In episode 17, Ramonita and Erin candidly share their personal battles with anxiety, reflecting on how family history, life experiences and unrealistic expectations have influenced their mental health. They explore various coping mechanisms, including therapy, exercise, journaling, and spirituality, while confronting the challenges of medication and the stigma of mental health within Christian communities. We hope this episode is an offering of hope and strategies to listeners grappling with similar issues, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches to managing anxiety and the role of faith in their healing journey.Key Takeaways:* Exploring anxiety as a spiritual attack and its impact on faith and reliance on God.* Recognizing anxiety's impact on behavior, self-preservation, and the constant pursuit of safety AND discovering the connection between control, perfectionism, and anxiety triggers.* The benefits of therapy and practical tools for managing anxious thoughts and emotions.* The significance of speaking out anxious thoughts and rewriting the internal narrative for mental well-being.* Addressing anxiety within the church and the impact of faith and spiritual warfare.Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

In this episode, Emily Birrell shares her story of overcoming fear, anxiety, and the reshaping of her distorted views of God. Growing up in a home with a father battling addiction and mental health issues, Emily struggled to understand God's love and experienced a distorted view of Him. However, through prayer and seeking, she began to experience God's love and grace in a new way. Her story is full of moments of God grace and sweetness in her life and a testament of the ways that God becomes for us what we may lack at times on earth. Emily's story is a testament to the healing power of God and the importance of community in our journey of faith.Key Takeaways:* Growing up in a home with addiction and mental health issues can distort our view of God and create fear and anxiety.* Serving others can be a healing experience and help shift our focus and perspective of God.* God reveals Himself as a perfect Heavenly Father through His love, pursuit, and faithfulness.* Fear is NOT our identity!* Overcoming fear and anxiety involves surrendering control and trusting in God's perfect love.Connect with Emily:https://www.ebirrell.comInstagram: @TheEmilyBirrellConnect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

In this episode, Ramonita and Erin discuss the power of waiting on miracles. They share their own personal stories and insights on how they maintain hope and faith in the midst of waiting. They emphasize the importance of trusting in God's timing and surrendering to His plan—even when it is so difficult to wait. The conversation highlights the transformative journey that occurs while waiting for a miracle and the lessons we learn along the way.Key Takeaways:* Waiting for a miracle is a journey that requires patience and faith. It is important to trust in God's timing and believe that He is working all things together for our good.* Miracles may not always happen instantly or in the way we expect. It is crucial to release our own understanding and surrender to God's plan, even if it looks different from what we envisioned.* The process of waiting for a miracle can lead to personal growth and transformation. It provides an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and develop qualities such as perseverance, trust, and hope.* Remembering past miracles and God's faithfulness can provide encouragement and strengthen our faith while waiting for new miracles to unfold.* Holding onto hope is a choice. It is important to choose hope and not allow disappointment or fear to hinder our faith. Hope allows us to remain expectant and open to the miracles that God has in store for us.Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

In this episode, Ben Herr shares his personal journey of faith and how he encountered Jesus in a transformative way at the age of 18. He discusses the foundation of his faith growing up in a conservative Baptist family and the pivotal moments of his life that solidified his relationship with Jesus. Ben is honest about the challenges he has faced in his marriage and as a father, and how God used these experiences to shape him into a more loving and selfless person. His story is one that will remind you of the miracles we still wait for and how to keep hope in the midst of that waiting—even when it is so painful. We know you will love Ben’s story and will be so inspired by his faith and steadfast hope in Jesus.Key Takeaways:* Ben’s encounter with Jesus on a hiking trip transformed his life and led him to pursue full-time ministry.* The importance of self-reflection and examining our own brokenness in order to grow and change.* The power of sacrificial love in marriage and parenting, and how it can truly transform relationships.* The journey of navigating a child's decision to walk away from faith and the importance of remaining hopeful and steadfast in prayer.* The role of Scripture in guiding and transforming our lives, and the importance of daily seeking God through prayer and meditation.Ben Herr has dedicated his life to serving young people. A graduate of the University of Oregon with a BS in Finance, Ben found his calling in youth ministry during his time as a Young Life volunteer. He joined Young Life staff in 1984, serving in various leadership roles until 2008, including managing the development of Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch.Married to Judy since 1984 and father to three daughters, Ben continued his commitment to community service as the Executive Director of the Master’s Plan Foundation from 2008 to 2020 and as a volunteer with Young Life. Currently, he helps lead a college ministry at George Fox University and serves on the board of Safe Families for Children in Portland. Ben and Judy now live in Dundee, close to their family and grandchildren.To connect with Ben, email us at come.union.info@gmail.com and we will connect you!Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

