The Be2Live Hope Givers Podcast: Recent Episodes
Phil Steiner
Mary was a young woman when an angel came to her. The Angel didn't force his way but invited her, asked her for permission, to take a risk, to participate in the greatest story ever told in the history of our world. She accepted the invitation. She knew the risk that she would take of possibly being stoned to death for adultery, disowned by her family, and an outcast in her community. But she stepped out in faith and said yes. Joseph was invited as well through a dream. The two of them for the next nine months would be on this journey together, hoping that what they had heard from the angel was actually true.
Today, God is inviting you to be part of the greatest story that is being written, to participate in Christmas by giving hope, love, grace, and mercy to the world around you. He is inviting you into a story of healing and redemption. God is still writing His story today and He is inviting us to be participants. It is an invitation of heaven!
The Christmas story is about heaven embracing earth in all of its beauty and ugliness. It is a story of a God who comes to the earth to let us know we are not alone in this world. In fact, there is a God who is intimately involved in our lives. On this podcast, we look at Matthew 1 and the geology of Jesus. God doesn't do anything by mistake. Everything God does is with intention and purpose. When we read the geology of Jesus we quickly realize that God's lineage is not one of all Kings, royalty, or even prestige. His family line is full of broken, messed up people who many made horrible choices with their lives. Yet, here is God, putting himself in the same lineage that many would think are unredeemable. What God is communicating is he embraces ALL of us, even our messed up broken lives. Be encouraged, you are not outside the embrace of God's loving, gracious, merciful, forgiving arms.
I love Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite times of the year. It brings back such great memories of my growing up years in northwest Ohio. Family, food, and football on those cold and crisp Thursday afternoons. Plus my uncles snoring on the couches watching football games. But there is something that bothers me about Thanksgiving, it's our "why." Why are we thankful? What is our motivation for being thankful? Take a listen as there is a reason why we shouldn't be thankful.
In this life, whether we realize it or not, we follow someone or something. We either follow celebrities, political figures, social media feeds, or ourselves. But we are following someone and it is important to stop and consider do we like the direction we are going. Maybe a better question, do we like the person I'm becoming? Am I a better version of myself today than I was yesterday?
Maybe we should consider following someone else? On this podcast, we consider what it might look like to follow Jesus.
We are starting a new season of The Be2Live Hope Givers Podcast. In this new season, we are doing short 10-minute podcasts to challenge you, encourage you, and give hope for your day.
Have you ever felt as though you weren't enough for someone's love or acceptance? Have you ever thought you had to earn someone's love? We can believe that we are not enough to be loved by someone, anyone. We can feel as though we need to perform at a high level, at school, at work, in sports, or even at home, for us to be loved. But there is good news, God isn't that way, and he reveals that to us in Jesus. So what does God require of us to be loved by him? Take a listen.
Have you ever wondered what a person born in Africa's experience is of living in the United States? Stanley Osei moved to the United States from Ghana as a young man. On this podcast, Stanley shares his experience and what it has been like for him to be an African living in the United States. You might be surprised by what you hear. Stanley shares his struggles, joys, and hopes he has for his life and his family. He also shares his hopes for the church.
https://be2live.org
Families come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ethnicities. Sometimes, these families are blended. Raising a bi-racial family is a beautiful and challenging journey.
Tom and Robin Rossmanith, who are white, have an adopted son and an adopted daughter, both children of color, plus one birth daughter. Tom and Robin share honestly about their journey as parents of a bi-racial family. They are vulnerable about the joys and struggles as well as how they have worked through helping each of their children become a strong young man and strong young women. If you are parents of a bi-racial family or are considering being parents of one, take a listen to their journey.
phil@be2live.org
Black Baby White Hands: A View from the Crib - Article
Shades of Black: Celebration of Our Children - Book
It's All Good Hair: The Guide to Styling and Grooming Black Children's Hair - Book
Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales - Book
Let's Sit with that a Minute - A Private Facebook Group
Raising Biracial & Multicultural Children - Facebook Page
Al Letson - Radio Show Host
PACT and Adoption Alliance
Kevin Gwin, of Pursue Scholars, and I discuss important topics of racism in America today as well as why Chicago is a city of hope. This was a hard, but good conversation with Kevin as we discussed many topics such as systemic racism, implicit bias, as well as the what does God and the Bible have to say about these topics. Listen in to learn, grown, and advocate with us for justice.
“In the Bible, over and over we find these stories that are attacking the systemic way we have approached particular communities or groups of people based on there status in society. The systems piece is all over the place (in scripture).”
