In this episode of the Grace Enough podcast, Amber Cullum interviews Karen Swallow Prior about the influence of stories, images, and metaphors on the Christian faith. They discuss how these influences, also known as the social imaginary, shape our expectations, hopes, and disappointments in ways we may not always be aware of. Karen Swallow Prior explores the positive aspects as well as the pitfalls of evangelicalism, focusing on the power of stories, songs, and artwork in interpreting the facts ...
Aug 15, 2023•42 min•Ep. 231
Do you ever feel like you’re constantly searching for the perfect way to mother your children? Does it seem like no matter how hard you try, you can’t find a one-size-fits-all approach that works for you and each of your children? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? The truth is, there is no book (including the Bible) that is perfectly tailored to teach you how to parent each of your children. Yes, there are guiding principles, but learning to ask the question, “What do I need right now?” and “What does...
Aug 08, 2023•47 min•Ep. 230
Amber sits down with Billie Jauss to take aim at negative thinking by encouraging listeners to detox from their emotional barriers by identifying them, capturing them with Scripture, and pursuing virtuous living. Key Takeaways: Reflect on the impact words can have on you decades later Uncover ways to diminish the burden of emotional toxins. Gain insights into tackling and dismissing negative thought patterns. Understand the influence of scripture in battling adverse thoughts and feelings. My gue...
Aug 01, 2023•48 min•Ep. 229
Discover the transformative power of relying on God's strength as Susie Larson battles fear and trauma, seeking courage and victory in the spiritual realm. In this episode we: Explore the realm of spiritual warfare and discover the significance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. Discover the profound implications of fear on your health and overall happiness. Uncover spiritual practices that help usher in peace, and foster patience in the presence of God. Uplift your perspective of who y...
Jul 25, 2023•36 min•Ep. 228
Have you ever thought, I have to change before Jesus can love me, or I’m not worthy of Jesus’ love? Let’s debunk these misconceptions together and discover the truth about Jesus’ unconditional love for us just as we are. Join us as Janell Wood shares her insights and experiences on this topic. Key Takeaways: Uncover the complexities of faith journeys as you delve into heartfelt struggles with doubt and acceptance. Realize the profound impact of letting go and surrendering to the divine plan and ...
Jul 18, 2023•48 min•Ep. 227
Do you desire to encounter the life-changing power of dwelling in God’s presence? Are you ready to experience a transformative journey that will deepen your relationship with Him? Join us as Roger Helland, a seasoned Christian leader and author, shares the key to unlocking the abundant life God intends for us. Discover how dwelling in God’s presence can bring about a profound and lasting change in your life. Through practical insights and biblical wisdom, Roger will guide you towards a deeper un...
Jul 11, 2023•53 min•Ep. 226
Amber sits down with Natalie Runion to discuss the message behind her book Raised to Stay. As a child, she witnessed the power of love as her parents served in church ministry, leading her to embrace Jesus wholeheartedly. But what she didn’t anticipate was the shattering blow of disappointment, hurt, and betrayal from the very people she trusted the most—the church. Join Natalie as she shares her path towards healing and discover the resilience she found in abiding Jesus. My special guest is Nat...
Jul 04, 2023•42 min•Ep. 225
Amber Cullum and Amy Fritz have an honest conversation about the importance of critical thinking and open dialogue within Christian communities, which they discuss as a result of watching the Amazon Prime docu-series, "Shiny Happy People." They discuss some dangers of blindly following beliefs, the power of questioning, and the complexities of raising children with a strong faith foundation. Key Take Aways Learn why fostering critical reasoning is essential in nurturing healthy Christian communi...
Jul 03, 2023•57 min
Vaneetha Risner’s journey began with a crippling disease that marked her childhood. Despite the odds, she defied medical science and took her first steps at the age of seven. But then, an unexpected twist tested her faith in God. She lost her infant son, was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, and her marriage ended. In the depth of her despair, Vaneetha turned to God, as she always had, but this time she cried out to Him in her journal asking Him difficult questions. With each honest conversati...
Jun 27, 2023•48 min•Ep. 224
Unlock the hidden treasures of prayer with the dynamic Becky Harling as she guides us through the Lord's Prayer, revealing the ironic truth that while it may seem familiar, there's always more to discover and achieve a deeper connection with God. In this episode, you will be able to: Delve into the character of God the Father, as shown through the Lord's Prayer. Understand the Lord's Prayer as a practical guide for daily communication with God. Discover the life-changing power hidden within the ...
