what i learned

Do you love and accept your God-given blend? Joining me today writer, speaker, and creator of Mixed.ology Torrie Sorge.  Torrie shares with us about embracing the life God wanted her to have over her own ideas. I loved this conversation and I think every one of us will find a moment of connection with Torrie's parable story.

As a Mixed Race woman, Torrie understands the beauty and complexity of our divine diversity firsthand. It’s propelled her to become a truth-teller, bridge-builder, and cheerleader who passionately encourages others to stop hiding and start loving their God-given blend. She loves partnering with individuals, interracial families, youth & women’s ministry groups, and church leadership, providing practical tools with Biblical truths as they become bridges of reconciliation and hope within their circles of influence.

Jesus has already validated her and she doesn't need to please anyone else. - Torrie Sorge

What a beautiful encouragement Torrie shared about the words she had with her own daughter and is continuing to help others know they are fully validated in Christ.  I hope you enjoy this conversation.

Conversation Topics

• Growing Up Mixed Race
• Journey to love her God-given Blend
• Understanding your identity
• Healing from the past
• Feeling you didn't fit in 

Reflection Questions

1. Ask yourself am I providing the life I wanted for myself or God's?

2. Do you love your God-given blend? Whether your race, physical body, ethnicity, family of origin, whatever can you embrace that as who you are?

Connect with Torrie
Mixed.ology - Torrie's newsletter & articles
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest
TikTok 

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Do you have a Green Thumb or are all the plants in your home plastic?  Meet Andrea Coli who serves as the Executive Director of Lead Bold, and she is passionate about affirming and activating female ministry leaders. She has been in ministry for over 25 years and currently serves as the Teaching Pastor at CrossWinds Church in California's Bay Area. Andrea is part of the teaching team for Preacher Chicks United, an incubator for women of color to cultivate their gifts of preaching and teaching. She loves connecting with women leaders and shares how planting a hydrangea became a part of her own parable story.

"Something can be working even if we don't see it."
- Andrea Coli

Conversation Topics

• Andrea's time doing improv at Second City: Las Vegas
• Comparison can Kill
• Attending to your own soul
• Sometimes good enough is good enough
• being aware when we are depleted
• why it is important to be surrounded by women who understand your challenges and can support you.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some comparisons that keep coming up for you in your job, relationships, finances, etc....? How might God be trying to prune out of your life? 

2. How could God be using this dormant season for rebuilding, regrowth, and restoration for you?

Connect with Andrea

Facebook | Instagram

Lead Bold  

Chicago Conference on October 27th 

How to support The Parable Podcast:

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• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever had an experience that brought you back to the joy and innocence of being a kid?  This is the first installment of a few collaboration episodes with Zoweh, which is a nonprofit mission that encourages men, women, and marriages by creating tools, resources, and community spaces that invite people to experience inner healing and intimate connection with God and with others. Today we are going to have a conversation with co-founder Michael Thompson who shares how an experience at Fenway Park shaped this parable story about our innocence.

I think we long for happily ever after, because that will be the time when that won't be our story anymore. 
- Michael Thompson

Michael is a kingdom guide for the hearts of men, women, and marriages. The author of Search & Rescue, The Heart of a Warrior,  and other books, Michael is co-founder with his wife, Robin, of Zoweh in  Durham, North Carolina. Michael and Robin live, work and play to see hearts set free through experiencing the transforming love of God.  Married since 1990, they have three grown daughters, Ashley, Hannah, and  Abbey, and one “son-in-love,” Anders, married to Ashley. Thanks to Zoweh for their work and what they are doing to create for others and look forward to hearing from more of their team next month. Remember Your parable showcases how God is loving and leading us well.

Conversation Topics

• Life as a Christian is more than keeping it all together
• How Zoweh began and walking in hope
• Bringing Back the naivety of our youth
• How has his faith changed
• Why masculinity can be triggering
• Prayer for the readers of King Me: Loving and Leading Well 

Reflection Questions

1. What is one way this week you can be naive and conscious of your innocence so you are able to experience the beauty of God this week in a new way? Maybe this is an activity or a mindset shift.

2. Life as a Christian is more than just trying to keep it all together and not sin.  I think a lot of us fall into this category at some time of our lives, using our sin as a checklist.  If we are supposed to live a life fully in Christ. Take some time to journal to about how you can live more abundantly in Christ.

