There’s a gap… between what we believe and what we build. That gap matters—and it’s shaping the lives of vulnerable children around the world.

In this episode, I sit down with Elli Oswald, Executive Director of Faith to Action, an organization equipping churches to move from institutional care to family-based solutions. Elli brings data, theology, and real-world experience to a conversation the Church can’t afford to ignore.

Here’s the tension: Nearly 70% of believers acknowledge that institutional care can actually hinder a child’s development, yet we keep supporting it. Why? Because it feels like the easiest way to help. But there aren’t silver bullets. Orphanages may meet physical needs—but they can’t replace family, connection, and belonging.

And the reality is more complex than we think. Eight out of ten children in orphanages have a parent. Poverty, lack of access, and broken systems—not lack of love—are often the real drivers. Which means the solution isn’t separation. It’s support.

Key Takeaways:

“We’re not called to keep an orphan an orphan.” We’re called to restore families.

This episode reframes orphan care, challenges outdated models, and offers practical ways the Church can lead in global child welfare—through family reunification, community support, and sustainable, faith-based solutions.

So here’s the invitation: rethink what you’ve been taught, realign your mission, and take one step toward family-based care. Because children don’t need better institutions—they need families.

If this episode speaks to you, subscribe to MercyCast for more stories about how we learn compassion through adversity. Share it with someone who cares about vulnerable children. You never know how one story can change a life. Leave a review to help others find these conversations.

Learn more about Elli’s work at Faith to Action. Here is the book mentioned in the episode by Bryant Myers. We also referred to the MercyCast episode with Nabs.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode, I talk with Jermaine Wilson, whose journey moves from prison to purpose, rejection to leadership, and ultimately to impact. Early on, he reframes his story: “I lost my freedom, but God helped me discover my purpose.” What seemed like an ending became the foundation for everything after.

After prison, Jermaine faced rejection. He couldn’t find a job or a place to live, and doors kept closing. Still, he kept going: “No does not mean you’re not qualified. N-O simply means next opportunity.” That way of thinking helped him keep moving forward, no matter what stood in his way.

He embraced each step of the process. Whether janitor or dishwasher, he chose faithfulness: “If you become too big to swing a mop, you’re too small to serve at the top.” Even when questioned, he stayed grounded, repeating, “You don’t know where I came from—so you’ll never understand where I’m going.”

That focus helped him avoid distractions. Step by step, he stayed faithful. Over time, because he was ready, doors opened. In other words, the process prepared him for his purpose.

What happened next is remarkable: leadership, public service, and prison ministry. At the heart of it, surrender means letting go of what holds us back. As Jermaine says, “Your scars will either reflect shame… or strength.”

His story shows that real change happens when you bring your past into the open. For anyone weighed down by regret, remember his words: “Just because you have fallen does not mean you are a failure.”

Key Takeaways:

• Your lowest place doesn’t disqualify you—it often prepares you.
• Rejection isn’t the end—it’s redirection.
• Faithfulness in small things leads to bigger opportunities.
• Community changes everything.
• You can’t transform your community without first confronting yourself.
• Surrender isn’t weakness—it’s release.

If this episode speaks to you, subscribe to MercyCast for more stories about hope and new beginnings. Share it with someone who might feel stuck. You never know how one story can change a life. Leave a review to help others find these conversations.

You are not disqualified. You are not forgotten. And what feels like the end might actually be the place where everything starts.

Learn more about Jermaine’s work at Prison Fellowship.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

But for many women and children, that’s when the hardest questions begin:

Where will I sleep? Who will protect me? Will tomorrow be any different?

In this episode, I sit down with Telicia Maxwell, director of My Sister’s House at Atlanta Mission—and her perspective will challenge the way you think about service, faith, and people.

This conversation isn’t just about homelessness.

It’s about what it means to truly see someone.

Telicia shares how real transformation doesn’t begin with programs or quick fixes—it begins with presence. With trust. When choosing to show up in someone’s life, not as a solution, but as a person.

Because often, the moments that change everything aren’t big at all:

It’s remembering a name.

It’s offering a small act of kindness.

It’s simply sitting with someone long enough for them to feel safe.

Key Takeaways:

• People don’t need to be fixed—they need to be seen.
• Trust is built through consistent, genuine presence.
• Healing often starts with small, human moments.
• Vulnerability creates connection—not weakness.
• Community is essential—we were never meant to do life alone.

So here’s the challenge:

Don’t just listen—act.

The next time you encounter someone in a vulnerable place, pause.

Look them in the eyes.

Learn their name.

Because that moment might be where healing begins.

Listen now—and start seeing people differently.

Learn more about Telicia’s work, My Sister’s House, and the Atlanta mission at Atlantamission.org.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

We get into calling, identity, and what it looks like to trust God when you don’t have clear answers. Because if I’m honest, most of my life hasn’t been marked by burning bush moments—it’s been shaped in the slow, ordinary steps.

We talk about surrender, about learning to listen, and about how God reroutes us—even when we think we’ve gone the wrong way. We look at stories like Jonah and reflect on how God uses even our resistance and mistakes for something bigger.

This conversation is really an invitation—to slow down, to trust God’s timing, and to believe that even the small moments are forming something deep in you.

Key Topics

The hidden work of God beneath the surface

I talk with Cally about how most of what God does in us isn’t loud—it’s quiet. It’s beneath the surface. And if we’re not paying attention, we’ll miss it.

Trusting God when clarity isn’t there

We unpack what it looks like to trust God when you don’t have a clear answer. Not every moment is dramatic or obvious—sometimes it’s just taking the next step.

Surrender as a daily practice

Surrender isn’t a one-time decision. It’s something I have to come back to every day—letting go, little by little, and trusting God with what I’m holding.

When God reroutes your life

We talk about how God uses detours—how even when we think we’ve messed things up, He’s still at work. Nothing is wasted.

What Jonah teaches us about obedience and resistance

Jonah’s story reminds me that even when we run, God still pursues, redirects, and works through us in ways we couldn’t plan.

Embracing the “side quests” of life

Some of the most meaningful growth happens in the things that don’t seem connected. Those side paths? God uses those too.

Taking the next small step

We end with something simple but powerful—don’t try to figure everything out. Just ask God to show you one thing, and take that step.

Learn more about Cally’s work at her website, callylogan.com. Buy her new book.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

This week on MercyCast, I sit down with Ryan Tinetti, author of The Quiet Ambition. We talk about the quiet line from First Epistle to the Thessalonians that has haunted him for years: make it your ambition to live quietly.

That verse doesn’t trend.

It won’t grow your platform.

It won’t help you build a brand.

But it might change your life.

Ryan shares the moment early in ministry when ambition pushed him to the edge—literally landing him in the ER with what he thought was a heart attack. It wasn’t. It was a panic attack. The kind that shows up when you believe everything depends on you.

We talk about the lie that louder equals faithful. About the subtle pressure—even in ministry—to build something impressive for God. About how the Kingdom often moves more slowly than we want. And how God usually works through small obedience rather than big moments.

We also talk about falling. Not failing—falling. Ryan tells a story about learning to cross-country ski in Michigan and a friend telling him, “That was a good fall.” It stuck with him. Because the Christian life isn’t about never falling. It’s about learning to fall into the arms of Christ.

We wrestle with the tension between ambition and humility. Scripture doesn’t call us to laziness. But it does call us to a different kind of ambition—the kind aimed at pleasing God rather than elevating ourselves.

A quiet ambition.

One that looks like:

• faithfulness in your vocation
• carving away at your small corner of the Kingdom
• trusting that God is doing more than you can see

We talk about why verses like “Be still and know that I am God” from the Book of Psalms can feel threatening in a culture built on striving.

Because if we stop striving…

What if we’re forgotten?

And yet the gospel tells a different story. God meets us not in spectacle but through ordinary means—Word, water, bread, and wine.

In the quiet.

In the mundane.

In the places we usually overlook.

By the end, Ryan offers two simple practices that resist the culture of hurry:

• Use the crockpot. Let something take time.
• Take a walk without earbuds. Just you and God.

No platform.

No applause.

Just faithfulness.

And maybe that’s where the real work of the Kingdom happens.

If you want to learn more, check out Ryan's substack and his new book, The Quiet Ambition.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of the Mercy Cast, I sit down with author Mark Buchanan to talk about his powerful novel, What Is Left of the Night, inspired by the true story of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. During World War II, this small French village quietly resisted Nazism. Around 900 residents sheltered more than 2,500 refugees—mostly Jews—with no refugee deaths. Their courage wasn’t loud. It was steady. Scripture-shaped. Costly.

We talk about the leadership of pastors André Trocmé and Magda Trocmé, whose lives were anchored in Matthew 25 and Jubilee theology. Their allegiance to Christ led them not only to protect the vulnerable, but—after the war—to show compassion even to German POWs. That’s the kind of gospel witness that unsettles our categories.

Mark shares how writing this novel coincided with the launch of New Story Community, a live-in healing ministry for Indigenous women. We wrestle with what it means to choose vulnerability today. To risk proximity. To move beyond ideology and into embodied love. To trade tribal loyalty for singular allegiance to Jesus.

Here’s what I want you to hear: quiet obedience can change the world. Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s the pathway to transformation. And when we step toward the marginalized, we don’t just offer mercy—we’re remade by it.

If you’ve been wondering what faithfulness looks like in a polarized, performative age, this conversation is for you.

Listen in. Then ask yourself:

Where is obedience becoming inconvenient for me?

Who is God inviting me to move toward?

What would it look like to choose costly love?

Let’s be people whose lives make mercy visible.

Takeaways

• Obedience becomes real when it costs us something.
• The story of Le Chambon reveals quiet, steadfast heroism.
• Vulnerability is an act of radical faith.
• Scripture must shape not just what we believe, but how we live.
• Proximity to the marginalized transforms us.
• Community creates space for mutual healing.
• Friendship deepens in discomfort and risk.
• Pilgrimage and place can awaken conviction.
• Allegiance to Christ must rise above political or cultural loyalties.
• Ideology shrinks love; the gospel expands it.

Learn more about Mark and how to follow his work at Markbuchanan.net. Also, don’t forget to buy his new book, What is Left of the Night.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this powerful episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Alicia Barr, author of More Than a Secret, for a raw and redemptive conversation about confession, compromise, accountability, and the transforming power of grace.

Alicia shares her story of a four-year extramarital affair, hitting rock bottom two years in, and quietly searching for a Christian resource written from the mistress’s perspective.

“I went searching in confidence… and I couldn’t find it.”

So she wrote the book she needed.

This episode addresses:

• The emotional and spiritual impact of secrecy
• Church hurt, isolation, and loss of belonging.
• Infidelity recovery and personal responsibility
• Christian counseling and confession
• Grace greater than shame

This is not a story of blame-shifting. Alicia takes full responsibility for her choices. But she also courageously names the vulnerabilities beneath them—loneliness, disconnection, and the deep human need to be seen and known.

As Scripture warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” None of us is beyond temptation.

Rock Bottom: When Secrets Collapse

Alicia describes rock bottom as lying on her bedroom floor, crying out to God, wanting nothing more than to die.

Years later, at a conference, author and speaker Annie F. Downs paused mid-session and said a sentence that would change Alicia’s life.

That moment pierced through the silence.

Alicia told her sister.

She found a counselor.

She stepped into the light.

According to research by Michael Slepian, author of The Secret Life of Secrets, the average person carries 13 secrets—five of which are never told to anyone.

We are not built to carry that weight alone.

Grace Greater Than Shame

During counseling, as Alicia condemned herself repeatedly, her therapist gently said:

“That’s what Jesus Christ went to the cross for.”

The cross did not excuse her sin—it transformed her.

“The story doesn’t end with secrecy. It ends with the cross.”

Today, community is non-negotiable. Alicia has trusted women in her life who can ask her anything, anytime, anywhere. Accountability is no longer optional—it’s life-giving.

This episode of MercyCast is for:

• Anyone carrying a secret
• Anyone battling shame after infidelity.
• Anyone who feels unforgivable
• Anyone afraid that being fully known means being abandoned.

Healing begins with truth.

Community breaks isolation.

Grace is stronger than your worst decision.

Learn more about Alicia at Aliciabarr.com. Buy her new book, More than a Secret.. Follow her on Instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

On this episode of the Mercycast, I talk with JT Tapias—former pro soccer player, once-homeless teen, and founder of a Christ-centered nutrition and wellness movement. His story moves from cartel violence and addiction to faith, redemption, and holistic health.

It began with a question I didn’t want to answer:

“What is your relationship to food?”

I wanted tactics. But behavior reveals belief—and belief shapes identity.

After hidden addiction led to an AFib diagnosis and a suicide letter, JT encountered Jesus in a way he couldn’t explain. The next day, he said it felt like “a 2,000-pound gorilla” had lifted off his shoulders.

Dopamine, Discipline & Surrender

We’re constantly chasing relief—food, alcohol, screens, approval. In JT’s word’s: “We are constantly scanning the room for dopaminergic moments.”

So here’s the question: What can’t you say no to?

This isn’t white-knuckled discipline. As I shared: “The law can reveal where you are, but it can’t deliver you. Only the gospel can do that.” In the Christian life, it is motivated by the Gospel. But the Holy Gospel has implications for the whole person. Holistic health—mind, body, and spirit—matters to God. Our stewardship can strengthen our spiritual resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• The “why” behind behavior matters.
• Addiction often hides in plain sight.
• Self-control flows from the Holy Spirit.
• Faith must be lived, not just professed.

If this episode stirred something in you, sit with this:

What can’t I say no to?

Bring it to the Lord.

Let surrender shape your growth.

Subscribe to the Mercycast for more conversations on compassion, adversity, faith, wellness, and personal growth—and share this with someone who needs hope today.

Learn about JT’s Empty Your Bucket Plan. Follow him on instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

It’s just hard to be a human being.

Not the polished, Instagram version.

Not the “better than I deserve” church answer.

The real version.

The version where you’re grieving.

The version where life didn’t turn out the way you thought it would.

The version where the only prayer you have left is, “Help.”

Recently, I officiated the funeral of someone who was like a second father to me. In that moment, I realized something important about grief and healing: so many of us try to get past our pain instead of going through it. We want closure. We want resolution. We want to look in the rearview mirror and say, “I’m glad that’s over.”

But true healing doesn’t work that way.

When it comes to processing grief, emotional pain, and spiritual struggle, the only way out… is through.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How to process grief in a healthy way
• The difference between “processing” and actually healing
• What Christian hope really means in the middle of suffering
• Why vulnerability strengthens relationships and mental health
• How to navigate disappointment when life doesn’t go as planned
• How each of us is a “first-time human being.”
• The power of asking, “How are you doing… really?”
• Simple, honest prayer during hard seasons

We talk about the temptation to rush through pain — to fix ourselves, silence the negative voice, or solve the entire problem at once. But real spiritual growth and emotional healing often begin with something much smaller:

The next faithful step.

Not the marathon.

Not the five-year plan.

Just the next step toward hope.

We also explore the messiness of life — the “messy middle” where growth, resilience, and faith are formed. If you’re walking through uncertainty, grief, anxiety, or burnout, this conversation offers encouragement rooted in Christian faith, prayer, and honest vulnerability.

Prayer, we discovered, doesn’t have to be polished or poetic, but as one word whispered in a cathedral or your car: “Help.”

And if you’re struggling with feeling like a burden, hear this:

You are not a burden.

But you do have burdens.

And you don’t have to carry them alone.

If You’re Navigating a Hard Season…

If you’re searching for:

• How to heal emotionally
• How to deal with grief
• How to find hope in hard times
• How to pray when you don’t have words
• How to slow down and be present
• How to build an authentic Christian community

This episode is for you.

Don’t wait until you’re “through it” to talk about what you’re going through.

Don’t minimize your pain with “it could be worse.”

Don’t rush past the season you’re in.

Sit with it.

Invite someone into it.

Pray through it.

Walk — don’t sprint — through it.

If this week feels heavy… if you’re tired… if you’re quietly trying to hold it all together — you are not alone.

Listen in.

Slow down.

Take one step toward healing.

And if this conversation encourages you, share it with someone who might need hope today — and ask them the question that matters most:

“How are you doing… really?”

Find Tanner’s new book, Getting Through What You’re Going Through. Follow Tanner on threads.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Nathan Clarkson—actor, filmmaker, and author of the new book I Am the Worst: How Freedom Is Found in Admitting Our Faults—for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had about identity, acceptance, and healing.

We talk about why Jesus tells us to pay attention to the log in our own eye before we reach for the speck in someone else’s—and why doing that isn’t about shame, but about freedom. Nathan shares how learning to face his own failures, cracks, and darkness didn’t destroy him. Instead, it became “not a wall that broke me, but a bridge to healing that recreated me.”

We explore how busyness often disguises itself as virtue, especially in fast-paced places like New York, and how noise can become a way of avoiding stillness—because stillness forces us to look inward. As Nathan puts it, “Stillness is hard because it forces us to listen to the parts of ourselves we’d rather drown out.”

This episode goes deep into how many of us build our identity on what we do—our productivity, success, relationships, or reputation—and how fragile that foundation really is. Nathan shares vulnerably about seasons where his ability to “do” was taken away, forcing him to confront a terrifying but liberating truth that you are not loved because of what you accomplish, but because you are made in the image of God.

We also talk about the power of community, why healing never happens alone, and how asking for help is not weakness—it’s faith. Sometimes, the holiest prayer we can pray is just one word: help.

At the core of this conversation is a truth we all need to hear again and again:

You are more broken than you want to admit—and more loved than you ever dared to believe.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• Why acceptance is the first step toward real change
• How facing our own faults leads to freedom, not shame
• The danger of confusing busyness with worth
• Why identity rooted in accomplishment always leads to exhaustion
• The role of stillness in spiritual and emotional healing
• How vulnerability becomes a bridge to grace
• Why community is essential for redemption
• How asking for help opens the door to transformation
• What it truly means to be loved unconditionally

Key Takeaways

• Healing begins when we stop hiding
• Stillness reveals what busyness conceals
• Our identity cannot survive on performance alone
• Weakness, when admitted, becomes a doorway to grace
• Community carries us when we can’t carry ourselves
• Freedom is found on the other side of honesty
• Our worth is rooted in being God’s image-bearers—not our achievements

If you’re tired of trying to prove yourself…

If you’re exhausted from holding it all together…

If you’re afraid of what you might find if you slow down…

This episode is for you.

Listen now and discover why admitting our faults may be the first step toward real freedom.

Find Nathan’s new book, I’m the Worst.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

Sometimes it cracks.

In this episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Rachel Krentzman, author of As Is: A Memoir on Healing the Past through Yoga, to talk about what happens when the world you thought you understood suddenly looks different—and you can’t unsee it. Rachel shares the story behind her memoir, including the cost of vulnerability, the courage it took to tell the truth, and the long, uneven road of healing that followed.

We talk about what it means to go first, to name discomfort instead of escaping it, and to learn compassion not from a distance but from the inside of our own pain. Rachel reflects on how practices like yoga, writing, and time in nature helped her separate her identity from her experiences—and how being truly seen and accepted changed everything.

This conversation is honest, tender, and grounded in the reality that healing is rarely quick or tidy. It’s about learning to sit with what hurts, trusting that growth isn’t linear, and discovering that we are always more than our stories.

If you’ve ever felt broken—but not destroyed—this episode is for you.

Listen now, and if this conversation resonates, I’d love for you to share it with someone who needs permission to slow down, be seen, and begin again.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• How compassion is often learned through adversity, not comfort
• Why vulnerability always costs us something—and why it’s still worth it
• The power of writing as a way to process pain and tell the truth
• Why healing is not linear and what it means to honor the ups and downs
• How mindfulness helps us notice thoughts without letting them define us
• The importance of sitting with discomfort instead of numbing or escaping it
• Why nature has a grounding, restorative effect on our minds and bodies
• The role of safe community in healing—and why being seen matters
• How professional guides can help us see what we can’t see alone
• What it looks like to transform pain into compassion for others

If something in this episode stirred something in you, I’d love to hear from you.

Reach out, share your story, or let us know how you’re learning the art of compassion through adversity.

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to rush the healing.

Find Rachel’s new book on Amazon.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

We answer this question and others in this week’s episode.  Today I had the privilege of speaking with James McLamb, a National Youth Empowerment Strategist and founder and CEO of Generation Youth. Our conversation centered on the powerful role mentorship plays in young people's lives.

As someone who believes deeply in the transformative power of mercy and guidance, I was struck by how James highlighted the importance of connection over correction. Too often, we focus on fixing rather than understanding. But when we choose to show up, to be present, and to invest our time, we build the trust that youth need to flourish.

We dug into how adversity, though difficult, can actually shape our leadership skills and teach resilience. James reminded me—and I hope you—that hope deferred is not hope lost. With the right support, that hope can be realized. This is where mentorship becomes so crucial: a mentor’s influence can alter the entire trajectory of a young person’s life, helping them discover their identity and purpose.

Parenting is never easy, and James and I talked honestly about the challenges of raising children with resilience and independence. It’s not about control but about empowerment—giving our kids the tools and confidence to lead themselves and others. Mercy in our guidance fosters not just growth but real understanding, both for the youth we serve and ourselves.

Ultimately, this episode is a call to action for all of us. Whether we’re parents, mentors, or simply caring adults, we have a unique opportunity to empower the next generation. Let’s choose compassion, lead with hope, and remember that we’re all learning and healing together. That’s where true connection—and lasting impact—begins.

Episode Highlights:

• Compassion is developed through shared experiences and mentorship. Mentorship can profoundly impact youth, shaping their future.
• Hope deferred is not lost; it can be realized with support.
• Building trust with youth requires time and presence.
• Connection is more important than correction in guiding youth.
• Adversity teaches resilience and leadership skills.
• Parents should aim to empower rather than control their children.
• Identity plays a crucial role in how we guide others.
• Mercy in guidance fosters growth and understanding. We are all on a journey of learning and healing together.