Jun 20, 2023•51 min•Ep. 223
What is your perspective on women's roles in the early church? Nijay Gupta brings eye opening insight to aide your understanding of women in ministry through biblical wisdom. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the leadership of women in the early Christian community. In order to be biblical, we have to establish the right place for women to be and the wrong place. So the right place is the home and the wrong place is the pulpit, or however you imagine that, the public, however you...
May 23, 2023•55 min•Ep. 222
Christian mothers, are you feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected sorrows of motherhood? Today’s guest, Katie Faris, author of God is Still Good: Gospel Hope & Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood, will share the truth that will bring you comfort and renewed hope. My trial and suffering don’t mean that God doesn’t love me. – Katie Faris In this episode, you will be able to: Pinpoint and replace deceit with the unwavering truth found in God’s Word. Comprehend the importance of reac...
May 16, 2023•44 min•Ep. 221
Jessica Harris grew up in a cultural Christian home, she followed all the rules and expectations of her faith, but still fell prey to pornography. When she stumbled upon pornography at the age of 13, she became addicted and developed a double life of shame and perfectionism. Even after finding Jesus, she struggled alone, unable to find a safe place to talk about her addiction. But just when she thought she might have a way out, a devastating blow leaves her questioning everything. In this episod...
May 09, 2023•58 min•Ep. 220
Is your spouse or boyfriend struggling with a porn addiction in your relationship? Have you heard the myths about how to address it? From the widely misinformed to the downright wrong, Rosie Makinney is here to debunk the top three myths about how pornography addiction affects relationships and marriages, present the truth and what to do next. I remember what it was like to feel so alone and so ashamed, and I don’t want anybody else to feel like that. – Rosie Makinney My special guest is Rosie M...
May 02, 2023•49 min•Ep. 219
Shannon Popkin on unhealthy control, and how it can impact our walk with Jesus and with others. Shannon shares practical ways to relinquish control in order to live a surrendered life to God. Questions Discussed During Surrendering Your Need to Control: Talk to us about control. I know I struggle with wanting control and I did not realize it until I became a mother. I think that is a part of your story, so share with us when you began to realize the struggle to control was an issue for you? Not ...
Apr 25, 2023•49 min•Ep. 218
After growing up in a Christian home, Jasmine Holmes has felt the stigma of shame her entire life and is now determined to confront it through her journey to freedom and understanding of God's grace. Shame is like guilt's evil twin, honestly, in the garden, we see the beginning of both. - Jasmine Holmes Jasmine Holmes, a thoughtful and articulate author, brings her personal experience and heartfelt insight to the topic of overcoming shame through Christ's conviction and empowerment. Growing up a...
Apr 18, 2023•48 min•Ep. 217
Richard Foster, Brenda Quinn and Amber discuss the virtue of humility in a me centered world and how Jesus is our model. Questions Discussed During The Virtue of Humility in a Me Centered World: In a recent conversation with Rick Langer and Joanne Jung, Rick described a leadership book written in the early 1900's and its chapters primary focus was virtuous living. He compared that to leadership books written today which tend to focus on how to assert yourself, how to achieve your goals, how to f...
Apr 11, 2023•41 min•Ep. 216
Leigh Mackenzie and Amber discuss discuss the hard and necessary healing work after traumatic childhood experiences. Leigh's book, She Seems So Normal: Shatter the Plastic Princess, Embrace Authentic Faith is a documentary narrative journey of uncovering long hidden sexual abuse and her journey of embracing authentic faith through the help of Jesus, mentors, prayer warriors, therapists, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Questions Discussed During The Value of Trauma Therapy in Your Journey with J...
Apr 04, 2023•47 min•Ep. 215
Alan Fadling and Amber discuss living at the pace of Jesus and practices to help you become an unhurried leader. Questions Discussed During How to Become an Unhurried Leader: When you talk about unhurried living, you are not talking about clearing calendars or reducing to-do lists, but you are talking about living at the pace of Jesus. Will you expound on that a bit? How did you begin to wrap your mind around accepting the interruptions and accepting that your to-do list is just not going to be ...
Mar 28, 2023•29 min•Ep. 214
Tim Winders and Amber discuss Christian leadership, building your own kingdom vs. building God's kingdom. Questions Discussed During Leaders: Are You Building God's Kingdom or Your Own?: You have held positions of leadership throughout your career. What have been a few of those roles and are there any areas of leadership you would say early on were not Christlike that you walk through a transformation period to become more Christlike? You recently shared an episode on Seek. Go. Create. titled Th...