In this episode, co-hosts Erin and Ramonita dive deep into their personal ministry journeys, sharing the highs and lows of their experiences serving in the church. They touch upon the critical importance of maintaining a strong connection with God amidst the demands of ministry and open up about their struggles with burnout. Throughout the conversation, they dissect the pressures of performing versus serving from a genuine place, setting realistic expectations for themselves, and the essential role of encouraging leadership in fostering a healthy ministry environment.Erin and Ramonita also highlight the pivotal reason behind their commitment to ministry—Jesus. They provide practical advice for anyone navigating the complexities of church service, emphasizing that true ministry extends beyond official titles and into daily acts of kindness and connection with everyone we incounter. Join Erin and Ramonita as they offer insights and encouragement for anyone involved in or contemplating church ministry, highlighting that the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about communal contribution.Key Takeaways:* Intimacy Over Performance:** Ministry should spring from a deep, personal relationship with Christ, not from a desire to perform or impress others.* Recognize Your Season:** Understanding and accepting the fluctuating capacities we have in different life stages can help manage expectations and prevent burnout.* Ministry Everywhere:** Serving God isn't confined to structured church roles; it encompasses all forms of interactions and relationships in our daily lives.* Stay Rooted in Your 'Why':** It’s vital to continually recall the core of our faith—Jesus—to avoid being disillusioned by the imperfections of human-led institutions.* Be Solution-Focused:** Actively seeking ways to contribute to the betterment of the church can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and service.

In this episode, Berm Dorante shares his journey of resilience and the healing power of worship and community. From his early encounters with church and music in Kansas City to his move to Jacksonville, Florida, Berm found peace and refuge in his faith and in worship music. He discovered his talent and passion for singing in eighth grade, which ignited his love for leading worship. Throughout his journey, Berm experienced both growth and challenges in his role in the church, which prompted him to reevaluate his approach and focus on personal healing and growth. He shares his experiences of working in ministry, the complexities of faith, and the importance of forgiveness and seeking God's will in his life. This is an episode that will speak to all who have experienced the beauty and the brokenness that can be found in ministry & church—and yet the hope that is still found in Christ in the midst of it all when we put our focus back where it belongs. We can’t wait for you to hear Berm’s story and be encouraged to keep going in your faith!Key Takeaways:* Berm's early encounters with church and music in Kansas City laid the foundation for his deep connection to his faith and his love for worship.* Worship became a refuge for Berm during challenging times in his life, and he found peace and healing through music and the presence of God.* Berm's passion for worship led him to pursue ministry and attend a ministry school, where he learned valuable skills in leading worship and serving others.* He experienced both growth and challenges in his role in the church, which taught him the importance of setting boundaries and seeking God's will above all else.* Berm's journey in worship has been transformative, and he has witnessed the power of worship to bring healing, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of forgiveness and faith.Berm Dorante, based in Nashville, TN, is a worship leader and songwriter. He attends church at the Belonging Co. where he volunteers as a youth leader and dedicates his time to encouraging and investn in the next generation. Berm's passion for nurturing faith through music and ministry can be followed through on his social media on Instagram and TikTok at @berm.mscConnect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

This is an episode you will not want to miss because it Come.Union’s very own Erin Olinger!In this episode, Erin Olinger, co-host of the Come.Union Podcast shares her personal journey of finding validation and worth in the midst of never feeling enough or at times, a little too much. She discusses her struggles with an eating disorder in middle school and how she found healing and hope. Erin also talks about her career in the music industry and the moment she felt called to walk away and pursue a different path into ministry. It was during this time of her life that she finally finds out what it means to take off the mask she has been wearing because she believed she was not enough and starts to see who God says she is. She learns about vulnerability and how sharing her life can also lead to feeling like she was too much for others. In the midst of it all, she shares the importance of recognizing God's voice that says she is enough and learning to believe that God has created her for such an incredible purpose, even if she is not every person’s cup of tea. Key Takeaways:* The importance of having mentors in our life to have support and guidance during the young years of adolescence. * Eating disorders are not always about body image but can stem from a desire for control and a fear of not being enough.* Hearing God's voice and following His leading can bring peace and clarity, even in difficult decisions.* It's important to recognize and challenge the lies we believe about ourselves and replace them with the truth of God's love and acceptance.* Hurt people hurt people, but healed people can bring healing to others.* God's peace doesn't need our circumstances to be in alignment. God's peace can say, 'This feels like it makes no sense, but I'm going to give you peace because it's what I want you to do."* God's peace is how we can recognize God's voice. It's not always audible, but it brings a deep sense of peace and assurance.Connect with Erin:Instagram:@ErincolingerEmail: erincolinger@gmail.comConnect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

