beEmboldened

He understands what it’s like to be falsely accused and cast aside by corrupt religious leaders. Link: youtu.be/03Slb8NNKTI

Jesus was not just familiar with grief as a concept. He was a man who deeply knew grief. He experienced it himself. He embodied it. But, as Ryan Ramsey reflects, Jesus also integrated the reality of grief into His life and death. It wasn't something that He sequestered away.

After experiencing spiritual abuse, we all need to grieve. It’s not only a part of the healing process but of being human.

Ritual is a beautiful, ancient and primal way of releasing grief. - R. Ramsey

Our theology and hearts aren't magically fixed when we leave an abusive situation. But as we lean into the Lord, we heal. - Naomi

In this short video, Ryan explains this concept more broadly and gives examples that can help us find ways to practice this within our own healing processes. Link: youtu.be/8teVta0B3no

As Ryan Ramsey shared in our last episode, ritual is a unique way to invite God's healing presence into our lives and stories. But what are grief rituals, and what do those look like in our day-to-day?

We can't repent on behalf of other people. -Doug Geivett.

Two key elements for practicing discernment: proper understanding of scripture and healthy counsel.

Discernment is a tool for identifying between what is spiritually healthy and what is spiritually risky. - Doug Geivett

With the help of tools that we can integrate into our lives, we can change our perspective on this kind of pain. If you are experiencing grief, but are unsure what to do, please reach out to us. We’re here to help. (3/3)

We experience visible and invisible losses all the time: loss of health, loss of job, loss of beliefs, and so on. The question is: how will we greet the guest of grief when it shows up at our door? (2/3)

As Ryan Ramsey explained in our latest episode, grief is not just something that pops up occasionally when we say goodbye to a loved one. (1/3)

Looking for a church can be overwhelming. In that process, look for emotionally healthy and spiritually mature leadership.

Unhealthy environments view emotions as something to control or eradicate. The real goal, though, should be to mature in them, not pretend we don’t have them.

The purpose of discipline is to keep our children safe. -Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Truth always has to be done within the context of a relationship. - Elizabeth Urbanowicz

What Jesus did on the cross was a powerful work that the kingdom of darkness can't steal away from us. -Kevin Santiago

Communion is a reminder that we were saved by grace. - Kevin Santiago

We need each other to look for blind spots because we can all miss things, even if we try our best and remain well-intentioned.