Mar 21, 2023•53 min•Ep. 213
Jeff & Terra Mattson join Amber to discuss their book, Shrinking the Integrity Gap between What Leaders Preach and Live. They dive into how unresolved trauma impacts a leader, the gap between our values and habits, and some healthy tips for shrinking the gap. Questions Discussed During Become the Leader You Would Follow: The two of you have invested more than two decades in leadership coaching and trauma-informed therapy. Share a little of what you've found to be the root issues contributing...
Mar 14, 2023•52 min•Ep. 212
Joanne J. Jung, Richard Langer, and Amber discuss our never changing call to follow Jesus and how to pursue that in a world that views following as weakness. They also discuss the West's obsession with leadership. Questions Discussed During Follow Jesus to Become a Better Leader: In chapter 1 of The Call to Follow you compare leadership to money and I loved it! At one point you write, " And leadership is like money. Leadership, too, is an instrumental good. It helps get things done. But it is no...
Mar 07, 2023•38 min•Ep. 211
Wendy Alsup and Amber discuss her time as deacon of women’s theology at Mars Hill Church, how and why she was able to continue clinging to Jesus in the midst of suffering, and what a good Jesus hermeneutic has to do with it. Questions Discussed During Clinging to God When Your Church Falls Apart: You served as a Deacon in charge of Women’s Theology and Training at Mars Hill in Seattle. Share your experience of stepping into that role and the ways you were able to serve women during that season W...
Feb 28, 2023•47 min•Ep. 210
JOIN Still Becoming Lenten 2023 Study Laura Acuna and Amber discuss her 50 year journey with diet culture, overcoming shame, and the work she continues both personally and through her 31 Day Devotional Still Becoming: Hope, Help and Healing for the Diet Weary Soul. Questions Discussed During Hope for the Diet Weary Soul: Take us back to Laura as an 11 year old girl and share your experience with weight gain and the ideas that were formed in your brain surrounding body image and eating. What were...
Feb 21, 2023•34 min•Ep. 209
Lori Ann Wood was young and healthy when she ended up in critical care with a heart failure diagnosis and only a few months to live. We discuss that season of her life, the healing and reoccurrence she experienced and how the family of God interceded on her behalf when she had no words. Questions Discussed During Divine Detour & Heart Health: You experienced a near death health incident in 2015. Will you share that experience with us? You spent 16 months at the Cleveland Clinic, what was day...
Feb 14, 2023•38 min•Ep. 208
Carlos Whittaker and Amber discuss his new book, How to Human and how he practices being curious up close, walking with people, and being more of a human and less of an opinion. Questions Discussed During How to Human: You grew up a preacher’s kid, share a little bit of your early faith journey with us and the influence your parents have had and continue to have in your walk with Jesus. You’ve raised over 2 million dollars on Venmo alone for people in need. Take us back and share how it all bega...
Feb 07, 2023•40 min•Ep. 207
Dr. Michelle Bengtson and Amber discuss her journey with depression, the role Scripture played in her healing, the impact social media exposure has on our mental health, and the difference between feeling depressed and clinically depression. Questions Discussed During Battling Depression: You are a Neuropsychologist and you have walked through depression. When did depression first become a part of your story and what did treatment look like for you early on? Do you think that the goal of treatme...
Jan 31, 2023•42 min•Ep. 206
Ed Welch and Amber discuss coming at those living with a psychiatric diagnosis from broader category of "in this world you will have trouble" and how instances of suffering in the Bible can be applied to mental health. They also discuss, the place medication holds in the life of the sufferer and how Jesus speaks into the pain. Questions Discussed During Psychiatric Diagnosis & God's Word: You have been counseling for over 40 years and on staff with CCEF for the same amount of time. What are ...
Jan 24, 2023•58 min•Ep. 205
Caris Snider and Amber discuss her experience with anxiety and how she is learning to shine light in the darkness for adults, tweens, teens and children through her devotional Anxiety Elephants. Questions Discussed During Battling Anxiety: Share a little of your early faith journey with us. When did you begin walking with Jesus? I don't know the details of your story, but what I do know sounds eerily familiar. While mine was crying uncontrollably on the floor while my 3 year old and newborn play...
Jan 17, 2023•49 min•Ep. 204
Joni Eareckson Tada and Amber discuss how robust hymns of the faith "stokes her hope" during periods of intense pain and suffering. Questions Discussed During Songs of Suffering & Hymns of Hope: Having lived as a quadriplegic for over 50 years, how would you say your view of suffering and our suffering Christ has changed? When it comes to spiritual disciplines and daily rhythms, what have been some of your anchors? You've recently released Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary...
Jan 10, 2023•27 min•Ep. 203