Connect with Michael

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Zoweh's Website

King Me: Loving and Leading Well 

How to support The Parable Podcast:

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• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Has there been a time when you ask God, why is this happening?  Meet Worship Director, Ali Curry as she shares about how she and her husband relied on others through a really difficult summer.  She honestly shares about where she felt God was leading her family and left her questioning was this opportunity worth it.  Was a long-distance marriage worth it?  I appreciated how Ali shared about her questioning what other people thought of her situation.  

A mentor of Ali's once shared, "Worship is a conversation with the Lord." When she was leading worship during this time, she was able to sing those words over her church, but discovering the conversation between her and God was much more challenging.

In the end, Ali discovered even in the hard seasons, we were never made to be alone.  It is a conscious choice to be in a community with other people and that is where we see growth and God working in our life. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Ali and remember Your parable showcases how through all the accidents of life, His community is there to lift you up. 

Conversation Topics

• Writing Worship Music for the Church
• Running as a spiritual practice
• Canvas House Worship 
• Navigating a Hard Summer
• Saying I am sorry
• Not worrying about others' opinions

Reflection Questions

1. Are you asking God what is the point lately?  Use time over coffee or on an evening walk this week to ask God to soften your heart and as Ali said it is okay to be blunt. 

2. What is one way you can schedule community with those you care about in the next two weeks?

Connect with Ali

Instagram | YouTube 

Wheaton Bible Church 

How to support The Parable Podcast:

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• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Today's episode is packed with such nuggets of wisdom.  You are going to love my conversation with the Lead Pastor of Forest City Church, Eric J. Parks share about one of his hidden treasure epiphanies. Eric would consider himself a futurist, one who enjoys looking ahead at the possibility of what is to come.  He shares about the last three years of building a church where everyone is welcome to the table and can sit and rest in their own innate gifts.  Plus, we dive into doing the work to become a whole person and what it is like to thrive in relationships when we have to say we are sorry. Grateful that you are here and remember Your parable showcases how He has given you so much hidden treasure.  

If you are a human, if you are a leader, your going to mess some stuff up. You just will. It's unavoidable.  - Eric J. Parks 

Conversation Points

• Breakdown is breakthrough
• Stop comparing your pain to others
• What is really going on inside?
• Mis-invested and misplaced hearts
• Looking at leadership as a whole
• Why it is important to look internally

Reflection Questions:
1. What is something you have been working through lately? Take a moment to think about it with a futuristic mindset.

2. Spend some time in prayer today to ask the Holy Spirit to uncover what hidden treasure He wants to reveal in you.

Connect with Eric
Instagram | email | Forest City Church

Hear some of Eric's Friends share their stories:

• How Do I Follow Jesus with Leonard Davis #59
• An Unexpected Journey with Andy Davis #45
• From Orphan to Child of God with Michael Mims #20

How to support The Parable Podcast:

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• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Has anyone told you that you are not smart enough?  Or possibly told you that those dreams of yours are not going to happen.  Meet Dr. Karen Hurula, she is an overcomer who offers life experience and training that make her both unique and a needed voice for the church.  She grew up a missionaries kid in Mexico, surviving an earthquake, studying several languages, and being labeled “not smart enough” to fulfill her dream of being a psychologist. She developed an identity that was culturally complex, never quite fitting into the molds expected of her, as a pastor’s kid and eventually as a pastor’s wife. After having three children, she finally silenced the voices of self-doubt in her mind and pursued her dream, earning her doctorate in psychology, and a master’s degree in theology.  

"Karen, I think you are depressed."

This statement was such a shock to Karen, who just thought she was in the throws of mothering a baby.  However, she was able to learn more about what she was feeling and eventually see how God used that later in her career and care for others.  Listen to how Karen pushed past these internal thoughts about not being smart enough and redeemed those moments to help others today.