Learn more about James and his ministry with Generation Youth.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Abdu Murray, the author of “Fake ID,” for an honest conversation about faith, technology, and what really makes us who we are. We dig deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence, identity, and Christianity—topics that are shaping how we see ourselves and each other in a rapidly changing world.

Abdu shares his journey from Islam to Christianity, revealing how deeply personal and relational the path to faith can be. Together, we examine how the Imago Dei—the image of God—grounds our identity and purpose, even as artificial intelligence and technology push the boundaries of creativity and relationships. Abdu’s insights challenge us to consider the dangers of over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of genuine human connection and compassion.

Episode Highlights:

• AI can streamline our lives, but it also complicates our sense of identity.
• Abdu’s personal story illustrates how faith journeys are rooted in real relationships.
• Understanding the Imago Dei is essential for discovering who we truly are.
• The rise of AI prompts big questions about human creativity and purpose.
• Overusing AI can lead to cognitive debt and a false sense of companionship.
• We discuss why AI should be a tool—not a crutch—and how the Bible anticipated many of today’s technological challenges.
• Human relationships remain central to spiritual growth, compassion, and creativity, even in a tech-dominated world.
• Grounding ourselves in faith gives us wisdom and resilience to navigate technology’s pitfalls.

Tune in for a conversation that is both timely and timeless, exploring the role of AI, identity, and the Imago Dei in our lives. Whether you’re curious about technology, faith, or the creative process, you’ll find encouragement and insight here. Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review.

Read Abdu’s book, Fake ID: How AI and Identity Ideology are Collapsing Reality.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Elizabeth Cole, VP of Solo Parent, a leading nonprofit supporting single parents, stops by to discuss the real-life challenges and journeys of solo parenting. We discuss how single parents navigate life after divorce, the importance of building a strong support network for solo parents, and why vulnerability and authentic community are essential for healing. Elizabeth shares powerful insights on practicing self-compassion, overcoming shame and guilt, and understanding your past to foster personal growth. Throughout our conversation, we highlight how encouragement and practical support can make a world of difference for single moms and dads facing life’s toughest moments.

Whether you’re a single parent, know someone raising kids alone, or want to learn more about solo parenting, this episode is packed with practical advice and hope-filled encouragement. We cover why creating healthy routines can improve solo-parent family life and how spiritual support—often found through caring people—can help single parents heal and thrive. If you’re searching for resources, inspiration, or community for solo parents, you’re in the right place. Remember: you’re not alone, and every step forward is a victory.

Takeaways

• Solo parenting and single-parent families face unique challenges.
• Community support and resources are vital for solo parents.
• Vulnerability builds connection and emotional healing.
• Self-compassion helps single parents overcome shame and guilt.
• Understanding your story fosters personal growth for solo moms and dads.
• Embrace the ongoing journey of healing as a single parent.
• Encouragement and support matter for solo parent mental health.
• Healing is a process, not a destination.
• Healthy routines benefit solo-parent families.
• Spiritual support and faith communities often help single parents.
• Let’s keep returning—to ourselves, to each other, and to the love that makes us whole. Do us a favor. Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review.



Learn more about Elizabeth’s work and the team at soloparent.org.

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You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

Hey friends, Raleigh here. We all know that we want to change things about ourselves. Maybe we want to shed a few pounds, or learn a new language. You are probably making your resolutions right now. For this New Year’s Eve, I had the honor of sitting down with Will Acuff, author of the new book, No Elevator to Everest: Shift from Survive to Thrive through Spirit-led Self Awareness, for an important conversation about becoming self-aware. Will opened up about his profound journey of self-discovery—one marked by deep connection, honest reflection, and a powerful return to his roots.

We talked about what it means to truly meet yourself, even in the hardest places; when life cracks you open. Will described what it was like to touch the unconditional love of God—a moment so utterly transformative that it reshaped how he viewed himself and the world around him. It wasn’t just a mountaintop experience; he knew he was coming home to a hard context. Yet, in that vulnerability, he found the strength to return to himself.

This episode is about the power of connection, the necessity of returning to our roots, and the way unconditional love can pivot our entire lives. Will’s journey is deeply personal, but I think you’ll find something of yourself in his story.

Here’s what we explore in this episode:

• Why is connection key to self-discovery?
• How can unconditional love become a turning point?
• The importance of returning to your roots, especially when life gets tough

Takeaways

• Joy is Available Now, Even in Pain
• The Christian journey isn’t just about enduring suffering until we reach heaven; Jesus offers us life “to the full” right now. Even in the midst of sorrow and hardship, transcendent joy is possible and can carry us through.
• You Can’t Fix Everything—Including Yourself and Others
• Many of us are “fixers,” trying to solve every problem, especially for those we love. But real healing comes not from control or constant problem-solving, but from presence, love, and acceptance—especially when facing challenges that can’t be fixed.
• True Growth Comes from Self-Compassion and Curiosity, Not Critique
• Self-awareness and healing begin when we sit with our pain and emotions in compassion and curiosity, rather than self-criticism. Asking “why am I feeling this?” and allowing ourselves to be present breaks cycles of fear, anger, and shame.
• Alignment with God Means Being Present and Attuned
• Spiritual formation is not just about knowing God, but also knowing ourselves. Being “in tune” with God and our true selves requires daily practices of listening, noticing, and being present—in nature, in silence, and in our emotions.
• We Are Loved as We Are—Not as We ‘Should Be’
• We are not “dung heaps” barely tolerated by God; we are beloved image bearers. The story of the prodigal son shows that God’s love is unconditional, scandalous, and welcoming, no matter our shame or striving. Living in this love frees us to experience joy, self-acceptance, and deeper community.
• Sanctification isn’t about becoming someone else or earning God’s approval. it’s the process of shedding shame, brokenness, and false identities to return to your original, God-given self. Through Christ, we’re restored to who we were created to be—fully human, fully loved, and free to live out of that identity.

Thanks for joining me on MercyCast this New Year’s Eve. Let’s keep returning—to ourselves, to each other, and to the love that makes us whole.

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Pick up a copy of Will’s new book, No Elevator to Everest.

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You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of the MercyCast, I sit down with Ken Isaacs, Vice President of Samaritan’s Purse and author of “Running to the Fire: Helping in Jesus’ Name.” Together, we dive deep into how Christian compassion, faith, and practical love can make a real difference in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones.

One of the most powerful moments from our conversation was hearing Ken share about his firsthand experiences, including a story where an ISIS member questioned why anyone would show them kindness. It reminded me how transformative acts of compassion can be—even in the darkest situations.

If you’re passionate about Justice, Mercy, humanitarian stories, or want to learn how faith and practical love can make a difference in a divided world, this episode is for you. Give it a listen—I know you’ll be inspired by Ken’s incredible journey and the stories we share.

Here’s what we explore in this episode:

• The impact of Christian faith and humanitarian aid in places where hope seems lost.
• Real stories from the front lines of disaster relief and conflict, showing how kindness can challenge hatred.
• Why practical demonstrations of Jesus’ love matter, and how they can actually disarm adversaries.
• The importance of dialogue, empathy, and building bridges across cultural and religious divides.
• How faith-based service is essential for peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Takeaways

• Kindness, compassion, and love aren’t just ideals—they’re powerful tools for peacemaking.
• Bearing witness through faith-driven service can inspire genuine transformation, even among those we consider adversaries.
• Dialogue and understanding are essential for real humanitarian work and lasting peace.
• Faith in action truly bridges divides and brings hope into the most broken places.
• Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review.

Pick up a copy of Ken’s new book, Running to the Fire.

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Brian and Ed help us confront the challenges families face in today’s sports culture, especially how pressures and expectations in youth sports can redefine family dynamics and affect both parent and child identities. This conversation addresses the frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion many parents feel.

Our conversation shifts the focus of youth sports from mere achievement to discipleship, showing how every practice and game can serve as a chance to teach grace, identity in Christ, and real connection. By prioritizing relationships over results, we rediscover the true joy of sports for families.

If you’re facing the challenges of youth sports, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and choose a better way—rooted in grace, truth, and love.

Takeaways

• Youth sports can quickly become a major source of stress for parents.
• The youth sports industrial complex creates constant pressure to perform and succeed.
• As parents, we often project our own fears and identity struggles onto our kids.
• Sports provide meaningful opportunities for discipleship and spiritual formation.
• Prioritizing enjoyment and connection helps preserve sports joy.
• Excessive pressure to perform in sports can lead to burnout in young athletes.
• Christian faith offers a countercultural vision for identity beyond wins and losses.
• Honest conversations strengthen family dynamics and trust.
• Grace-centered parenting fosters deeper, healthier relationships.
• It’s never too late to change how we show up for our kids in youth sports.
• 
  

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Pick up a copy of Brian and Ed’s book, Away Game.

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This week, we look at the hopeful and freeing reality that redemption is always better than perfection. Instead of carrying shame, replaying regrets, or trying to “fix” what already happened, we discover what it means to let God make something new out of what feels broken.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why we can’t change the past — and why that’s not the point
• How God meets us in our mistakes with mercy, not condemnation
• Why redemption brings deeper healing than perfection ever could
• How to release shame and move forward in freedom
• Practical ways to bring your past to God with honesty and hope

Key Insight

Perfection demands that we never fail. Redemption promises that even our failures can be transformed.

This episode is for you if:

• You’re carrying regret or shame
• You struggle with perfectionism
• You want to understand God’s mercy in a deeper way
• You’re seeking spiritual renewal or a fresh start
• You need encouragement to let go of the past

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So many of us try to push away what’s painful, ignore what’s uncomfortable, or cling to what we wish were true. But in this episode, we explore the liberating truth that real change begins with honest acceptance.

When we face reality with courage and compassion, we open the door to healing, clarity, and movement. Acceptance isn’t passivity — it’s the starting point for growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why denying reality keeps us stuck
• How acceptance creates space for emotional and spiritual transformation
• Practical steps for acknowledging what’s true, even when it’s uncomfortable
• Why acceptance is an act of strength, not resignation
• How embracing truth aligns us with God’s work in our lives

Key Insight

You can’t heal what you won’t acknowledge. When you bravely name what is, you begin to move toward what can be.

This episode is for you if:

• You feel stuck and don’t know why
• You’re wrestling with painful circumstances
• You want to grow emotionally, spiritually, or relationally
• You tend to avoid conflict or uncomfortable truths
• You’re seeking a compassionate path toward healing and change

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Drawing from the life of the Apostle Paul, we uncover the surprising truth that Scripture teaches: our weakness is not the end of the story — it may actually be the beginning of real strength. When we lean into Christ’s power instead of our own, powerlessness becomes a doorway to deeper trust, humility, and spiritual resilience.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why feeling powerless is a normal part of the human experience
• How Christ’s power meets us when we have nothing left to give
• What the Apostle Paul teaches us about weakness and strength
• Practical encouragement for living faithfully when you can’t “fix” everything

Key Insight

Powerlessness is not failure — it’s an invitation. When we release control, we make space for God’s strength to carry what we can’t.

Perfect for listeners who:

• Feel overwhelmed or exhausted
• Are facing situations outside their control
• Want a deeper understanding of how faith meets real-life struggle
• Need encouragement in seasons of weakness, anxiety, or uncertainty

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In this week’s MercyCast, we kick off a four-week series exploring the core themes that keep resurfacing in our conversations about healing, mercy, and the human experience. Today, we dive into a powerful and often misunderstood reality: joy and pain frequently show up together.

We’re talking about the tension we feel when life brings laughter in one moment and heartache in the next — and how that tension is not a sign that something is wrong, but often a sign that something is growing.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why joy and pain commonly coexist
• How embracing both emotions leads to deeper healing
• What happens when we try to avoid discomfort
• Why emotional complexity is a pathway to emotional maturity
• Practical encouragement for holding joy and sorrow at the same time

Key Insight

Healing isn’t about eliminating hard emotions — it’s about learning how to hold them alongside moments of light, gratitude, and even joy. When we allow space for both, we open ourselves to transformation.

Who this episode is for

Anyone navigating grief, transition, burnout, recovery, or spiritual growth — and anyone who feels confused about why good and hard things seem to show up together.

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We discuss the challenges of being honest and open in a world that often values superficial interactions. We reflect on the difference between perfectionism and godliness, emphasizing the freedom that comes from understanding one's identity in Christ. So many topics with one truth driving them all. Grace frees you to be truly human. Tune in.

Takeaways

• Honesty and vulnerability are essential for meaningful connections.
• Cultural traditions can be complex and often misunderstood.
• Friendship provides a support system that is crucial for emotional health.
• Grace allows us to be vulnerable without fear of judgment.
• Perfectionism can hinder our relationship with God and others.
• Understanding our identity in Christ frees us from the need for approval.
• Community is vital; we are not meant to navigate life alone.
• The way we celebrate holidays can reflect our values and beliefs.
• It's important to differentiate between boundaries and masks in relationships.
• Living in freedom means accepting ourselves and others as we are.

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Learn more about Jen and buy her book at Jenthompsonauthor.com.

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Takeaways

• Raleigh and Katie share light-hearted banter about their appearances and experiences at a recent conference.
• The importance of vulnerable conversations in community settings is highlighted.
• Living in a decommissioned church brings both challenges and a sense of sacredness.
• The concept of liminal spaces and their significance in faith is discussed.
• Pain and beauty coexist in life, and both are acknowledged in the Christian journey.
• The idea of being simultaneously saint and sinner is explored, emphasizing the need for grace.
• Redemption is emphasized as being more important than striving for perfection.
• Emotions play a significant role in how we process our faith and experiences.
• The conversation encourages embracing both pain and hope in our lives.
• Christ's love and sacrifice are central to understanding our identity as loved individuals.

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Learn more about Katie and her writings here. Buy her book, Encouragement for Motherhood!

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Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

Takeaways

• It's easy to talk about our faith, but living it out is challenging.
• Critique can be a gift that leads to personal growth.
• Transparency in sharing struggles makes us relatable.
• Mercy is not just kindness; it can be a strategy for strength.
• Fatherhood influences our emotional health and identity.
• Wisdom is practical and should improve our lives.
• Community is essential in seeking and applying wisdom.
• God as Father is a revolutionary concept in understanding our identity.
• Wisdom is different from information; it requires action.
• Pursuing wisdom involves seeking God and engaging with scripture.

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Learn more about Mark and his books at his website, markmoore.org.

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Despite navigating these overwhelming challenges, Cally found strength and companionship through her faith, which ultimately led her to redefine her purpose and identity. In our conversation, we tackle the importance of vulnerability, the critical role of faith in overcoming adversity, and the way our shared stories can help others feel less alone.

Cally confidently recounts her experiences as a writer, illustrating how her trials have not only shaped her but have also resonated deeply with many readers, offering them solace and understanding. You won’t want to miss Cally’s inspiring insights and the empowering discussion we had!

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need it. Let’s keep normalizing these conversations around mental health, support, and the beauty of showing up as we are.

Thanks for being here.

Raleigh

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Learn more about Cally’s work at her website, callylogan.com. Buy her new book.

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In this episode of MercyCast, I had the joy of sitting down with the insightful and compassionate Becky Keife, author of  A Verse A Day For The Anxious Soul: A Hundred Days of Peace for the Calm You Crave, to talk about something that touches so many of us—anxiety. Whether it’s the tightness in your chest before a big decision, or a relentless mental loop that keeps you up at night, anxiety shows up in all kinds of ways. And yet, it’s something we often try to face alone.

But what if we didn’t have to?

Becky and I dive deep into the reality that mental health struggles like anxiety don’t disqualify us—they connect us. This conversation is all about vulnerability, emotional health, and learning to be honest about what we’re carrying. Together, we explore how anxiety isn’t something to hide from, but a signal—an invitation—to lean into community, faith, and even our own self-compassion.

We talk about what it means to live in the tension of being both anxious and at peace. About how calming our nervous system—through techniques like box breathing—can help us reconnect with the present moment and the God who is with us in it. We don’t gloss over the physical realities of anxiety, but we do push back against the lie that it defines us.

This episode is full of practical coping strategies, honest reflections, and reminders that your story isn’t over—and you’re not alone. Anxiety may feel overwhelming, but it can also be a surprising catalyst for personal growth, deeper faith, and greater compassion—for yourself and for others.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Anxiety is more common than we think—and we don’t have to face it alone.
• Practice asking God, “what do you want me to know and what do you want me to do?”
• Being honest and vulnerable is a powerful first step toward healing.
• Anxiety shows up on a spectrum—from situational to clinical—and all experiences are valid.
• The physical symptoms of anxiety are real and deserve attention.
• Community support is crucial—we’re wired for connection.
• Faith doesn’t eliminate anxiety, but it reframes it.
• Simple practices like box breathing can help calm your nervous system.
• Daily reflection can uncover patterns and paths forward.
• Showing compassion to yourself empowers you to show compassion to others.
• Anxiety can be a gift—drawing us closer to God and each other.
• If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need it. Let’s keep normalizing these conversations around mental health, support, and the beauty of showing up as we are.
• Thanks for being here.
• —Raleigh

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Learn more about Becky’s work at her website, beckykeife.com. Pre-order her new book which comes out this month.

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In this episode of MercyCast, I had the honor of sitting down with the very talented tattoo artist and owner of First Class NYC, Mikhail Andersson. From the first moment we started talking, it was clear this wasn’t just a conversation about ink or murals—it was about the stories we carry, the pain we try to process, and the beauty we’re capable of creating in the midst of it all.

Mikhail opened up about his journey as a tattoo artist in New York City—a place that’s as relentless as it is inspiring. We talked about what it means to connect deeply with people, even in the brief moments shared across a tattoo needle. Each tattoo becomes more than art—it becomes a marker of resilience, a memory inked into the skin, and often, a step forward in someone’s healing process.

We also explored how urban spaces, when transformed through street art, become galleries of hope and defiance. And honestly, this conversation reminded me that art—in all its forms—isn’t just about expression. It’s about survival. It’s about connection. It’s about being seen.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Street art has the power to transform entire neighborhoods into spaces of resilience and beauty.
• Tattoos are more than body art—they’re often deeply personal symbols of life's pivotal moments.
• The act of creating art can help process emotional pain and foster healing.
• There's something uniquely therapeutic in the bond between an artist and their client.
• Living deeply—taking in both the highs and lows—can fuel authentic artistic expression.
• New York City will test you, but it’ll also grow you if you let it.
• Long-term success requires showing up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it.
• Having hobbies and creative outlets outside of work can be a much-needed lifeline.
• Human connection isn’t optional—it’s essential for growth and understanding.
• When we invest in what we love, unexpected doors begin to open.

I walked away from this conversation reminded that we are all storytellers in some way—whether through words, art, or simply the way we choose to show up in the world. And when we take the time to really see each other, healing can begin.

Thanks for being part of this journey.

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But here's the thing—I believe mercy has something powerful to say in the face of all this division.

Throughout our conversation, I kept thinking about how mercy isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a radical, counter-cultural force that pushes back against judgment and hostility. Drawing from Scripture—Micah, Matthew, James, Romans, and Colossians—I reflect on how God calls us to compassion, to forgiveness, and to the kind of love that doesn’t keep score.

This episode is about more than politics or polite conversation. It’s about what happens when we allow mercy to shape how we see others—and ourselves. I truly believe that embracing mercy can transform individual lives and even begin to heal some of the fractures in our society.

Thanks for joining me on this journey.

No, there is a certain miracle found only in the mundane. In this powerful episode of MercyCast, host Raleigh Sadler sits down with Naghmeh Panahi to explore the deep intersections of compassion, vulnerability, and celebrity culture within the Christian community. Together, they unpack how our identity can become distorted by status and recognition, and why embracing grace in ordinary life is vital for spiritual health.

Through stories of suffering, healing, and the transformative nature of God’s love, Raleigh and Naghmeh reflect on the call to serve the least of these, the strength found in authentic community, and the importance of being grateful even in seasons of brokenness. The conversation is a raw, grace-filled reminder that contentment and deep spiritual growth often come from choosing humility over platform, presence and performance.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Be transparent with many, but vulnerable with few.
• True connection requires wisdom in how we share our pain.
• Celebrity culture can distort our identity and purpose.
• When status becomes the goal, we lose sight of God’s call.
• Grace is found in ordinary life.
• You don’t need a platform to live a meaningful, Kingdom-driven life.
• Gratitude shifts perspective.
• Moving from scarcity to abundance begins with thankfulness.
• Authentic relationships are built in vulnerability.
• Community thrives when honesty and grace coexist.
• Advocacy begins with compassion.
• Serving the overlooked and marginalized reflects the heart of Christ.
• Suffering can deepen intimacy with God.
• Pain is not wasted—it can be a path to healing and transformation.
• God's love is unwavering.
• His grace meets us not in our strength, but in our need.
• Contentment is a spiritual posture.
• Recognizing God’s provision in every season brings peace.
• Embracing rock bottom leads to growth.
• Greatness in the Kingdom is often found in downward mobility.

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Learn more about Naghmeh and buy her new book.

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In this episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Amanda Hope Haley—Harvard-trained archaeologist and author of Stones Still Speak—to talk about something that has the potential to challenge our faith: the way we understand scripture. Together, we explore the importance of context in interpreting the Bible and the often-overlooked role of biblical archaeology in revealing the world behind the words.

We dive into the tension between tradition and the text itself, wrestling with how historical context sheds light on biblical figures and events. Stories like David and Goliath aren't just ancient tales—they point to Christ as well as carry lessons for us today about preparation, leadership, and the everyday challenges of faith. Through our conversation, we recognize the need to approach scripture with compassion—not just for others, but for ourselves as we question, learn, and grow in our understanding.

