As we tread the solemn path of Holy Week, we invite you to walk with us through the poignant contrasts of Palm Sunday and the ensuing days that shaped the very foundation of faith. In the latest episode of Resilient Faith, we'll unravel the complexities of trust, particularly during Lent, and the challenge of keeping faith amid life's inevitable uncertainties. Prepare to experience a journey through the key moments of Holy Week, as we take you from the jubilation of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem t...
Mar 28, 2024•12 min•Season 8Ep. 90
Imagine the profound impact trust can have on our lives, the resilience it builds, and the depth it adds to our spirituality. That's exactly what we explore in this episode of Resilient Faith, where we delve into the beauty of the natural world and its cycles that offer us comfort and a sense of certainty. This episode will guide you through the simple yet profound act of breathing, the restorative power of sleep, and the importance of starting each day with a heart full of gratitude and hope. I...
Mar 21, 2024•8 min•Season 8Ep. 89
“Not everything is going to be okay. And our assignment is to carry this truth without yielding to despair, and while tending to the flames of radical hope — the kind that demands our grittiest love and biggest imagination.“ How do we hold onto hope when we're faced with the stark truth that not everything in life will turn out okay? Journey with Lora East, as we grapple with this haunting reality and the transformative power of radical hope. In this episode, inspired by the wisdom of Simone Sol...
Mar 14, 2024•12 min•Season 8Ep. 88
When the ground beneath you crumbles and your world is riddled with loss, where do you find the strength to navigate the uncharted waters of grief? Nancy Reeves, from Brentwood Presbyterian Church, bravely opens up about her personal story of heartache and the resilience of her spirit. She shares a poignant reflection that tested her faith and how music that helped pave the path to healing. In an episode that is as touching as it is insightful, Nancy discusses how the unexpected passing of her p...
Mar 07, 2024•8 min•Season 8Ep. 87
When the weight of the world seems unbearable, where do you turn for strength? Carol Maddon found her answer in an unlikely form—a tattoo, a symbol of her profound personal transformation and renewed faith. Embracing vulnerability, Carol recounts the tumultuous days of the mid-1980s that led her to the brink of despair. Through her gripping narrative, she shares with us the moment an unexpected figure, Scott, stepped into her life. His persistent faith despite his own battles with addiction spar...
Feb 29, 2024•8 min•Season 8Ep. 86
As we usher in the reflective season of Lent, Pastor Lora East invites you to join her on a journey of spiritual discovery and transformation. Embarking from the solemnity of Ash Wednesday, we'll traverse together through moments of self-examination and repentance, seeking the profound lessons of Psalm 51. The ashes we receive are not just reminders of our mortality, but signals of the rebirth to come through Christ. This episode is an invitation to explore the depths of our faith, as we prepare...
Feb 14, 2024•13 min•Season 8Ep. 85
As the dawn of 2024 breaks upon us, we extend the warmest wishes for a year filled with health, safety, and spiritual depth. This episode is a tender farewell to the old year, and a hopeful embrace of the new, weaving together the timeless story of Epiphany and the journey of the Magi with our modern-day quests for divine guidance. We explore the rich tradition found in the Gospel of Matthew and consider how, like the Magi, we too are called to follow the star in our own lives, seeking out the C...
Jan 04, 2024•6 min•Season 8Ep. 84
Where do you see the spark of the divine amidst the hum of daily life? Join me, Reverend Laura East, as I guide you through a Christmas reflection that might just reignite your awareness of God's constant presence. In this special holiday installment of Resilient Faith, brought to you with warmth from the Brentwood Presbyterian Church community, we unwrap the joy and hope that faith assures us, even when life whirls in disarray. Embrace the season with a heartwarming poem from Reverend Sarah Spe...
Dec 29, 2023•6 min•Season 8Ep. 83
As the candles of the Advent wreath flicker with hope and love, we find ourselves at the junction of anticipation and celebration; the sacred time when the fourth Sunday of Advent meets the joyous eve of Christ's birth. It's a moment ripe with divine wonder, and on today's episode of Resilient Faith, we invite you into a space of contemplation and jubilation, reflecting on the profound themes of the season. Let your heart be warmed by the special blessing from theologian Kate Bowler, as it echoe...
Dec 24, 2023•6 min•Season 8Ep. 82
Imagine if we took a sweeping journey across time, tracing the complex dance between individualism and collectivism, dissecting its influence on society, religion, and pop culture. What would we discover about our own identities, our communities, and our shared humanity? That's exactly what we set out to do in this enlightening episode of Resilient Faith, drawing on the wisdom of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's interpretation of Ubuntu and the provocative lyrics of Taylor Swift. Join us as we dissect ...
