Relationship with Justin Strickland
Through visits to slave trade sites and immersion in Cape Coast’s vibrant Anglican worship, Justin discovered the power of stepping away from constant activity to truly listen and connect.
Through visits to slave trade sites and immersion in Cape Coast’s vibrant Anglican worship, Justin discovered the power of stepping away from constant activity to truly listen and connect.
This episode challenges us to examine our resistance to receiving. Have we internalized the message that giving is superior to receiving so deeply that we miss blessings offered through unexpected channels?
When we’ve been hurt or rejected, vengeance may be something we desire. Christian maturity helps us build capacities to defer and fend off the need for vengeance.
What happens when we strip away centuries of religious interpretation and confront the actual teachings of Jesus of Nazareth? This Jesus isn’t the gentle, apolitical figure often presented in modern Christianity, but rather “a holistically spiritual freedom fighter” deeply concerned with poverty, exploitation, and injustice.
Can we embrace both our status as sinners and saints? The liberating truth Jesus offers is that we don’t need to earn our worth—we’re already infinitely valued in God’s eyes!
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how the ancient biblical story of Pentecost offers a divine endorsement of human diversity that transcends modern political debates.
Prison takes many shapes and forms. The size of an individuals home or investment portfolio pales in comparison to true spiritual release – a freedom of purpose, clarity, and belonging that transcends physical limitations. This God given release is true freedom!
Words create worlds. From Genesis where God speaks creation into being, to Jesus asking a paralyzed man, “Do you want to be made well?”, speech carries the power to transform reality. But what happens when certain topics become unspeakable?
Drawing comparisons between Dr. King’s words from and Jesus’ commandment in John 13, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation on how turmoil itself can become the raw material for transformation.
Faith in God meets in the tensions of certainty and the suspense of the unknown. In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the suspense that accompanies faith.
Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances challenge our conventional responses to hurt. Jesus, freshly risen from death after being betrayed by his closest followers, doesn’t seek distance or retribution.
Authority comes in many forms, but as Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, he modeled an understanding that may transform how we view our empowerment.
Loss hits hardest when we love deeply. How do we face it without denial or paralysis? In John 12, at a dinner for Jesus after Lazarus’ resurrection, his friends respond to impending loss differently—Lazarus with nostalgia, Martha with busyness, and Judas with business. But Mary offers a different way: acknowledging a loss that draws her closer to Jesus.
Empathy is not just about intellect. Empathy is about putting flesh on Christian ideals. It’s about compassion enough for everyone. The story of The Prodigal Son is one of Jesus’ parables thats reaches beyond the Christian faith.
When Moses noticed a burning bush and decided to investigate rather than ignore it, he unwittingly set in motion events that would liberate an entire people from slavery. What might happen if we approached our faith with similar holy curiosity?
What are the costs of this heavenly citizenship? As we grow up in Jesus, we get a glimpse of how we have adjusted ourselves to a world in open opposition to truth, peace, love and justice.
In today’s episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about the Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness and how Bishop Wright landed on Settled as the opening meditation to the series.
It was Jesus’ habit to pray. He had a rhythm of action and reflection. As Christians in a modern world, prioritizing our time to pray, reflect, and be in relationship with God isn’t easy.
In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation about redefining society’s norm and loving your enemy. They discuss Jesus’ guidance, his own response to loving those that curse you, and how we can apply his teachings to our lives.
In the latest episode of our series on Moral Leadership, Bishop Wright has a conversation with Dr. David Orr, an esteemed environmental scholar, on his journey from international relations to pioneering environmental activism. They discuss the systemic issues surrounding climate change and the ethical responsibilities we all share in safeguarding our planet. Listen in for the full conversation.