Ultimately, we highlight the beauty of faith: the courage to sit with uncertainty and mystery. It’s okay to have questions, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. The journey of faith is just that—a journey. One where we don’t just cling to tradition, but we also allow space for exploration, reflection, and trust in a God who is bigger than our understanding.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Context is king when it comes to understanding scripture.
• Traditions and interpretations can sometimes cloud the true message of the Bible.
• Archaeology helps us uncover the history that shapes the biblical narrative.
• Mary Magdalene’s identity as a prostitute is a misinterpretation, not a biblical fact.
• David’s story is one of preparation—God’s work in us before we step into leadership.
• Spiritual highs, or "mountaintop" experiences, aren’t the end goal—it's the daily walk of faith that matters most.
• The Garden of Eden narrative calls us to rethink how we interpret our beginnings and our relationship with God.
• Faith means embracing the mystery, even when we don’t have all the answers.
• Biblical archaeology helps us understand the context, but it doesn’t “prove” the scriptures.
• We must question interpretations, but we must also hold scripture with reverence and care.
• This episode invites us to lean into the mystery of faith, trusting that the journey itself holds value—whether or not we can answer every question along the way.

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Follow Amanda Hope Haley and buy her new book.

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Discover how faith acts as a guiding light, offering hope and strength in the darkest times. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of compassion.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

•  Embracing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a powerful act of strength that allows for genuine connections and personal growth.
• A supportive community can be a lifeline during difficult times, providing love, accountability, and a sense of belonging that helps individuals overcome adversity.
• Faith offers hope and resilience, acting as a guiding light through life's darkest moments and reminding us of our inherent worth and purpose.
•  Finding contentment in the present and practicing gratitude can shift perspectives, helping individuals focus on what they have rather than what they lack.
• Life's challenges, though difficult, often lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and one's faith, ultimately strengthening one's resolve and character.

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Follow Kelsey on Instagram.

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Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• All of life is a series of deaths.
• Death to self is how we become more of who we were meant to be.
• Pain is unavoidable and that’s okay.
• Our culture of immediacy has made growth all the more difficult because we no longer value patience.

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Learn more about Josh’s book, How to Die. Follow him on Instagram.

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Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Pillars of Hope provides direct services to trafficking survivors.
• Morgan's journey highlights the importance of internships in finding one's path.
• Direct services involve working hand-in-hand with survivors to empower them.
• Empowerment is key; survivors must make their own choices to change their lives.
• The emotional toll of working in anti-trafficking is significant and requires self-care.
• Human trafficking is often misunderstood; it is modern-day slavery.
• Education about human trafficking is crucial for community awareness.
• Many trafficking cases involve familial relationships, not just strangers.
• The importance of humility and learning in the nonprofit sector.
• Building relationships with survivors is essential for effective support.

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Learn more about Pillars of Hope. 

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Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The way home is to go slowly.
• Distraction robs you of the present.
• Pilgrimage is a way of stepping away from your ordinary life to experience change and step back into it.
• What if we looked at the things that we went through as seasons that will change eventually?
• Shaia who is an anthropologist explains how the start of the day for the Celtic Tribes in the area where He now lives started in the darkness.

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Learn more about Alexander John Shaia and Quadratos. You can his book, Returning From Camino.

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Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The art of compassion is learned through adversity.
• Gospel friendships allow for honesty and vulnerability.
• Preaching to yourself is essential for spiritual growth.
• Understanding the law helps us recognize our need for grace.
• Meditation on God's word is crucial for renewal.
• Liturgy serves as a reminder of God's grace and love.
• We often forget our identity in Christ during struggles.
• Functional saviors lead us away from true intimacy with God.
• Christ's love is unconditional and transformative.
• Facing reality is the first step towards embracing grace.

The Gospel changes us. Often in imperceptible ways that don’t appear until we face a crisis point. But even when we fail, we are reminded that God loves us and that loves frees us to move forward in Grace.

— Raleigh

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Learn more about Joe and his ministry.

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Listen in, tell a friend, and don't forget to like and describe for the love of all that's good and holy. ;)

If this episode stirred something in you, I’d love it if you shared it with one person who might need the reminder: your weakness isn’t your enemy—it’s where you’ll find your greatest strength.

Leave a review, send a note at info@mercycast.com, or tag me, @RaleighSadler or @mercycastpod on social. Let’s keep walking together.

If you like what you hear, please like and subscribe.

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Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

Together, we unpack how compassion—as well-intentioned as it is—can sometimes feel like salt in a wound when we’re not careful with our words. We talk about how simply listening—really listening—can communicate more love than any advice ever could.

We also explore the quiet, sacred space of prayer, the long road to acceptance, and the deep value of community when everything falls apart. Tyler reminds us that in the worst pain, we don’t need answers—we need people willing to be present. That presence, that shared space in our suffering, can begin to pave the way toward healing.

Whether you're walking through grief, sitting with someone in pain, or wrestling with how to show up well for others, this conversation is for you. We’re not here to tie things up with a bow, but to ask better questions and lean into the mystery of shared sorrow.

Thanks for being here. Let's learn to suffer with instead of suffering alone.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Compassion can be miscommunicated through even the kindest words.
• Loss invites us into deep acceptance and a need for community support.
• Suffering is a universal experience that calls for honest reflection and connection.
• Listening and presence often matter more than having the right thing to say.
• It’s okay to not have the answers; what matters is showing up with empathy.
• Prayer, even in doubt, can be a lifeline to meaning and healing.
• Asking “How can I best support you?” is more powerful than we think.
• We grow closer when we vulnerably share our stories of pain and hope.

When you suffer, people may not know what to say. That’s okay. Suffering often exposes reality. But this podcast is about facing reality, facing pain, and growing through it.

Thanks for listening, and as always, let’s keep mercy at the center.

— Raleigh

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Learn more about Tyler and his ministry.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

We explore how our passions can point us toward our purpose, but also how hard it can be to stay true to that purpose in a world full of pressure and noise. Will shares what he’s learned as a writer and editor—and more than that, as a person committed to loving others well through creativity.

As we talk, one theme comes through again and again: the importance of personal expression that doesn’t ignore the audience we’re trying to serve. We dig into what it means to communicate clearly without compromising who we are, and how writing, like any creative act, can become a sacred expression of love.

If you've ever faced setbacks in your creative life (who hasn’t?), this one’s for you. We talk honestly about the struggle, and how it's often community feedback and connection that help us through. Creativity doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s messy, relational, and beautiful—and we need each other to keep going.

Wherever you are in your journey—writing, editing, dreaming, or doubting—I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone. Your creativity matters, and your calling is something that can be discovered with others, not just for yourself.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Your calling often emerges through relationships, not isolation.
• Creativity is deeply relational—it’s about giving, not just expressing.
• Community helps shape and refine our creative work.
• Knowing your audience helps your voice come through more clearly.
• Writing and editing are acts of love rooted in humility and honesty.
• Facing setbacks is part of the process, not a sign to stop.
• “Whatever you're doing, love others.”
• “Writing is an act of love.”
• “You can't preach that to yourself.”

Thank you for listening. If this conversation resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a review, share with a friend, or reach out to us on social media. Keep creating, keep loving, and remember: you don’t have to do this alone.

—Raleigh

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Learn more about Will Parker Anderson.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

One of the most impactful parts of our conversation centers on Cassie’s Care Farm—a sanctuary created in memory of a beloved child. It’s a legacy born from loss, a physical space where medically fragile children can experience healing, play, and love. Jill shares how community support made the impossible possible, and how safe spaces are more than places—they’re reflections of our hearts.

This episode is about what it means to show up for someone else, especially when it’s hard. It’s about parenting with patience. It’s about grief, legacy, and what happens when love meets adversity.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Over 23,000 children age out of foster care every year—and many do so alone.
• Medically fragile children often go unseen, and many struggle to find foster homes.
• Fostering is more than care—it’s a journey of personal transformation.
• Community support isn’t a bonus—it’s essential.
• Cassie's Care Farm was born out of grief—and built with love.
• Loss has a way of breaking our hearts open to others.
• Safe spaces allow medically fragile children to simply be, without fear.
• Love, especially in parenting, is patient and kind.
• Adversity doesn’t have to break us—it can shape us into something new.

This conversation with Jill left me undone in the best way. It reminded me that love often looks like showing up again and again—even when there are no guarantees. Especially in the foster care space, especially for medically fragile children, love isn't just a warm feeling. It's an act of defiant hope.

So wherever you are, and whatever your story, I want to remind you: your compassion matters. Your community matters. And sometimes, in the midst of deep loss, the seeds of legacy begin to grow.

🔗 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

📢 Don't forget to share this episode with someone who needs to hear about the beauty of community support and the power of parenting through adversity.

#MercyCast #FosterCare #Parenting #MedicallyFragileChildren #CassiesCareFarm #LoveInAction #CommunitySupport #Compassion #Legacy #Adversity #Loss

For more about Cassie’s Care Farm and how you can support families fostering medically fragile children, visit madhatterfarm.org.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

This conversation is close to my heart. Nabs shares how he lost his father during the civil war, spent nearly a year homeless as a child, and eventually found himself in an orphanage. But that’s just the beginning. His story is one of raw adversity, unmatched resilience, and the kind of healing that only happens in the presence of real community support.

What struck me most was how Nabs highlights a truth that’s too often overlooked: most children in orphanages are not orphans—they're there because their families are too poor to care for them. We talk about how shifting from institutional care to family-based care can break this cycle of poverty and bring real, lasting change.

Nabs reminded me—and I hope reminds you—that there is purpose in our pain, and even the darkest moments can shape us into compassionate advocates for others. His journey challenges us all to show up with compassion, to support vulnerable families, and to believe that hope has a way of rising up.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Every difficulty can point us outside of ourselves.
• Nabs lost his father in Sierra Leone’s civil war and experienced homelessness before entering an orphanage at age 9.
• Orphanages often serve children from impoverished families—not necessarily orphans.
• Poverty, not parental loss, is the main driver of institutional care.
• Family-based care provides the loving, stable environment children truly need.
• Supporting family care systems helps disrupt the poverty cycle.
• Healing and transformation are possible when we choose to see people’s potential.

Whether you’re passionate about orphan care, child welfare, or just want to know how you can show up for others facing adversity, this conversation is for you. Let’s lean into this together—because compassion isn’t just a feeling, it’s a movement.

Thanks for listening, and as always, let’s keep mercy at the center.

— Raleigh

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

Learn more about Nabs and Helping Children Worldwide.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of MercyCast, I had the privilege of sitting down with my friend Jenny Randle, the author of the new book, The Promised Presence, to have a deeply personal conversation about something that’s been on both of our hearts: the Holy Spirit. We explored what it means to welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives, not just as a theological concept, but as an active, indwelling presence that transforms us from the inside out.

We didn’t shy away from the hard stuff—vulnerability, denominational differences, and the mystery of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Through our conversation, you’ll hear real, raw stories of divine encounters and the ways the Spirit shows up when we’re willing to be still and trust. We reflected on the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, where the Spirit moved in powerful, unexpected ways—and how that same Spirit is still moving in and through us today.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• God often meets us in our vulnerability—and that’s where transformation begins.
• The Holy Spirit is a person, not an “it.” He speaks, guides, comforts, and empowers us daily.
• The baptism of the Holy Spirit can look different across denominations, but the key is discernment and alignment with God’s character and Word.
• Scripture—especially Luke and Acts—shows the Spirit's active role in the early church and invites us into that same power.
• Personal experiences with the Holy Spirit can deepen our faith, helping us trust even in seasons of uncertainty.
• Community matters. Healing and guidance often come through God’s people when we show up and open up.
• Being still before God is not passive—it's an act of trust and surrender.
• How the Holy Spirit moves in moments of desperation
• The importance of discernment and listening for the Spirit’s “still small voice”
• Navigating denominational differences in how the Spirit is understood and experienced
• Why vulnerability is necessary in faith communities
• How the justice gospel calls us to Spirit-empowered action rooted in compassion and truth
• Our own personal encounters with the Holy Spirit—some ordinary, some surprising
• How to cultivate a deeper personal relationship with God through the Spirit’s indwelling

Whether you're wrestling with questions about the Holy Spirit, curious about the idea of spiritual baptism, or simply looking for encouragement in your walk with God, this episode is for you.

We don’t have it all figured out—but we’re showing up, and that’s part of the journey.

Subscribe to MercyCast and leave a review if this conversation spoke to you. Let’s keep walking in trust, together.

#HolySpirit #Vulnerability #JusticeGospel #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGuidance #FaithJourney #MercyCast

Read Jenny’s book, The Promised Presence. Follow Jenny on Instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of The Mercy Cast, I sit down with my friend Jen Thompson, author of Return to Jesus, for a heartfelt conversation that cuts right to the core of what it means to feel distant from God—and how His invitation to return never goes away. We talk honestly about those times when life feels overwhelming, when prayer feels empty, and when functional saviors (things we turn to instead of God) slowly edge Him out of our hearts.

But here's the truth we kept coming back to: God's love is unconditional. Period. It's not based on what we do or how we perform. He loves us because He made us. And He invites us—again and again—to come home.

This conversation became a journey into what it means to really accept that love. Not just mentally agree with it, but live it. To let it transform how we see ourselves and others and even how we handle struggles.

We talked about:

✨ What it means to return to Jesus—over and over again

✨ Why self-acceptance is a reflection of God's love

✨ The sacred rhythm of prayer and surrender

✨ Trusting God's provision—even in uncertainty

✨ How gratitude anchors us in the present

✨ And how our relationship with God changes everything, including how we show up in community

For me, one of the most potent reminders was this: "We are made in the image of love." That's not just poetic—it's personal. And when we affirm our worth in the light of God's love, we become more equipped to love others well. Everything in life becomes part of our mission—not just what we do overseas or on Sundays, but how we care, show up, and listen.

We don't have to earn His presence. He's already here. And when we make space for Him—through prayer, gratitude, community, and trust— we can be surprised by His grace in the most ordinary moments.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We're not alone when we feel distant—God still pursues us.
• Self-love isn't selfish; it's a response to being loved by God.
• Returning to Jesus is about trust, surrender, and presence.
• Personal rhythms of faith and prayer build intimacy with God.
• Gratitude and grace keep us grounded in our spiritual journey.
• "God stands waiting with open arms."
• "His invitation hasn't gone away."
• "Everything in life is our mission."
• "I am loved."
• "We are made in the image of love."
• "Jesus loves me as I am."
• "We can be so hard on ourselves."
• "I love myself as I am."

🙏 If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone who might need the reminder: You are loved. You are invited back. Every day is a new chance to return to Jesus.

Let's continue walking this spiritual journey together.

#God #Love #Faith #SelfAcceptance #Compassion #ReturnToJesus #SpiritualJourney #Prayer #Trust #UnconditionalLove #PersonalGrowth #Gratitude #Surrender #Community #RelationshipWithGod

Read Jen’s book, Return to Jesus. You can follow her on Instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of MercyCast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Nick McDonald, the author of The Light in Our Eyes: Rediscovering the Love, Beauty, and Freedom of Jesus in an Age of Disillusionment. Our conversation was a raw and honest exploration of vulnerability, adversity, disillusionment, and rebuilding faith.

Nick opened up about his journey—what it looked like to question long-held beliefs, wrestle with evangelicalism, and confront the trauma that often lingers in religious spaces. I deeply resonated with Nick's reflections on what it means to rediscover the Gospel, not just as a theological concept but as a source of grace, compassion, restoration, and renewal.

This episode is a reminder that it's okay to ask questions. It's okay to lament. And it's okay to start again.

If you've ever felt disillusioned by the Church, or if you're searching for a faith that embraces both the head and the heart, the spiritual and the physical, I believe this episode will meet you where you are.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Vulnerability is a scary but necessary part of faith.
• Many people are deconstructing their faith to find what is real.
• Deconstruction can lead to confusion, but it can also foster growth.
• The Gospel often presented is anemic and lacks depth.
• We need to address the whole person in our faith journey.
• Jesus cares about both our souls and our bodies.
• Historical context is crucial in understanding evangelicalism.
• The Social Gospel has implications for how we live out our faith.
• Restoration and renewal are central to the Christian experience.
• Disillusionment can be a part of growth in faith.

Read Nick’s book, The Light in Our Eyes.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this powerful episode of the mercyCast, Vanessa Abraham, author of the new book, Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life, shares her inspiring journey of healing and recovery, diving deep into themes of compassion, trauma, and reclaiming one's voice. Through honest conversations about mental health, identity, and self-acceptance, Vanessa explores how community support and resilience play a vital role in overcoming adversity. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of healing and the importance of owning your truth on the path to recovery.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We often hide our struggles, but they remain present.
• Losing one's voice can lead to an identity crisis.
• The journey to reclaiming voice is terrifying yet transformative.
• Grief and pain can lead to dark thoughts.
• Practicing gratitude can help ground us in difficult times.
• Community support is crucial for healing and recovery.
• Our thoughts shape our reality and identity.
• Finding joy in small moments can foster resilience.
• It's important to acknowledge the impact of trauma on loved ones.
• We are not alone in our struggles; community can lift us up.

Read Vanessa’s book, Speechless. You can also follow her on Instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages in a profound conversation with Brittany Higgs, founder of the Her Campaign, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking. They explore the journey into anti-trafficking advocacy, the personal experiences that shaped their commitment, and the importance of connecting with vulnerable individuals. Brittany shares her transformative experiences in war zones, the impact of personal connection on healing, and the necessity of intimacy with God in the healing process. The conversation emphasizes the challenges of healing, the significance of triggers, and the balance between striving for perfection and embracing grace. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Britney Higgs explore the profound theme of surrender in the context of faith and personal growth. They discuss the challenges and fears associated with surrendering to God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His goodness and promises. Britney shares her journey with the Her Campaign, illustrating how surrender has played a crucial role in her work with survivors of trafficking. The conversation highlights the significance of trusting God in difficult times and the transformative power of vulnerability.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Brittany Higgs shares her journey into anti-trafficking advocacy.
• Personal experiences in war zones shaped her commitment to helping survivors.
• The importance of connecting with vulnerable individuals is emphasized.
• Healing is a painful but necessary process.
• Triggers can be seen as gifts that reveal deeper issues.
• Intimacy with God is crucial for personal healing and growth.
• Striving for perfection can hinder our relationship with God.
• The power of the Holy Spirit can transform our lives.
• Understanding our identity as God's children is essential.
• Healing is an ongoing journey that requires surrender and trust. Surrender comes from recognizing God's nature and promises.
• Trusting God can lead to unexpected blessings.
• Surrendering can be a scary but necessary journey.
• God's presence is felt in our vulnerability.
• Surrender allows us to experience God's power on display.
• It's important to anchor ourselves in God's promises.
• Surrender is about being willing to do the impossible.
• God is good, even when situations are not comfortable.
• Vulnerability can lead to personal growth and healing.
• Trusting God means leaning into His goodness.

Learn more about the Her Campaign.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Rebecca George, author of You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry Up World, delve into the theme of longing, exploring how unmet needs and desires shape our lives. They discuss the importance of waiting well, living fully in the present, and recognizing God's orchestration in our stories. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the challenges of navigating envy and identity, especially in the context of singleness, while emphasizing the beauty of individual journeys and the hope found in faith. In this conversation, Rebecca George and Raleigh Sadler explore the complexities of relationships, particularly focusing on the themes of perfectionism, reality in marriage, the concept of 'chill hours' in longing, the importance of surrendering to God's will, and finding purpose in periods of waiting. They share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges with faith and self-awareness.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We all have unmet needs and longings.
• God is at work even when we can't see Him.
• Longing can lead to more longing.
• Waiting well involves living fully in the present.
• Acceptance is key to navigating life's challenges.
• God writes beautiful stories in our lives.
• Envy can arise in seasons of waiting.
• We can hold both joy for others and our own longings.
• Personal stories illustrate God's orchestration.
• Living in community helps combat feelings of isolation. Not everything was perfect and it was messy and it was hard.
• The reality of married life is not always shiny and happy.
• We often superimpose our desires on a pedestal meant for God alone.
• Surrendering means recognizing when something has become an idol.
• Chill hours are necessary for growth and fruitfulness.
• We need to savor the moments we have, especially in marriage.
• Longing can be a part of God's purpose for us.
• Trusting God means believing He has our best intentions at heart.
• It's important to take things slow and enjoy the journey.
• You are not too late; God sees the entirety of our lives.

Find Rebecca’s new book, You’re Not Too Late, here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler speaks with Andrea and Haril Kazindra, co-founders of Musana, about their journey of taking legal guardianship of 80 children in Uganda. They discuss the importance of origin stories, the challenges faced in rescuing vulnerable children, and the need for empowerment over dependency in charitable efforts. The conversation highlights the transformative power of self-reliance and community engagement in addressing poverty and vulnerability. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler engages with Andrea and Haril Kazindra about the transformative work of Musana, a holistic organization focused on breaking cycles of dependency through locally-led social enterprises. They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for healing, the vision of impacting lives through education and healthcare, and the balance between mercy and justice in community work. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift in how philanthropy is approached, advocating for sustainable solutions that empower communities rather than create dependency. The speakers share personal challenges and the importance of trusting in a higher purpose while encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort and take risks in their own lives.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Pain often points to our purpose.
• Andrea and Haril took legal guardianship of 80 children.
• They faced death threats while rescuing children.
• Empowerment is key to community transformation.
• Charity alone does not develop countries.
• Self-reliance fosters dignity and creativity.
• Communities can solve their own problems.
• Musana employs 700 Ugandans as change agents.
• Lydia's story exemplifies empowerment and transformation.
• True change comes from within communities.
• Creating safe spaces for healing is essential.
• Musana's mission is to impact lives through education and healthcare.
• Holistic approaches are necessary for community transformation.
• Breaking cycles of dependency is a key goal.
• Mercy and justice must coexist in community work.
• Trusting in a higher purpose helps overcome challenges.
• Self-reliance and spiritual dependency can coexist.
• Philanthropy should focus on sustainable solutions.
• Embrace discomfort to foster growth and change.
• Mindfulness in giving is crucial for long-term impact.