S2E10: Searching For BelongingIn this episode, Ramonita and Erin discuss the importance of being authentic and vulnerable in a world that often makes us feel invisible. They reflect on their own experiences of searching for belonging and share how they have learned to embrace their true selves, who God created on purpose, for a purpose. They also explore the concept of fitting in versus belonging and the impact it has on our mental and emotional well-being. Through their personal stories and insights, they inspire listeners to embrace their uniqueness and find their place in the world.Key Takeaways:* Belonging is a basic human need, and we are created to find places of belonging.* Fitting in is about wanting to be a part of something else, while belonging is about being wanted and accepted for who you truly are.* It is important to know and accept who we are at our core, regardless of societal expectations or pressures.* Surrounding ourselves with safe and supportive people who accept us for who we are is crucial for our well-being.* Vulnerability and authenticity are key to building deep and meaningful connections with others.Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscribe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

Episode 9 features our friend Jana Kelsay and we can’t wait for you to listen. Jana Kelsay is an American-born Chinese woman who grew up in Portland, Oregon. She is passionate about supporting marginalized communities and finding ways to make people feel valued, seen, heard, and cared for. Jana has a degree in organizational communications and has worked in various administrative support roles for over 15 years. She is currently building her own virtual administrative services business and is actively involved in volunteering and connecting with her community.In this episode, Jana shares her journey of navigating the complexities of her identity as an Asian-American. She discusses growing up between two different worlds, feeling invisible, and the impact of cultural assimilation. Jana also talks about her experience of reclaiming her cultural heritage and finding her voice in a world that often overlooked her. She shares personal stories of family struggles, mental health challenges, and the miraculous recovery of her son after a traumatic incident. Through it all, Jana's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the unending journey towards self-discovery.Key Takeaways:* Navigating the complexities of identity as an Asian-American can be challenging, especially when caught between two different worlds.* Reclaiming cultural heritage and finding our voice is a powerful journey of self-discovery and empowerment.* Forgiveness and reconciliation are ongoing processes that require time, understanding, and boundaries.* Mental health and therapy can play a crucial role in healing, self-acceptance, and personal growth.* Advocating for marginalized communities and creating spaces of belonging is a powerful way to make a positive impact.To connect with Jana, follow her on instagram @jkelsay or check out her website www.janakelsay.comConnect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscibe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

In season 2, episode 8 of the Come.Union podcast, Ramonita and Erin discuss the powerful quote, "Scars don't bleed, wounds do," shared by their previous guest, Faith Corley. They explore the concept of healing from trauma and how scars serve as reminders of past wounds. They share personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of allowing ourselves time to heal and recognizing trauma responses. They also discuss the significance of forgiveness, even when an apology is not received, and the role of safe communities and therapy in the healing process.Key Takeaways:* Healing from trauma takes time and should not be rushed. Just like physical wounds, emotional wounds need time to scab, heal, and eventually form scars.* Scars serve as reminders of past wounds, but they no longer cause pain. They are indications of healing and growth.* Trauma responses can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, overthinking, or projecting past hurts onto current relationships. Recognizing these responses is crucial for healing and growth.* Healing can come from various sources, including therapy, safe communities, and the support of loved ones. It is important to find healthy ways to process and heal from past wounds.* Forgiveness is a personal choice and can be given even when an apology is not received. It allows us to release the burden of holding onto anger and resentment.Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscibe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

