The Marcella Project: Recent Episodes
Rev. Dr. Jackie Roese
Unplugged, authentic conversations with a preacher, pastor, and thought leader who has walked with women of faith for decades. Asking the hard questions, dealing with the real issues, seeing the Scriptures from a new lens. These conversations will put words to your female experience, ennoble you as Jesus intended and encourage you to bring your full self to the table. We’re reshaping our view!
In this deeply personal episode, Jackie Roese shares why she’s stepping away from the mic. Jackie opens up about pain, purpose, and presence with spine surgery on the horizon and a sacred calling to train women to preach. She reflects on what it means to honor a beautifully good body, why women must preach, and how God shows up—even when we’re laid low.
This isn’t a goodbye. It’s a benediction.
To anyone wrestling with calling, chronic pain, and what it means to be faithful when life rearranges you—this one’s for you.
In this powerful and unfiltered conversation, Jackie sits down with Janet Ables, pastor, author, and leadership coach, to expose what it’s really like for women serving in male-dominated ministry spaces. From unequal pay and lack of titles to the subtle (and not-so-subtle) messaging that keeps women “one down,” Jackie and Janet share personal stories, theological insights, and hard-earned wisdom.
Why does it matter if your church has a woman on staff? Because when women are in leadership, it expands the lens through which Scripture is interpreted, gives voice to half the congregation’s lived experiences, and reminds every woman in the pew that she, too, is made in the image of God, with gifts worth using and a calling worth honoring.
Whether you’re in vocational ministry or simply attend a church, this episode will open your eyes to why women in leadership deeply matter, for all of us.
In this introspective episode, Jackie invites listeners to explore a foundational question: What is your native way of being in the world? Rather than diving straight into behavior or belief, she challenges us to uncover our truest self—our Imago Dei—before the world told us who we should be.
She introduces the concept of a rule of life, not as a rigid list of dos and don’ts, but as a gentle structure or trellis that supports spiritual growth rooted in who we truly are. Drawing from ancient Christian practices, the Desert Mothers and Fathers, the Rule of St. Benedict, and modern voices like John Mark Comer and Parker Palmer, Jackie suggests that a life of flourishing begins with reclaiming our birthright self.
Jackie shares her own journey, reflecting that her native way of being is captured in the word WITH—a value that has shown up across her life in relationships, presence, and ministry. She encourages listeners to consider what has always been true about themselves, especially before the pressures of performance, ego, or cultural roles set in.
This episode blends spiritual reflection with practical tools, offering questions for personal discovery and inviting listeners to create a rule of life rooted in their truest identity, not their striving. It’s an empowering reminder that we aren’t here to manufacture a holy life but to live from the goodness already woven into us.
Links for the episode
John Mark Comer, https://www.practicingtheway.org/
Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak https://www.amazon.com/Let-Your-Life-Speak-Listening/dp/0787947350
Three Questions:
Take a moment to think about who you were before the world told you who you should be. What do you think is your native way of being—who you’ve always been at your core?
If you were exactly the same person you were at age 7—but grown—what would still be true about you? What’s stayed unchanged about how you move through the world?
Take a breath and think of a moment when you felt most yourself. Not performing. Not proving. Just present. What did that version of you feel like?
In this episode, I sit down with the fierce and wise Adrienne Gibson—a therapist, mom, preacher, recent seminary grad, and now co-author with Dr. Scot McKnight (yeah, that Scot McKnight!). Adrienne just finished our She Can Teach training at The Marcella Project, and
y’all—her Palm Sunday sermon was 🔥
We dive deep into the toll life takes on women’s bodies. Adrienne says, “We women are living in
dysregulated bodies—and it’s gonna kill us.” We unpack what that means, how it shows up in
her therapy practice, and how women’s exhaustion isn’t just about busyness—it’s about systems,
trauma, and the deep need for collective care.
Then, we pull back the curtain on complementarianism—what it is, how it harms, and why it’s
not about Jesus. Adrienne shares what trauma research revealed to her about power, patriarchy,
and the stories women bring into her office. It’s raw, real, and deeply relevant.
And because we just celebrated Easter, we talk incarnation, resurrection, and what it means that God gets up. How does that speak to women who feel stuck, silenced, or shattered?
Finally, we get the scoop on Adrienne’s upcoming book and how you can work with her.
This one is for the woman holding everything together and wondering why she feels like she’s
falling apart. You’re not alone—and there’s another way forward.
Forget the mudslinging, the super PACs, and the endless superlatives — what we need in the Oval Office is the guts, grit, and grace of a woman who survived patriarchal oppression, political refugeeship, and raising the Savior of the world. (And did it all without a social media manager.)
We’ll explore how Mary’s life experience — her leadership, her suffering, her faith — makes her more qualified than most modern candidates. Plus, I’ll midrash a little, take a few playful swings at politics-as-usual, and offer a fresh vision for leadership rooted in compassion, courage, and relentless hope.
Because honestly? We don’t just need a President.
We need a Mother.
And Mary gets my vote.
Tired of what’s happening in politics? Me too. I’m reposting an episode to remind us, we need to dream bigger — like Nazareth-big. I’m making the case for why my write-in vote this election would go to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Forget the mudslinging, the super PACs, and the endless superlatives — what we need in the Oval Office is the guts, grit, and grace of a woman who survived patriarchal oppression, political refugeeship, and raising the Savior of the world. (And did it all without a social media manager.)
We’ll explore how Mary’s life experience — her leadership, her suffering, her faith — makes her more qualified than most modern candidates. Plus, I’ll midrash a little, take a few playful swings at politics-as-usual, and offer a fresh vision for leadership rooted in compassion, courage, and relentless hope.
Because honestly? We don’t just need a President.
We need a Mother.
And Mary gets my vote.
On today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Sarah Bucky Klinginger, a tireless advocate for victims of church-related harm, as we explore the harrowing stories and systemic failures that often leave survivors marginalized and voiceless.
On today’s episode, we’re talking about : •Abuse in Evangelical Churches – The episode highlights widespread abuse scandals in Protestant churches, exposing how power and secrecy enable harm.
• Narcissism in Church Leadership – Chuck DeGroat explains how churches can foster narcissistic cultures that prioritize image, suppress dissent, and protect abusive leaders.
• The Cost of Whistleblowing – Speaking out against abuse has heavy consequences, yet biblical prophets and faith leaders model the courage to do so.
• Parallels in Politics – The Trump administration mirrors narcissistic church leadership, using chaos, gaslighting, and media manipulation to maintain control.
• A Call to Action & Hope—Inspired by faith leaders and activists, this episode encourages listeners to resist oppression and work toward a more just and compassionate world.Links:
Chuck DeGroat, When Narcissism Comes to Church
https://www.amazon.com/When-Narcissism-Comes-Church-Community/dp/0830841598
The Ezra Klein Show https://youtu.be/K8QLgLfqh6s?si=ApVdkYjcVE57pJ1O
Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
https://zondervanacademic.com/products/revelation-For-the-rest-of-us
Figuratively speaking,
borders are designed to contain people or keep them out. Border teaching aims to stop the flow of movement and imagination. When we discuss frontiers, we;re referring to a more dynamic and
adventurous context. Every explorer we study embraces the idea of venturing into the frontiers. There’s an ebb and flow, along with the excitement and uncertainty of discovery in this frontier
language. Frontier teachers can make us feel uneasy because they lead us into unexplored territory and expect us to take responsibility for our discoveries along the way.
Today, we will explore the woods of Franciscan teaching. Some of what you will hear about original goodness and the primacy of the Incarnation may challenge your understanding. However, Jackie
will guide us through Church history, reassuring us that these concepts are not new but, rather, quite ancient. If we choose to embrace this journey, we may find our faith expanding and our perception of God much larger than we ever imagined.