Learn more about the work of Musana.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Richard Gamble, founder of the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer UK. They explore the significance of prayer, personal testimonies of faith, and the importance of sharing stories of answered prayers. Richard shares his journey of faith, including his own experiences with chronic illness and how prayer has transformed his life. The conversation emphasizes the need for patience in waiting for God's answers, the power of testimony to inspire hope, and the importance of maintaining a relationship with God through prayer. Richard challenges listeners to trust in God's timing and to actively engage in their faith journey, even in the face of adversity.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Prayer is a powerful tool for connecting with God.
• The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer aims to make hope visible.
• Personal testimonies can inspire and encourage others.
• Waiting on God can lead to character refinement.
• Testimonies of answered prayers change the spiritual atmosphere.
• God's timing is often different from our expectations.
• Maintaining a relationship with God is crucial in prayer.
• Sharing stories of faith helps others in their journey.
• Prayer is about trust and dependence on God.
• Choosing to engage in faith can lead to deeper intimacy with God.

Learn more about the Eternal Wall of Prayer.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Tom Bennardo explore the significance of authenticity and vulnerability in building meaningful relationships. They discuss the challenges of navigating these concepts in a world that often promotes curated versions of self. The conversation delves into the role of suffering in revealing our true selves, the importance of community, and the need for deeper levels of honesty in our interactions. They also address the balance between setting boundaries and being open, emphasizing the necessity of trust in fostering genuine connections. Ultimately, they highlight the value of sitting with one another in life's messy moments, rather than rushing to fix or gloss over discomfort. In this conversation, Tom Bennardo and Raleigh Sadler explore the significance of vulnerability in leadership and community. They discuss how being open and honest about struggles can lead to healing and deeper connections. The importance of finding safe spaces for vulnerability, cultivating genuine fellowship (koinonia), and the dynamics of community relationships are emphasized. They also touch on the unexpected nature of friendships and the intentionality required to build meaningful connections within a church or community setting.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Authenticity is crucial for meaningful relationships.
• Connection often falters when authenticity is absent.
• Vulnerability is a risk that can lead to deeper connections.
• Suffering can reveal our true selves and prompt authenticity.
• There are different levels of honesty in relationships.
• Curated authenticity is still a form of inauthenticity.
• We often create walls instead of healthy boundaries.
• Trust is essential for vulnerability in relationships.
• Sitting in discomfort together fosters genuine community.
• The cross exemplifies the beauty in messy, vulnerable moments. Vulnerability is essential for personal and communal growth.
• Connection with others is a pathway to healing.
• It's important to find safe spaces for openness.
• Koinonia fellowship is about heart-to-heart connections.
• Community dynamics can be navigated with intentionality.
• Unexpected friendships can form in surprising ways.
• Intentionality is key in building deeper connections.
• A culture of openness can transform a community.
• Leaders must model vulnerability to inspire others.
• Unlearning surface-level interactions is necessary for deeper relationships.

Find Tom’s new book here!

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Justin and Trisha Davis, authors of One Choice Away from Change. They discuss the patterns we carry from our past into relationships, the importance of self-awareness in breaking cycles, and the journey of healing and forgiveness. The conversation emphasizes that recognizing our cycles and being honest about our struggles can lead to personal growth and healthier relationships. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler engages with Justin and Trish Davis to explore the themes of honesty, authenticity, and transformation in relationships. They discuss the fear of being truly known, the importance of scriptural foundations in breaking cycles of dysfunction, and the significance of inviting God into our messy lives. The conversation emphasizes the journey of self-discovery, the power of choice, and the necessity of taking small steps toward change, ultimately highlighting that God loves and likes us as we are.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We carry patterns from our family of origin into relationships.
• Recognizing cycles is crucial for personal growth.
• Pain avoidance can lead to dysfunctional relationships.
• Hitting rock bottom can be a catalyst for change.
• Failure can be a breeding ground for growth.
• Self-awareness is key to breaking unhealthy cycles.
• Forgiveness is essential for healing.
• We need to own our contributions to relationship dynamics.
• Honesty about our struggles is the first step to healing.
• Relationships require ongoing work and self-discovery. Honesty can be intimidating but is essential for deep relationships.
• The desire to be known often conflicts with the fear of not being loved.
• Transformation comes from being authentic, not from pretending to be better.
• God's love is about choice and acceptance of our true selves.
• The messiness of life is an invitation to grow and seek God.
• We often hide our mess, but God seeks us out in it.
• Recognizing our false selves is crucial for personal growth.
• Taking one step toward change is more important than perfection.
• God loves us unconditionally, and we are worthy of love.
• Living authentically attracts others to God's glory.

Learn more about Justin and Trisha at www.refineus.org. Don’t miss their new book, One Choice Away from Change.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Dr. Mike Bechtle, author of the new book How to Read a Room: Navigate Any Situation, Lead with Confidence, and Create an Impact at Work, explore the themes of compassion, individual temperament, and how people engage with the world. They discuss how understanding one's wiring can lead to a more authentic expression of faith and connection with others. The conversation emphasizes the importance of vocation in sharing the gospel, the value of genuine relationships, and the lessons learned through social interactions and mistakes. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of being rooted in community and the freedom that comes from caring for others without an agenda. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Mike Bechtle explore the dynamics of relationships, focusing on the differences between introverts and extroverts, the impact of assumptions and first impressions, and the importance of setting boundaries. They discuss how to navigate emotional energy in conversations and the significance of being intentional in interactions to foster deeper connections. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-awareness and understanding in relationships, encouraging listeners to be mindful of their energy and the energy of those around them.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Every one of us is different and has a unique story.
• Understanding our temperament can change our perspective on effectiveness.
• Evangelism strategies often cater to extroverted personalities.
• Vocation allows us to engage with others meaningfully.
• Building genuine relationships is more important than closing a sale.
• Observing social dynamics can help us navigate interactions better.
• Making mistakes is a crucial part of learning and growth.
• Rooted relationships provide a foundation for new connections.
• Caring for people is more important than following a strict agenda.
• God uses us as we are, not as we think we should be. Introverts are wired for deeper relationships.
• Assumptions can cloud our judgment of others.
• Listening is a powerful tool in conversations.
• We often project past experiences onto new people.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for emotional health.
• Understanding energy dynamics helps in social settings.
• Intentionality in conversations fosters connection.
• Every relationship deserves a different level of energy.
• Words can uplift or discourage others.
• Self-awareness is key in navigating relationships.

Learn more about Mike and how to find his newest book, How to Read a Room, and all of his other books at his website, mikebechtle.com.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler discusses the theme of transitions in life with Greg Elzinga, the president of Calvin University. They explore the challenges and opportunities that come with change, the importance of empowerment in education, and the role of faith in leadership. Greg shares his journey from the corporate world to nonprofit work and ultimately to his current role, emphasizing the significance of submission and surrender in leadership. The conversation concludes with a call to create space for lament and hope in our lives.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Transitions can be scary but are a part of life.
• Every character in the Bible is in transition.
• Empowerment is key in helping vulnerable communities.
• Leadership is about creating a supportive culture.
• Submission and surrender are essential in leadership.
• The future is secure because our world belongs to God.
• It's crucial to balance lament and hope.
• God often provides after we take a step of faith.
• Community and support are vital in times of transition.
• Trusting God can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Follow Greg on X. Here’s an article that gives you more about what we discussed.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Tony Kriz, co-founder of The Children's Literacy Project and co-author of READ: How God's People Can Bring Justice Through Literacy, discuss the intersection of literacy and justice, highlighting how personal vulnerabilities can motivate individuals to make a difference. Literacy is not just critical; it is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty, and relationships are the driving force behind transformative education.

Tony shares his powerful journey from missionary work to literacy advocacy, illustrating that community involvement is critical in tackling systemic issues. This episode clarifies that we need preventative justice through literacy, and churches have a vital role in this mission.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Literacy is a fundamental justice issue.
• Relationships are key to personal transformation.
• Cyclical poverty is linked to illiteracy.
• Preventative justice can change lives.
• Community involvement is crucial in education.
• Storytelling can raise awareness about literacy.
• Every child deserves a chance to learn to read.
• Churches can be a powerful force for good.
• Mentorship can provide hope and opportunity. We've broken the cycles of commuterism and consumerism.
• We have forgotten how to really love our neighbors.
• Seeing people as neighbors changes our perspective.
• Literacy is a gateway to justice and community engagement.
• Everyone can be a reading buddy to a child.
• Churches partnering with schools can transform communities.

Read Tony’s new book, READ: How God's People Can Bring Justice Through Literacy.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We often prioritize comfort over growth.
• Grief can lead to unexpected paths of healing.
• Laughter can provide relief in times of pain.
• Happiness is fleeting, while meaningfulness lasts.
• Authenticity is crucial for a meaningful life.
• Understanding core beliefs helps in finding authenticity.
• Communication is key in all relationships.
• We must accept the contradictions of life.
• Self-compassion is essential for personal growth.
• Finding meaning can help us navigate through suffering. Finding meaning is a personal journey.
• Perfectionism can hinder growth and authenticity.
• Failure is an opportunity for learning and growth.
• We should set our own standards for success.
• Procrastination often stems from perfectionism.
• Goals should have timelines and accountability.
• Creating for oneself leads to more authentic work.
• Authenticity is key to living a meaningful life.
• Self-talk influences our perception of worth.
• Hope and positivity are essential for a fulfilling life.

Learn more about. Shawn at shawnleonnowotnik.com. Buy his book,  here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

This is what happened to Richard. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Richard Hsung, author of Spring Flower, explore the profound challenges of writing a memoir, particularly the emotional toll of reliving painful memories. Richard shares his journey of completing his mother's memoir, discussing the mental paralysis he faced, the role of therapy, and the inspiration he drew from the story of Iris Chang. They delve into the complexities of identity, the importance of community, and the healing power of storytelling, ultimately emphasizing the significance of acknowledging one's past and the journey of self-discovery.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Mental paralysis can hinder creativity and productivity.
• Reliving painful memories can be detrimental to mental health.
• Therapy can provide essential support during the writing process.
• Inspiration can come from unexpected sources, like Iris Chang.
• Dredging up the past can be both painful and necessary.
• Community support is crucial in overcoming creative blocks.
• Writing can be a redemptive and healing process.
• Identity is complex and can evolve.
• It's okay to live with ambiguity regarding one's identity.
• Acknowledging one's past is the first step towards healing.

Learn more about Richard. Buy his book, Spring Flower here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, I talk with leadership consultant Bob Kaplan to explore the intersection of compassion, leadership, and personal growth. Bob Kaplan is the author of the new book GRAPPLING: Leaders Striving To Improve, a series of short stories that bring executive coaching to life. The book is based on his decades of experience consulting CEOs, founders, and senior leaders. He is the founder and president of his own leadership consulting firm, Kaplan DeVries. We discuss the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the role of mercy and connection in relationships, and how suffering can impact leadership dynamics. Kaplan shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome through positive feedback and the significance of building trust and confidence in leadership roles. In this conversation, we both explore the nuances of compassionate leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing productivity with personal connection. We discuss the concept of healthy selfishness, feedback's impact, and self-care's necessity in leadership roles. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on personal growth and the faith required to navigate challenges in leadership.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Failure can be an influential teacher in leadership.
• Mercy is a challenge for those in positions of power.
• Connection is crucial for couples facing challenges.
• Suffering can either unite or divide relationships.
• People often underestimate their own abilities.
• Positive feedback is essential for personal development.
• Trust between partners enhances their ability to support each other.
• Addressing problems compassionately fosters growth.
• Imposter syndrome can hinder self-confidence and performance.
• Building confidence requires focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Compassionate leadership empowers individuals to grow at their own pace.
• Positive feedback is essential for building confidence in teams.
• Balancing focus on people and productivity is crucial for effective leadership.
• Healthy selfishness allows leaders to recharge and support others better.
• Work-life balance is vital for personal and professional fulfillment.
• Self-care should be meaningful and restorative, not just a checklist.
• Leaders can be kind and candid simultaneously when providing feedback.
• Recognizing one's own needs is essential for effective leadership.
• Growth requires acknowledging imperfections and striving for improvement.
• Faith in oneself and a higher purpose are necessary for overcoming challenges.

Learn more about Bob Kaplan. Buy his book, Grappling here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, Terry A Smith, pastor of The Life Christian church for the last 33 years and author of "The Lord Give You Peace: A 28-day Journey to Thrive in God's Shalom," explores the profound concept of peace, mainly through the lens of 'shalom.' We discuss the importance of understanding shalom as more than just the absence of conflict but as a holistic state of well-being that encompasses flourishing in all aspects of life. Pastor Terry shares his experiences of adversity and how they shaped his understanding of peace, emphasizing the need for individuals to seek shalom for themselves and their communities. This conversation highlights the interconnectedness of personal and communal peace, urging listeners to cultivate a flourishing life and actively contribute to the shalom of their cities.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Shalom encompasses wholeness, well-being, and flourishing.
• Experiencing peace is possible even in adversity.
• God desires for us to thrive, not just survive.
• We have a responsibility to seek shalom in our communities.
• Holistic well-being includes spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
• The journey to peace involves holding onto God's promises.
• Flourishing is a result of God's desire for us.
• We must cultivate peace in our relationships with others.
• Seeking shalom is both a personal and communal mission.
• "Shalom is about an abundance of positivity."
• "Peace is about holistic well-being."
• "We can experience peace even in adversity."
• "We have to hold on to what God's Word says."
• "We are supposed to be spreading shalom."
• "God wants us to thrive."
• "God desires to give you peace."

Learn more about Pastor Terry’s work and follow him here. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of his book, The Lord Give You Peace.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

So, how can we create the right atmosphere around us to help us grow?

In today’s conversation, we discuss the theme of transformation—how adversity can propel us toward personal growth and how embracing revelation is the first step toward unlocking our potential. Rick Dubose, the Assemblies of God Assistant Superintendent and author of the new book, the Creator’s Wheel, shares how the Biblical creation narrative gives us a paradigm for transformation. Your identity and purpose are closely tied to the environment you create. In this episode, Rick and I reflect on how life’s seasons bring challenges and opportunities for transformation.

Rick emphasizes the importance of aligning our values with God’s values, especially in times of confrontation. We also discuss the necessity of structuring our lives for growth and embracing the cyclical nature of life—how each season, with its unique challenges, prepares us for what’s to come. Ultimately, we discuss the need for rest, reflection, and returning to our foundational beliefs to fuel our transformation and spiritual growth.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Transformation is a continuous journey of becoming something new.
• Adversity or opposition is a gift and often holds the key to personal growth.
• Revelation reveals dysfunction and paves the way for change.
• A supportive atmosphere is foundational for growth.
• The atmosphere we create in our lives determines what can thrive.
• Understanding your identity is crucial to discovering your purpose.
• Gifts within us only emerge when placed in the right environment.
• Rest and reflection during the Sabbath are vital for receiving new revelation from God.
• Small, daily habits are the building blocks of character.
• Recognizing the importance of life’s seasons helps us understand God’s work in us.
• Return to your foundational beliefs—they will guide you through the transformation process.
• “God created us to be dynamic beings.”
• “God sees in me what should be there.”
• “Restructure your life for growth.”
• “Dormancy is healed by the spring.”
• “Embrace the season you're in.”
• “Sabbath rest leads to new revelation.”

Find Rick’s new book here. 

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of Mercycast, I sit down with my friend, Hannah Hughes, to discuss the complexities of life, faith, and purpose—especially when life feels anything but perfect. We get real about the challenges of finding meaning amid pain and struggle and how, as followers of Christ, we need to embrace the messiness of life rather than run from it.

We explore how vulnerability is a path to healing and a powerful way to connect with others. Pain isn't something to shy away from; it can be an invitation to draw nearer to God. Through our struggles, we often find our deepest purpose, which is centered around loving others. We talk about how being a Christian doesn't guarantee a life free of suffering. Instead, it's about how we love, show up, and be present in the challenging moments.

We also address the dangers of perfectionism and how it can hold us back from fully embracing God's grace. I share some personal stories of my struggles with feeling like I need to “get it right” and how that pressure can prevent us from living out our calling. Ultimately, we conclude that our true purpose isn't found in perfection; it's found in connection, being honest about where we are, and walking alongside others in their mess.

If you've ever felt like your life is too messy to have a purpose or that you're not “perfect enough “to be used by God, this episode is for you.

Listen now and remember: your mess doesn't disqualify you from purpose—it is part of the story writing with your life.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Life can be messy, and that's part of being human.
• Finding purpose often comes from our struggles and pain.
• Our purpose is often found in loving others amidst our struggles.
• Suffering can lead to a deeper understanding of our purpose.
• Embracing our imperfections allows us to connect with our purpose.
• Vulnerability is essential in understanding our purpose.
• Surrendering to the process can bring freedom and peace.
• Pain can lead us closer to God if we allow it.
• Processing emotions is crucial for healing.
• Community plays a vital role in our faith journey.
• Our purpose is rooted in loving our neighbors.
• Perfectionism can hinder our ability to find purpose.
• We are loved by God regardless of our performance. Perfectionism can drain the faith out of our actions.
• The process of unlearning ingrained beliefs takes time and honesty.
• Sharing our struggles can create safe spaces for others.
• Jesus’ ministry was characterized by messiness and connection with the broken.

Find Hannah’s books and social media handles at her website, thehannahhughes.com.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of Mercycast, I’m joined by Becky Murray, founder and CEO of One by One, as we dive into her incredible journey in the world of compassion and justice. Becky shares a pivotal moment from her time in Sierra Leone, where an encounter with a young girl ignited her passion for helping vulnerable children. We discuss the importance of recognizing the neighbors in our everyday lives and saying yes to opportunities to help. Becky also explains One by One’s holistic approach to addressing exploitation and human trafficking, emphasizing the role of consumer responsibility in tackling global issues. We also talk about the launch of the Mercy Centre, a safe haven for girls rescued from trafficking, and the critical role it plays in providing restoration. Tune in for a poignant conversation about justice, compassion, and the impact we can make.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Becky's encounter with a nine-year-old girl changed her life.
• Small acts of kindness can lead to significant change.
• Recognizing neighbors in everyday life is crucial.
• Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected journeys.
• God invites us to be part of the solution to injustice.
• Consumer choices impact global issues like human trafficking.
• Living with open hands can enrich our lives and others’ lives.
• The Mercy Centre aims to provide safe shelter for vulnerable girls.
• Education and awareness are key to preventing exploitation.
• Compassion and justice are intertwined in our daily lives.

Learn more about the work of One By One here! You can follow them on Instagram, Youtube, and X.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this milestone 100th episode of MercyCast, I’m joined by Chad Bird, my first guest, to answer these questions and for a deep dive into the central theme of the MercyCast: how adversity is not just something to endure, but a classroom in which we learn the invaluable lesson of compassion.

Chad and I discuss how shared suffering creates deeper bonds and understanding and how God's comfort in our afflictions equips us to extend that same comfort to others. We also reflect on the vital distinction between the law and the gospel—how the law can burden us with demands while the gospel offers the grace and hope we desperately need.

This episode reminds us that love is vulnerable and that true connection with others is found in our shared humanity and willingness to suffer alongside one another. There is a ripple effect to compassion. When we give love away, we enrich our experience.

Join us for this robust conversation, and remember, the way forward is often through the shared, compassionate love of those around us.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Compassion is learned through adversity and suffering.
• Life experiences serve as a classroom for understanding compassion.
• Shared suffering creates deeper connections and understanding.
• God comforts us in our afflictions so we can comfort others.
• The law can burden us, but the gospel offers grace and hope.
• Finding purpose often comes from serving those around us.
• You’re not alone in your pain—others have struggled similarly.
• Jesus understands our suffering and offers compassion.
• Love requires vulnerability and connection with others.
• Love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a choice to enter into someone’s pain and walk with them through it.
• Giving love away enriches our own experience of it.

Follow Chad and learn more about his work! 

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of Mercycast, I sit down with Pastor Danny Torres of Swerve Church in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Together, we dive into the complex reality of gentrification in this vibrant neighborhood, exploring its impacts on longtime residents and the ongoing shifts in the community's dynamics.

Danny, a lifelong resident of Bushwick, shares his journey of growing up in an area that has seen profound change. He opens up about gentrification's challenges—displacement, rising costs, and cultural divides—and how the church can play a crucial role in bridging these divides.

We discuss the gospel's power to break down barriers, particularly within communities undergoing significant transformation. The conversation touches on the importance of churches being incarnational, meaning they're deeply involved in the community's life as institutions and as active participants in the healing and reconciliation process.

This episode challenges us to think about how we engage with our neighborhoods and how the church can be a faithful witness in times of societal change. It reminds us that social justice and ministry can go hand in hand, and the gospel is the foundation to bring true reconciliation.

Tune in for a conversation on gentrification, gospel-centered ministry, and the call to be present in our communities' messiness, following Christ's example of love and compassion.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Each of us has an origin story that shapes who we become.
• Gentrification creates a clash of cultures in neighborhoods.
• The church can bridge cultural gaps through the gospel.
• Incarnational ministry requires being present in the community.
• Churches should serve their communities consistently, not just on special occasions.
• Building relationships is key to effective ministry.
• The gospel compels us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
• Awareness of community issues is essential for effective ministry.
• Churches should strive to be mission centers, not mausoleums.
• God invites us to join Him in caring for the vulnerable.

Follow Danny on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about Swerve Church!

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Welcome to another episode of MercyCast. This week, I’m sitting down with Dr. Mikayla Albertson to discuss the often-overlooked complexities of midlife. This conversation explores the challenges of aging, the journey of healing, and the importance of embracing vulnerability. Mikayla, who’s walked this road herself, shares invaluable insights on navigating this season with grace, self-acceptance, and, most importantly, radical love for ourselves.