"Scars don't bleed. Wounds bleed." - FaithSeason 2, Episode 7 is with Faith Corley, a former board-certified music therapist and mental health counselor who shares her own story of healing from trauma and heartache she has experienced. Faith opens up about her challenging childhood, the impact of her father's harmful beliefs, and how her view of God was shaped by her family dynamics. Faith also discusses meeting her ex-husband and the abusive relationship that followed in her marriage to him that ultimately lead to divorce. Despite the difficulties she faced, Faith found strength in relationship with Jesus and the support of her community. She gives us a great perspective of what it looks like to heal in the midst of our grief and not lose hope in the process. Faith also shares the journey towards and role of forgiveness and boundaries in her healing process that ultimately lead her to her husband, Alex, with whom she gets to raise their incredible children.Key Takeaways:* Discussions about a childhood marked by strained family dynamics and harmful beliefs that shape our view of God.* Walking into and through an abusive relationship and the feeling being trapped and manipulated.* Finding the strength to leave an abusive relationship and seek healing through therapy and the support of community.* Learning the importance of forgiveness and setting boundaries in order to fully heal.Don’t miss this story of healing through heartache from our sweet friend, Faith! Get ready to be inspired by her wisdom and encouraged by her heart!Faith is married to her husband, Alex, and is mom to three young boys, ages 3, 6, and 8. She currently teaches music part time at her sons’ school, serves on the board of a local non-profit, and helps lead a group for moms at her church. Faith enjoys yoga, tennis, the beach, making music, reading, speaking Spanish, and traveling. Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscibe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

"Our need for control is evidence of our lack of faith." - Ramonita"Sometimes we have to feel out of control in order to realize that God is in control." - ErinIn episode 6 of Season 2, we discuss the topic of control and how it affects our lives—and the struggles that come with seeking it. We explore the idea that our need for control stems from a desire for safety and security. We also reflect on our own experiences of wrestling with God's plans and the importance of faith in letting go of control. We touch on the concept of controlling the narrative and the impact of social media on our need for control. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of trusting in God's control and finding peace in surrendering to His plans—even when we do not understand them.Key Takeaways:* Our need for control is often rooted in a desire for safety and security.* Wrestling with God's plans is a natural part of our faith journey, but ultimately, choosing obedience and surrender leads to growth and blessings.* Trying to control the narrative or what others think of us is a futile effort that only leads to anxiety and insecurity.* Trusting in God's control and letting go of our own need for control brings peace and freedom.* Social media can exacerbate our need for control, but recognizing that we can't control others' perceptions or opinions is liberating.Join the conversation! Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscibe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

Episode 5 is jam packed with insight and wisdom as we invite Deb Williams to share her inspiring story of faith and obedience. From her unexpected journey to Georgetown University to her having an incredible career at Nike—and then walking away, Deb's story is a testament to the power of listening to God's voice and following His plan—even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else. She discusses the importance of trusting God's provision, finding peace in His guidance, and the challenges of silencing other voices for validation. Deb's story serves as a reminder that obedience to God's calling may not always make sense, but it leads to incredible blessings and deeper transformation.Key Takeaways:* Trusting God's plan and provision can lead to unexpected blessings and transformation.* God's voice often speaks in whispers, and His guidance can be discerned through peace and provision.* Obedience to God's calling may conflict with rational decisions and the opinions of others.* Wrestling with doubts and uncertainties is a natural part of the faith journey.* Faith requires surrendering control and trusting that God's plan is greater than our own.Don’t miss this incredible story of our dear friend, Deb Williams! You will walk away challenged and encouraged, no doubt!Deb Williams is a brand marketing strategist, storyteller, and creative visionary. She is a double graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Deb's journey has been marked by her commitment to using the power of storytelling to bring about meaningful connections and positive change in the world. She sees stories as a powerful tool to not only connect people but also contribute to the transformation of the world.To connect with Deb: Follow on instagram @debfayewmsAnd…Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscibe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

Confessing the lies we believe and sharing them with others diminishes their power over us. -The Come.Union Podcast In episode 3 of season 2, Ramonita and Erin discuss the power of replacing the lies we believe about ourselves with the truth. Inspired by their guest from episode 3, Mark Godbolt, Ramonita and Erin explore how lies can impact our relationships—and how speaking the truth can lead to forgiveness and healing. They focus on the importance of inviting others into our stories in order to help identify and challenge the lies we believe. They also highlight the significance of reading and understanding God's Word for ourselves—rather than relying solely on others' interpretations—in order to replace lies with truth, ultimately leading to freedom and reconciliation.Key Highlights from this episode:* The impact of lies: The lies we believe about ourselves can have a significant impact on our relationships and overall well-being.* Speaking the truth: Speaking the truth and confessing the lies we believe is a crucial step towards forgiveness and healing.* Inviting others into our stories: Inviting trusted individuals into our stories can help identify and challenge the lies we believe and provide accountability.* The power of God's Word: Reading and understanding God's Word is essential for replacing lies with truth and experiencing freedom.* Choosing forgiveness: Forgiveness is a choice that allows us to extend grace and mercy to others, just as God has extended it to us.* Confession of lies: Ramonita and Erin discuss the lies they are currently confronting in their own lives.Don’t miss this incredible episode and the honesty that is shared!Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscibe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