Suggested Reading Links
Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Blessing-Putting-Rightful-Place/dp/1451496761
Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi
https://www.amazon.com/Eager-Love-Alternative-Francis-Assisi/dp/1632531402
Many people's work takes place in obscurity, often without big celebrations or news stories. Yet, their contributions speak volumes about what it means to be human and perhaps even how to be more human. Today is my husband's birthday. As many of you know, Steve is the founder and President of Water Is Basic. What you may not know is how he has dedicated his life to serving vulnerable communities in parts of Africa in ways that have nothing to do with water. After today’s episode, you will gain a newfound admiration for Steve and all the others who work behind the scenes to improve the lives of others. You will also realize that I am married to a real-life Indiana Jones. Happy birthday, my love!
Welcome back to our podcast!
On January 23rd, Steve and I will celebrate our 37th anniversary—what a long time! I thought it would be fun for us to reflect on our marriage and discuss how our ideals about marriage have evolved over the years.
To be honest, I’ve shared the questions I’d like to discuss with Steve, but he hasn’t shared his answers with me, so I have no idea what to expect.
If I were to summarize, most American Christians view marriage as a choice between two people who love each other. Many would choose to have a religious ceremony officiated by a priest or minister and obtain a marriage license from the government. For many Catholics, marriage is considered a sacrament, a concept that emerged in the 1500s. In contrast, many Protestants view it as a covenant, also developed in the 1500s—though there are slight differences in terminology and understanding. We have often heard statements like “Marriage is not about happiness; it’s about holiness,” attributed to Calvin in the 1500s.
We’ve also been taught that “marriage helps keep a man from sexual sin,” a notion stemming from St. Augustine in
the 400s. In our Christian communities, marriage is often viewed as the ideal standard, and in some cases, it can become an idol, a perspective influenced by the Puritans in the 1600s. It's interesting to note that these ideas did not exist in the early Church.
So, how have ideas around marriage evolved, and what on earth does it look like to be
married to Steve Roese?
Links:
Marriage, a History: How Love Conquered Marriage
https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-History-How-Love-Conquered/dp/014303667X
A Christian Theology of Marriage and Family
https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Theology-Marriage-Family/dp/0809141183
Welcome back to our podcast! This Advent season, we’ve been delving into the profound mystery of the incarnation—the incredible truth that Jesus chose to come to us in the flesh. This exploration has been deeply influenced by my studies with the Franciscans, prompting me to reflect on the idea that Jesus would have chosen this path even without the fall. What does this mean for us?
We’re also taking a closer look at a fascinating intersection of science and faith.
Recently, we came across a compelling article on microchimerism—an astonishing phenomenon where cells from a fetus can move across the placenta, creating a lasting connection between mother and child.
This discovery opens the door to a theological conversation that resonates with our celebration of the incarnation: What does it imply about the relationships we form and the depth of God’s presence with us?
To explore these questions, we are excited to welcome the Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler, an Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College and an Associate Rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. With her expertise and insights, we’ll unpack the implications of being intimately connected through the miracle of life and consider what it means to have a God who desires to walk among us.
So, sit back and join us as we journey through these ideas, celebrating the incredible closeness of God with us during this special season.
Links:
Connect with Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler
https://amypeeler.com/
She Can Teach https://secure.qgiv.com/for/themarcellaproject/event/shecanteachaustin/
Nurturing the Soul: Spiritual Growth through Franciscan teachings: https://www.themarcellaproject.com/books-and-bible-studies
Article: Microchimerism: A new concept
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6714269/
I've been pondering power partially because of the election but also because I've been studying the life of a powerful woman in the Scripture. We rarely hear the Church teach on power, let alone about powerful women in Scripture and church history.
We hear of women taught as damsels in distress, and we listen to them framed as temptresses. If we hear about a powerful woman like Deborah, we're told she was God's plan B. Then, there is the example of a female villain, Jezebell. What does it mean to have power, and how are we to steward it? Moreover, why don’t we feel comfortable with power and Christian women in the same sentence?
I’ve had this conversation about power with women who hold top positions in their work, but when I suggest they are women with power, they squirm. Influence, yes. Impact, yes. But power? It’s as if that’s a bad mix.
What is power? Why are women squeamish about having it? And what should we do with it when we have it?
LINKS
The Marcella Project: https://www.themarcellaproject.com/
Article:https://fortune.com/2024/08/05/women-will-soon-have-more-money-than-men-first-time-in-history-mackenzie-scott-melinda-gates-playbook-philanthropy/
Playing God: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-God-Redeeming-Gift-Power/dp/0830837655
Redeeming Power: https://www.amazon.com/Reckoning-Power-Church-Fails-Wrong/dp/1587434156
Wood Between Worlds: https://www.amazon.com/Wood-Between-Worlds-Poetic-Theology/dp/151400562X
Recently the New York Times published an article about why Gen Z women are leaving the Church.
It stated, “Sixty-one percent of Gen Z women identify as feminist, far greater than women from previous generations. Younger women are more concerned about the unequal treatment of women in American society and are more suspicious of institutions that uphold traditional social arrangements. In a poll we conducted, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of young women said they do not believe that churches treat men and women equally.”
On today's episode, we talk with Beth Allison Barr to get her take on why this phenomenon is the reduced visibility of women in the Church. We hope this discussion will help Gen Z women know there are women like Beth and us at The Marcella Project who get it and are here to help them find their place to belong.
LINKS
Beth Allison Barr https://www.bethallisonbarr.com/
The Marcella Project https://www.themarcellaproject.com/
Lime Green: Reshaping the View of Women in the Church https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Dr-Jackie-Roese/dp/0578165058
.Today, we continue our discussion with Mako Nagasawa, who can help shed light on how the early church viewed abortion, what the science meant, and how we ended up politicizing abortion — an issue that has and continues to impact us, women, considerably.
. We bring our experienced reality, our emotions, and our preconceived beliefs to the table. Emotions play a role in how we think.
So maybe we should start there.
It occurred to me, that when we talk about hot topics, whether it’s abortion, immigration, racism, or book bands - well there’s more at play than just what we think. We bring our experienced reality, our emotions, and preconceived beliefs to the table. Emotions play a role in how we think.
So maybe we should start there.
JSummer started like any other summer. Steve packed our car full of fireworks and drove to New York to celebrate with family at Mom's lakehouse on Arnold Lake on the 4th of July. My kids flew in, and their partners joined them this year. It was so much fun. All four siblings, their partners, nieces, nephews, and friends joined us, totaling about 70 people. We always cook a lot because we love our food.
I must say, a highlight this year was the 50 lobsters Kimmy brought from Maine and Johnny's banana cake. My friends said it must be laced with something because you can't stop eating it. And then my dad died, and I learned that death is a part of living.
Join Jackie in this special episode as she introduces Mary, a remarkable octogenarian whose passion for biblical scholarship spans half a century. Mary's wit and deep insights into the New and Old Testaments, especially regarding women in the Bible, captivate Jackie from the moment they meet in Amsterdam. Despite the serious nature of her work, Mary's British charm and humor shine through, making her a delight to listen to. As Jackie's season finale guest drops this July 4th, Mary Evans brings a unique perspective from her esteemed career at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology and the London School of Theology.
In this special episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Dieula Previlon, to discuss her incredible journey and the powerful themes of her new book, "Does God See Me?" Dieula is an ordained pastor, licensed counselor, certified trauma-informed business coach, and the founder of ElevateHer International Ministries and Elevate Life Coaching.
Together, we explore our shared experiences, from working on church staff and sweating it out in workouts to navigating family challenges. We delve into the heart of Dieula's book, focusing on healing from trauma, both personally and for those we love. Dieula shares her wisdom on integrating faith into the healing process and offers practical advice for emotional and spiritual growth.
Elevate Her
Does God See Me?
All About Dieula
DTS or Dallas Theological Seminary
I had the pleasure of sharing a cup of coffee with the brilliant Marg Mowczko. This was our first meeting, and within just five minutes, we were diving deep into the rich and complex narratives of Genesis 1-2. Our conversation was so invigorating that I knew I had to share it with all of you.