Our chat explores how midlife often feels like a maze—unpredictable and without a clear roadmap. But it’s not all hardship. Mikayla highlights how midlife can be a time of growth, reflection, and healing. With her new book as a guide, we talk about the importance of having reliable information for women in midlife and the need to prioritize self-care and let go of unrealistic expectations.

We also explore radical acceptance, a powerful mindset that allows us to embrace life’s challenges without letting them define or break us. Mikayla shares how perfectionism can fuel self-loathing, make us feel disconnected from our true selves, and how shifting our mindset toward wellness can open the door to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

What I love most about this episode is its message of hope: Healing is not a linear process, and you are already enough. Whether caring for your body or embracing the beauty in the ordinary moments of life, there’s so much to love about the journey, imperfections and all.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Midlife can be a challenging season without a clear playbook.
• Vulnerability connects us all—it's a shared human experience.
• Healing is a lifelong journey, and radical acceptance is a key part.
• Perfectionism can lead to self-loathing and unrealistic expectations.
• Embracing imperfection allows for a more authentic and peaceful life.
• Walking, or simple self-care practices, can significantly improve mental and physical health.
• A mindset shift toward wellness can make all the difference in how we approach life.
• It's okay not to have it all figured out—healing often comes from facing adversity.
• Understanding our relationship with food is crucial for emotional and physical well-being.
• Social pressures distort self-image—remember: You are beloved and valued.

You can learn more about Dr. Mikala Albertson at her website, mikalaalbertsonmd.com.Buy her new book, Everything I Wish I Could Tell You about Midlife.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of Mercycast, my friend Matt Popovits, author of the new book Junk Drawer Jesus, and I discuss the challenges of New Year's resolutions, the clutter in our spiritual lives, and the dangers of viewing work and personal happiness as central to our identity. We explore how to identify and discard spiritual junk that weighs us down, emphasizing the importance of grace and the finished work of Jesus in our lives. In this conversation, we investigate the themes of comfort, pain, spiritual clutter, and the essence of faith, discussing the importance of recognizing discomfort as a part of growth, the role of repentance in a believer's life, and the freedom found in Christ's love. The dialogue emphasizes that true fulfillment comes not from personal performance but from understanding and accepting God's grace.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• New Year's resolutions often lead to guilt and shame.
• Spiritual clutter can hinder our relationship with God.
• Identifying spiritual junk requires honest reflection.
• Work can become a functional savior, leading to burnout.
• Happiness should not be the ultimate goal of life.
• The true message of Christianity is about what is done, not what we do.
• Recognizing our spiritual hoarding is the first step to healing.
• Cultural influences can distort our understanding of faith.
• Personal fulfillment should not come from professional success.
• God's purpose for us is deeper than mere happiness. We often sacrifice growth for comfort.
• Pain can lead to a deeper understanding of our faith.
• Repentance is a continual process of turning back to Christ.
• Self-awareness is crucial in our spiritual journey.
• The goal is not spiritual purity but a relationship with Jesus.
• Confession allows us to acknowledge our struggles with God.
• We are free to pursue spiritual practices without guilt.
• Our worth is not based on our performance but on Christ's love.
• The essence of faith is resting in the finished work of Jesus.

You can find Matt’s book, Junk Drawer Jesus, here! Find more at makeitsimple.org.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this very short episode of MercyCast, I want to discuss holiday traditions. I explore a few Christmas traditions from around the world (some you have heard of and some you haven't). Every tradition exists in some way to bring people together and refocus them on what truly matters. With this in mind, what would happen if we decided to create new traditions that foster healing and community, which remind each of us that we are loved and seen, especially during difficult times?

Highlights and takeaways:

• The holidays can be a challenging time for many.
• It's important to acknowledge our struggles during the festive season.
• Traditions can help us refocus on what truly matters.
• Exploring global Christmas traditions can enrich our understanding.
• Creating new traditions can foster healing and connection.
• Community and connection are vital during difficult times.
• Serving others can be a healing experience for ourselves.
• Letting go of the pressure to create the perfect holiday is okay.
• Reflecting on gratitude can enhance our holiday experience.
• We are all on this journey together, and support is essential.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

We are taking a break from Christmas episodes this week. In this critical episode of Mercycast, my good friend Lewie Clark joins me as we dive into an often-overlooked topic: singles' unique and vital role in ministry and church leadership. In the church, there's often an implicit assumption that marriage is the "default" position for leadership, but we believe that single people have a crucial and powerful kingdom purpose.

Lewie and I unpack the biases singles face within the church—sometimes unspoken but often profoundly felt. We also explore how these biases distort our thinking about discipleship, community, and belonging. We share the importance of embracing suffering in our walk with Jesus and how it can deepen our relationships and sense of calling.

The conversation doesn't shy away from loneliness, whether in marriage or singleness. We talk about how both states can lead to feelings of isolation and how these experiences, while painful, can be transformative when we allow God to enter them. Through love, hospitality, friendship, and invitation, discipleship becomes a space where we welcome each other's humanity, including the genuine longing for connection.

Whether single or married, join us for a robust conversation on the intersections of singleness, ministry, and discipleship and how we can better love one another amid our joys and sufferings.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Singles often face biases in church leadership roles.
• Singles primarily wrote the New Testament.
• Community is essential for both single and married individuals.
• Discipleship is rooted in love and friendship.
• Suffering can be a powerful tool for growth in discipleship.
• Church planting does not guarantee disciple-making.
• Discipleship requires laying down one's life for others.
• Singles should be recognized as valuable members of the church community.
• Hospitality is crucial for creating a sense of belonging.
• Belonging is rooted in sacrificial love and community.
• Healthy relationships require limits and intentionality.
• Everyone, regardless of marital status, longs for deep connections.

You can find Lewie's first book, Imitating Jesus, here! Here is the link for his new book, Single-Minded Service, where he unpacks the ideas discussed in this episode.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of Mercycast, I am joined by my friend, Chris White, director of Electric Jesus, to dive deep into the themes and storytelling of Christmas movies. We explore how these films reflect vulnerability, redemption, and the human experience during the holiday season. From classic films like A Christmas Carol to the overwhelming popularity of Hallmark Christmas movies, we unpack the power of nostalgia, the law, and the Gospel in the movie Gremlins, the holiday spirit, and the importance of family during this special time of year.

The conversation also takes a closer look at the unexpected yet widely debated Christmas movie Die Hard. Chris makes a compelling case for why Die Hard fits into the holiday traditions and celebrates themes of compassion, vulnerability, and love, as seen through characters like Argyle.

Throughout this episode, Chris White and I analyze both classic cinema and unique films that highlight the balance of light and dark, offering insight into how these themes in film contribute to our understanding of family, love, and the holiday spirit.

Whether discussing the innocence of holiday films or the emotional weight of human connection, this conversation reminds us how Christmas movies—old and new—help shape our understanding of love, redemption, and the human experience. Please tune in for a lively discussion on why these films continue to resonate with audiences and enrich our holiday traditions.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Christmas movies remind us of vulnerability and redemption.
• Hallmark movies serve as comfort food during the holidays.
• 'Die Hard' embodies themes of family and sacrifice.
• Argyle represents the spirit of Christmas in 'Die Hard.'
• Christmas is a time for reflection on our past and future.
• The characters in Christmas movies often mirror our own struggles.
• Nostalgia plays a significant role in our holiday movie choices.
• Christmas movies can help us process grief and loss.
• The holiday season brings a longing for connection and belonging.
• Film can be a powerful medium for exploring human emotions. Long December is a beautiful indie Christmas movie.
• The Miracle of Morgan Creek is a classic screwball comedy.
• It's a Wonderful Life explores deep themes of worth and connection.
• Christmas movies often reflect the duality of joy and chaos.
• Gremlins illustrates the failure of law and the triumph of love.
• National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation highlights the unpredictability of family gatherings.
• Home Alone teaches us about the importance of relationships over materialism.
• The Grinch embodies the power of innocence and redemption.
• Christmas films often convey messages of hope and love.
• Engaging with different Christmas movies can enrich our holiday experience.

You have heard from Chris White. Check out one of his recent projects starring Danielson and Fred Armisen. Also, don’t miss the movie Long December.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of Mercycast, join Jared C. Wilson, author of Gifts of Grace: 25 Advent Devotions, as he explores the themes of Advent, Christmas, and the deeper meaning of the holiday season. Jared, a pastor and professor, explores the powerful connection between vulnerability, hope, and grace during this time of Christmas anticipation. He reflects on how these elements are woven into the gospel message, encouraging listeners to embrace the true spirit of faith, compassion, and grace as we prepare for Christmas.

Tune in for thoughtful insights on how to make the most of this season, rooted in the transformative message of the Advent journey. Whether you’re seeking spiritual inspiration or practical guidance, Jared C. Wilson’s reflections provide a fresh perspective on cultivating hope and vulnerability as we celebrate  Christmas.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Advent is a season of expectation and waiting.
• Slowing down during Advent helps us appreciate the moment.
• Each day of Advent can reveal a different gift of grace.
• Vulnerability is central to the Advent story.
• Christmas can be bittersweet for many people.
• Hope exists even in hardship during the holidays.
• The true meaning of Christmas goes beyond the holiday itself.
• Celebrating Christmas should extend beyond December 25th.
• Law and gospel play a role in our expectations during Christmas.
• Daily scripture reading can help refocus our hearts during Advent.
• "Advent helps me slow down."
• "He came for sinners."
• "His voice changes us."

You have heard from Jared C. Wilson. We mentioned his book Gifts of Grace: 25 Advent Devotions. You can find other of his books and learn more about his work here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of MercyCast, I sit down with Cody Wilde, Senior Vice President of Correctional Programs at Prison Fellowship, to discuss his influential work in prison ministry and the profound impact of compassion and vulnerability in the lives of those incarcerated. Cody shares how the gospel is a beacon of hope amid adversity, fostering spiritual growth and healing for individuals facing immense challenges.

Through his experiences at Prison Fellowship, Cody reveals how faith and service are vital in transforming lives, creating a sense of community and offering a path to redemption. This episode explores the intersection of prison ministry, faith, and spiritual growth, highlighting the importance of bringing the message of healing and hope to those who need it most.

Join us for a conversation exploring the power of compassion, the strength found in vulnerability, and the ways the gospel can bring true transformation and freedom inside and beyond prison walls.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Cody's journey into prison ministry began with a personal calling.
• Ministering to vulnerable populations exposes our vulnerabilities.
• The gospel is most impactful in broken places.
• Adversity can be an invitation for personal growth.
• Proximity to those we serve is essential for understanding.
• The complexity of good and evil exists in every human heart.
• Facing our brokenness is part of the healing process.
• Transparency in ministry leads to freedom.
• The call to remember is a call to engage with humanity.
• Ministry is an overflow of our relationship with God.

Want to Learn More About Prison Fellowship?

Discover more about Cody and his work by visiting the official website at Prisonfellowship.org.

Stay Connected with MercyCast!

Follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive updates. Join the conversation and be part of our growing community!

Connect with Raleigh

Want more of Raleigh's insights and updates? Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for a closer look at his work, thoughts, and upcoming projects. Don't miss out on the latest news and exciting content!

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this insightful episode, Amy Betters-Midtvedt, author of You’ll Make It (And They Will Too), offers expert advice on parenting teenagers and understanding the complexities of family dynamics. With over 25 years of experience working with adolescents and families and as a contributing writer for Today Parenting, Amy has impacted over a million readers with her compassionate approach to adolescent behavior, emotional growth, and mental health.

Amy explores essential topics such as establishing boundaries, maintaining strong family communication, and fostering connection in an age when social media and technology often disrupt meaningful relationships. She discusses how vulnerability and compassion can strengthen family bonds and help parents guide their children through the challenges of growing up, particularly during times of holiday stress or social pressure.

Listeners will learn practical tips on navigating the ups and downs of teenagers' evolving identity and emotional needs and improving communication skills to better understand adolescent behavior. Amy also explores the impact of social media on both parents and teens, offering strategies for balancing screen time while still nurturing human connection and mental health.

Whether you're looking to reduce stress around the holidays or improve communication with your teenager, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a healthy family dynamic.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The holiday season can intensify family dynamics and emotional challenges.
• Parents often feel lost and overwhelmed, especially with teenagers.
• It's normal for teenagers to push boundaries as they seek independence.
• Maintaining a connection with children is crucial for healthy relationships.
• Setting boundaries is essential, but they should be communicated with love.
• Technology and social media present unique challenges for parents today.
• Teaching communication skills is vital in a technology-driven world.
• Parents should not take their teenagers' behavior personally.
• Understanding adolescent brain development can help parents navigate challenges.
• Community support among parents can strengthen boundaries and decisions. Human connection is essential for emotional development.
• Navigating technology requires intentional parenting strategies.
• Teaching kids to connect with others is crucial.
• Parenting is a learning experience for both parents and children.
• Vulnerability can strengthen parent-child relationships.
• Identity shifts occur as children grow and change.
• Grieving the loss of the 'little' version of our kids is normal.
• Parents can benefit from therapy and support.
• Celebrating small victories fosters positive growth in children.

Want to Learn More About Amy Betters-Midtvedt?

Discover more about Amy and her inspiring work by visiting her official website at amybettersmidtvedt.com. While you're there, grab a copy of her empowering book, You’ll Make It (And They Will Too) — a must-read for anyone navigating personal and professional growth. Don't miss exclusive updates, insights, and more — follow Amy on Facebook for the latest news and inspiration!

Stay Connected with MercyCast!

Follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive updates. Join the conversation and be part of our growing community!

Connect with Raleigh

Want more of Raleigh’s insights and updates? Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for a closer look at his work, thoughts, and upcoming projects. Don't miss out on the latest news and exciting content!

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of Mercycast, Dr. Kimberly Offutt discusses the transformative power of compassion, community support, and advocacy in the foster care system. As an expert in child welfare, Dr. Offutt highlights the importance of vulnerability in fostering meaningful relationships with children and families in need.

We explore the challenges and rewards of foster care, adoption, and mentoring while emphasizing the need for holistic support and institutional care that centers on the well-being of youth. Dr. Offutt shares her insights on how kindness and compassion can create lasting change and why family and community support are essential in ensuring children and young people thrive.

Whether you are a current or potential foster parent, mentor, or advocate, this episode provides valuable insights into the power of relationships and the role of community in building a more compassionate world for vulnerable children.

Tune in for a deep dive into fostering compassion, family dynamics, and creating sustainable solutions in child welfare. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how we can all make a difference in the lives of those in foster care.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Compassion requires us to reflect on our own experiences.
• Vulnerability is often a shared human experience.
• Community support is crucial for families in need.
• Many children in foster care come from poverty-related issues.
• We need to shift our perspective on how we view those in need.
• Love and compassion should guide our actions towards others.
• Institutions are not a substitute for family support.
• Children in foster care long for unconditional love.
• We all have a role to play in supporting vulnerable families.
• Recognizing our shared humanity can lead to meaningful change. Building relationships with foster children is essential.
• Family support is needed beyond the age of 18.
• Personal stories highlight the importance of connection.
• Community support can take many forms.
• Compassion can be shown through simple acts of kindness.
• Everyone can contribute to supporting foster care.
• It's essential to see the human stories behind statistics.
• Engaging with vulnerable neighbors can start small.
• Prayer and intentionality are key in community support.
• What would you need if you were in their situation?
• "We all have a little bit of dysfunction."
• "What does love say do in situations?"
• "Compassion said, help them."
• "Systems are not designed to care for kids."
• "Love our neighbor, love our friends."
• "We need families, not institutions."
• "Kids are longing for family."
• "Who in your path needs family?"
• "Be family to somebody."

You have heard from Dr. Kimberly Offutt. Check out Bethany Christian Services. Dr. Offutt mentioned her book, They Need You Now: A Mother's Plea for the Church to Embrace Adoption. In the episode, we refer to a special event Dr. Offutt participated in. Watch it here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

After experiencing deep pain, we can lose a step. We may feel like we have lost our sense of purpose.

In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Esther Garrett explore finding passion and purpose after experiencing trauma and burnout. Esther, the founder and CEO of Safety Compass, shares her personal story of advocacy, the challenges she faced, and how her experiences shaped her ability to connect with others. They discuss the importance of vulnerability, gratitude, and redefining success through kindness and service to others. By 'redefining success, 'they mean shifting the focus from personal achievements to the impact we make on others. The conversation emphasizes that our stories, no matter how painful, can equip us to help others and that God's presence is constant, guiding us through our journeys.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Finding passion may require rediscovering what once inspired us.
• Personal experiences can deeply connect us to those we serve.
• Vulnerability fosters genuine connections with others.
• Burnout can lead to a reevaluation of purpose and direction.
• Gratitude can transform our perspective on pain and suffering.
• Success is not defined by accolades but by kindness and service.
• Our stories of pain can equip us to help others.
• God's presence is constant, even in our darkest moments.
• We are called to love and serve others, regardless of our circumstances.
• Healing often comes through connection and shared experiences.
• "How can we re-tap into that thing?"
• "I felt really exhausted by the circumstances."
• "I needed a lot along the way to sustain me."

You have heard from Esther Garrett. Check out her organization, Safety Compass.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode of the Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler discusses the topic of church hurt with the author Joe Dobbins. Together, they explore the experiences of individuals who have been emotionally wounded in places of worship and the impact it has on their faith. Joe shares his motivation for writing the book Hope After Church Hurt: How to Heal, Reengage, and Rediscover God's Heart for You and highlights the need to address the issue of church hurt within faith communities. They discuss the various forms of church hurt, including judgmentalism, wounding with words, rejection, disappointment with toxic leaders, and even sexual abuse. Joe emphasizes the importance of recognizing and labeling the specific hurts individuals have experienced to begin the healing process. They also discuss the role of forgiveness, releasing pain to Christ, and restoring God's authority over one's pain as essential steps toward healing. In this conversation, Joe Dobbins and Raleigh explore three critical steps in healing: restoring God's authority, releasing pain to Christ, and refusing to carry resentment. They emphasize the importance of reframing our stories and seeing our experiences help others. They also discuss the challenges of reengaging with the faith community and offer advice on setting boundaries and finding a healthy church. If you have faced church hurt or know someone who has, please consider listening to this episode.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Church hurt is a real and significant issue that many people have experienced, leading to feelings of being unsafe in a place where they should feel safe.
• Recognizing and labeling the specific hurts individuals have experienced is essential to beginning the healing process.
• Restoring God's authority over one's pain, releasing pain to Christ, and choosing to forgive are essential steps toward healing.
• Churches and pastors should be trauma-informed and create a safe and supportive environment for those who have experienced church hurt.
• Healing from church hurt is a holistic process that involves addressing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of one's life. It involves restoring God's authority, releasing pain to Christ, and refusing to carry resentment.
• Reframing our stories allows us to find purpose in our pain and use our experiences to help others.
• Reengaging with the faith community requires setting boundaries and taking baby steps to rebuild trust.
• Finding a healthy church involves seeking God's guidance and being open to where His peace leads us.
• God desires to heal and comfort those who have experienced church hurt.
• "Church hurt, experiencing spiritual abuse, really feeling unsafe in a place where we should feel safe? It can be a hard topic to discuss because a lot of us want to pretend that it doesn't happen."
• "Church hurt is so unique... It's one thing to go into the battle and be wounded. It's another thing to retreat to a sanctuary and be wounded."
• "Our story doesn't just stop with us, but it gets redeemed until it helps someone else."
• "Take baby steps, little by little, to reengage with the faith community."

Find everything you need about Joe Dobbins on JoeDobbins.org. Get his new book, Hope after Church Hurt: How to Heal, Reengage, and Rediscover God's Heart for You.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of the Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler and guest Ashley Henriott, author of the recently released book Confidence is an Inside Job, discuss the topic of Confidence and self-worth. Ashley shares her journey from being a single mom kicked out of her house to becoming a Christ-centered confidence coach. They explore the importance of finding Confidence in God's love and acceptance rather than seeking approval from others. Ashley emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, humility, and contentment in building Confidence. The conversation also touches on learning to love oneself and the role of faith in overcoming self-doubt. In this conversation, Ashley and Raleigh discuss the process of restoration and miracles in the context of personal growth and faith. Ashley shares her journey of finding restoration and miracles in unexpected ways, emphasizing that restoration is not always a happy ending or a Hollywood movie. She highlights the importance of trusting God's choice and unique journey for each individual. They also discuss the role of insecurities and how God can use them for growth and transformation. Ashley encourages listeners to embrace their weaknesses and find Confidence in vulnerability. The conversation concludes with a discussion on self-love and the importance of loving God rather than trying to love oneself.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Confidence comes from recognizing and appreciating one's abilities and qualities.
• True Confidence is not based on outward circumstances but on a deep understanding of God's love and acceptance.
• Vulnerability and humility are essential in building Confidence and connecting with others.
• Contentment, despite circumstances, is a crucial aspect of Confidence.
• Learning to love oneself is a journey that takes time and involves trusting in God's plan and purpose. Restoration and miracles can happen unexpectedly and may not always look like a happy ending.
• Trusting God's choice and embracing one's unique journey is essential for personal growth and faith.
• God can use insecurities for growth and transformation.
• Finding Confidence in vulnerability and embracing weaknesses can lead to personal and spiritual growth.
• Instead of trying to love oneself, focus on loving God and building a relationship with Him.
• "Confidence is being content despite our circumstances."
• "I should be dead, but the Lord just gives me that fresh perspective."
• "The truest, true thing about you is his love for you."
• "Restoration isn't always a happy ending with our family that we cut off. It is just the fact that we cut them off, and we're okay."
• "It has nothing to do with you. It's just genuinely like he chooses you. Do you trust that he chooses you and let that be your drive? You know, what would your life look like?"
• "God will use your insecurities."

