But, thanks to the work of Jesus, we have a new heart. We have power over Satan and his kingdom. We offer the restoration of all things in real time into the world. This conversation between therapist Wendell Moss and Sam Eldredge is an onramp into the issues surrounding race, trauma, and masculinity. It first ran in July 2018, but we’re queuing it up again because here at And Sons we look for orientation. We look for trustworthy sages to give us direction in real time. We think you’ll find this conversation helpful, especially as you engage it in view of your position as a friend of Jesus, participating in the restoration of the heart and the overthrow of evil, alongside Jesus, your brother and captain. The books Moss recommends at the end are: Just Mercy (Bryan Stevenson), White Awake (Daniel Hill), Roadmap to Reconciliation (Brenda Salter McNeil).
Entrusted with Power
With compelling craftsmanship, Morgan Snyder invites us to explore more deeply our memories of being entrusted with power in gender-specific ways. Why is it so often mishandled—and how might the wielding of power change from a foundation of wholeheartedness? For more visit www.BecomingAKing.com.
159 | A Better Diagnosis
We often settle for a simple physical explanation when we're feeling down or off. So when a throbbing headache keeps you from an event of great joy, you assume it must be because you recently cut down on caffeine. Yet these simplistic diagnoses fail to account for the fact that we are beings of body, soul, and spirit - and every move in the direction of greater life will be opposed. Here are tools to better diagnose what's really going on when you sense things aren't right.
What Is the Most Important Thing?
Morgan spent two decades on a quest, looking for the path that could restore the heart of a man. During this launch week of his new book, Becoming a King, Morgan and his friends share what this journey has looked like for each of them. To discover more, visit www.BecomingAKing.com.
158 | Less Zoom. More Dirt.
The immaterial practices that fill our days (like those endless Zoom meetings) may be productive but they don't anchor us. Numerous studies show we need regular contact with the real. When we disconnect from the physical, we do our bodies and souls great harm. Something powerful happens when we go out for a run, walk barefoot in the grass, or spend time tending our garden. It turns out, we need dirt...literally. Sam and Blaine explore why our body, mind, and soul thrives on tactile connection to the physical world.
Inviting Others into Your Story
In the conclusion of this four-part series, the team discusses how to prepare and share your story - as well as some landmines to avoid.
157 | You Need a Therapist
Why is the decision to see a therapist the last resort for most of us? Sam and Blaine demystify the process by interviewing therapist Stacia Littlefield. She helps people navigate the terrain of their hearts to care for their inner places. In this conversation, Stacia sheds light on how the process works and why it leads to breakthrough. Because it's true - we all need a good therapist every now and then.