How do we know who to trust in life’s most harrowing moments? In this episode, I sit down with Anita Anello, a business owner and successful software executive, and we discuss the life experiences that taught her this lesson. Tune in!

"How do I walk through this in a way that it's used for something that has a greater purpose than maybe I would have chosen for myself?"

In this episode of the Mercycast, Raleigh Sadler talks with Valerie Althaus about living with chronic pain. Valerie shares her personal experience of living with chronic pain and how she has learned to manage it. She emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and engaging in hobbies that bring joy and distraction. Valerie also discusses the internal work of accepting and reframing pain, shifting from asking 'why' to asking 'how' to live with it. She encourages listeners to start where they are, acknowledge their pain, and find hope in the bigger picture of eternity.

What do we do when we can’t do what we want to do?

In this episode, Marilette Sanchez, a New Yorker as well as a field director with FamilyLife, shares her journey of navigating identity crises and finding purpose in her vocation in the midst of life's challenges.

Can you return the "gift" of singleness? Can you get store credit?

In this episode, Raleigh Sadler and Ryan Wekenman, drawing from their personal experiences, explore the challenges of singleness and the significance of finding community and embracing the present moment. They candidly discuss the well-meaning but often hurtful comments single people receive and the societal pressure to find a spouse. Ryan shares his journey of self-discovery and learning to invite God into his singleness. Raleigh reflects on the gift of singleness and the need to reframe our perspective on singleness as an opportunity for growth and connection with God and others. The conversation is a deep dive into viewing singleness in a different light and finding gratitude in every stage of life. It underscores the importance of embracing weaknesses, owning who you are, and not comparing yourself to others. They even share their unique experiences of being single pastors and the misconceptions surrounding singleness. The main takeaway is a call to celebrate where you are, whether married or single.

God doesn't give you more than you can handle, right?

In this conversation, Jennifer Greenberg, author of the new book Defiant Joy, joins MercyCast to discuss the problem of Christian cliches and platitudes. We delve into how these cliches can be lazy and theologically inaccurate, potentially causing harm instead of providing help. Jennifer's personal journey, escaping an abusive childhood home and grappling with the misunderstanding of Christians who used platitudes instead of offering genuine support, forms a significant part of our discussion. We also underscore the importance of speaking out against abuse and defending the vulnerable in the church. Jennifer's emphasis on standing firm in the face of opposition and self-doubt, and trusting in God's faithfulness, resonates deeply. 

The pain that we experience can illuminate where we have placed our identity.

Chuck and Ashley Elliott, authors of a new book, I Used to Be ___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward, discuss the intersection of identity and loss, particularly in the context of recurrent miscarriage. They share their personal experiences and how they reacted incongruently to their identity. They emphasize the importance of facing loss and allowing oneself to be seen as they are in moments of pain. They also discuss the role of idols in our lives and the need to reset our identity in Christ. Gratitude is highlighted as a way to avoid idolatry and find healing during transition. In this conversation, Chuck and Ashley discuss the importance of inviting God into our negative spaces and facing our shame and fears. They emphasize the need to hold onto truth and scripture during transition and loss. They also highlight the value of building healthy habits and relationships in our everyday lives to prepare us for difficult times. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace vulnerability and seek God's presence in their struggles.

What does it mean to depend on God?

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Jessica Hurlbut, a pastor, podcast host, and author of Unlimited Motherhood. Jessica's story is one of unwavering strength and resilience as she shares her journey of raising two children with severe autism. Her experience has not only challenged her Faith and perfectionism but also inspired her to trust in God and let go of her need for control. Jessica's profound insights on the value of every human being, regardless of their abilities or achievements, are a testament to her unconditional love. The conversation delves into the theology of glory and the theology of the cross, shedding light on the struggle of perfectionism and the necessity to embrace suffering. It underscores the significance of leaning on God and relying on Him in difficult times. We explore the concept of Faith, urging listeners to focus on what they can do now rather than worrying about the future. The conversation also touches on the idea that God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, even amid limitations and challenging circumstances.

How important is our understanding of Theology?

Flame, a Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award-winning hip-hop artist and author, shares his journey of theological transformation and the freedom he found in understanding the gospel. He discusses the importance of theology and the dangers of living by works instead of Grace. Flame emphasizes the need to revisit Scripture and church history to understand God's love and atonement better. He encourages listeners to find comfort in the gospel and to seek out a church that understands the word of God and sacraments. Flame also highlights the release of his album, Freedom Lessons, which brings Luther's Small Catechism into a contemporary context, making it more accessible and relatable for modern listeners.  

Wait. Is weakness a good thing?