Find everything you need about Ashley Henriott on ashleyhenriott.com. Get her brand new book, Confidence is an Inside Job.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Risa August, author of 'The Road Unpaved, Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike,' shares her journey of resilience and self-discovery after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite the challenges she faced, Risa refused to let her diagnosis paralyze her and instead made a conscious decision to live. Starting with small goals, such as walking to the mailbox, Risa gradually built her strength and confidence. Along the way, she discovers the power of reframing her thoughts and embracing connection with others. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and the importance of community. Risa August shares her biking experience from Canada to Mexico across Northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago. She discusses her challenges, the support she received, and the mindset shifts she experienced. Risa emphasizes the importance of visualizing success and focusing on the rewards to stay motivated. She also talks about the lessons she learned from these journeys and how they have influenced her everyday life. Risa encourages listeners to embrace challenges, shift their perspectives, and live life fully.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• When faced with a difficult diagnosis or challenge, it's essential to make a conscious decision to live and not let it paralyze you.
• Setting small, measurable goals can help build confidence and momentum in adversity.
• Reframing negative thoughts and focusing on gratitude can shift perspective and foster resilience.
• Embracing connections with others and seeking support can be instrumental in overcoming challenges and finding strength.
• Resilience and self-discovery often go hand in hand, leading to personal growth and transformation. Visualize success and focus on the rewards to stay motivated.
• Embrace challenges and shift your perspective to navigate obstacles.
• Don't limit yourself, and be open to different ways of achieving your goals.
• Learn from every experience and apply the lessons to your everyday life.
• Live life to the fullest and prioritize what feels important to you.
• "When my back is up against the wall, some interesting things can happen."
• "Having all the options taken away from you with your diagnosis was somewhat freeing."
• "I remember focusing on what it would feel like to get to the U.S.-Mexican border, what that would feel like. What would it taste like? What would the food taste like? What would the air smell like? What would the sun feel like on my skin?"

Find everything you need about Risa August on her link tree and get her book here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.

For this reason, in this episode of the Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler engages with Chris Morris, a certified mental health coach and author of the new book Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about suicidality and depression from the psych-ward to discuss the often overlooked topic of mental health within the church. They share personal stories and insights on addressing mental health concerns within a faith community. They emphasize the need for vulnerability, understanding, and support for those struggling with mental health issues. They also discuss the difference between spiritual maturity and mental health and the importance of holistic care. The conversation highlights the need for open dialogue and creating a safe space for individuals to share their struggles.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• It is essential to talk about mental health in the church and create a safe space for individuals to share their struggles.
• Vulnerability, understanding, and support are crucial for those dealing with mental health issues.
• There is a difference between spiritual maturity and mental health; both should be addressed and supported.
• Mental health discussions are crucial in church communities.
• Vulnerability is often discouraged in church settings.
• 54% of Christians struggle with mental health issues.
• Mental health is a holistic concern, not just spiritual.
• Church leaders can unintentionally perpetuate harmful myths about mental health.
• Positive pastoral support can significantly impact mental health recovery.
• Spiritual maturity does not equate to mental health stability.
• Cognitive reframing is a valuable tool for managing anxiety.
• Building a supportive community is essential for mental health.
• Starting small conversations can lead to deeper connections.
• Holistic care, including physical, emotional, and psychological aspects, is essential for overall well-being.
• Open dialogue and education about mental health can help reduce stigma and promote understanding within the church community.

Find everything you need to know about Chris Morris, including his books, at Chrismorriswrites.com.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking. Finally, reach out to us at info@mercycast.com.

In this episode of Mercycast, host Adsum Try Ravenhill and guest Raleigh explore the profound significance of walking as a metaphor for life and faith. They discuss personal experiences of walking, the concept of pilgrimage, and the importance of community and solitude in life's journey. The conversation emphasizes that walking is not just a physical act but a spiritual practice connecting us to ourselves, others, and the divine. Raleigh shares insights from his recent pilgrimage experiences, highlighting the lessons learned about provision, trust, and the beauty of imperfection.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Walking is a universal act that connects us all.
• Pilgrimage is about intention, not just destination.
• Solitude allows for deep reflection and personal growth.
• Walking with others fosters community and support.
• Everyday life can be a pilgrimage if approached with intention.
• Provision comes in unexpected ways during our journeys.
• Embracing imperfection is key to personal development.
• Walking helps us to slow down and appreciate life.
• The journey is as important as the destination.
• We are all on a pilgrimage, seeking something greater than ourselves.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this conversation, Raleigh and Adsum Ravenhill discuss the concept of suffering and how it can be used for the good of others. They explore the idea that vulnerability and suffering can bless those around us and that our pain can help others find hope and healing. They also discuss the importance of situating our suffering within a greater story and finding redemption in our experiences. Through personal stories and reflections, they highlight the transformative power of suffering and its role in shaping our faith and relationships. Adsum Try Ravenhill and Raleigh discuss the power of vulnerability and weakness in this conversation. They share personal stories and insights on how suffering and weakness can be used to encourage and bless others. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and transparency and how vulnerability can deepen relationships and create growth opportunities. They also highlight the role of Scripture in providing perspective and hope while suffering.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Suffering can be a blessing to others when we are vulnerable and open about our pain.
• Our suffering can be used for the good of God's people and can bring hope and healing to others.
• We can grow and learn deeply through our pain by situating our suffering within a greater story and finding redemption in our experiences.
• Suffering can strengthen our faith and deepen our relationships with others. Suffering and weakness can be used to encourage and bless others.
• Being vulnerable and transparent deepens relationships and creates growth opportunities.
• Scripture provides perspective and hope while suffering.
• Our weakness is a pathway that connects us to God and others.
• Adversity exposes our true selves and teaches us to care for others.
• Vulnerability is the great equalizer that connects us as human beings.
• "What if our pain actually helped other people?"
• "We struggle with this idea of vulnerability; we struggle with this idea of suffering."
• "The vulnerabilities, the difficulties, the struggles, the burdens, the sufferings that we go through, we often, in fact, usually don't know what they're for, either until afterward or never."
• "It's going to change the trajectory of somebody else's life completely."
• "They need to see how a man of God suffers. They need this example."

Have you enjoyed hearing from Adsum? Feel free follow him on X and to read some of his articles.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Comparison is a strategy used by the enemy to distract and destroy us.
• We fall into the comparison trap daily by hyper-focusing on ourselves and constantly measuring.
• Jesus teaches us that success and greatness in his kingdom differ from the world's standards.
• Shifting from a me-focused to a me-free mindset involves pouring ourselves out and lifting others up.
• When we realize that Christ has already proven everything we couldn't, we no longer have anything to prove.
• Comparison leads to a never-ending cycle of trying to measure up and seeking approval.
• Jesus offers a different way of living, where our confidence and freedom come from serving others and looking to Him.
• Paying attention to the messaging we listen to is crucial, as it can align with Jesus' words or the world's influence.
• Our rewards are not tied to results but to being faithful servants with what we have been entrusted.
• "Comparison is at the root of many of our insecurities."
• "Comparison is a strategy that our enemy uses against us."
• "Comparison holds me back from serving others."
• "And if someone makes fun of you or something doesn't go your way, it's like your skin is being ripped from you."
• "A danger that a lot of us in Christendom face is many of us have made self-loathing a virtue."

Enjoy this episode? Learn more about Shannon at her website. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

 Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Discomfort is not permanent or defining; it is just a season in life.
• Blaming discomfort on the devil is a typical response, but it is essential to consider other factors.
• Having concrete hope in the finished work of Christ can help us navigate discomfort.
• Living in small towns can make it difficult to hide from discomfort but also provides opportunities for authentic relationships.
• The pressure to perform and compare oneself with others can hinder authenticity and joy.
• Resting in Christ's finished work allows us to be true to ourselves and live in freedom. The church often struggles to sit with people in their pain and grief, expecting them to move on quickly.
• Being comfortable with discomfort is necessary to support others in their pain.
• A theology of the cross recognizes the reality of suffering and the need for a savior.
• Compassion and presence are more important than trying to fix someone's pain.
• Learning to discern truth from lies and finding comfort in the grace of Christ can help us be more comfortable with discomfort.
• "Unless you become comfortable with being uncomfortable, then you're going to be really frustrated because life doesn't go the way we want it to."
• "Have you noticed that sometimes anytime we're uncomfortable, it's very easy to immediately blame it on the devil?"
• "It kind of shows us our God of the moment, right? It shows us our functional savior. It's comfort. We want everything to be okay."
• "Every single move they make right now is being done in pain."
• "Assuming that someone should be able to get over something within a specified amount of time exposes that person's underlying assumption that life isn't really as bad as that other person may feel."
• "The people that sit there with me and say, it's not okay. And they offer nothing. They just sit there. I think those people in that moment are modeling the fact that they are comfortable with being uncomfortable."

Have you enjoyed hearing from Gretchen and Katie? You can find their podcast here. Buy Katie’s book, Embracing Motherhood, and Gretchen’s book, Ragged.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Everyone has a story that matters and has the power to impact others.
• Vulnerability comes at a cost and should be shared with safe people.
• Sharing our stories should not be manipulative or self-serving.
• Trusting God and seeing our stories as part of a greater narrative can bring hope and perspective.
• "Your story matters because it impacts other people."
• "When you share your vulnerability with someone, that can change a life."
• "Vulnerability is a gift, a sacrifice, and it's costly."

Have you enjoyed hearing from Adsum? He’ll be back, but until then, feel free to read some of his articles. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Suffering is a universal experience that ties all humans together.
• Comparing our pain to others can hinder our ability to process and heal.
• Acknowledging and processing grief can lead to a deeper faith and a more intimate relationship with God.
• The concept of 'normal' is based on expectations and comparisons and can be unhelpful and limiting.
• Vulnerability and authenticity are essential in our faith journeys. We don't have to have it all together; admitting our faults and struggles is okay.
• Suffering and challenges can deepen our faith and make us more compassionate.
• God's attributes, such as sovereignty, love, and faithfulness, can bring hope and comfort in difficult times.
• We must have a community of trusted individuals with whom we can be vulnerable and share our struggles.
• We must let go of our expectations and trust God's plan, even when we can't see the bigger picture.
• Worship music and prayer can be powerful tools for finding comfort and strength in difficult times.
• "I wrote it because I needed it."
• "We all feel alone in those sufferings. We have to know that we're together, that we aren't alone. Not only are we together with one another, we all experience that, but we're also not alone in that God is with us."
• "This whole thing, it's not about me having it all together. It's about God having it all together for me."
• "Our self-esteem is very fragile as people. And that's why we seek so much esteem in other places instead of where we need to, which is in the Lord."

Follow Julie and learn more about her work here. Don’t forget to pick up her book, Sometimes I Forget.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Sexual brokenness can be seen as clues to unaddressed and unresolved parts of our lives.
• Therapy can help shift from self-hatred to curiosity about our sexual brokenness.
• Disconnection and dissociation are often connected to sexual brokenness.
• Trauma plays a role in shaping our behaviors and contributing to sexual brokenness.
• Curiosity and exploring specific stories and experiences are essential for healing sexual brokenness. Understanding and integrating our stories of sexual brokenness is crucial for healing and finding freedom.
• The concept of integrity, more so than “purity culture,” provides a more helpful framework for addressing sexual brokenness.
• Self-compassion and self-parenting are essential in the process of healing and self-discovery.
• Joy and delight play a significant role in finding freedom from sexual brokenness.
• "Most unwanted behaviors are not primarily about self-medicating. They are about reinforcing core judgments against someone."
• "Embedded within the brokenness itself are clues to the healing that we seek."
• "Until you realize that you were the person on the road and the good Samaritan has come to you, that's where the heart change comes to be able to go and be the good Samaritan to others."
• "Integrity is about our ability to know our story, to know where we come from, and then to be able to co-author with God the future that is to come."

Learn more about Jay and his work on his website. If you haven't read his book Unwanted, pick up a copy here. You can also follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Starting over is a natural part of life, but it can be challenging and scary. But it's important to return to God and surrender to His plans.
• Community is essential for navigating life's challenges. Building relationships and finding support from others can bring healing and growth.
• Gratitude is a powerful tool for refocusing our minds and finding peace in difficult circumstances. Taking time to thank God and reflect on His goodness can bring perspective and hope.
• Establishing rhythms in our relationship with God is crucial. Setting aside time for reading Scripture, prayer, and reflection helps us stay connected to Him and grow in our faith.
• "What would it look like for me to do something new?"
• "Surrender is not easy, but it is how we draw closer to our loving Heavenly Father."
• "God helps those who help themselves. Thank the Lord that is not in the Bible."

You can follow Ginny on social media and buy her albums and her books at her website, ginnyowens.com.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In today's episode, Anita Anello, a business owner, coach, successful software executive & mom, shares her experience of going through a marriage crisis and a medical emergency that changed her life. She talks about her shock and sadness while emphasizing the importance of having a support system during difficult times and how a few close friends were there for her and her family. If you have ever wondered how to find the right people to depend on, listen to this episode.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Life can throw unexpected challenges at you, such as marriage crises and medical emergencies, and it's essential to have a support system in place.
• Close friends willing to listen and be present without trying to solve everything can make a significant difference during difficult times.
• Not everyone is equipped to handle others' challenges, and it's essential to be understanding and gracious toward those who may not know how to respond.
• Taking small steps and seeking professional help can help you navigate adversity and work toward healing and growth. Facing a health crisis can bring significant changes and challenges to the individual and their loved ones.
• Relying on God and community support is crucial during difficult times.
• Adversity can lead to growth and maturity in relationships and faith.
• Trusting God's work in our lives and staying committed to a marriage can bring about positive transformation.
• Dependence on God and recognizing our need for Him can lead to freedom and a deeper relationship with Him.
• "Life doesn't always give you roses."
• "We're going to be okay, no matter what."
• "Sometimes all you need is for somebody to say, 'I see you.'"
• "No matter what, God, you are with us, and we will be all right."

If you like this episode—and how could you not—you must follow Anita. You can find her website for her organization, The Ripple Effect. You'll be glad that you did. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Many assume that giving helps when it can have the opposite effect. In this episode of the Mercycast, host Raleigh Sadler discusses the importance of approaching vulnerable populations with compassion and care. He is joined by Anne Basham, founder of the Interparliamentary Task Force on Human Trafficking and CEO of Ascend Consulting, to explore when the act of charity could do more harm than good. Anne, who specializes in policy-making in addressing modern slavery, discusses the dangers of well-meaning intentions and the need for informed action.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Well-meaning intentions in orphanages can sometimes lead to unintended harm, such as orphanage trafficking.
• Foster care is a better alternative to group homes and orphanages, as it provides a safe and loving home environment for vulnerable children.
• Prayer is essential in shaping policy and discerning how to engage in charity work.
• Research and education are crucial in understanding the complexities of social issues and making informed decisions.
• Reunification with family should be prioritized whenever possible, as children generally want to be with their parents or family members.
• Charity work should focus on long-term commitment and building relationships rather than only short-term, one-off visits.
• Wisdom and discernment are vital to best serve and care for vulnerable populations.
• "Not every orphanage out there is well-meaning, and many of them are doing this for profit."
• "Orphanage trafficking... treats children like it's a zoo."
• "Foster care should be rare and brief. Every child usually wants to be with their parents."
• "Sometimes we can hurt the people we're trying to help."
• "It's not exciting to talk about laws or legislation or policy, but it makes the biggest difference."
• "It all starts with a frustration or an irritation... and turns into something beautiful."

If you like this episode—and how could you not—you must follow Anne Basham. You can connect with her and learn more about her work with the Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking here. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

But what if there is another question that we should be asking? In this episode of the Mercycast, I talk with Valerie Althouse, Director of Training for International Students Incorporated, 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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but finding a supportive community and engaging in hobbies can help manage the pain.
• Shifting from asking 'why' to asking 'how' can help reframe pain and find purpose in living with it.
• Starting where you are, acknowledging the pain, and finding hope in the bigger picture of eternity can bring perspective and strength.
• Acceptance and finding joy in the midst of pain can lead to personal growth and the ability to share one's story with others.
• "Don't overthink it. Whatever makes you smile and laugh, or whatever quiets your mind."
• "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?"
• "It's okay to start with where you are, to say it's okay to stop, slow down, acknowledge what hurts, acknowledge its impact on you, and to grieve it too."

If you like this episode—and how could you not—you must follow Valerie. You can find her website here. You’ll be glad that you did.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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 amid life's challenges. Marilette shares her journey of giving up her dream of becoming a writer to become a missionary and then facing the struggle of balancing motherhood and ministry. She emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in our relationship with God and being open to the ways He may lead us in unexpected directions. The conversation highlights the idea that our identity crises can ultimately lead us back to our true purpose and a deeper understanding of ourselves and God.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Identity crises can be opportunities for growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves and God.
• Finding purpose is not limited to a specific career or role, but is rooted in our relationship with God and being open to His leading.
• Our vocation is more than just our career; it encompasses all aspects of our lives and how we live out our calling.
• Trusting in God as the refiner and being open to His refining process can lead to a more intimate relationship with Him.
• Our identity is not defined by external achievements or roles, but by our status as children of God.
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If you like this episode—and how could you not—you must read Marilette’s blog. You’ll be glad that you did.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Raleigh Sadler and Ryan Wekenman, author of the new book Single Today, 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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Singleness can be challenging to discuss, as well-meaning comments can often be hurtful and lead to confusion and self-doubt. It's important to acknowledge these feelings and understand that they are valid. You are not alone in this journey.
• Finding community and building meaningful relationships is important—they're essential—for both single and married individuals. This sense of connection can provide the support and understanding you need in your singleness journey.
• Inviting God into our singleness and embracing the present moment can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• The gift of singleness, often misunderstood, should be reframed as a unique opportunity for personal growth and deep connection with God and others. It's a time to focus on self-discovery, self-acceptance, and building meaningful relationships.
• Singleness is not a waiting period but a life-filled season filled with joys and opportunities.
• Practicing gratitude and focusing on the present moment can help overcome past regrets and worries about the future.
• Embrace your weaknesses and own who you are.
• Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on celebrating where you are.
• Find gratitude in every stage of life, including singleness.
• Trust in God's love and plan for your life.
• View singleness as an opportunity for growth and unique experiences.
• Challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about singleness.

If you like this episode—and how could you not—you must pick up a copy of Ryan’s new book, Single Today. You can also follow him on Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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 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 God's faithfulness resonates deeply.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Let's not underestimate the harm that Christian cliches and platitudes can cause. They can be lazy and theologically inaccurate, and they can harm rather than help people. It's time we recognize this and make a change.
• It is essential to offer genuine support and engage with others in their vulnerability rather than using cliches to avoid dealing with their struggles.
• Speaking out against abuse and defending the vulnerable in the church is a moral obligation.
• Standing firm and trusting God's faith is vital in facing opposition and self-doubt. Staying spiritually rooted in God is essential for personal growth and strength.
• Finding a daily devotion practice that works for you, such as exploring topics of interest in the Bible, can deepen your relationship with God.
• Maintaining an ongoing dialogue with God through prayer, even in everyday activities, can provide a sense of constant connection.
• Experiencing God's presence and finding comfort in difficult times can strengthen faith and provide a sense of security.
• Modifying our approach to God, such as finding a different church or worship style, can help overcome triggers and find healing.
• Building a supportive community where genuine support and understanding are fostered is not only beneficial but crucial for personal growth and joy.
• Modifying our approach to God, such as finding a different church or worship style that aligns with our needs, can be a transformative step toward healing and growth.

Follow Jennifer on Instagram and X. Also, don't forget to read her new book, Defiant Joy.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Loss reveals where we place our trust and identity.
• Facing loss is necessary for healing and growth.
• In moments of pain, we must be seen as we are and seek support.
• Idols can be revealed through pain, and resetting our identity in Christ is essential. This means reorienting our lives and priorities around our faith in Christ rather than worldly things or our own desires.
• Gratitude, a powerful tool, can help us avoid idolatry and find healing in transition. By inviting God into our negative spaces and facing our shame and fears, we can begin to heal. This emphasis on gratitude and healing instills a sense of hope and optimism in our journey.
• Hold onto truth and scripture during times of transition and loss.
• Building healthy habits and relationships in your everyday life is not just a suggestion; it's a powerful tool to prepare for difficult times. This emphasis on empowerment and control can make the audience feel more confident navigating challenging times.
• Embrace vulnerability and seek God's presence in your struggles.

Learn more at chuckandashley.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Buy their new book, I Used to Be ___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Facing reality and admitting our struggles to God is essential to finding freedom and healing.
• Raising children with special needs can challenge our Faith and perfectionism, but it can also teach us to trust God and let go of control.
• Their abilities or achievements do not determine the value of a person but by the fact that they are created in God's image.
• Parenting children with special needs can help us let go of societal expectations and love unconditionally.
• Trials and challenges can lead us to rely on God and move from self-reliance to God dependency. We often have an inner theology of glory that believes life will go smoothly if we do all the right things. However, the theology of the cross teaches us that growth and dependence on God come through suffering.
• Suffering can unite and connect us with others and with God. It is in our weakness and dependence on Him that we can experience His power and grace.
• Instead of worrying about the future, focus on what you can do today. Take small steps of Faith and trust that God will show up and work in and through you.
• God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine, regardless of our circumstances. Trust Him and lean on Him in all situations.
• Embrace limitations and challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. God can use even the most challenging seasons of life to accomplish His purposes.

You can get to know Jessica by starting at her website, Jessicahurlbut.com. Follow her on X, Instagram, and Facebook. Buy her new book, Unlimited Motherhood.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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. 