Conversation Points

• Growing up as a missionary's kid in Mexico
• Pursuing your doctorate later in life
• Understanding her own Post Part-um depression and the feelings around it
• Figuring out her passion didn't leave her
• Juggling being a stay at mom and going back to school
• Permission to talk about how she felt isolated from others
• High-functioning Depressed People are possible
• How can we support those around us in curiosity
• How has reflection been under-valued

Reflection Questions

"We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience.” - John Dewey  

1. In what ways can you be curious with a friend or a loved one to ask them questions about how they are "really" doing?  

2. Karen shared about the importance of reflection, talking to the Holy Spirit, and seeing where God was in your life. Or maybe how you chose to play God in your own life?

Connect with Dr. Karen Hurula
Instagram | website | FaceBook 

The Feeling Wheel

The Next Right Thing Journal  

How to support The Parable Podcast

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• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
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• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Today I am sharing one of my last messages for our Summer Sermon Series.  We will be back to our regularly scheduled programming next week. Thanks for switching gears a bit to allow us at The Parable Podcast a little space to enjoy these last few days with our kids before school starts. This message was a previous message I shared at our home church of West Ridge.  I hope you enjoy this message today and it encourages you wherever you are.

Message Notes

“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.” Exodus 22:22

Tamar harbored deep resentment toward her father-in-law because she knew by this time that Shelah had grown up, but she had not been given to him in marriage as Judah had promised. Genesis 38:14

13… Tamar learned that her father-in-law would be coming to Timnah to shear his sheep, 14 she took off her widow’s clothes, put on a veil to conceal her true identity, and sat down at the entrance to Enaim along the road to Timnah. … 15 When Judah passed by and saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had her face covered. 16 He decided to proposition her. Genesis 38:13-16

It was the owner of these items who made me pregnant. Please, take a close look and tell me whose personal seal, cord, and walking stick these are. Genesis 38:25

“Jesus: Let the first stone be thrown by the one among you who has not sinned." John 8:11 

1.Deny, Deny, Deny 

2.Shifting Blame

3.Own up to it

“Tamar is more righteous than him”

A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows. - Psalm 68:5

“Certainly the faithful love of the LORD hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! Lamentations 3:22   

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8  

Reflection Questions
1. Journal about a time that seemed so obscure and out of whack in your life and looking back now you can see God's hand at work for a certain reason in your life?

2. A prayer for yourself this week:
God thank you that I can be saved by your unconditional Grace. I believe you love me more than I can comprehend. God thank you for sending your son Jesus so he could die for me. I lay everything at your feet and give my life to you. All I can say is thank you. Amen.

Connect with Danielle | Instagram | Facebook  

How to support The Parable Podcast

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of  The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).    
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.  
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Today I am sharing one of my messages for our Summer Sermon Series and there will be a few sprinkled over the course of the summer with a couple from the archives as well.  Thanks for switching gears a bit to allow us at The Parable Podcast a little space to enjoy playing games with our kids, sipping iced coffees, and relaxing on our back porch. This message was a previous message I shared at our home church of West Ridge.  I hope you enjoy this message today and it encourages you wherever you are.

Author Brené Brown says, "People are hardwired for connection."

We can give the gift of listening

Ways we can be a better listener to others:

1.Pick the right time to talk

2.Ditch distractions 

3.Listen with ears to hear and a heart of compassion.

4.Speak truth into their life 

When Jesus saw Mary’s profound grief and the moaning and weeping of her companions, He was deeply moved by their pain in His spirit and was intensely troubled. As they walked, Jesus wept; and everyone noticed how much Jesus must have loved Lazarus. John 11:33-36

Sympathy is when someone is going through something and you comfort or support them.  

Empathy is more than just acknowledgment, it is when we can put ourselves in someone else’s shoes or we have experienced a similar situation.  

We need to empathize according to their needs, not what you think they need.” 
Danielle Coke | @ohhappydani

"I Can't Carry It For You, But I Can Carry You!" 
– Sam Gamgee , Lord of the Rings, Return of the King

Ways to be more empathetic:

1. Proximity 

2. Asking 1 more question  “tell me more.”  

3. Share emotion

Then Jesus, who was intensely troubled by all of this, approached the tomb—a small cave covered by a massive stone. Remember, I told you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God. They removed the stone, and Jesus lifted His eyes toward heaven. Father, I am grateful that You have heard Me.  I know that You are always listening, but I proclaim it loudly so that everyone here will believe You have sent Me. After these words, He called out in a thunderous voice. Lazarus, come out! Then, the man who was dead walked out of his tomb bound from head to toe in a burial shroud. John 11:38-44 

Reflection Questions
1. When was a time you needed others in your life and journal about that time. 