Marg Mowczko holds a theology degree from the Australian College of Ministries (ACOM) and a master's degree (MA) specializing in early Christian and Jewish studies. Her award-winning thesis on deacons and Phoebe is one testament to her scholarly prowess. Marg dedicates much of her time to studying, writing, and engaging with a global audience through the Internet.
In this episode, we explore God's profound words at the beginning of time, unpacking their significance and implications. So, grab your coffee and join us for a deep dive into the origins of creation.
In today’s episode, we are joined by Helene Fisher, a global gender persecution specialist dedicated to tracking trends related to women and religious persecution worldwide. Helene sheds light on the current realities facing women globally and shares how the solutions to their trauma often lie within their faith communities.
This powerful message of resilience and healing is relevant abroad and resonates deeply with us wherever we find ourselves.
Helen on LinkedIn
Helen Youtube
In this episode, Jackie shares her reflections on the joys, challenges, and anxieties surrounding Mother's Day. This episode covers the entire spectrum, from celebrating fabulous mothers to acknowledging some people's complicated relationships with their moms—or their journey into motherhood. Tune in as we explore the meanderings of motherhood and find solace, understanding, and connection in the shared experiences of this beautiful yet complex journey.
In this insightful episode of our podcast, we delve into the key concepts from the thought-provoking book, "Creating a Culture of Belonging". We begin by exploring the term "Missional Organization" as defined by Dr. Birmingham, examining its implications and the unique characteristics that distinguish these organizations from others. The conversation then shifts to a critical discussion on the issues faced by women within these organizations, as highlighted in the book. Dr. Beth Birmmingham will unpack the systemic challenges and suggest ways organizations can evolve to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members. Tune in to understand how missional organizations operate and learn what steps can be taken to create an authentic culture of belonging.
Dr. Beth Birmingham https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethbirmingham/
The Christian Alliance for Inclusive Development https://the-christianalliance.org/
Creating Cultures of Belonging: Cultivating Organizations Where Women and Men Thrive
https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Cultures-Belonging-Cultivating-Organizations/dp/083083916X
In this episode, we explore wonder with my friend Shawn Small, a man unafraid to engage with intellectual rigor and Iowa honesty. Shawn exemplifies the true spirit of the Blessed Alliance, proving that men and women can work together in harmony and mutual respect. We'll dive deep into his new book, 'Into the Wonder,' exploring themes of faith, understanding, and the beauty of wonder. Take time today to stop and enjoy some wonder. This episode promises enlightening conversation and fresh perspectives."
https://wondervoyage.com/
https://shawnsmallstories.com/
Amazon Into the Wonder
Dive into this episode with Jackie as she challenges the notion that theological perspectives are untouched by cultural influences.
Jackie unpacks how every individual, including theologians and pastors, interprets religious texts through the lens of their cultural backgrounds.
Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, culture, and personal growth, demonstrating that understanding the world around us can profoundly shape and expand our spiritual interpretations.
Founded 12 years ago amidst conservative Christian contexts, TMP challenges legacy views and fosters global change.
Rise 24
The Marcella Project
For the past month, we've delved into the narratives of women in the Bible, exploring the transformative power when women step into male-dominated spaces to preach God's word.
Today, join me in making the case for why women should preach. As believers, we've witnessed the impact of silenced voices in faith communities. Let's uncover the untold wisdom and insights waiting to be shared.
Whether you're a preacher or a person of faith, this episode equips you to engage in the conversation and pass on the understanding.
Today, we're featuring Pastor Laura as she shares a compelling sermon on Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Thank you for tuning in – your support helps us amplify female voices and perspectives in Scripture.
A Catholic friend sent a book about Mary, sparking a discussion on the differing views between Protestants and Catholics. Join us for a concise yet insightful episode, delving into diverse perspectives and celebrating the richness of faith traditions. Get ready for an enlightening journey with Pastor Laura!
Dive into a captivating Jackie Always Unplugged Podcast episode as Jackie explores the intriguing juxtaposition of Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday.
Discussing the tale of Bathsheba, often misunderstood as a seductress, Jackie challenges stereotypes. Reflect on the convergence of these two holidays and ponder how misrepresentations, like those faced by Bathsheba, resonate in our lives.
Uncover the wisdom in facing unjust judgments and explore the complex interplay between love, repentance, and the power of reclaiming one's narrative.
Dive deep into Rahab's untold narrative in this captivating podcast. Beyond her role as a prostitute in Jericho, discover the layers of her story—her courageous protection of Israelite spies, the intricate threads that weave her life into the fabric of Jericho's destruction, and the resilient spirit that saved her family. Engaging, enlightening, and revelatory.
Kat Armstrong: Holy Curiosity
The Marcella Project
Join Jackie in her series on the women in Christ's' family tree as Melissa Duncan preaches on the compelling story of Tamar from Genesis 38.
Often misunderstood as a woman who disguised herself to trick her father-in-law, Tamar's tale delves into the complexities of a patriarchal society. Tamar's actions challenge expectations in a world where women lack agency and are deemed property. Melissa unravels the cultural context, shedding light on Tamar's courage in the face of societal norms that demanded submission.
Discover why, despite unconventional means, Judah acknowledges Tamar as righteous. Explore a narrative that defies stereotypes and highlights justice in unexpected ways.
Welcome to the 100th episode of Jackie Always Unplugged! Ring in the new year with a special celebration as Jackie talks to two inspiring female pastor preachers, Laura and Melissa. Dive into their church's groundbreaking series on women, challenging norms and exploring faith through a female lens.
Discover what unfolds when women boldly proclaim God's truth from the stories of women in the Bible. Join us for this 6 part series, a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of faith and women! #Podcast #FaithAndFeminism #NewYearCelebration
Laura Taro
North Park Theological Seminary
Physical and emotional pains amplify their presence during the holidays. The joyous melodies of the season can underscore the harsh notes of our own bodies' struggles. We grapple with the reality of our physical pain and confront the emotional distress that often accompanies it.
Relationships take center stage during this time, and sometimes, we're faced with the stark truth of relational ruptures. Navigating the emotional terrain can be challenging, especially when the world seems to be celebrating unbridled joy.
This podcast is a gentle reminder that you're not alone in your struggles. Jesus is always there. Together, we'll navigate the holiday heartache landscape, offering healing support and guidance. Let's journey toward finding moments of peace, connection, and resilience during this season of heightened emotions.
Many of us feel disturbed by the violence we see in the news. We should be. Today’s conversation is about women who leave their homelands to find safety and security in ours. There is anguish and pain in these women’s stories but also beauty and courage.
Vickery Trading
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, the Church has been forced to confront its own demons and the uncomfortable reality that some of our teachings have served as breeding grounds for abuse. Concepts like headship and submission, silencing women, limiting their roles to motherhood and wifehood, and even the disturbing idea that a woman must acquiesce to her husband's desires at all times have all contributed to a culture of harm rather than healing.
The Emotionally Destructive Relationship
The Emotionally Destructive Marriage
The Headship of Men and The Abuse Of Women
Some Christians think Paul's reference to "saved through childbearing" in 1 Timothy 2:15 means that women are slated primarily for delivering and raising children. Sandra Glahn thinks that we have misunderstood Paul by misunderstanding the context to which he wrote. A key to reading and applying 1 Timothy, Glahn argues, lies in getting to know a mysterious figure who haunts the letter: the goddess Artemis.
Nobody's Mother Book
Today, we are talking with Kaitlyn Schiess about her new book called "The Bible and The Ballot."
She explains how the book is all about how we read the Bible, especially in the context of politics. It's an interesting topic and one that I think is particularly relevant given the current political climate.
If you're anything like me, you probably still feel shell-shocked from the 2016 and 2020 elections. It seems like everything that could go wrong did go wrong. And now, as we start to gear up for the 2024 election, it's hard not to feel overwhelmed. Part of me wants to move to another country until it's over. But Kaitlyn's book offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of faith and politics.