Dec 15, 2023•19 min•Season 7Ep. 81
Ever found yourself paralyzed by fear, yet deep down, there's a spark of fearlessness that you long to harness? Well, we're about to dive into a soundtrack of resilience inspired by none other than pop icon Taylor Swift's song, "Fearless." Our journey navigates through the highs and lows of life, where we uncover how fear can often commandeer our emotions, actions, and ultimately, our lives. Yet, we also reveal the power of embracing that fearless, innocent part of ourselves. But what's fearless...
Dec 08, 2023•22 min•Season 7Ep. 80
What if we reframed being 'weird' as a symbol of divine distinction? Get ready to challenge societal norms and embrace your unique imprint of God's image as we delve into a faith-based exploration of diversity and individuality. Drawing inspiration from Taylor Swift's powerful lyrics and her mesmerizing performance at the Eras tour, we revel in the beauty of God's creation, celebrating how our differences enrich the world with a mosaic of God's glory. As we embark on the new year, we invite you ...
Nov 30, 2023•20 min•Season 7Ep. 79
Welcome to Resilient Faith, the Podcast! This is our most popular episode from 2020, so enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving from BPC. This guided meditation and contemplative practice will help you connect and reset....mind, body and spirit. Today's practice will help you share loving kindness in the world. As you explore the resilient power within you, remember this scripture: "We walk by faith, and not by sight"- 2 Corinthians 5:7 This is a guided meditation to support your journey to live a fully prese...
Nov 22, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Ever considered how a pop star's lyrics could intersect with the timeless tales of the Bible? Have you wondered how these narratives can tackle the pressing issues of mental health? Join us as we weave together the story of Jonah and the music of Taylor Swift to unravel the beautiful message of resilience in faith. We discuss how this biblical account echoes in modern struggles and mental health battles, offering hope and understanding to those grappling with these invisible challenges. In a can...
Nov 16, 2023•16 min•Season 7Ep. 78
What if embracing your unique 'weirdness' is the key to experiencing God's glory? Take a leap of faith with us as we draw inspiration from the strength and endearing awkwardness of pop icon, Taylor Swift, to explore a faith journey that's anything but ordinary. We speak straight from our hearts about embracing God's glorious diversity, the beauty of being fearfully and wonderfully made, and the calling to be a beacon of God's light in the world. Together, we ponder on the empowering question- do...
Nov 09, 2023•20 min•Season 7Ep. 77
Wondering how Taylor Swift's music can intersect with the Gospel? Join our Pastors Lora East and Dave Carpenter, along with our music director, Nancy Reeves, unpack the surprising and insightful journey of our recent unconventional sermon series - the Gospel According to Taylor Swift. We'll shed light on why this series was chosen, the divine timing around it, and how it sparked deep, meaningful conversations within our worship community. In this faith-filled exploration, we'll also discuss the ...
Nov 02, 2023•30 min•Season 7Ep. 76
How does collective grief impact our faith and resilience? In our recent heart-stirring episode of Resilient Faith, Pastor Laura East candidly explores this profound question. She paints a vivid picture of the shared pain and loss we all experience, emphasizing our interconnectedness during times of turmoil. Our conversation journeys into the inspiring pages of the book 'Lives we Actually have 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days' and shares a powerful blessing designed to comfort us during internal...
Oct 27, 2023•11 min•Season 6Ep. 75
Have you ever experienced the tranquil peace of a forest at night? Captivated by the melody of rustling leaves, the hooting of owls, and distant wildlife activities, we journey through a serene forest landscape, opening up an auditory treasure trove of nocturnal peace. As city dwellers, we may not all have access to a forest, but we show you how to create your own oasis of tranquility, whether that's in your backyard, on your patio, or just next to an open window. Welcome to Resilient Faith, a p...
Oct 26, 2023•7 min•Season 6Ep. 74
Ready to embark on a journey of resilience and faith? What if I told you that in the ebb and flow of life and its trials, there's an unwavering presence that accompanies us? I'm Pastor Lora East and in this touching episode of Resilient Faith, I share an insightful undertaking of my summer experiences, teeming with travels, connections, and introspective moments, all under the compassionate aura of God. A soul-stirring poem 'For Summer's Ending' from the book 'Ash and Starlight' forms the backbo...