2. Who can you give life to this week?

Connect with Danielle | Instagram | Facebook  

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Well, here we are at the 100th EPISODE of The Parable Podcast!  GAAHHH! Whether this is your first, tenth, or one-hundredth episode, thank you for being a listener of The Parable Podcast. The fact that your ears have heard these parable stories and you have seen God in your own, is remarkable. 

If you are like me, you have probably asked the question, "God, why did this happen in this way? And how are You going to use it?" Whether big or small I think we can all use our stories to grow and mold our faith every day if we are willing participants.  How can we be more open to the moments we have each day and the lessons inside of them?  Granted sometimes a broken dishwasher is just a broken dishwasher.  However, as we look back on our time and reflection with God and the Holy Spirit, they allow us clarity and hope for what is to come. As always, God is so good that he allows us to be a part of His story. And that is a big AMEN.

Reflection Questions
1. What is one of your parable stories for you in this last season that you can uncover?  Try your hand at journaling about something that is out of the box like falling over a dishwasher.  

2. After you take some time to reflect, can you utilize anything you learned and apply it to your life?

Connect with Danielle | Instagram | Facebook  

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Today I am sharing one of my messages for our Summer Sermon Series and there will be a few sprinkled over the course of the summer with a couple from the archives that as well.  Thanks for switching gears a bit to allow us at The Parable Podcast a little space to enjoy playing games with our kids, sipping iced coffees and relaxing on our back porch. This message was a previous message I shared at our home church of West Ridge.  I hope you enjoy this message today and it encourages you wherever you are.

Message Notes

In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 1 Samuel 1:10

“LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life...” 1 Samuel 1:11 

“Just because we’re Christians, doesn’t mean we’re healthy. In the same way that our bodies can fail us physically, our minds can do the same – it’s the reality of a broken world. Mental and emotional health issues still happen for those of us that call ourselves Christians." 
- Counselor Deborah Fileta

As she prayed silently before the Eternal One, the priest Eli watched her mouth: Hannah’s lips were moving, but since she was praying silently, he could not hear her words. So Eli thought she was drunk. 1 Samuel 1:12-13

“just a woman with a wounded spirit. I have been pouring out the pain in my soul before the Eternal One. 16 Please don’t consider your servant some worthless woman just because I have been speaking for so long out of worry and exasperation. 1 Samuel 1:15-16

What is that thorn for you?

“Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:17

"we can have confidence in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us." 1 John 5:14   

“My heart rejoices in the LORD. My strength rises up in the LORD! My mouth mocks my enemies because I rejoice in your deliverance. 2 No one is holy like the LORD—no, no one except you! There is no rock like our God! 1 Samuel 2:1-2

Reflection Questions
1. Are you real or are you faking it?

2. Is there something you need to sacrifice this week?

3. Praise Him even in the tough times.

Connect with Danielle | Instagram | Facebook  

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Are you, not one to surrender easily? Many of us never want to wave our white flag because we don't want to ask for help.  Meet the CEO of Just One International and Kids Ministry Director Maddie Trncic and what surrender looked like in her life.

If I really want Him to take control, it might mean He is moving me in a different direction than planned. And that is really hard to accept, because I like to plan. I like to be in control. I have to ask myself, 'Am I okay God, if your going to do something different than I want today?' - Maddie Trncic

Conversation Points

• Growing up with a Jewish and Christian parent
• Living in Honduras
• Surrendering to God is not easy
• Physical Posture of prayer
• Releasing Control
• Just One International and finding purpose
• Am I okay with God changing plans or dreams
• Living our life with Jesus

What a joy to connect with Maddie and hear not only her heart for the people of Honduras but what God has taught her throughout the course of her life. Remember your parable showcases how He is always there when you surrender.

Reflection Questions
1. How is God calling you to surrender this week? Do you need to be more flexible, pray with open hands mentality, or something else?

2. Journal about one person that has built into your faith (positive or Negative) and how God has used that for his Good.