Eric Shoemaker and I delve into weakness and vulnerability in this deeply personal conversation. We share our experiences and reflections, recounting moments when we felt weak and vulnerable and how we found strength in Christ. We explore the origins of weakness in the Garden of Eden and the consequences of sin, drawing parallels to our own lives. We also discuss the reality of death and the need for God's strength, sharing how we have personally experienced His strength in times of loss. This conversation is a testament to the importance of embracing weakness and finding strength in Christ, as we have seen it transform our lives. It underscores the biblical perspective on weakness and the transformative power of relying on God's strength. Eric Schumacher, in particular, shares how Jesus' display of weakness on the cross was a moment of great strength, demonstrating his victory over sin, Satan, and death. He emphasizes that through faith in Jesus, believers can find strength and security, not in their abilities or the approval of others, but in their union with Christ.

Sometimes, when you care for the needs of others, you forget to care for yourself.

Enter Dr. Maureen Michele Petersen. She is a physician, life coach, mom, and author of the new book Reclaiming Life: A Guide for Parents of Chronically Ill Children. She shares her journey in this episode as a mother of a chronically ill child and offers insights on caring for others while practicing self-care. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude, viewing challenges as gifts, and understanding the beauty of life's dichotomy. Dr. Petersen highlights the significance of emotional health and provides strategies for recognizing and processing emotions. She encourages journaling as a tool for self-reflection and suggests seeking help and support when facing difficult situations.

How do you trust when everything you experience tells you to do the opposite?

In this episode, Michelle Cushatt, author of A Faith that Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World is Falling Apart, shares her transformative journey of maintaining faith amid suffering. She discusses the challenges she faced when diagnosed with cancer three times and how it affected her identity as a communicator. Michelle's story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and hope. She emphasizes the importance of relinquishing control and trusting in God's faithfulness. She encourages listeners to remember God's past faithfulness and to find light in the darkness. Michelle also highlights the practice of waiting and the significance of lament in the midst of pain. Her hope is contagious. You will enjoy this conversation. 

How do we grow as leaders?

In this conversation, seasoned CEO and New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author Gary Harpst shares his experiences and insights on leadership, faith, and the power of relationships. He discusses the challenges of facing reality and making tough decisions, emphasizing the importance of perspective and learning from failures. Harpst highlights the role of faith and trust in leadership, stressing the need to define purpose and lead oneself before leading others. He also explores the power of relationships and the significance of embracing imperfection and dealing with failure. Harpst brings us back to the Gospel by discussing the supernatural love of God and its impact on leadership. If you are a leader, this episode is for you.

What happens when dawn tarries?

Last week's episode discussed finding hope in trials and how God can heal. In this episode, I want to return to the idea of suffering and explore the question of what happens when you aren't healed and live with chronic pain or suffering with Karis Meier, author of 'Suffering Redeemed.' She shares her journey of living with chronic illness and finding joy and beauty amid suffering. We discuss the importance of vulnerability, receiving from God, and surrendering to His will. Karis encourages listeners to embrace the mystery of suffering and to focus on God's faithfulness and love. The conversation highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it.

Where can you find hope in chronic illness?

In this episode, Gentry Colson and I discuss suffering and finding hope in the midst of it. Gentry shares her journey with chronic Lyme disease and how she found purpose and faith amid her suffering. We explore the theology of glory versus the theology of the cross and the importance of shifting to an eternal perspective. Gentry encourages listeners to be vulnerable, seek community in times of suffering, and trust in God's faithfulness, even when healing doesn't come as expected.

How can we respond when we don’t have the words?

In this episode, Jessika Sanders and Eric Schumacher discuss their book, In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child and Baby in a Medical Crisis. They share their personal experiences of going through a medical crisis with their child and how they found comfort and strength through prayer. The book contains prayers for various situations and offers support and encouragement for families facing similar challenges. They emphasize the importance of depending on God and trusting His faithfulness during difficult times.

In this episode, my guest, Michelle McKinney Hammond, author of When Shift Happens, and I discuss embracing change and growth and Denzel Washington and the Gospel.

Can you be real about your false self?

She made international headlines as she advocated for the release of her husband from prison. However, she was in a prison of her own. In this conversation, Naghmeh Panahi shares her journey of self-discovery and recognizing and shedding the false self. She discusses the pressure to hold her marriage together and the fear of divorce. Naghmeh, author of I Didn't Survive: Emerging Whole After Deception, persecution, and Hidden Abuse, emphasizes the importance of caring for the vulnerable and the need to challenge cultural and religious norms that perpetuate abuse. She also highlights the transformative power of embracing change and renewal. At the heart of this conversation lies the importance of stripping away the false self and embracing suffering to find true freedom and redefine success.

Have you ever felt stressed at the thought of being around others?

In this episode, I discuss social anxiety with Tamara Pflug, a fun and confidence coach. That's her role to help others embrace fun and confidence in their daily lives. So, I had to have her on the show to help us understand social anxiety and find a way forward. We explore the rise of social anxiety during the pandemic and the challenges of re-entering social situations. Tamara shares her personal experience of comparing herself to others and how she recognized that her thoughts were not reality. We discuss the life cycle of social anxiety and the importance of paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Tamara emphasizes accepting and embracing social anxiety as a part of our humanity.