The Bible and the Ballot book
Contact Kaitlyn
Join Our Facebook Group For More Conversation
I’ve been unsettled about how women are pressured to stay young. When something gets under my skin, I do a deep theological dive to figure out what Jesus has to say. Join me today as we discuss aging with Paula Alvelo.
Embracing Your Second Calling (Find Passion and Purpose for the Rest of Your Life)
https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Your-Second-Calling-Passion/dp/0849946972/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QT13HEDH0LNP&keywords=embracing+your+second+calling&qid=1692739956&s=books&sprefix=embracing+your+second+calling%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-1
Falling Upward (A Spirituality for the Two Halves of LIfe)
https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Upward-Spirituality-Companion-Journal/dp/1118428560/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PUGVEVLYSER8&keywords=Falling+upward&qid=1692739991&s=books&sprefix=falling+upward%2Cstripbooks%2C117&sr=1-1
On the Brink of Everything (Grace, Gravity and Getting Old)
https://www.amazon.com/Brink-Everything-Grace-Gravity-Getting/dp/1523095431/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JRYESLRSP4GA&keywords=On+the+Brink+of+Everything+%28Grace%2C+Gravity+and+Getting+Old%29&qid=1692740038&s=books&sprefix=on+the+brink+of+everything+grace%2C+gravity+and+getting+old+%2Cstripbooks%2C116&sr=1-1
Becoming Sage (Cultivating Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife)
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Sage-Cultivating-Meaning-Spirituality/dp/0802419445/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YMDNVD3SYUQM&keywords=Becoming+Sage+%28Cultivating+Meaning%2C+Purpose%2C+and+Spirituality+in+Midlife%29&qid=1692740075&s=books&sprefix=becoming+sage+cultivating+meaning%2C+purpose%2C+and+spirituality+in+midlife+%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-1
Aging Faithfully (The Holy Invitation of Growing Older)
https://www.amazon.com/Aging-Faithfully-Invitation-Growing-Older/dp/1641583592/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZVVXWWJEZ2FN&keywords=Aging+Faithfully+%28The+Holy+Invitation+of+Growing+Older%29&qid=1692740125&s=books&sprefix=aging+faithfully+the+holy+invitation+of+growing+older+%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-1
I've been talking to women my age about aging, and I learned that women start to feel invisible as they age. Invisible Women's Syndrome is a real thing that affects women around menopause age. They feel compelled to engage in beauty work to combat aging. But this creates a tension between being physically and socially visible by looking youthful and the realities of growing older. In other words, social (IN visibility) arises from recognizing signs of aging and reinforces ageist, sexist perceptions of older women's bodies.
Books
My Body https://www.amazon.com/My-Body-Emily-Ratajkowski/dp/1250848938/ref=sr_1_1?crid=NNFMOWY35V8Q&keywords=My+Body+by+Emily+Ratajkowski&qid=1692740315&s=books&sprefix=my+body+by+emily+ratajkowski+%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1
Beauty Sick, How the Cultural Obsession with Appearance Hurts Girls and Women.
https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Sick-Cultural-Obsession-Appearance/dp/0062469789/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NQ90EZHH5PHO&keywords=Beauty+Sick%2C+How+the+Cultural+Obsession+with+Appearance+Hurts+Girls+and+Women.&qid=1692740269&s=books&sprefix=beauty+sick%2C+how+the+cultural+obsession+with+appearance+hurts+girls+and+women.+%2Cstripbooks%2C106&sr=1-1
What if spiritual practices- ways of cultivating awareness and developing a stronger connection to God- seem made for our summer rhythms?
See No Stranger
An Altar In The World
Beth Allison Barr states, “Women’s leadership has been forgotten because women’s stories throughout history have been covered up, neglected, or retold to recast women as less significant than they really were.” Today we discuss the history of women in leadership in the church with Dr. Sandra Glahn.
Aspire2 http://aspire2.com/
Books-
Vindicating Vixens https://www.amazon.com/Vindicating-Vixens-Revisiting-Sexualized-Marginalized/dp/0825444136
Nobody’s Mother https://www.amazon.com/Nobodys-Mother-Ephesians-Antiquity-Testament/dp/1514005921
Amy Peeler https://www.amazon.com/Women-Gender-God-Amy-Peeler/dp/0802879098
“Jackie, where do you see your work going?” And the word mothering popped into my head. When I told her she teared up.
When I became a Christian I was told, women are emotional (a bad thing) and that anything like anxiety or fear was a sin. Of course Paul’s Philippians quote was used to back that thinking. Was that good teaching?
Becky's Story
You Can Trust Your Emotions
Many of our family's trips involved taking our kids to unsafe places. That's my husband's fault! But today, you will hear why I'm so glad he did.
Water is Basic Event Page
In a previous episode, I laid out a theological argument for brother sister narrative instead of the “danger romance” narrative.
Today I'm talking with my friends, those I've intentionally built deep relationships with, people I've done life with for decades. Our family group has served together inside and outside the church. We've prepared and eaten many meals and vacationed together in Vancouver, New Hampshire, and Costa Rica. We celebrated birthdays and holidays. We watched each other's kids grow up and know each other's, extended families.
Is this normal or just dangerous?
The boys' and girls' buses collided during my summer intensive at Northern Seminary, and it's there; Denise, Jenny, Karen, Terri, Justin, Jason, James, and John experienced some real magic. Today you will hear from all of us.
Malestrom https://bookshop.org/p/books/malestrom-manhood-swept-into-the-currents-of-a-changing-world-carolyn-custis-james/9971105
The Will to Change https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-will-to-change-men-masculinity-and-love-bell-hooks/13334294
Northern Seminary in the news https://baptistnews.com/article/northern-seminarys-shiell-on-leave-while-trustees-investigate-bullying-charges/
Why can't men and women be friends? At least in the conservative Christian community, we have answered it with an anemic, wanting, and unbiblical answer.
The Parable Podcast with Danielle Zapchenk
https://www.daniellezapchenk.com/parable-podcast
https://www.instagram.com/daniellezapchenk/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-beaqVsPTYJI3feGkKFMhA
https://www.facebook.com/daniellezapchenk
Today I will explore what’s going on in our female relationships. It’s complicated. And even though I’m speaking to women, it applies to men too.
You can find Carolyn Grant at https://www.navigatetransition.com/
Books I mentioned:
You’re Not Listening Missing
Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired To Connect
Articles I quoted:
https://mikefrost.net/the-lonely-crowd-churches-dying-due-to-friendlessness/
For various reasons, we must rebuild our social circles - friends. This episode is about what we do during a relational transition.
https://mikefrost.net/why-havent-you-asked-me-anything-about-my-life/
Books Carolyn mentioned:
Third-Culture-Kids-Growing-Revised
Transitions Making Sense of Life Changes
I know God is with me because the bible tells me so, but I also know it because I’ve experienced it.
You’re Not Listening
https://razzouktattoo.com/
Jesus, what is it you’re telling me about – YOU. What do you want me to experience with you through your birth story?
Amy Peeler Women and the Gender of God
Carnes, Motherhood: A Confession
The holiday season is upon us.
So I thought, what if we got intentional about our time around the table this year?
What if this year we showed up?
Today we continue our discussion with Mako Nagasawa, who can help shed light on how the early church viewed abortion, what the science meant and how we ended up politicizing abortion. An issue that has and continues to impact us, women, considerably.
Mako Nagasawa, Abortion Policy and Christian Social Ethics in the United States https://www.amazon.com/Abortion-Policy-Christian-Social-Ethics/dp/1725271907
Mako Nagasawa website https://www.anastasiscenter.org/our-team
Jackie Always Unplugged FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/506760903334015
"Who owns my body, my female body"? I've been quietly asking some of my colleagues if they knew of any scholarship about abortion. Mako Nagasawa's book was everything I was looking for and more.