We have so many powerful stories being told in Season 2 of the Come.Union Podcast and this week we get to introduce you to the incredible Mark Godbolt!In Episode 3 of the Come.Union Podcast we invite our guest, Mark Godbolt, to share his powerful story of healing and reconciliation. From a difficult childhood marked by abuse and absent fathers to finding his purpose and starting a community of men that is focused on healing through transparency, accountability, and humility—Mark's journey is one of humility, faith, obedience and forgiveness. He discusses the importance of forgiveness—of self and others—the impact of toxic relationships, and the transformation that comes from seeking God's love. Mark's story serves as a reminder that no matter our past, we can find healing and break free from the lies we believe to start walking in truth!Key Highlights:* Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation.Mark discusses his journey of forgiving the ones who have hurt him the most, including himslf and the breakthrough that happened as a result.* Toxic relationships can have a lasting impact, but we have the power to break free from their hold.Mark explains the impact that abuse had on his life and the addictions it lead to—AND how he broke free from their hold on his life.* Seeking God's love and guidance leads to transformation and a renewed sense of purpose. Mark tells us about the transformation journey of his life when he stopped beliving lies and started to believe truth.* Building a community of support and accountability is essential for personal growth and healing.Mark's journey of healing and reconciliation has inspired many, and he is dedicated to helping others find their purpose and live a fulfilling life through “The Memo.”Where you can find Mark:On instagram @markzgodbolt In 2021 Mark founded “The Memo,” a community of men focused on transparency, accountability, and humility. They host weekly virtual Bible studies, in-person gatherings and retreats all centered around their mission: From him, Through us, For all.For more info on “The Memo” email Mark at markzgodbolt@gmail.com Mark is also the co-host of The Godbolt Life podcast, where he and his wife, Jade Godbolt, share their experiences and insights on marriage and faith. To listen, check them out on instagram @thegodboltlife.Connect with us!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscibe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

Grief is a complex and multifaceted emotion, right?! We know that grief can come from many forms of loss, including the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the transition from one phase of life to another. In this episode we explore the different aspects of grief and how it impacts our relationships with God, self and others. We dive into the reality of grief being a journey and what it looks like to walk through grief well, both with yourself and with others.Key Takeaways* Grief is a deeply personal and individual experience, and everyone processes it differently. It is important to recognize and respect the unique ways in which people grieve.* Supporting someone through grief requires empathy, understanding, and the willingness to hold space for their emotions. It is crucial to avoid judgment and allow them to grieve in their own way.* Loss and grief can occur in various forms, including the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the transition from one phase of life to another. Each type of loss requires its own unique approach to support and navigate the grieving process.What you will hear:Timestamp Summary00:01:17 A listener's question about supporting someone through grief00:02:19 The importance of understanding different ways of grieving00:07:26 Supporting others during grief00:11:06 The fear of unsaid things and the importance of forgiveness00:15:29 Grief in the loss of friendships00:15:01 Grief beyond death: loss of relationships and transitions00:32:34 The example of Jesus and his relationships00:38:06 Grieving previous versions of ourselves00:43:19 Seeking answers and resources for griefSUBSCRIBE and leave us a review!!!FOLLOW US and join the community on Instagram at @come.unionHosts: Ramonita Smith @_ramonitasmith and Erin Olinger @erinolingerProducer: Dan Nelson