"The Bible is not just addressing individuals, but communities, governments, and ethnic groups as well as individuals."
"If God has called us to love our neighbor, He has called us to love our neighborhood."
"If we are willing to look for injustice in the American story it is often related to race."
Kevin Gwin is the Executive Director of Pursue Scholars, which “holistically (spiritually, socially, and financially) supports emerging urban Christian leaders in their pursuit of higher education. We are looking for the next generation of leaders.” To find out more information about Pursue Scholars go to there website at http://Pursuescholars.org
Kevin has also offered some great resources to learn more about systemic racism.
Mass Incarceration:
New Jim Crow
Just Mercy (also see the movie)
Rethinking Incarceration (especially good for those who want to consider this theologically)
Systemic Racism in Housing:
The Color of Law
History of Racism in the Church:
The Color of Compromise
Divided By Faith
Insider Outsider
America’s Original Sin
The sin of “Manifest Destiny” and “Doctrine of Discovery.”
Unsettling Truths
Chicago is a city frequently used as an example in many race discussions, mostly in a negative light. But what is really going on in the city? Do people really care about the issues that are plaguing the city? Believe it or not, Chicago is a city of hope and change!
In part one of "Chicago, A City of Hope," Kevin Gwin discusses his experience living on Chicago's west side. We talk about topics such as
What is meant by "Defunding the Police." Systemic Racism Implicit Bias What is really going on in Chicago
Kevin Gwin is the Executive Director of Pursue Scholars, which "holistically (spiritually, socially, and financially) supports emerging urban Christian leaders in their pursuit of higher education. We are looking for the next generation of leaders." To find out more information about Pursue Scholars go to there website at http://Pursuescholars.org
Kevin has also offered some great resources to learn more about systemic racism.
Mass Incarceration:
New Jim Crow
Just Mercy (also see the movie)
Rethinking Incarceration (especially good for those who want to consider this theologically)
Systemic Racism in Housing:
The Color of Law
History of Racism in the Church:
The Color of Compromise
Divided By Faith
Insider Outsider
America's Original Sin
The sin of "Manifest Destiny" and "Doctrine of Discovery."
Unsettling Truths
She Speaks: The Black Female Experience in America February is Black History month in America. On this season of the Hope Givers Podcast, we will be having conversations with people about race in America.
There is a lot of discussion in our world today about race and racism. Yet, most of the conversation centers on police brutality, mass incarceration, and fatherless homes of black men which is very important! But have we ever stopped to consider what the black woman's experience is in America? Have we taken time to listen to the stories of discrimination against black women in the workplace and in public? Have we considered that a black woman's hair, which she is born with, has implications on how she is treated in America?
Dani Kilgore, the Outreach and Missions Pastor at Marin Covenant Church in Marin County, joins us on this episode to talk about the black woman's experience in America and the discrimination and racism experiencing today. We cover all sorts of essential topics that black women face, such as - the hierarchy of the American social ladder that puts the black woman at the bottom - white-passing, - Effects of black hair, - expected assimilation to white culture, - loss of identity, - and many other topics that "sting." These are hard conversations, but conversations we must participate in to understand and empathize.
Learn More Dani Kilgore is facilitating an incredible celebration of Black History this month through her church at Marin Covenant. Here is what she has on tap:
Feb. 2 - Green Book movie viewing
Feb. 5 - Concert and Conversation with Saxophonist Ryan Kilgore
Feb. 12 - The New Black America - Millennial Culture Conversation
Feb. 16 - Cooking and Culture - The Story of Soul Food
Feb. 19 - Her Crown of Glory - Movie, and Discussion of Black Hair
Feb. 26 - The Black Church
ALL EVENTS start at 7:00pm
You must RSVP to https://mcc.breezechms.com/form/bhm
BlackHistoryMonth #Blackwomen #whitepassing #racisim #discrimination #hope #hopegiverspodcast
Like Las Vegas, what happens in Tijuana stays in Tijuana, especially as it relates to sex trafficking. There is a place in Tijuana that is known as the “zone of tolerance” where authorities turn a blind eye to what happens here. Sex trafficking in Tijuana because this is where a first would country borders a third world country. People looking for money and to gratify their sexual desires for cheap come to Tijuana. Mexico has some of the toughest anti-trafficking laws, but they are rarely enforced. But now there has been progress because of Alma and International Network of Hearts.
But there is hope! Because of International Network of Hearts' (INH) work in northern baja, children are being rescued! INH is working to bring awareness, education, freedom, and after care for children who are being trafficked in Mexico and across borders. They host the only children’s rescue home in northern Mexico. Yet, they need a forever home for the children because they are currently renting a small house.