Sep 29, 2023•7 min•Season 6Ep. 73
Thank you for tuning in to Brentwood Presbyterian Church’s ‘Resilient Faith Podcast’, where each week a meditation, a prayer, or quotes and discussion take place to ponder and consider….. I hope you can gleam something, even a little something from today’s listening… a prayer….. about us, our bodies, those miraculous things that hold our lives together with each breath we make, and with each breath we make. Dear God- Thank you for each breath we take that gives us sustenance. Thank you for each ...
Sep 08, 2023•12 min•Season 6Ep. 72
By the seventh day, God had finished his work. On the seventh day he rested from all his work”. These ancient words are reflected in the fourth commandment; Exodus 20:8-10, “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to God, your God . . .” · Bring yourself into God’s presence . Give thanks for God’s great love for you. · Pray for the grace to see and understand God’s work in your life. As you have listened to this S...
Aug 24, 2023•16 min•Season 6Ep. 71
Dear God, As I attempt to slow down my breathing with each breath that you've given me, As I try to stop my feet from running with errands and side-trips and dropping off and picking up, As I pause my brain to refresh and take in …slowly… all that I see and hear and is wondrous around me… Be with me this week…. Be with me and all of my messy mistakes, all of my tripping, all of my stumbling, Be with me and all of my wrong words, my wrong turns. Be with me and all of my bad decisions, my poor jud...
Aug 17, 2023•9 min•Season 6Ep. 70
Trees have been an important part of my life from my beginnings and during the pandemic they provided a welcomed presence and peace that I had not ever experienced in quite that way. I was raised in the hills of rural Ohio among many different kinds of trees. I have climbed them, eaten their fruit, hiked and walked among them, watched their autumn and spring transformations, enjoyed their dormant beauty in winter, day dreamed under them, inhaled their fragrance, marveled at the grandeur of so ma...
Jul 20, 2023•12 min•Season 6Ep. 69
Close your eyes and find a comfortable position, allowing your body to relax. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, let go of any tension or distractions. Today, we will focus on forgiveness and faith—a powerful combination that can bring profound healing and peace to our lives. Begin by reflecting on the concept of forgiveness. Consider any lingering resentments or grievances that weigh upon your heart. Visualize them as heavy burdens, weighing you down with their negative energy. Now, take...
Jul 14, 2023•8 min•Season 6Ep. 68
Enjoy this beautiful lesson in nurturing our bodies and mind. Mary Garbesi once again shares her insight on life. Mary is the Director of Congregational Care at BPC. Blessings and Peace, BPC Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch...
Jun 28, 2023•13 min•Season 6Ep. 67
Summer has begun. Winter and Spring have said goodbye for now! Or maybe they are saying…”Look what’s next!! - We’ll be back! But look what we’ve brought you! -Enjoy the summer!” Summer to many of us… means simple. Slowing down. A little easier maybe? Relishing the warm days, the nights with the crickets coming out and saying, “Thank you Summer! Over and over and over and over and over and over again. Gratefully expressing themselves!! The summer floral quilts over the plains and the mountains… i...
Jun 25, 2023•11 min•Season 6Ep. 66
A great practice to help us realize when we say yes or no. Saying yes is good, but saying NO is also good and important. Let us review our day with gratitude and joy for options of yes and no. Blessings and Peace. Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch...
Jun 16, 2023•11 min•Season 6Ep. 65
In honor of our Podcast and 3 full years of success bringing you meditation, prayers and spiritual lessons, enjoy our most popular podcast, Resilient Faith! Support the show Support us here: https://www.bpcusa.org/financial-ministry/ BPC Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrentwoodPresbyterianChurch...
Jun 07, 2023•12 min•Season 6Ep. 64
Dear God, In the morning…… let me be thankful for the floor on which I place my feet. Strong, dry, solid…maybe even dirty… but waiting for me to stand … and see the day ahead of me. Let me give thanks for the sun rising and giving warmth to this Earth, whether we see it in the glistening of the dew on the leaves and grasses that rinse themselves with moisture and give a sip of water to even the smallest of insects, or whether it’s shrouded in gray cloud or cotton-like fog, or whether it’s smugly...
Jun 02, 2023•7 min•Season 6Ep. 63
I have been thinking about awe and wonder, so I have become curious and spent some time reflecting on and exploring their meaning and experience in my life. I found that awe has become an area of interest in the field of psychology and research. Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at the University of California at Berkeley, has researched the subject and reported his findings in his recent book, titled Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. He defines awe as “the...
May 25, 2023•13 min•Season 6Ep. 62