Mako Nagasawa, Abortion Policy and Christian Social Ethics in the United States https://www.amazon.com/Abortion-Policy-Christian-Social-Ethics/dp/1725271907
Mako Nagasawa website https://www.anastasiscenter.org/our-team
Jackie Always Unplugged FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/506760903334015
On June 24th, I was in the airport line in Israel, asking myself a question I’ve often asked, “Who owns my body, my female body”? I felt conflicted, I’m not for babies dying, who is, but I also get queasy when people in power limit women’s agency.
Today we’re talking about letting go of her, the ideal biblical woman, and embracing the one of a kind never to be seen again person that is you It turns out, what’s being promoted as the ideal biblical woman isn’t biblical at all.
Today's episode is about her, that ideal biblical woman we've tried to be like or simply abdicated. As one woman said, "I only go to church on Sundays; I'm just not like those churchy women. I'm more like a man." What happens when there's an ideal, and we aren't it?
We're talking about hope, Biblical hope. I probably need to start by telling you what hope isn't and then what it is. Biblical hope isn't about our circumstance, nor is it about having some Pollyanna optimistic attitude. In the Scriptures, we see that hope is about expectantly waiting and, many times, waiting a really long time.
Gracie.
She lived down the road, came from an impoverished family, always wore the same clothes, short, high waters. She was one of the stops on our bus. There was something I liked about her, but I didn't want her to sit next to me. I'm ashamed to say it, but I was in the cool kid crowd, and I didn't want to be associated with Gracie.
As one of the cool kids, I had status. Gracie didn't.
Andy Crouch, in his book, Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, one of my all-time fav books, defines status as "at its root is "where you stand" – is about your place in line."
Four years ago today, Steve and I were on the road, somewhere near Nashville, Tenn, when I received a call from Hampton. I will never forget the sound of my son's voice. He wailed, "Mom, Cameron killed himself." I was in shock, and suddenly it felt like I couldn't breathe. I don't even remember what I said; there are no mothering books for this one, but I know we turned around, went straight to the Nashville airport, and back to Texas.
I never wanted to be a mom and mothering didn’t come naturally to me. I had to discipline myself to be a good mom. So what does that mean?
How could the message carry so much weight?
The font read,
“The beginning of wisdom is silence.”
https://leadbold.ticketspice.com/inspired-to-lead
www.themarcellaproject.com
FB Group page https://www.facebook.com/groups/506760903334015
Faith should be embodied and we experience spirituality in our bodies. Join our conversation with Kylie.
Recently I had the privilege of answering three questions for the attendees at the Inspired To Lead conference. Here is what I had to say.
www.leadingbold.org/events
www.themarcellaproject.com
It occurred to me that I could benefit from listening to the wisdom my body is whispering. See I believe the body speaks a word about ME, about others, and about God.
http://spiritualpractice.ca/welcome/how-can-my-ageing-become-a-spiritual-practice/the-second-half-of-life/
One of the things I learned studying masculinity in America is that there are moments when the question,what does it mean to be a man,rises. It usually coincides with seismic shifts like the Industrial Revolution.
Our discussion with Nate Pyles about his Book Man Enough and knew we needed to hear his thinking on manhood right away. Enjoy!
Stephen Boyd, Professor of Religion and Public Engagement at Wake Forest, specializes in the history of Christianity and Christian thought, gender studies, and religion and public life. He’s authored multiple books on masculinity and what it means to be a man, and today we’ll be digging into his best-selling Christian book, The Men We Long To Be.
In this book, Stephen argues that our patriarchal system socializes and conditions our men to become, what he calls, lonely warriors and desperate lovers.
I have spent years studying the issue of masculinity in America.
I have concluded that much of what we are taught is cultural, not biblical. Today let's go back to Jesus and ask him what it means to be a man who follows after you. How does your life help us understand what it means to be a real man? Join me as we discuss these issues with Carolyn Custis James.
I have spent years studying this issue of masculinity in America.
I have concluded that much of what we are taught is cultural, not biblical. Today let's go back to Jesus and ask him what it means to be a man who follows after you. How does your life help us understand what it means to be a real man? Join me as we discuss these issues with Carolyn Custis James.
You can read more of Carolyn’s stuff here. https://carolyncustisjames.com/
Wanna go deeper? Order Carolyn’s book!
https://www.amazon.com/Malestrom-Dismantles-Patriarchy-Redefines-Manhood/dp/0310138892/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EP7IU095OG5C&keywords=malestrom+how+Jesus&qid=1643666804&s=books&sprefix=malestrom+how+jesus+%2Cstripbooks%2C85&sr=1-1
You gotta read Kristin Du Mez’s book! https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-John-Wayne-Evangelicals-Corrupted/dp/163149905X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=22BRVWEQQYL0X&keywords=Kristen+du+mez+jesus+and+john+wayne&qid=1643651364&sprefix=kristen+du+mez+jesus+and+john+wayne%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-2
Or you can listen to my interview with Kristin here. https://www.themarcellaproject.com/jackie-always-unplugged/2020/9/15/oh-i-get-it-with-kristin-dumez
________________________
I’ve been on a spiritual journey of unlearning and relearning my Christian faith.
So much of what Brian Zahnd writes gives words and comfort to me.
I appreciate how he normalizes what many of us are going through. For those raised in the conservative evangelical world, unlearning and relearning can be scary. We’ve been taught not to question or shift our theology, or as it’s said, you’ll end up on the slippery slope to liberalism or, worse, have no faith at all. Listen today as Brian normalizes this spiritual learning journey of unlearning and relearning.
I’ve been on a spiritual journey of unlearning and relearning my Christian faith.
So much of what Brian Zahnd writes gives words and comfort to me.
I appreciate how he normalizes what many of us are going through. For those raised in the conservative evangelical world, unlearning and relearning can be scary. We’ve been taught not to question or shift our theology, or as it’s said, you’ll end up on the slippery slope to liberalism or, worse, have no faith at all. Listen today as Brian normalizes this spiritual learning journey of unlearning and relearning.
Join our book discussion on When Everything Is On Fire either in-person in Austin on Jan 31 OR online Feb. 1. Register here https://www.themarcellaproject.com/
You can purchase Brian’s book here. https://www.amazon.com/When-Everythings-Fire-Faith-Forged/dp/1514003333
You may want to read his other book, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God. https://www.amazon.com/Sinners-Hands-Loving-God-Scandalous/dp/1601429517/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2G0USKNTD2129&keywords=brian+zahnd+sinners+in+the+hands&qid=1638848200&sprefix=Brian+Zahnd%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-1
Want to learn more from Brian? Check out his website https://brianzahnd.com/
Sex is such a complicated topic because it's so personal and vulnerable. Most of our parents didn't talk about it; culture is hypersexualized, our parents were quiet, and porn's the go-to for learning how to.And sadly, our faith communities aren't doing much better.
Many of the messages we received in the conservative faith community, were well, just wrong.
Sex is such a complicated topic because it's so personal and vulnerable. Most of our parents didn't talk about it; culture is hypersexualized, our parents were quiet, and porn's the go-to for learning how to. And sadly, our faith communities aren't doing much better.
Many of the messages we received in the conservative faith community, were well, just wrong. Real crap.
Today I want to talk to Sheila Gregorie, the author of the book "The Great Sex Rescue: The Lies You've Been Taught and How to Recover What God Intended." Sheila and her team help women discover what beliefs hold their sex lives hostage and provide them with a roadmap to experiencing amazing, mind-blowing, great sex.
Sheila is an award-winning author of 9 books, and she's a wildly successful blogger on marriage. She's the face behind ToLoveHonorandVacuum.com.
Sheila’s Web Site: https://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/
Her fun study guide.
Get her book today on AMAZON
https://www.themarcellaproject.com/
It's been three years since we've gone home for Christmas to be with my extended family, Covid. You know. And I anticipate warm wood-burning fires and fabulous food. Cause we are all foodies. My younger siblings have young kids --- you know it's the kiddos that make Christmas; their excitement and wonder are contagious. So I'm excited to be with them. But I'd be remiss if I left you with this Norman Rockwell image of my family. Because well, like most of you, my family’s got stuff and it can blow up, on Christmas. So there's that too. Isn't this the accurate picture of life, Tov and Ra, good and bad all mixed in?