It’s the Season 2 premiere of the Come.Union Podcast! Your hosts, Erin Olinger and Ramonita Smith, are so excited for this new season and their refreshed vision for the show!In Season 2, you will still find all that you loved about season 1, but this season is all about sharing personal stories—featuring some of their closest friends—and how they found reconciliation with God, self, and others in the midst of their stories.The first special guest is John Olinger, who happens to also be Erin’s husband. :)John shares his journey of losing his mother at a young age, the transformation and impact of relationships in his life, lessons he learned about identity in difficult moments, his journey of working at NIKE, and learning the importance of “winning where it’s worthy.” He also shares what he learned through losing his father three years ago and how that loss has shaped his life and mission since. Key Highlights:* Difficult losses lead to worthy winsJohn’s story revolves around the theme of "difficult losses and worthy wins." This title encapsulates the journey of reconciliation that he has experienced in his life. Through John’s life, he has learned that through facing and overcoming challenges, we can achieve meaningful victories.* Turning to God in griefOne of the key themes in John's story is his ability to turn to God in times of grief. Despite experiencing difficult losses, such as the passing of his mother and father, John chose to lean on his faith rather than turn away from it. This choice is particularly remarkable considering that many people often become angry with God or question their faith when faced with such tragic circumstances.* Identity is not defined by achievementsRegardless of success in his career at Nike, John shares his learnings through many moments of his life that showed him how much our identity is not defined by what we achieve but by who we are and were made to be.John is a strategic consultant, executive coach, and keynote speaker. He uses his expertise in strategy, marketing, and storytelling to empower organizations and individuals to get worthy wins. John plans to publish his first book in 2024.To find out more about WORTHY WINS and the work John is doing, go to worthywins.co and follow him @johnolinger.Listen NOW!Follow us on instagram @come.union Subscibe to our newsletter at come-union.com and subscribe to the podcast on this listening platform too!

Merry Christmas from Come.Union! In this special Christmas episode, titled "The Gift of Reconciliation," Ti-Ti and Erin delve into the topic of reconciliation during the holidays amid the joys and occasional dark clouds that may loom over the season. They explore the connection between Jesus' arrival on earth and the significance of reconciliation in His coming. While sharing their joy, they also express the challenges of the holiday season with honesty and offer encouragement to navigate it with intention. Join us for an incredible episode that will leave you with much to ponder this Christmas season! A snapshot of the episode: * The Christmas Crazies: our obnoxious love for Christmas* The real reason we love Christmas* Jesus as a symbol of God’s reconciliation* Reconciliation is running towards not away* An invitation and challenge for this Christmas season

Summary:Ti-Ti and Erin open up about their recent experiences and the masks they have worn in their lives. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in friendships, and how true connection can only be achieved when we remove our masks. They discuss the need for grace and understanding in relationships, and the power of being fully seen and known by others. Ti-Ti and Erin also explore the concept of self-love and the role it plays in our ability to receive and give love to others. They highlight the significance of community and the impact it has on our personal growth and well-being.Key Takeaways:* Authentic friendships require vulnerability and the willingness to remove our masks.* Receiving love is essential before we can truly give love to others.* The importance of surrounding ourselves with people who see and accept us for who we are.* Self-love is crucial in our ability to receive and believe in the love of others.* Community and relationships play a vital role in our personal growth and well-being.Chapters:| 00:03:00 | The importance of friendship and grace. | 00:07:00 | Examples of masks we wear. | 00:08:00 | Masks and insecurities. | 00:12:00 | Seeking belonging and not wanting pity. | 00:22:00 | Analogy of caterpillar and butterfly to reveal our true identity | 00:26:00 | The power of self-talk and its impact on our self-perception | 00:29:00 | Importance of being mindful of who we surround ourselves with | 00:34:00 | The need to learn to receive love before giving love | 00:41:00 | Dwelling in the room of grace and knowing who we are | 00:45:00 | Reconciliation and the work of recognizing it | 00:46:00 | Invitation to engage with the book and continue the discussion

Summary:E and T discuss the book "The Cure" and its impact on their lives. They explore the concept of vulnerability and the importance of taking off the mask to be truly known and loved. They also discuss the two paths of pleasing God and trusting God, and the rooms of good intentions and grace.E and T share each of their journeys of healing and the role of therapy in their lives. They emphasize the need for authentic community and the power of love to heal and transform.Key Takeaways:Vulnerability requires taking off the mask and allowing ourselves to be fully known and loved.The path of pleasing God leads to striving and exhaustion, while the path of trusting God leads to grace and freedom.The room of good intentions is marked by performance and the fear of not being enough, while the room of grace offers acceptance and love.Healing requires feeling and embracing our brokenness, and seeking support from others.Love has the power to heal and transform, and it is through love that we can break generational curses and create spaces of safety.What you’ll hear: 0:02:00 - Healing, Parenting, and Vulnerability0:13:00 - The Two Roads 0:17:00 - Discovering the Importance of Trusting God 0:26:00 - Trusting God and Embracing Grace 0:29:00 - Authenticity and Unconditional Love's Power 0:32:00 - Inclusive Communities in Christian Spaces 0:36:00 - Love and Authenticity in Relationships 0:46:00 - Middle School Bullying and Power of Love 0:52:00 - The Power of Love and Faith