Connect with Maddie
Just One International | website 

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Today I am sharing one of my messages for our Summer Sermon Series and there will be a few sprinkled over the course of the summer with a couple from the archives as well.  Thanks for switching gears a bit to allow us at The Parable Podcast a little space to enjoy playing games with our kids, sipping iced coffees, and relaxing on our back porch. This message was from a relational series we had at our home church of West Ridge and I had the privilege of sharing.   I hope you enjoy this message today and it encourages you wherever you are.

Message Notes

• The point of the ten commandments is to show us how much we need Him. - Angie Smith
• Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 
• We all need to be parented.

43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.  44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house.” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
 Luke 2:43-52  

• As we get to a place of parenting our parents, if honor, respect, and true authority are there, your return on investment is going to be tenfold. 

Reflection Questions
1. How can we honor our parents this week? 

2. How can you be open-handed with your relationship 

3.  Pray about everything 

Connect with Danielle | Instagram | Facebook  

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever had a season where you feel completely absent from God in your life? I know I have and it is hard to walk through that.  Meet my guest Lindsey Jodts, Groups Life Pastor at Willow Creek South Barrington Campus. She is a writer, sometimes academic, teacher, strategic consultant, yogi, and self-proclaimed nerd. As an Enneagram 4, she has a special love for contemplative spiritual practices and enjoys writing poetry and personalized liturgy. Lindsey shares what it looks like to discover her own expression of faith in this episode.  Just a note for the listener, Lindsey briefly mentions self-harm, so if that is triggering or if you have little ears around (timestamp 15:47 - 16:33). 

Conversation Points

• The Glorious Parts of us that God give us
• Different Expressions and Practices of our faith
• Coming alive in our passions and giftings
• Ectopic Pregnancy Loss
• Encouragement to Working Moms 
• Building Camaraderie with one another over competition
• Female Pastors in the Church
• High functioning Depression
• Creativity in our faith

Grateful for the way Lindsey shared her story and shared some of the moments that have made her into the woman she is today. Remember your parable showcases how he has provided you with glorious attributes

Reflection Questions
1. What is glorious about you?

2. What is stirring in you that could come out in a creative way to draw closer to God?  Think outside of the box. 

Connect with Lindsey | Instagram  

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever thought about what it looks like to stay intentionally small in your life?  We are going to dig into that, on this episode of the Parable Podcast, I’m your host Danielle Zapchenk.  Right now you are going to meet Luke Kuepfer, Campus Pastor of The Bridge, speaker, and coach share about how Biblical alignment became so important to him 

Jesus said, "Greater works your are going to do when I go back to the Father." That is phenomenal to me. He set them up for success. It was about a movement. - Luke Kuepfer

Luke also helps non-profit and business leaders understand how to maximize their God-given potential to lead and serve others. What does leadership look like for each one of us and how did Jesus set himself up as the role model? I hope you remember Your parable showcases how He has provided you with glorious attributes.

Talking Points

• Smuggling Bibles in the cover of night
• Biblical Alignment
• Unreached People Groups
• Leaving the comfort zone
• Living a life of adventure
• What is the Mennonite Faith?
• What God has done in Luke's life

Reflection Questions
1. What does it look like to stay intentionally small in your life?

2. In what ways have you aligned yourself with the Bible so you are pouring out into the world?  And if you can’t think of any, prayerfully consider some spaces for yourself.

Connect with Luke
Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Website 

Truth Made Simple
Reverb Network

Asia Harvest

How to support The Parable Podcast

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of  The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).    
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.  
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever had a conversation where someone said, "I see this in you."? Sometimes it comes out of nowhere or you are kinda shocked because certain qualities you see in yourself are just everyday.  Meet Kristi Bramlett who is a certified movement coach and professor at Columbia College who helps communicators have a greater impact the world. Kristi shares what it looks like to let go in her parable story.

"It's time for me to let this other thing go.  And I think it is Erwin McManus who said, 'spiritual maturity is the length of time from hearing from God and then doing what he says.' And I am not spiritually mature." - Kristi Bramlett

Episode Talking Points

• our responsibility vs God's responsibility
• Letting it All Go (Yes, with a reference to Elsa)
• Deciphering and Discerning God's voice
• God orchestrates everything
• I feel like a horrible human
• How to release what has been said to them
• Discovering who God created you innately

Plus, it is so amazing to hear about our mind-body connection from Kristi's perspective. God is so good by being in the details of everything we do.  Grateful for Kristi to share what it looks like to walk in a new direction in her life. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Parable Podcast.