It's been three years since we've gone home for Christmas to be with my extended family, Covid. You know. And I anticipate warm wood-burning fires and fabulous food. Cause we are all foodies. My younger siblings have young kids --- you know it's the kiddos that make Christmas; their excitement and wonder are contagious. So I'm excited to be with them. But I'd be remiss if I left you with this Norman Rockwell image of my family. Because well, like most of you, my families got stuff and it can blow up, on Christmas. So there's that too. Isn't this the accurate picture of life, Tov and Ra, good and bad all mixed in?
One of the ways I'm trying to prepare my heart this season is by thinking about God as love. And Jesus Christ is the God among us. We've all heard the familiar passages read during this season, like Matthew 1:23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" God with us is a big deal.
What's even more significant is God is love; that's what John tells us (1 John 4). When I hear "God is love," I tend to go to the cross as the ultimate act of love, and it is, but I think I've so focused on that event that I've minimized the importance of God the incarnation, God in the flesh, God with us. And God is love.
Today I’m talking with Rob Dixon about ten attributes that create flourishing relationships between men and women.
Rob’s work speaks specifically to mixed-gender relationships in ministry and the workplace, but I have to tell you, I highlighted some things for Steve and me to discuss when he gets home from Africa.
Today I’m talking with Rob Dixon about ten attributes that create flourishing relationships between men and women.
Rob had identified ten attributes that cultivate flourishing partnerships, which means both people experience personal satisfaction and missional effectiveness. He then breaks those ten attributes into the inner life, community culture, and intentional practices.
Each chapter details a specific attribute, what it is, how it looks, where it shows up in Scripture, its benefits, the barriers, and how to develop it—practical stuff.
Rob’s work speaks specifically to mixed-gender relationships in ministry and the workplace, but I have to tell you, I highlighted some things for Steve and me to discuss when he gets home from Africa.
The holiday season is upon us. And many of you have shared your angst about what could happen around the table; there’s potential for explosive conversations that could harm the relationships. Or maybe for some of you, the time around the table is just, well, boring. No one ever really says anything, just a lot of small talk, and you usually leave feeling like it was a waste of time.
So I thought, what if this year we got intentional about our time around the table.
What is this year we showed up?
Thanksgiving is almost here. And many of you have shared your angst about what could happen around the table; there’s potential for explosive conversations that could harm the relationships. Or maybe for some of you, the time around the table is just, well, boring. No one ever really says anything, just a lot of small talk, and you usually leave feeling like it was a waste of time.
So I thought, what if this year we got intentional about our time around the table. What if this year, we showed up?
Abraham and Sarah and Hagar is a crazy story from the Bible that pastors often use as biblical support for telling women to go back and submit to their abusive husbands.
Does this familiar passage ask women to submit to their abusive husband’s authority? Hmm, well, perhaps it doesn’t. Are we really seeing what our Bible says?
Abraham and Sarah and Hagar is a crazy story from the Bible that pastors often use as biblical support for telling women to go back and submit to their abusive husbands.
Does this familiar passage ask women to submit to their abusive husband’s authority? Hmm, well, perhaps it doesn’t. Are we really seeing what our Bible says?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OkUPc2NLrM
I’m learning a new skill when reading the bible; it’s a skill teaching me to look for women.
For example, I’ll ask my students to turn to a familiar passage like Luke 10, the story of Mary and Martha. And I ask them what they learned about this passage. Usually, they tell me it has something to do with having a quiet time with Jesus. I say, let’s take another look.
I’m learning a new skill when reading the bible; it’s a skill teaching me to look for women.
I went to seminary, and it’s there I learned how to study the bible. Prof Howard Hendricks was a guru in this field. He taught us to observe, interpret, and apply the Scriptures. Kay Arthur used this method in her bible studies, and I’ve used it to train women to preach.
For example, I’ll ask my students to turn to a familiar passage like Luke 10, the story of Mary and Martha. And I ask them what they learned about this passage. Usually, they tell me it has something to do with having a quiet time with Jesus. I say, let’s take another look.
Today I want to talk about God’s people being condescending. Yes, condescending, not in the way we’ve come to understand that word, to be patronizing or act superior. No, not that but rather what the term used to mean.
Today I want to talk about God’s people being condescending. Yes, condescending, not in the way we’ve come to understand that word, to be patronizing or act superior. No, not that but rather what the term used to mean.
www.waterisbasic.org
Many of you out there have to go against the grain, transgress gendered boundaries, and in doing so, you've disappointed your parents, partner, or faith community.
What I want you to know is you have not disappointed Jesus.
Many of you out there have to go against the grain, transgress gendered boundaries, and in doing so, you've disappointed your parents, partner, or faith community.
What I want you to know is you have not disappointed Jesus. And after learning about our early Church sisters, I want you to know you stand on the shoulders of a long legacy of faithful women who defied their culture's expectations of women – in obedience to Christ.
So I leave you with Paul's word, "we are not here to please man but God. So be you and know you please your maker." 1 Thess. 2:4 NLT
It has been a year. A loooong year. More like two years. We might need to step away from all the madness and get a word from God. Just a word. Something God might want to say to you personally.
So on today's podcast, I've asked my daughter to read to you, and through that reading, I pray the Spirit speaks.
A word.
A word for you.
It has been a year. A loooong year. More like two years. We might need to step away from all the madness and get a word from God. Just a word. Something God might want to say to you personally.
So on today's' podcast, I've asked my daughter to read to you, and through that reading, I pray the Spirit speaks.
A word.
A word for you.
I have to be honest with you my faith looks different for me now. Some of the things I used to believe I don’t any longer, and I’m trying to figure out the complexities of how to love a mentally ill family member or hold on to hope when sexism continues to rain, not only in the culture but in our churches. Issues have gotten more complex and more nuanced, so what we’re gonna do is we’re going to look back on these issues faith hope & love with a whole lot of wrinkles.
I have to be honest with you my faith looks different for me now. Some of the things I used to believe I don’t any longer, and I’m trying to figure out the complexities of how to love a mentally ill family member or hold on to hope when sexism continues to rain, not only in the culture but in our churches. Issues have gotten more complex and more nuanced, so what we’re gonna do is we’re going to look back on these issues faith hope & love with a whole lot of wrinkles.
I’m older, and I’m looking back in my rearview mirror, where I see a more wrinkled faith. What I thought in my younger years, you know this escalator theology that would always go onward and upward, well we’re throwing stinking thinking out the window.
Let’s revisit this topic, it’s that important.
I’m older, and I’m looking back in my rearview mirror, where I see a more wrinkled faith. What I thought in my younger years, you know this escalator theology that would always go onward and upward, well we’re throwing stinking thinking out the window.
Let’s revisit this topic, it’s that important.
I've sat with many married women who have this ache to be desired by their husbands, not just sexually but in all kinds of ways. And I've heard it from my single friends and my aging friends, who worry that they will become invisible and in my kid'’ lives and my own life and marriage. And we've all experienced it in our friendships, this wanting to be wanted. The longing to be chosen, to belong.
PLUS
I have some thoughts about ableism. If you don't know what that is, welcome to the club. I didn't either until my friend, Renee, said, hey, if you're going to be doing some stuff on the body, then I highly recommended you read, Sitting Pretty. The View from my ordinary resilient disabled body by Rebekah Taussig, which I did. Now let me share some thoughts.
I've sat with many married women who have this ache to be desired by their husbands, not just sexually but in all kinds of ways. And I've heard it from my single friends and my aging friends, who worry that they will become invisible and in my kid's lives and my own life and marriage. And we've all experienced it in our friendships, this wanting to be wanted. The longing to be chosen, to belong.