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Our theology shapes our lives and can sometimes lead us to live by works instead of Grace.
• Questioning and reevaluating our beliefs can be a transformative journey, leading to a deeper understanding of God's love and Grace. This process, though challenging, can empower us to embrace a more profound faith.
• A Christocentric focus and the belief in a universal atonement can bring profound comfort and freedom. This understanding of the gospel can reassure us of God's love and Grace, offering a beacon of hope in our lives.
• Reexamining scripture and church history can help us better understand God's character. Study the origins of the Reformation, starting with Martin Luther and the church fathers, grasping the true Catholic faith.
• Read the Book of Concord and other documents written in defense of ancient Christianity to explore the teachings of the Reformation.
• Recognize that the gospel is something done to us, not just a mental exercise, and that the sacraments are physical means through which God's Grace is applied to us.
• To find rest and freedom in Christ, seek the plain meaning of Scripture and a clear understanding of the law-gospel distinction.

If you haven't heard Flame, check out his newest release, Freedom Lessons. Read his latest book, Extra Nos. Follow him on Instagram and X.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Justin Davis, USA Today Bestselling author of Being Real is Greater Than Being Perfect, and I explore the profound significance of authenticity and transparency in our relationships. We investigate the idea of projecting a false version of ourselves and the negative impact it can have. Justin shares his journey of behavioral modification, recounting the moment when it all came crashing down. His story is a testament to the fact that we all have our struggles. We underline the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-denial in genuine transformation. We also discuss the power of confession and the liberation of being fully known and loved. Above all, we encourage you not just to accept but to embrace your imperfections and trust in the grace of God.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• We often project a false version of ourselves to others, curating an image that may not be authentic.
• Behavioral modification and image management can lead to a house of cards that eventually falls apart.
• Being authentic and transparent is greater than striving for perfection.
• Authenticity starts with self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• Confession and vulnerability are essential for healing and transformation.
• Dying to ourselves means putting away the false selves we've created and allowing the person of Jesus to live in us.
• Desperation often leads to change and transformation.
• Trusted relationships where we can be fully known and loved are crucial for living transparent lives.
• Short-term misery for long-term transformation is a trade worth making.

Learn more about Justin's work at Refine Us Ministries and buy his new book, Being Real is Greater Than Being Perfect. Follow him on X and Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Weakness is inherent to human nature and is not a result of sin alone.
• Recognizing and embracing our weaknesses allows us to experience God's strength.
• God often works through the weakest and most vulnerable individuals to display His power.
• Boasting in our weakness and trusting in Christ's power is a means of survival and a pathway to a life of dependence on God. 
• Weakness is not something to be feared but rather a gift that allows us to experience the transformative power of relying on God's strength. This realization can inspire us to live a life of faith and trust in Him, encouraging us to embrace our vulnerabilities and see them as opportunities for growth.
• Jesus' display of weakness on the cross was a powerful act that defeated sin, Satan, and death.
• Through faith in Jesus, we are united with Him in his life, death, resurrection, and future.
• Our identity and security come from our union with Christ, not from the approval of others. This truth should reassure us and ground us in our faith, reminding us that our worth and security are not dependent on human validation.

Did you know that Eric's last name is pronounced 'shoemaker?' It's important to understand this little fun fact so that it won't be weird if you meet. Find out everything else you want to know about Eric on his website, Emchumacher.com. Want to connect with him? Check out his daily updates on X, Facebook, and Instagram. If you like this conversation (or even if you don't, because, let's be honest, vulnerability can be a scary subject), buy his new book, The Gift of Weakness.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

There are lots of opinions on it: some positive and some negative. In this episode, we are privileged to have Christa Harden, a relationship coach, podcast host, and author of the new book The Enneagram in Marriage: your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing, join us. Christa's journey with the Enneagram and how it revolutionized her marriage is truly inspiring. She also addresses criticisms of the Enneagram, highlighting its transformative power as a tool for self-reflection and understanding rather than a means of labeling or judging others. Together, we emphasize the importance of fostering healthy relationships and finding safe people to support our growth and healing as we navigate our unique journeys.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The Enneagram is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that can significantly enhance our self-awareness and understanding of our behaviors and motivations.
• Understanding our Enneagram number can aid in personal growth and compassion for others.
• We should refrain from using the Enneagram to label or judge others and instead use it as a tool for self-reflection and understanding.
• Recognizing our shadow pieces and unhealthy states allows us to make conscious choices and work towards growth and healthier behaviors.
• Building healthy relationships requires finding safe people to support our growth and healing.
• Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and protecting ourselves.
• Soul friends are those rare individuals who can truly see and accept us, flaws and all. They love us unconditionally, providing a safe space to grow and heal. 
• Navigating differences and tribalism requires staying connected and showing love to those with different viewpoints.
• Using the Enneagram can provide valuable insights into ourselves and our interactions with others.

Learn more about Christa and her work at Enneagramandmarriage.com. You can buy her Enneagram and Marriage book and check out her podcast. Don’t forget to follow Christa on Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Kevin Palau shares his journey of self-discovery and purpose, which resonates with many of us. He opens up about the profound impact of his father's passing on his life and how it led him to confront his self-doubt and performancism. Kevin's exploration of the concept of belovedness is a game-changer, as it completely transformed his perspective on success and worth. He also highlights the importance of silence and solitude in reconnecting with one's true identity and finding peace. Kevin's insights on the adverse effects of perfectionism and the need to be present with others are equally powerful. His story is a beacon of hope, inspiring listeners to embrace their belovedness and let go of the need to prove themselves.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Grieving and Transition: The loss of a loved one, particularly a figure as significant as a father, can trigger a profound emotional journey. Even with a strong family bond and a legacy of ministry, the transition can be arduous, stirring up questions about one's identity and purpose.
• Identity and Performance: There's a tendency for individuals to tie their sense of self-worth to their performance or achievements. This perfectionist mindset, coupled with anxiety and self-doubt, can lead to a constant striving for validation and success.
• Belovedness: The profound realization of being beloved by God, irrespective of performance or external validation, can be transformative. This understanding offers a comforting foundation of love and acceptance that transcends accomplishments or failures.
• Silence and Solitude: Engaging in practices like silent retreats or moments of solitude can provide opportunities for introspection and encountering the divine. In these quiet spaces, individuals may come to understand their belovedness and confront inner struggles.
• Reorienting Priorities: Embracing one's belovedness can lead to liberating shifts in priorities and relationships. It may involve repentance for past behaviors driven by perfectionism and a renewed focus on loving others authentically, free from the burden of performance-based acceptance.

Learn more about Kevin and his organization, the Luis Palau Association. Buy his book, Unlikely. You can also connect with him on Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Practice gratitude to shift focus from challenges to the goodness in life.
• View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Prioritize self-care to maintain emotional health and better care for others.
• Journaling can help recognize and process emotions and identify self-limiting beliefs.

You can get to know Dr. Maureen Petersen by connecting with her on LinkedIn and getting a copy of her new book, Reclaiming Life.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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 lamenting in painful seasons. Her hope is contagious. You will enjoy this conversation. 

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Maintaining faith in challenging times requires relinquishing control and trusting God's faithfulness.
• Remembering God's past faithfulness can provide hope and strength in suffering.
• Finding light in the darkness involves looking for treasures and hidden blessings during pain.
• Lamenting and grieving our pain is a valid and necessary part of the healing process.

You can get to know Michele by starting at her website, michelecushatt.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify. Buy her new book, A Faith that Will Not Fail.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Facing reality and making tough decisions is a crucial aspect of leadership.
• Perspective and lessons learned from failures can shape personal growth and leadership effectiveness.
• Faith and trust play a significant role in leadership, especially during challenging times.
• Defining purpose is essential for effective leadership, both in leading oneself and others.
• Building strong relationships and demonstrating love are key components of successful leadership.
• Embracing imperfection and learning from failure are essential for personal and leadership growth.
• Living out faith in leadership involves making decisions that align with one's values and beliefs.
• The supernatural love of God has a transformative impact on leadership and relationships.

Learn more about Gary and his organization, LeadFirst. Buy his new book, Built to Beat Chaos. You can also connect with Lead First on LinkedIn.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Chronic pain and suffering can be a long and challenging journey, but it is possible to find joy and beauty in the midst of it.
• Vulnerability and receiving from God are key in navigating the challenges of chronic illness and suffering.
• Surrendering to God's will and having faith in His plan can bring peace and hope amid suffering.
• Looking back on God's faithfulness and the growth that comes from suffering can provide encouragement and perspective.

You can connect with Karis on Facebook, Instagram, and her website. Also, if you haven’t read her book, Suffering Redeemed, you can find it here. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Suffering is a universal experience, and it's important to find hope and purpose in the midst of it.
• Theology of glory focuses on the idea that everything will go well if God is for us, while the theology of the cross recognizes that suffering is a part of life in a fallen world.
• Trusting in God's character and having an eternal perspective can help us navigate suffering.
• Being vulnerable and seeking community can provide support and encouragement in times of suffering.
• God's faithfulness depends not on our desired outcome but on His character and love for us.

You can connect with Gentry on Facebook, Instagram, and on X. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

This conversation is not restricted solely to parents in crisis but to any of us facing difficulty.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Prayer can provide comfort and strength during a medical crisis.
• Writing prayers can be a spiritual experience that deepens faith and trust in God.
• God sees and knows our struggles and invites us to ask Him for help.
• Dependence on God in prayer allows us to experience His faithfulness and provision. Trusting in God's will and surrendering to Him can bring relief and hope in times of suffering.
• God, who is well acquainted with suffering, is the perfect person to turn to in moments of pain.
• Suffering can lead to a deeper and fresher relationship with God.
• It is important to know how to respond to suffering, both in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Learn more about Jessika’s ministry at her site, jessikasanderswriter.com. You can follow Jessika on Instagram and LinkedIn. Learn more about Eric and where to follow him here. If you haven’t already bought it, preorder their book, In His Hands. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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

Michelle shares her experience of adversity and how it led her to write her first book. She explains the importance of shifting perspective and trusting God in times of transition. We also explore the role of creativity in navigating change and the need to let go and make room for new things. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of recognizing our fear but embracing change and the opportunities it can bring.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Change and transition are inevitable; embracing them can lead to personal growth and new beginnings.
• Adversity and challenges can be catalysts for positive change and transformation.
• Shifting our perspective and trusting in God's goodness can help us navigate transitions with hope and confidence.
• Creativity plays a crucial role in embracing change and finding new opportunities.
• Letting go of control and making room for new things can lead to unexpected blessings and growth. A different voice and perspective can inspire us to take action and overcome challenges.
• Transitions can be scary because they require us to leave our comfort zones and face uncertainty.
• Trusting God and embracing uncertainty can lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.
• In times of transition, it is essential to focus on God's promises, remember His faithfulness, and embrace the lessons learned.

You can contact Michelle at her site, MichelleHammond.com. You can follow Michelle on Instagram and Facebook. If you haven’t already bought it, buy her book, When Shift Happens.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at info@mercycast.com.Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Adversity can reveal the false self that we project to the world, and it takes hitting rock bottom to become self-aware of who we truly are.
• Recognizing and shedding the false self is a challenging and transformative process. It often involves facing adversity and allowing it to strip away the layers of pretense.
• Caring for the vulnerable and challenging cultural and religious norms that perpetuate abuse is at the heart of following Christ.
• Embracing change and renewal is essential for personal growth and living the authentic Christian faith. Adversity can lead to growth and renewal.
• Helping the vulnerable is an essential aspect of living out the gospel.
• Embracing vulnerability can make us more effective in reaching the vulnerable.
• Stripping away the false self and embracing suffering can lead to true freedom and redefining success.

You can follow Naghmeh on Instagram and X. If you haven’t already bought it, buy her book, I Didn’t Survive. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Social anxiety has increased during the pandemic as people re-enter social situations.
• Comparing oneself to others can contribute to social anxiety.
• Thoughts are not reality, and recognizing this can help manage social anxiety.
• Accepting and embracing social anxiety can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others.
• It is essential not to take social anxiety too seriously and to embrace all emotions.

Here are some ways to respond to this episode: Listen to Tamara’s podcast, have Tamara coach you, or follow her on Facebook and LinkedIn. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

When I first met Andi in a church office in lower Manhattan, neither of us had any idea of the transition we would face in the coming year. In this conversation, Andi Andrew, author of the new book Braving Change: Release the Past, Welcome Growth, and Trust Where God is Leading You, and I discuss the challenges and opportunities of personal transitions. We explore the role of guides in navigating change and the importance of processing grief and loss. More than anything, we discuss the need to release the past and create a game plan for moving forward. As you listen, I hope you are encouraged to view change as an opportunity for growth and transformation, allowing it to shape and mold us into the likeness of Christ.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Transitions can be challenging but also purifying, exposing hidden idols and self-sufficiency.
• Processing grief and loss is essential for moving forward healthily.
• Releasing the past and embracing change requires recognizing the need for obedience and integrity.
• Creating a game plan and practicing gratitude can help navigate transitions and foster growth.
• Rhythms of rest are crucial for maintaining balance and well-being during times of change.

Discover more about Andi on her website, Andiandrew.com. Read her new book, Braving Change. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Before you turn away from this episode, I promise that if you listen, the answer will leave you more hopeful than when you started.

In this installment, I pick the brain of Bradley Gray, pastor and author of the book 'Finding God in the Darkness.' We discuss the importance of suffering honestly and embracing vulnerability. As you know, we do not shy away from vulnerability on the MercyCast. Suffering is a part of the human experience, and grace is available to us in our darkest moments. We explore the law and gospel paradigm, highlighting the objective truth of the gospel and the freedom it brings.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Suffering is a part of the human experience and should be embraced and acknowledged honestly.
• Grace is available to us in our darkest moments and is not dependent on our achievements or ability to overcome suffering.
• Vulnerability and connection are essential in navigating suffering and supporting others.
• Understanding the objective truth of the gospel and the distinction between law and gospel can bring freedom and hope in times of despair.

Discover more about Bradley here and read some of his articles on 1517.org. Read his book, Finding God in the Darkness. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, I explore the interplay between grief and happiness with Emily Theroux-Threatt, author of the Grief and Happiness Handbook and host of the Grief and Happiness podcast. Our conversation delves into the possibility of experiencing both grief and happiness simultaneously and the process of finding purpose after experiencing loss. Emily shares her journey of losing her husband(s) and how she discovered her purpose through writing and helping others navigate grief. We also discuss the significance of being present in the moment, employing writing to process emotions, and discovering joy. This conversation is a must-listen episode for those interested in understanding the coexistence of grief and happiness, the personal journey of finding purpose after loss, and the power of writing and mindfulness techniques.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Grief and happiness can coexist, and it is possible to experience both emotions simultaneously.
• Finding purpose after loss is a personal journey that requires being open to new experiences and opportunities.
• Writing can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, finding clarity, and discovering one's purpose.
• Being present in the moment and practicing self-care are essential for navigating grief and finding happiness.

Find out everything you need about Emily on her website. Buy her book, The Grief and Happiness Handbook. Follow her on X and Facebook. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, pastor and author Ike Miller joins us to unpack his book, Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships. From the start, we discuss the impact of baggage on our lives and relationships, where I tell the story of the best breakup gift I have ever received. Then, we explore the concept of codependency and how it can affect vocational Christian ministry. Next, we delve into the importance of setting boundaries and being present in the moment. The conversation highlights the potential for growth and healing from recognizing and addressing our baggage. Ultimately, Ike emphasizes the importance of finding the good in our baggage and using it as a catalyst for healthy relationships.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Baggage can have a lasting impact on our lives and relationships; it is essential to recognize and address it.
• Codependency can be a common issue in vocational Christian ministry, and it is crucial to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
• Being present now allows us to engage with others and experience deeper connections more fully.
• Finding the good in our baggage can lead to growth and healing, and it can be a catalyst for healthy relationships.
• Proactively invest in your relationship to avoid potential problems.
• Seek therapy and counseling early in your relationship to build a strong foundation.
• Embrace humility and admit that you don't have it all together.
• Engage with your childhood experiences and do the work to heal from them.

Find out everything you need about the Ike on his website. Please buy his new book, Good Baggage. Follow him on X and Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Today, we discuss two of my favorite things: food and people. In this episode, I talk to Kendall Vanderslice, the Founder and Executive director of the Edible Theology Project and the author of By Bread Alone: A Baker's Reflections on Hunger, Longing, and the Goodness of God.

Kendall shares her experience of facing adversity and finding answers at the dinner table and how we can experience the power of connection through meals with others. Her organization, The Edible Theology Project, aims to help churches eat together more regularly and foster community.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Sharing a meal can deepen connections and foster intimacy.
• Meals can provide answers and solutions to the challenges we face.
• Baking bread can be a spiritual practice and a form of prayer.
• Slowing down and paying attention to cooking and eating can lead to a deeper appreciation of food.
• Eating together is a vital aspect of the community and should be prioritized.

Find out everything you need about the Kendall, Edible Theology Project, and her book on her website. Please buy her new book, By Bread Alone. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

What if your purpose today was to play a supporting role? In this episode, I catch up with my friend, Chris White, a screenwriter and director, about how life imitates art as we discuss his film, Electric Jesus. Chris unpacks the filmmaking process and the challenges of failure and perfectionism.

Failure can be an entry point into being a supporting character. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of being a supporting actor in the lives of others, namely seeing the stories unfold around us and choosing not to see ourselves as the lead.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Failure can be a valuable learning experience and an opportunity for growth.
• Nostalgia can be a tool for redeeming the past and finding value in our experiences.
• Recognizing our role as supporting characters in the stories of others can lead to empathy and understanding.
• Remembering the gospel and the grace of God is essential for navigating life's challenges.
• Embrace the role of a supporting actor in your own life and the lives of others.
• Practice active listening and be present in your interactions.
• Ask curious questions to deepen connections and understanding.
• Support and celebrate the brilliance and success of others.
• Cultivate empathy through genuine curiosity and minimizing distractions.
• Take small steps and focus on continuous improvement.
• Be present and engaged in the world around you.

Find out everything you need to know about the movie, Electric Jesus. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In some ways, it seemed easier when we were kids. Now, finding friends can feel impossible. In this episode, Phil Knox, the author of The Best Of Friends: Choose Wisely, Care Well, discusses the meaning and importance of friendship. Phil shares his personal experience of loss and how true friendship helped him through difficult times. Phil and I explore the role of faith and friendship in grief, setting boundaries and communicating needs, and the power of presence in friendship. We also discuss the definition of friendship, choosing friends, and determining who our real friends are. Trust me. You want to listen to this one.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Surround yourself with friends who bring spiritual life and influence you positively.
• To become a better friend, spend time with Jesus and learn the art of friendship.
• Developing deep and lasting friendships takes time, patience, and vulnerability.
• Friendship is a gift that has significant health benefits and is essential in combating loneliness.
• Four key ingredients for making friends: time, vulnerability, sacrifice, and presence.
• Popular people are not interesting; they are interested.

Learn more about Phil’s ministry. Follow him on Twitter. Also, as mentioned in the episode, check out his new book, The Best of Friends.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, sit down with Aaron Armstrong, author of the book I’m a Christian Now What? A Guide to New Life in Christ. We discuss the shift when someone becomes a Christian and the challenges and turmoil that can follow.

Aaron shares his journey to Christianity and the lessons he has learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of guidance and community for new Christians and encourages them to be convictionally kind in their interactions with others. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of faith and the need for support and understanding in the Christian journey.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Becoming a Christian does not guarantee a problem-free life; challenges and adversity are still a part of the journey.
• New Christians need guidance and community to navigate their faith and understand their new identity.
• Engaging with creativity as a Christian means recognizing and appreciating the beauty in art, even if it explores dark topics.
• Being convictionally kind involves holding firm to one's beliefs while treating others with dignity, respect, and love.
• New Christians should seek supportive and like-minded individuals to walk alongside them in their faith journey.

Follow Aaron on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Also, read his new book, I’m A Christian—Now what?

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

My guest and I deal with this question head-on in today’s episode. In this conversation, Kerri Rawson, the author of the New York Times-selling book A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Faith, love, and Overcoming, shares her journey of trauma, healing, and faith. She discusses the life-altering moment when she learned about her father's crimes and the impact it had on her mental health. Kerri talks about her experience with PTSD and the importance of therapy in her healing process. She also explores the challenges of separating her story from her father, the serial killer BTK, and the power of writing in her healing journey. Throughout the conversation, Kerri emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion when discussing and addressing trauma.

Ultimately, Kerri Rawson shares her journey of finding God amid her struggles and trauma. Don’t miss this honest conversation.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Trauma can have a profound impact on mental health and daily life.
• Therapy and counseling are essential tools for healing from trauma.
• Writing can be a powerful outlet for processing and healing from trauma.
• Understanding and compassion are crucial when discussing and addressing trauma.
• Even in the darkest times, God is always with us and calling us back to Him.
• Resting in church and finding a community can bring healing and support.
• Therapy is an essential tool for processing trauma and finding healing.
• Being present in the moment and practicing self-care are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.

Follow Kerri on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, read her autobiography, A Serial Killer’s Daughter.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

You have probably wrestled with this question before. If so, you may need to sit down for this episode because Jordan Raynor, the author of The Sacredness of Secular Work, is on the MercyCast! Jordan sits down with me to discuss the sacredness of secular work and the importance of embracing one's vocation. He challenges the notion of a sacred-secular divide and emphasizes that all work has intrinsic value to God. Together, we explore the cultural mandate and the first commission given to humanity, highlighting the significance of creating culture and making the world more useful for others, with the added bonus of a passionate conversation about "mere" Christians and their impact on sharing the gospel. If you have a job or have ever thought about having a job, this episode is for you.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• All work has intrinsic value to God and can be a means of worship.
• There is no sacred-secular divide; all aspects of life, including secular work, can be sacred.
• The cultural mandate, the first commission given to humanity, highlights the importance of creating culture and making the world more useful for others.
• Mere Christians, who are not religious professionals, have significantly spread the gospel throughout history.
• Understanding God's plan for earthly life and the hope of heaven on earth can give meaning and purpose to our vocation. Everything will be healed and restored in the new earth, and believers will be lavished with love and grace.
• Every believer has a dual vocation: making culture and making disciples.
• All aspects of work, both material and spiritual, can matter in the grand scheme of eternity.
• Believers are called to submit their work to Jesus as King and steward it in line with His commands.