Reflection Questions

1. How Have you been listening to the people God has specifically placed in your life that see something in you? If you don’t have anyone like that, pray about God showing you those connections.

2. It is easy to emulate others because we love, admire, or desire to be like them.  However, God asks us to be our authentic selves in Him - no one else.  How can you not hold on to that back this week?

Connect with Kristi

Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Email 

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever wondered if you could forgive someone that has caused you pain?  Join me today as we hear from Author, Theresa Reiff as she shares about the pain from her childhood and how God is still there.  One thing that Theresa said was knowing whether we have actually forgiven.  We have all had to answer that at some point in our life.  Did we really forgive?  It is a challenge because forgiveness is a process.  Jesus is a part of the whole thing and we get to witness that.

It isn't just like, help me Jesus in the moment to fix it all. Yes, He will.  But we have to participate in that fixing...There is not just a magical potion or waving of the wand like we would like to think. - Theresa Reiff

Our Conversation Points:

• Faith in God
• Church Hurt
• Tools to talk through childhood trauma
• Why be a part of a church community?
• The feeling of being a broken person
• Paying attention to our emotions.

Theresa reminds us God is within our stories and is always there with us every step of the way.  I hope you are so blessed by this conversation with Theresa Reiff.

Reflection Questions:

1. Sometimes we only see the mundane-ness of our life.  How can we look at the last few weeks and see how God showed up. Can find some moments where you can say, "But God..." and thank Him for being there every step of the way. 
   
   
2. How has God started to bring back some memories or repressed feelings that are coming through and who is someone safe you can work through these with?

Connect with Theresa

Instagram | Facebook 

Overcoming Sexual Abuse: From the Inside Out

Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall 

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Would you say that you're living your life glass half empty or glass half full? Can't wait for you to listen in from Jackie Glass. She is an energetic coach, magnetic leader, experienced communicator, and mama of 4, made to lead moments that spark transformation.  Jackie has experience as a licensed clinical professional therapist, health coach, pastor, and communicator, deeply desiring for people to give voice to their lives as they ignite purpose, deepen calling, and lean into talents. As you will hear, Jackie is passionate about seeing people live whole and full of wellness: heart, mind, soul, and strength.

As you get older you acquire more people in your life...The temptation can be, I don't have time for everybody. But, who is the person right in front of me. - Jackie Glass

Our Conversation Points:

• Wholeness in our life (spiritually, physically, emotionally)
• What Shalom can offer us
• What's next when feeling overwhelmed
• How do I work with my body, not against it
• Paying attention to the tension points in our life
• How do we be the person right in front of you?

I loved how Jackie reminded us that we don't have to take his spot as rescuers for ourselves or others.  Jesus is already the rescuer for us. And when we are learning to walk in wholeness, it allows us to truly be with people and allow others to discover Jesus in their own time.  I hope you are so blessed by this conversation on wholeness with Jackie Glass.

Reflection Questions:

1. Jackie said we need to pay attention to the tension in our life.  What area do you need to focus on this week as you continue to build wholeness?
2. What questions can you put in your back pocket as you encounter people this week?  Some of mine are: Tell me more? and What are you passionate about? This opens up the conversation to connect deeper with other people to hear their stories.

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Dr. Daryl Merrill Jr. is the Lead Pastor of Christian Life Church and President-Elect of Christian Life College (formerly Chicago Bible College).  I met Daryl over 15 years ago when I was working in radio and he always has a special place in my heart because of his genuine care that is bigger than himself.  Daryl’s heart is to see people continually grow deeper in their relationship with God.  He and his wife Leslie have been married for almost 30 years and have three sons.  He honestly shares in this episode about what it is like to be a caregiver for aging parents, wondering if He has what it takes, mental health, and taking those never-ending lifelines when offered.

I didn't even realize what I was going through.  And I had so many friends afterwards call me and say, "I had know idea what you were going through. Why didn't you reach out?" But, when your in that moment and this is a good thing, don't beat up your friends that don't reach out to you because they don't even know what they are doing sometimes. And You be the one to reach out. - Dr. Daryl Merril Jr.