PLUSI have some thoughts about ableism. If you don't know what that is, welcome to the club. I didn't either until my friend, Renee, said, hey, if you're going to be doing some stuff on the body, then I highly recommended you read, Sitting Pretty. The View from my ordinary resilient disabled body by Rebekah Taussig, which I did. Now let me share some thoughts.
I’m not against thin, sexy, young, or having babies. But that story isn’t big enough, complex enough to capture what it means to walk around in our bodies. I by no means have all the answers. What I do have are more important questions. Questions that go beyond, “Are my legs long, thin, or tan enough?”
Trust me; your body needs to hear this.
I’m not against thin, sexy, young, or having babies. But that story isn’t big enough, complex enough to capture what it means to walk around in our bodies. I by no means have all the answers. What I do have are more important questions. Questions that go beyond, “Are my legs long, thin, or tan enough?”
Trust me; your body needs to hear this.
Body Image Mini Course
Today is June 29th. Three years ago today, Steve and I were on the road, somewhere near Nashville, Tenn, when I received a call from Hampton. I will never forget the sound of my son'svoice. He wailed, "Mom, Cameron killed himself." I was in shock, and suddenly it felt like I couldn't breathe. I don't even remember what I said; there are no mothering books for this one, but I know we turned around, went straight to the Nashville airport, and back to Texas.
Today is June 29th. Three years ago today, Steve and I were on the road, somewhere near Nashville, Tenn, when I received a call from Hampton. I will never forget the sound of my son's voice. He wailed, "Mom, Cameron killed himself." I was in shock, and suddenly it felt like I couldn't breathe. I don't even remember what I said; there are no mothering books for this one, but I know we turned around, went straight to the Nashville airport, and back to Texas.
There's a verse in Genesis that says women will have pain in childbirth. It's a consequence of the fall. I take that to mean physical pain, but nowadays, that can be solved with an epidural. YES! It means physical pain, but perhaps more so it may speak of the mother's heart. The ache, worry, gut-punch we feel for our kids that carry with us for the rest of our lives. If you're a mom or you've mothered, you know what I'm talking about, don't you?
I guess what I want to say to all of you who are nodding your head with me right now is that I knew that, but what no one told me was that my heart would ache, my mother's heart, for my kid's friends too.
These kids that your kids keep bringing into your life, they too will become a part of your mother's heart.
Think about it for a second your physical body identifies who you come from?
Now hold onto that because it sets us up for what God said in our creation story, “Let us make humans in our image, to be like ourselves, male and female.” So basically, God is saying the triune God put a splash of God within her, something that when she sees her reflection, she’ll know who she is, Who God is, where she comes from, and why she’s here.
Think about it for a second your physical body identifies who you come from?
Now hold onto that because it sets us up for what God said in our creation story, “Let us make humans in our image, to be like ourselves, male and female.” So basically, God is saying the triune God put a splash of God within her, something that when she sees her reflection, she’ll know who she is, Who God is, where she comes from, and why she’s here.
I reached out to a bunch of guys, white male Christians between the ages of 35- 65, men who have been raised and served in the conservative evangelical church, pastors, preachers, worship leaders, lay leaders in our churches.
I hope that this conversation will lead you to have a conversation with the men you know, and together maybe we Christians, through the power of the spirit and name of Jesus Christ, might - reshape the church's view – of men and women.
I reached out to a bunch of guys, white male Christians between the ages of 35- 65, men who have been raised and served in the conservative evangelical church, pastors, preachers, worship leaders, lay leaders in our churches.
Now I’m aware these men don’t represent All men in America, they are a subculture, but I’m starting there. And I hope that this conversation will lead you to have a conversation with the men you know, and together maybe we Christians, through the power of the spirit and name of Jesus Christ, might - reshape the church's view – of men and women.
I've talked to many women about their bodies, but I've never spoken with men. So today, we are changing that in our conversation with Todd Phillips. Let's see what the culture and the church are teaching about the male body image.
I've talked to many women about their bodies, but I've never spoken with men. So today, we are changing that in our conversation with Todd Phillips. Let's see what the culture and the church are teaching about the male body image.
In today's episode of Jackie Always Unplugged, we're diving into what the church teaches us about the female body. And As I said, we should expect a better story than we get from Instagram or Tik Toc, or Netflix.
Well - let me ask you? Do we?
Take a moment and ponder, think back to Sunday school, middle school, youth group, beach camp, summer camp, bible studies, small groups, maybe you attended a Song of Solomon conference, or it was a sermon from the pulpit. What spoken or unspoken messages did you receive about your female body? What messages didn't you receive? That's also a message.
What did you learn about the female body?
In today's episode of Jackie Always Unplugged, we're diving into what the church teaches us about the female body. And As I said, we should expect a better story than we get from Instagram or Tik Toc, or Netflix.
Well - let me ask you? Do we?
Take a moment and ponder, think back to Sunday school, middle school, youth group, beach camp, summer camp, bible studies, small groups, maybe you attended a Song of Solomon conference, or it was a sermon from the pulpit. What spoken or unspoken messages did you receive about your female body? What messages didn't you receive? That's also a message.
What did you learn about the? e female body?
Jackie's Masterclass On Body Image
I think it's time we discuss our bodies. Yeah, I know a very painful subject. The pandemic hasn't helped. There's been zoom calls and covid pounds and bathing suit weather is around the corner. And no, this isn't a push for you to join some beach body program. What I want us to do is talk about why we hate our bodies and how we might start to live confidently in our skin, yes, even with Zoom chins and covid pounds.
Over the next five episodes, we will work our way through 1) how our family and culture talk about our bodies, 2) what the church teaches about our bodies. Then 3) I'm talking to a male pastor about what men learn about their bodies, then 4) what God says, then we will close the series talking about desire, which may not seem like it fits but stick with me, it will.
It's time we discuss our bodies. Yeah, I know a very painful subject. The pandemic hasn't helped. There's been zoom calls and covid pounds and bathing suit weather is around the corner. And no, this isn't a push for you to join some beach body program. What I want us to do is talk about why we hate our bodies and how we might start to live confidently in our skin, yes, even with Zoom chins and covid pounds.
Over the next five episodes, we will work our way through 1) how our family and culture talk about our bodies, 2) what the church teaches about our bodies. Then 3) I'm talking to a male pastor about what men learn about their bodies, then 4) what God says, then we will close the series talking about desire, which may not seem like it fits but stick with me, it will.
Jackie’s I’m Enough Masterclass course on body image.
In the last podcast, I spoke with Beth Allison Barr about her book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood. The premise behind the book is simple; biblical womanhood isn’t biblical. Beth argues it’s merely a disguise for promoting patriarchy and subjugating.
So I want to share how the idea of biblical womanhood tends to show up in our faith communities. Because I think, more often than not, it’s expressed in very subtle ways.
In the last podcast, I spoke with Beth Allison Barr about her book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood. The premise behind the book is simple; biblical womanhood isn’t biblical. Beth argues it’s merely a disguise for promoting patriarchy and subjugating.
She’s right, but when we hear those words, most of us that sit in the pews, our experience doesn’t relate to the intensity of those words. So I wanted to share how the idea of biblical womanhood tends to show up in our faith communities. Because I think, more often than not, it’s expressed in very subtle ways.
And as I share what that can look like, I think you will find you have indeed bumped into and had to respond to - this ideal biblical woman idea.
Today we are talking with Dr. Beth Barr, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood,which implies she is not God-designed but rather a human-idea.
One of the things we pick up in evangelicalism is that Biblical womanhood is God's design. "It's right there in the bible," plain and simple. But in fact, it's just patriarchy in disguise. Patriarchy is present in our culture, and it was also present in Biblical times. As Carolyn Custis James reminds us, patriarchy is the background of the bible, but it's not the message.
Today we are talking with Dr. Beth Barr, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood,which implies she is not God-designed but rather a human-idea.
One of the things we pick up in evangelicalism is that Biblical womanhood is God's design. "It's right there in the bible," plain and simple. But in fact, it's just patriarchy in disguise. Patriarchy is present in our culture, and it was also present in Biblical times. As Carolyn Custis James reminds us, patriarchy is the background of the bible, but it's not the message.