Website: http://inhearts.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalnetworkofhearts/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalNetworkOfHearts Email: Alma@inhearts.org
moderndayslavery #humantrafficking #sextrafficking #Mexico #Tijuana #Sandiego #borderlands #freethechildren
Human Trafficking and slavery don't just happen somewhere else. It is happening in our back yards. No matter the size of the town or city, people are enslaved and trafficked daily. Sex trafficking and labor trafficking are significant issues in our country, and we can end it if we all pull together.
Who are the most vulnerable to be trafficked? How has COVID affected Trafficking today? What are some practical ways we can combat Trafficking as we go about our day? How can you find someone locally to partner with to help end trafficking? These are a few of the topics we discuss in this podcast.
Benita Hopkins, an "Agent of Change" who has worked in the non-profit sector for the last thirteen years, joins us on this podcast.
Benita most recently was the Director of Education for Generations United, who serves the immigrant population of Redwood City, CA. Before GU, she was Director of Community Education and Engagement for Love Never Fails, committed to the trafficked population. She is the current Northern and Central California Liaison for the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative. She oversees her 1st Fruits Arts Project to offer underserved students of all ages the opportunity to express themselves and find healing through the arts.
One of Benita's favorite quotations by Dr. King is: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Human Trafficking and other injustices are critical to her work. Benita is a recent graduate of Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a ministry leadership degree. She was awarded the "2015 Abolitionist of the Year" for Education by the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking and the "Working Women's Award" by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Santa Clara Valley in 2011. She serves on the Boards of Generations United, S.H.A.D.E. (Survivors Healing and Dedicated to Empowerment), National Council of Jewish Women-San Francisco, and she is the Co-Chair of the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking.
Human Trafficking Hot Line - 1.888.378.7888
San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program Devos Urban Leadership
Benita (Please excuse any brevity)
humantrafficking #moderndayslavery #Sanfrancisco #oakland #endit #children #poverty #COVID #abuse #trauma #hope #hopegiverspodcast
There are approximately over 20,000 children ages 8-18 enslaved in the fishing industry on Lake Volta, Ghana. Lake Volta is the largest man-made lake in the world. Children are sold into slavery either through means of family survival, coercion, false promises, or threats. City of Refuge Ministries in Ghana City of Refuge Ministries "exists to provide holistic restoration for children who have been liberated from exploitation, abuse, or trafficking. They aim to prevent exploitation at its roots by empowering individuals and communities to eradicate child slavery and achieve personal and community goals."
Listen to the founders and directors, Johnbull and Stacy as they share the history of slavery on Lake Volta and the progress that is being made to end slavery on the lake. You will be encouraged, challenged, and informed on what is happening and how you can get involved.
Ghana and the United States are intimately connected through the horrific transatlantic slave trade of the 1500s. Today, you can still visit the castles that were holding places for slaves before they were taken to the west. You will get a great understanding of the history of slavery from that side of the ocean.
If you are interested in joining Be2Live on a service and learning trip where we will spend time at City of Refuge, visit the slave castles, and talk about the history of slavery, racism, and modern-day slavery, please join us. You can contact us through our website or info@be2live.org.
City of Refuge Ministries
slavery #trafficking #endit #tillallarefree #ghana #CORM #Lakvolta #flourisingofeveryone #hopegiverspodcast
From the beginning, Be2Live has worked to bring awareness and action to fighting modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Be2Live has facilitated a justice conference, student leadership academies, and other events to bring awareness to the community.
This month The Hope Givers Podcast will be talking with people who are on the front lines of combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery. We will talk with people from the San Francisco Bay Area, Mexico, Ghana, and around the world.
Currently, there are an estimated 40 million people enslaved in the world today! The most vulnerable are children, women, and the poor. This has to end!
In the first episode of this season, we will be talking with Jocelyn White of International Justice Mission. Jocelyn gives us a great view of modern-day slavery and human trafficking around the world. She also shares about the work of IJM, how has COVID affected slavery and trafficking, as well as gives us great steps of what we can do to fight slavery and trafficking in our own communities.
IJM.org
IJM Family Resources
Thread up
dressember
This season's podcast of Millennials in Their Own Words has been about breaking stereotypes of the Millennial generation. Millennials have shared their important thoughts and perspective about money, school, stress, justice issues, and many more topics. In this final podcast of season 2, Aidan, Paulina, Nick, and Heather share what motivates them and what gives them hope. For a young generation, they have some great perspectives and wisdom to share with us.
www.be2live.org
What are the major social issues these millennials care about, and why? Believe it or not, they want similar things that the older generations do. But the ideas they have on how to achieve these goals might be a little different. On this podcast, these millennials will share what they care about socially, how they see their generation coping with the current climate, as well as what they hope for with the older generations.