It was great to reconnect with Daryl and appreciated how he expressed He felt he didn't have what it takes to be a Pastor.  Most of us have had that moment of wondering do I have what it takes and desperately seeking after God along that road. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did and are encouraged to know God knows you have what it takes.

Our Conversation Points:

• Aging Parents and Caregiving through Dementia and Alzheimer's
• Growing up as a Pastor's Kid in the '70s
• Mental Health that unknowingly gripped him
• His time on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and what it taught him
• What has Daryl been learning about chasing after God

Reflection Questions:

1. Finish this statement for yourself: I didn't think I had what it takes to be a _________. What is that for you or how you have felt in the past?  
2. How can you take that challenge, worry, and fear to God right now in prayer?

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Have you ever experienced burnout in your relationship with God?  Glad you found The Parable Podcast and joining me today is author, church advocate, and entrepreneur Ericka Andersen discusses faith burnout and how God is in the details of our lives.  She shares how she was shocked to see the statistics of what burnout looks like in the local church, especially for women.

"I don't want to see this to happen because, I see what happens when people leave their faith. And it is not going to be good for our society, our community, and its not going to be good for the world" - Ericka Andersen

16 million women left the church in the last decade and Ericka was intrigued and concerned by that number and it has increased exponentially.  There is something going on there and she dives into why this number affected her and chose to write a book on it to encourage others.

Our Conversation Points:

• Faith Burnout is Real
• Creating space to share authentically in all church spaces
• Extending faith legacy to our kids
• How are we able to see the details of God in our life?
• Do you have support in the church?
• Spiritually absent or uninvested in the church

Reflection Questions:

1. Who is someone in your life that you can pray for that may be in a season of wondering if they should return to church or struggling with their faith?
2. Maybe that person is you and you're going to church and feeling complacent, stuck, or unsure.  What can you do or pray to him about so you could draw back to the desire of Him?

Connect with Ericka

Instagram | Website

Reason to Return: Why Women need the church and the church needs women

Jude 1:22 

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.

Can you remember a moment in your life when God showed up?  Today you will meet Ashley Cochrane Olson who is the Founder & Executive Director of Crowned for Ashes, a dream she formed along with her husband Chris in 2014. Ashley will share on today's episode that she spent 5 years as Chris’s caregiver following a series of medical issues arising from a 2013 deployment before his unexpected passing in 2018. By trade, Ashley is a lifestyle and branding photographer based in Florida and believes in choosing joy regardless of the circumstances your life with bring.  I can't wait for you to hear this beautiful story about how God continued to show up in Ashley's life.

"I am remarried now, but that does not heal the fact that I lost Chris. Aaron does not take Chris' place in my heart. I am not whole again because of Aaron.  I am whole because of Jesus. And I need Him as much on my best day as I did on my worst day. He will never stop inviting me into more healing. " 
- Ashley Cochrane Olson

Ashley has one of the most beautiful stories I have ever heard. Does it have pain, beauty, and loss. Absolutely, what story of ours doesn't?  But, the good news is that God was with Ashley through it all and he continued to show up for her in ways only He could.  My prayer as you listen to Ashley's story you see not only the love story in her life but the overarching love story God has for each one of us.

Our Conversation Points:

• I am not a professional widow
• God showing off with Rainbows and Bald Eagles
• What is Crowned for Ashes and how did it come to be?
• Losing your husband and being angry with God
• Widowhood isn't your identity, Christ is your identity
• The journey of finding love after loss
• How God is using Ashley today because of her late Husband Chris

Reflection Questions:

1. Make some time to talk with God and allow Him into your daily life so you can see all of the ways He is consistently showing up for you.
2. Is there someone in your life that you need to completely surrender to God? Maybe you need to build up your willingness to surrender.

Connect with Ashley

Instagram | Website

Connect with Crowned for Ashes

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Donate  

Brooke Talley's Episode 

Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

How to support The Parable Podcast:

• #1 Subscribe or Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode of The Parable Podcast through your favorite podcast app (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).
• #2 Share this show with a friend, this is a perfect opportunity to start your own Parable Conversation together.
• #3 Are you in need of a speaker for your Church, Women's Group, or event? Contact Danielle to learn more.