Want more from Jordan Raynor? Find everything from his books to his podcasts at his website, Jordanraynor.com. Buy his newest book, The Sacredness of Secular Work, for pre-order now and purchase on January 30th. Follow Jordan on Twitter and Instagram. Also, if you want further resources on the doctrine of vocation, check out Michael Berg's book, which I mentioned during the episode, Vocation: The Setting for Human Flourishing.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, our second guest, Krista McDunn, returns to discuss the challenges and complexities of the holiday season, particularly Christmas and New Year's. You heard it here first, folks: we are putting the Krista back in Krista-mas this year. 

Together, we explore the feelings of stress, unmet expectations, loneliness, financial strain, and family conflict that can pop up between meals, parties, and holiday specials. 

We cover everything from navigating family conflict to maintaining sobriety during the holiday season. At the heart of our conversation, you will find the importance of radical acceptance and finding hope in the gospel message. 

Oooh, and one more thing: I pit the advent of Jesus against the advent of the commercialized Santa Claus. Is it controversial? Tune in to find out. What are the holidays without a little bit of drama? Am I right?

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The holiday season can bring various challenges and emotions, including stress, unmet expectations, loneliness, financial strain, and family conflict. Join my guest Krista and me as we point you to the peace on earth that can seem so elusive during the holidays.
• It is essential to navigate family conflict during the holiday season by setting boundaries, seeking support from trusted friends, and giving yourself breaks when needed.
• Approaching New Year's and sobriety requires planning, setting boundaries, and enlisting the support of others.
• Radical acceptance involves acknowledging and accepting the reality of our emotions and circumstances while still seeking growth and change.
• The Gospel message provides hope and joy amid struggle, reminding us of the purpose and significance of Christmas.
• The advent of Jesus and the cultural phenomenon of Santa Claus offers contrasting perspectives on vulnerability, acceptance, and the pursuit of perfection. Approach the new year differently, focusing on our freedom in Christ.
• Understand that sanctification is a process, and God lovingly guides us in our journey.
• This holiday season, try being gentle with yourself and take time to rest and rejuvenate.
• How about this year, we resolve to be okay with imperfection and focus on simply being.

If you enjoyed this conversation, rest assured that Krista consistently reminds us of the truth about ourselves and shares wisdom on the interwebs. Follow Krista on Twitter and Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

The lens through which we see the world and ourselves matters. In this episode, David Zahl stops by to discuss a different way of viewing humanity and ourselves. Though this outlook may seem new, it’s not entirely unfamiliar to those in the Christian faith. David, the director of Mockingbird and the author of Seculosity and Low Anthropology unpacks the importance of adopting a low anthropological view of ourselves.

In this critical conversation, we discuss the detrimental effects of perfectionism and the importance of accepting our imperfections. We explore the challenges of parenting and the pressure to be a perfect parent. Dave shares insights from his book, emphasizing the need for a realistic view of human nature and the role of vulnerability in experiencing grace. We also discuss the paradox of personal growth and the importance of embracing uncertainty.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The Perfectionist Mindset
• Parenting and Perfectionism
• The Nature of Low Anthropology
• The Paralysis of Perfectionism
• The Illusion of Control
• Understanding Our Limitations
• Embracing Imperfection
• Encouragement for the Broken

If you enjoyed this conversation, pick up a copy of David Zahl’s book, Low Anthropology. You can also follow Mockingbird on X, Facebook and Instagram. Also, don’t miss the plethora (there’s that word again) of resources at Mockingbird.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

It's time to head home, Pilgrims, but Spoiler alert: your Camino is not over. You've only reached the halfway point. In this episode, Alexander John Shaia, the author of Return From Camino, joins me, and we reflect on the moments that followed after arriving at my "destination" in Santiago de Compostela. We discuss the importance of pilgrimage, Joseph Campbell's influence, and the concept of the four-part journey. We also discuss the significance of choosing one's own Camino and bringing the Camino experience back home.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• The Camino is not just a physical journey but a spiritual and emotional one.
• The journey is about embracing weaknesses and going deeper into oneself.
• Each person's Camino is unique, and it is essential to choose your own path.
• Bringing the Camino experience back home and integrating it into everyday life is transformative.
• The Camino is a constant state of progressing and learning, and the journey never truly ends.

If you enjoyed this conversation, pick up a copy of Alexander John Shaia’s book, Return from Camino. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about his work with Quadratos.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Hey Peregrinos! As you know, we’ve been vicariously walking the Camino de Santiago together. Last week, Kiko and I took you stage by stage and broke down the trials that we experienced. After I parted ways with Kiko towards the end, I finished walking with Pia and Simon. So, I’m happy to have them join this conversation on finishing the Camino. They share their experiences, challenges, and reflections on the final moments of the journey to Santiago de Compostela.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Fear and Uncertainty in Transitions
• The Abruptness of Joining Up with the French Way
• Navigating the Pressure of trying to figure your life out

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Buen Camino, fellow pilgrims! Welcome back to MercyCast. Last week, we talked about the Call to the Camino. Today's episode discusses the trials you will face as you walk the Camino.

Amidst the high altitudes and rugged terrain, I met Kiko, a fellow pilgrim. Together, we navigated everything from challenging mountain trails to interpersonal relationships. We learned that the path to self-discovery often involves the support and friendship of others.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Gift of Being Present
• When Strangers Become Friends
• Walking your Camino
• The Need for Other People

Follow Kiko on Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Greetings, fellow pilgrims, and welcome back to the MercyCast! Whether you have gone on the Camino De Santiago, are interested in going, or have no idea what it is, this series is for you! Today's episode is a beacon of guidance for those preparing to walk the sacred path of the Camino de Santiago. Join us as we discuss what it means to be called to the Camino.

In this episode of the Mercy Cast, two-time guest Reverend Jacob Smith and I discuss our experiences on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. We explain the history of the Camino, tracing its origins to St. James and the evangelization of northern Spain. We also highlight the transformative nature of pilgrimage, emphasizing prayer, communion with fellow pilgrims, and the profound impact on the life of the Pilgrim.

Highlights from the conversation:

• King Alphonso and the Long Journey: A History
• Getting rid of your baggage
• The Pilgrim Community
• The Beauty of the Camino

Follow Jacob’s podcast, Same Old Song, on Twitter and follow Jacob on Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Marisol Maldonado Rodriguez, founder and Executive Director of Renew Life Center and author of the new book, Beyond Her Yes: Reimagining Pro-Life Ministry to Empower Women and Support Families in Overcoming Poverty, shares her experience as the client services director of a pregnancy resource center and how a transformative email from a client highlighted the overlooked vulnerabilities and complexities surrounding the pro-life movement. This fresh conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach involving churches and volunteers to provide ongoing support, mentorship, and friendship to women facing pregnancy, Poverty, and parenting challenges.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Email that Changed Everything
• The Importance of Recognizing Root Causes
• Poverty and Decision-Making
• The Relation Between Economics and Vulnerability

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can follow Marisol on Instagram and Renew Life Center while you’re at it. Learn more about the work of Renew Life Center and the resources available here. Finally, please pick up a copy of her new book, Beyond Her Yes.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Helen Taylor drops by the MercyCast. She is the Vice President of Impact at Exodus Cry, a nonprofit organization committed to abolishing sex trafficking and breaking the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation. Helen shares her journey of passion, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity.

Due to visa restrictions, she had to serve on a volunteer visa for the first three years and raise her support from England since she couldn't be paid in the US. Despite the hurdles and the constant uncertainty, Helen felt a deep calling to serve those vulnerable and exploited in the sex industry.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Visa: An Origin Story
• Disappointments and entitlement
• Cultivating Faith in God's Goodness
• Burnout and the Need for Resiliency
• The Work of Exodus Cry
• The Danger of Pornography
• An Encouragement to Those Trapped in Shame

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can follow Helen on Instagram and Exodus Cry while you're at it. Learn more about the work of Exodus Cry and the resources available here.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Enter Matt Popovits. Matt is a pastor, speaker, and podcaster whose approach to life is characterized by a desire for simplicity and relatability. He drops by to discuss navigating complex topics with grace and hope. Matt shares his origin story in a sense, where he discovered his calling through comforting a friend in a time of tragedy, highlighting the importance of being present and empathetic during challenging moments. In our talk, we emphasize the need to connect the finished work of Jesus with people's unique situations and pain.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Death and Life: Matt’s Calling into Ministry.
• The Art of Simplicity.
• Addressing Pain Points with the Gospel.
• Making Things Relatable.

If you enjoyed this conversation, learn more about Matt’s various ministries. Follow Matt on Instagram and X. Also, you can listen to his podcast, Making Things Simple.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Rachel Lohman joins the MercyCast to discuss her pregnancy and infant loss journey and her mission to bring healing and hope to others. Rachel is the author of Miscarried Hope and the founder of Hope Again Collective. This handmade jewelry line beautifully shares the stories of mothers who have experienced the pain of pregnancy loss. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the Power of sharing our stories.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Truth about Secondary Losses: Rachel’s Story.
• The Five Stages of Hope.
• Navigating Infant Loss as a Family.
• The Power of Sharing Your Story.

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow Rachel on Instagram and Hope Again Collective. Also, buy her book, Miscarried Hope. You can learn more about Hope Again Collective and purchase their products here.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Want more MercyCast? Here is a free episode of MoreMERCY, a bonus episode of the MercyCast. I reflect on the previous week's episode and how it connects to Scripture and this cultural moment. 

In this episode, my friend Neal Salzman and I explore the concept of self-care. Neal is a licensed therapist and the founder and executive director of the Rest Initiative. We discuss an essential aspect of life people often overlook: the ability to care for ourselves while tirelessly caring for others. It's a lesson I've learned the hard way, and Neal's story is nothing short of inspiring.

Neal embarked on a mission to India to train people to provide trauma care to those affected by a major tsunami. He expected to spend a year there but hit a wall shortly after arriving. Three weeks later, he had to come home.

Whether we know it or not, we need friends who see and support the authentic self, not just the performative self. It's not just about self-care; it's about being tended to by a loving, understanding community. 

If you liked this episode, click the link at the bottom of the show notes to sign up for the weekly bonus episodes. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, my friend Neal Salzman and I explore resiliency and discover the beautiful essence of vulnerability in the face of adversity.

Neal is a licensed therapist and the founder and executive director of the Rest Initiative. We discuss an essential aspect of life people often overlook: the ability to care for ourselves while tirelessly caring for others. It's a lesson I've learned the hard way, and Neal's story is nothing short of inspiring.

Neal embarked on a mission to India to train people to provide trauma care to those affected by a major tsunami. He expected to spend a year there but hit a wall shortly after arriving. Three weeks later, he had to come home.

Whether we know it or not, we need friends who see and support the authentic self, not just the performative self. It's not just about self-care; it's about being tended to by a loving, understanding community.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Three Weeks in India: Neal’s Story
• What is actual self-care?
• Is self-care biblical?
• A new perspective on resiliency and community.

If you enjoyed this conversation, connect with Neal on LinkedIn. If you want to learn more about his work and how to connect with the Rest Initiative, click here. Also, if you’re thinking, “I’ve heard about the Rest Initiative before. I think Raleigh has mentioned it before,” it’s because I share Neal’s story in my book, Vulnerable.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Today, Jamaal Williams drops by discussing how our churches can reflect both our communities and the Kingdom of God. He is the lead pastor of Sojourn Church Midtown in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, and the president of the Harbor Network. He also co-authored the new book, In Church as It Is in Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture.

Together, we're exploring the world of creating a multiethnic church and all the trials and triumphs that come with it.

The episode explores the transformation in Sojourn Church, where they intentionally tried to bridge cultural gaps and create a more inclusive environment. They discuss changes in worship, greetings, staff representation, and community engagement to make the church a place where people from different backgrounds feel welcomed and valued.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Need for Renewal and Fresh Perspective: Jamaal's Journey
• Creating a Tapestry of Welcome.
• Transformation at Sojourn Church.
• Biblical Foundation for Multiethnic Churches.

Jamaal mentioned three books you need on your shelf if you are curious about what we discussed today: Talking about Race by Isaac Adams, Redemptive Kingdom Diversity by Jarvis Williams, and How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray. Also, don’t forget to buy Jamaal’s new book, In Church as It is in Heaven. You can follow Jamaal on X.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend, Dan Darling, who opens up about a life-altering experience – being fired from his job in a very public way. Dan is the author of several books, including his newest book, Agents of Grace, How to Bridge Divides, and Love as Jesus Loved. He is also the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement. He regularly contributes to World magazine and USA Today.

Dan's story is one of remarkable strength and resilience. Instead of succumbing to bitterness or revenge, he chose the less-traveled path guided by grace and forgiveness. Through his candid account, he shares valuable insights into the complex journey of forgiveness as a process.

Tune in to discover the three crucial levels of forgiveness: the release of bitterness, the possibility of reconciliation, and the challenging task of rebuilding trust. Dan's journey exemplifies the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find healing through forgiveness.

Throughout this episode, the importance of faith, the unwavering support of friends, and the warmth of community are themes that shine brightly. It is a poignant reminder of the strength we draw from those around us when faced with life's most harrowing trials.

Highlights from the conversation:

• "Afghanistan, Covid, and Me": Dan's story.
• Understanding Love in the difficult times.
• A Formula for Forgiveness: Intentionality, time, and trust.
• Discovering the three levels of forgiveness.

Need more Dan Darling in your life? Buy Dan's new book, Agents of Grace. Listen to his podcast, The Way Home. Learn more about what he's doing this week.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Jamie Cowhick joins me to help guide us on our healing journeys. Jamie is the president of Yana Recovery Center of Fort Lauderdale and, as you will learn in this episode, a survivor of Sex Trafficking.

In this episode, Jamie shares her journey of being trafficked and explores the heart of some of the most pressing issues we face today – from social justice and human trafficking to mental health and healing. Our conversation is a beacon of hope, offering honest, tangible solutions for creating positive change and discovering the answer to a question that baffles many of us: How do we heal?

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Importance of Community in Healing.
• Understanding Trauma Bonds.
• Finding Help in the Healing Process.
• Discovering Hope and Healing.

Learn more about Jaime and Yana. Connect with Jaime on Linkedin.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this podcast episode, we dive deep into a topic that affects each of us: Friendship.

In this candid conversation between Boz Tchividjian and me, we dig into the difference between acquaintances and genuine friends, helping you understand who you can rely on. And just a note of caution: we don't just skim the surface. This isn't your typical "how to make friends" advice.

We start by reminiscing about the beginning of our friendship journey. We discuss the changing landscape of friendships as we grow older. You see, it's not about quantity; it's about quality. We reveal the magic that happens when you find friends who let you be 110% yourself, no facades, just authenticity.

Have you ever thought about your friendships as an inner circle? What happens when someone gets demoted to the outer circle? We tackle these questions head-on, providing invaluable insights into managing your social circle.

As we chat, you'll discover the beauty of being yourself and the importance of approachability. Friendship isn't just about what you get; it's about what you give and share. We'll inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and cherish the connections that truly matter.

But we don't stop there. We delve into the theological aspect of friendship, drawing parallels between our human relationships and our relationship with God. It's a profound exploration that might change how you see friendship.

So, if you're ready for an authentic conversation about friendships, looking to deepen your connections, or simply seeking guidance on navigating the intricacies of human relationships, hit that play button now. I promise you won't want to miss this enlightening discussion.

Learn more about G.R.A.C.E and BozLaw. Follow BozLaw PA on X and Threads. You can also buy his book, The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide for Churches and Ministries.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this week's episode, Boz Tchividjian and I dive deep into an issue from the headlines that often lurks in the shadows of our faith communities – abuse, particularly within the church. Have you ever wondered what grooming means in the context of spiritual abuse? Or how power dynamics within religious organizations can lead to victimization?

Boz, an author, founder, and Lawyer, shares his experiences and insights from working with survivors whom their faith communities have deeply wounded. But this episode isn't just about stories of pain; it's about empowerment. We explore the vital role of the law in addressing these issues and how it can help survivors reclaim their agency and seek justice. This episode is a call to action for all of us.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Church and Trauma.
• The Work of G.R.A.C.E.
• The Reality of Adult Clergy Abuse.
• Understanding Vulnerability and Power.
• Discovering Hope and Healing.

Learn more about G.R.A.C.E and BozLaw. Follow BozLaw PA on X and Threads. You can also buy his book, The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide for Churches and Ministries.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Ben faced a dilemma as a journalist in Haiti. He was presented with the opportunity to buy a child. What would he do?

In this episode, my friend, E. Benjamin Skinner, joins me to help answer this question. Skinner is the author of A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-Day Slavery. He is also the founder and president of Transparentem.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Quiet Heroism of Incremental Change
• The Dilemma Behind Your Dollars.
• Living simply so that others may simply live.
• Why vulnerability is an essential key to understanding Human Trafficking.

You can learn more about E. Benjamin Skinner and Transparentem. You can also buy his book, A Crime So Monstrous.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Karrie Garcia, a pastor, author, and CEO, joins me to discuss her new book, Free and Fully Alive: Reclaiming the Story of Who You Were Created to Be.

The conversation is brimming with real-life examples of how we can understand our own story and how it intersects with God's story of redemption and freedom. The truth is you can be free. Listen for the entire conversation.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Gift of Exposure
• The Lie Behind Our Self-protection
• The Cycle of False Freedom
• Why Engaging Your Own Story is Important
• Invitation vs. Giving it to God
• The Power of Connection

You can follow Karrie on Facebook and Instagram. You can also learn more about her ministry and buy her book, Free and Fully Alive.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In the latest MercyCast episode, I sit down with Sue Detweiler, who has spent over four decades in Christian ministry, and she has a remarkable story of resilience and healing to share.

Picture this: Sue's life takes an unexpected turn when she travels to Brazil and starts experiencing mysterious health problems. Doctors couldn't pinpoint the cause, and she faced the uncertainty of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). She knew nothing else but to ask God for healing.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Story of Dre: The Origin of “Healing Rain.”
• Building a healing team.
• The need for “Spiritual Parents.”
• Healing through Unconditional Love.

You can follow Sue on Twitter and Instagram. You can also learn more about her ministry and buy her book, Healing Rain.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In the latest MercyCast episode, I sit down with my friend Guy Wasko, who's not just a pastor and chaplain, but also an entrepreneur. Guy shares his personal story of reaching the pinnacle of his career only to feel like something vital was missing. He wondered if there was more to life than what he was experiencing. He was experiencing vocational dissonance.

But here's where it gets fascinating – Guy's journey led him to a different kind of solution, a life-changing process called the Life Plan. It's not about making you a millionaire or guaranteeing a perfect life. Still, it's about discovering who you are, learning your story, uncovering your core values, and finding your purpose amid adversity.

Think about it: how would it feel to have a guide who can help you navigate your own life's journey? To uncover the clues from your past, recognize your unique strengths, and create a strategic plan that aligns with your values and passions? This episode isn't just a conversation about careers; it's about identity, belonging, and purpose – the things that make us human.

Highlights from the conversation:

• How to Navigate Change.
• Aligning your purpose and Identity.
• Small steps that lead to big impact.
• Crafting a Life Plan.
• 
  

You can follow Guy on Twitter and Instagram. If you listened to the episode and want to create your own Life Plan with Guy, find out more here!

I want to hear from you! Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can also follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of understanding our stories and creating meaningful connections in a busy and sometimes disconnected society. Join me and Diana Gerson, the associate Vice President of the NY Board of Rabbis, as we explore the transformative power of human connection and leverage your story to care for others.

Rabbi Diana shares her childhood experiences of dealing with trauma and abuse and how she channeled that into helping others facing similar challenges. She emphasizes the significance of listening deeply to others, being present for them, and offering a safe space for sharing. This episode underscores the power of empathy, vulnerability, and shared experiences in fostering healing and support for others.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Importance of Intention: We discuss how small, intentional steps toward connection can make all the difference in someone's life and our own.
• Empathy in Action: Learn how empathy can be a catalyst for change and how understanding the feelings of others can lead to remarkable personal growth.
• Overcoming Barriers: Discover how to overcome shyness, social anxiety, and other barriers that hinder genuine connections and how these victories can have a lasting impact.
• Technology and Connection: Dive into the effects of technology on our social interactions and how to use it to bring us closer together instead of pushing us apart.
• Finding Joy in Unlikely Places: Explore how unexpected conversations and interactions can bring immense joy and broaden our horizons in ways we never thought possible.

So, if you're ready to be inspired, uplifted, and motivated to foster deeper connections in your own life, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let's embark on this journey together. Click that play button now!

Learn more about the NY Board of Rabbis, and follow Diana on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Step into a world of compassion and love with our latest MercyCast episode featuring an inspiring interview with the “Radio Rabbi” Joe Potasnik. Joe is the executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis and a chaplain of the New York Fire Department.

As you listen to his remarkable journey through adversity, you'll be moved by the strength he gained from his parents' experiences as Holocaust survivors. Their story became the foundation of Rabbi Joe's compassion, shaping how he interacts with others and spreading love wherever he goes.

In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the transformative power of broadening our circles, embracing those in front of us, and understanding the experiences behind us. Rabbi Joe's wisdom reminds us of the profound impact of compassion and our responsibility to perpetuate the memory of those who can no longer speak.

The episode also touches on the aftermath of 9/11, paying tribute to the bravery and resilience of first responders and the human spirit that is not broken by tragedy. Through every moment of this captivating dialogue, the theme of starting anew and facing reality with love and courage emerges, leaving a lasting impression of hope and the undeniable power of human connection.

Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by the incredible capacity for empathy and love within each of us.

Episode Highlights:

• Silence is Not Golden; It’s a Golden Calf.
• Discovering the Heart of Compassion.
• Learning to Begin on Page Two.
• How to Make the world a little bit better
• The Gift of Giving
• The Experience of Shalom