Have you ever been frustrated by millennials at work? Have you ever wondered what their values and perspectives are of work? Or if you are a Millennial, do you wonder if others think as you do? Then this podcast is for you!
Whether we know it or not or agree with them, Millennials have different perspectives, values, and priorities about work than previous generations.
When it comes to "work" Millennials, have been called "entitled", "lazy", and a "snowflake." But what would happen if we pushed past these false narratives and look deeply into these young adults' lives to understand why their values and perspectives are different? What would happen if we took the time to listen? Might we be able to work better, be more efficient, and see everyone succeed?
If you want to work successfully with Millennials, then you need to listen to this podcast. It will give you a more in-depth insight into this generation, their views about work, and how they are changing the workplace.
The Unluckiest Generation in U.S. History - The Washington Post
Millennial Life: How young adulthood today compares with prior generations
Forget Work-Life Balance. Try Achieving Work-Life Blend
What are the first words that come to your mind when you think of Millennials? We have heard them all, and chances are, they are not positive adjectives. But do we understand why this generation is the way they are today? Do we know what has shaped the Millennial generation?
Every generation has events that define the people of that generation. These events shape people's perspectives on life, how they interact with the world, and how they choose to live. Whether it was WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, financial recessions, or a global pandemic, these events mold who we are as individuals. The Millennial generation is no different when it comes to these events that happened during their formative years.
But what the Millennial generation has experienced something that is unlike any previous generation. Not only have Millennials had significant events, but they have been experiencing a movement throughout their lifetime. This movement has dramatically changed this generation and has affected how they view and interact with the world.
If you work with Millennials in any form, this podcast is for you. Or if you are a Millennial and don't understand why your generation is so different or if you need to be encouraged by like-minded people, take a listen!
In this first episode of Season 2 - "Millennials In Their Own Words", we discuss the significant events that have defined them and the movement that has changed this generation. We also cover some of their concerns about finances and housing and why 52% of their age lives at home.
In the next few podcasts, we will talk with Millennials about how they view work, debt, social issues, and whether they think their reputation of being lazy, snowflakes, soft, and entitled is fair. They will also answer questions you have for them.
In this last episode of Gen Z in their own words students share what they need from their parents as well as where do they find their hope. With a world that feels like chaos, these students challenge us where to find hope.
What do our teenagers need from us? Should we allow our students to fail? How much should we do as parents to clear the way of success for our students? What does this generation have that the past generations didn't have?
Parenting teenagers can be a challenge. But parenting through a pandemic, with online school, added stresses on the family, and uncertainty about the future is another level of difficulty. In this podcast, Ben Kerns and I discuss how do we parent this generation during these challenging times. We are challenged to be learners, to be fascinated, and to let our kids fail.
Ben Kerns blog posts: http://www.benjaminkerns.online Marin Covenant Church website: http://www.marincovenant.org
The Gen Z generation is quickly becoming the justice generation. These students have the passion and drive to make a difference, and they are not waiting until they are 18 years old to vote. Many are doing things now to make a difference in our world. Climate Change and Blick Lives Matter are two issues this generation cares most about today. On this podcast, I interview Kaitlynn Fetterman-Riggle, a 14-year old freshman in high school. She is actively working to fight climate change and care for God's creation.
What do students say about the impact of social media on their lives? How do they view the current social justice movements? Where do they see their roll in fighting against injustice? Do they believe that they are the generation that will right the wrongs in our country?
In this episode, Gen Z students answer these questions. They talk about how social media brings stress in their lives through comparison, posting the perfect picture, and diet culture. They also share how social media has affected their view on the current justice movements and whether or not they are finding hope in the midst of what seems like chaos.
Episode 01 - Gen Z In Their Own Words - Part 1 We hear a lot about Gen Z, but what do they have to say for themselves? In this podcast, we will hear students from Gen Z as they discuss some of their stresses as well as how they are coping with everything. They have some great insight and words of wisdom and hope for us. If you are a parent, grandparent, relative, or youth worker, you will want to listen in to get a better understanding. I also encourage you to listen to this with someone from Gen Z.
Desmond Tutu once said, "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness." This is an introductory episode explaining the Be2Live Hope Givers Podcast. We will be having conversations with people about hard situations and difficult issues and where they find hope.