Dr. Beth Barr
The Making Of Biblical Womanhood
When I went back into counseling, I shared with my counselor that I struggled with how I was taught to see the Scriptures. I learned to read the bible through a particular lens, but that lens was no longer working. It was a lens that had developed from patriarchal and racist roots. My counselor said, why don't' you go back to what you did before you knew so much. Listen to the Spirit.
Join me as we discuss hearing God's voice with Tania Harris.
When I went back into counseling, I shared with my counselor that I struggled with how I was taught to see the Scriptures. I learned to read the bible through a particular lens, but that lens was no longer working. It was a lens that had developed from patriarchal and racist roots. My counselor said, why don't' you go back to what you did before you knew so much. Listen to the Spirit.
Join me as we discuss hearing God's voice with Tania Harris.
https://www.godconversations.com
https://www.godconversations.com/product/god-conversations-the-book/
Today we discuss women's voices with Cami Brubaker, Adjunct Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew. Cami is a mom to 4 kids, a professor at a conservative evangelical bible college, and working on her Ph.D. That's a lot.
Cami and I share common angst in what it's like when you don't fit the ideal biblical woman. Today we talk about why women hold back their voices, what's at play, and what external and internal barriers do we think keep us from finding and using our voices?
Today we discuss women's voices with Cami Brubaker, Adjunct Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew. Cami is a mom to 4 kids, a professor at a conservative evangelical bible college, and working on her Ph.D. That's a lot.
Cami and I share common angst in what it's like when you don't fit the ideal biblical woman. Today we talk about why women hold back their voices, what's at play, and what external and internal barriers do we think keep us from finding and using our voices?
https://online.betheluniversity.edu/ma-ministry-religion-philosophy-faculty/
Jackie’s Book She Can Teach
I’m Enough Book & Masterclass Free Intro.
Lime Green Book
Today we are continuing our three-part series on women’s voices. And as I spoke of in my last podcast, the truth is, as girls grow up to be women, they learn to talk less, they discover they are less listened to than their male counterparts. And over the years of pastoring, I’ve noticed that women even self silence.
Women self-silence for various reasons, one being they were taught this is what God expects from them- this is godliness. Stop it!
Today we are continuing our three-part series on women’s voices. And as I spoke of in my last podcast, the truth is, as girls grow up to be women, they learn to talk less, they discover they are less listened to than their male counterparts. And over the years of pastoring, I’ve noticed that women even self silence. Let me give you an example of what I mean by that.
I remember a woman sharing how she was mad at her husband because he’d spend his weekends playing golf. She felt like he didn’t consider her needs, like getting a break from the home and kids on the weekend while he’s golfing. I get that. That would make me mad too.
NOW you’re going to tell him it’s his fault. Women self-silence for various reasons, one being they were taught this is what God expects from them- this is godliness. Stop it!
Recently I was with extended family. We were talking about something, and one of the family members said to me, "We know you'll speak your voice." I can't even remember what he was referencing, and I'm not sure he meant it as a compliment, but I took it as one. I enthusiastically responded, "Yup, I got a voice."
Recently I was with extended family. We were talking about something, and one of the family members said to me, "We know you'll speak your voice." I can't even remember what he was referencing, and I'm not sure he meant it as a compliment, but I took it as one. I enthusiastically responded, "Yup, I got a voice."
You know why it's painful when our voice isn't allowed or heard, because voice is, among other things, about relationship, about being known. Think of it this way, we are custodians of these two worlds, our inner life, and the outer world. Voice is the bridge between them, our voice allows us to be present, to bring forth the hidden intimacies of our life, to others, to the world around us, to our God. Voice is a part of what it means to be human. Appropriately human.
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Liminality is the in-between space when the old is no longer, and the new is not clear yet. It’s betwixt and between – where we, by definition – are not in control. It’s this foggy, confusing space.
Sound Familiar?
Start your year with our discussion with Kat Armstrong, author of In The In-Between Place.
Liminality is the in-between space when the old is no longer, and the new is not clear yet. It’s betwixt and between – where we, by definition – are not in control. It’s this foggy, confusing space.
Sound Familiar?
Start your year with our discussion with Kat Armstrong, author of The In-Between Space.
Get The Book
https://www.katarmstrong.com/
https://asburyseminary.edu/faculty/sue-russell/
It’s Thanksgiving. This year’s a bit strange cause none of us have celebrated Thanksgiving during a pandemic in the middle of a contentious election cycle.
So I thought, what if this year we got intentional about our time around the table. What if we could mitigate boring or charged conversations by offering an alternative.
It’s Thanksgiving. This year’s a bit strange cause none of us have celebrated Thanksgiving during a pandemic in the middle of a contentious election cycle.
And many of you have shared your angst about what could happen around the table. There’s potential for explosive conversations that could harm relationships. Or maybe for some of you, the time around the table is just, well, boring. No one ever really says anything, just a lot of small talk, and you usually leave feeling like it was a waste of time.
So I thought, what if this year we got intentional about our time around the table. What if we could mitigate boring or charged conversations by offering an alternative.
It has been a week since the US Presidential Election. A loooong week. We might need to step away from all the madness and get a word from God. Not a word about the election, the pandemic, or politics --- just a word. Something God might want to say to you personally.
So on today's podcast, I've asked my daughter to read to you, and through that reading, I pray the Spirit speaks.
A word.
A word for you.
It has been a week since the US Presidential Election.
A long week. We might need to step away from all the madness and get a word from God, Not a word about the election, the pandemic, or politics --- just a word. Something God might want to say to you personally.
So on today's' podcast, I've asked my daughter to read to you, and through that reading, I pray the Spirit speaks.
A word.
A word for you.
Mother Mary for Pres… because I imagine she had to figure out how to bring peace between her and Josephs's family due to their unexpected pregnancy. The guts she had to have to leave behind her home, travel, and live like a refugee.
That woman could teach us a few things about life and leadership, and endurance for the long game.
I'd vote for Mary!
Mother Mary for Pres… because I imagine she had to figure out how to bring peace between her and Josephs's family due to their unexpected pregnancy. The guts she had to have to leave behind her home, travel, and live like a refugee. She would bring such insights to our immigration problem. Her having to bring peace among Jesus and his brothers (who didn't buy Jesus' claims). Maybe she could help us become bipartisan again. She must have known what it was like to survive as a widow. She might have something to say about wealth and poverty in America. She endured shame when the community claimed her son was insane. We could use some humility right now. She stayed at the cross, experiencing loss that no parent wants to experience. She could teach us a few things about suffering as we swim in American victorious theology. She rose to leadership in the early church. She had depth, real-life experience, strength, courage, conviction. Oh and, she had to figure out how to raise the Savior, and oh, how she must have been willing to rethink what she thought she knew about God and her world. That woman could teach us a few things about life and leadership, and endurance for the long game. I'd vote for Mary!
If you've ever asked, why is this happening to me, where are you, God, why are you silent in this??? This podcast is for you.
If you've wondered what God has to say about pertinent issues we're facing in America today, like undocumented immigrants, poverty, women's rights, male power and privilege, discrimination, and injustice, this podcast is for you.
If you've suspected that women are more than damsels in distress looking to be rescued by their knight in shining armor – this podcast is for you.
Today I'm talking to one of my favorite female scholars, Carolyn Custis James, and discussing her rendering of the Book of Ruth. This going to knock your socks off.
If you've ever asked, why is this happening to me, where are you, God, why are you silent in this??? This podcast is for you. If you've wondered what God has to say about pertinent issues we're facing in America today, like undocumented immigrants, poverty, women's rights, male power and privilege, discrimination, and injustice, this podcast is for you.
If you've suspected that women are more than damsels in distress looking to be rescued by their knight in shining armor – this podcast is for you. Today I'm talking to one of my favorite female scholars, Carolyn Custis James, and discussing her rendering of the Book of Ruth. This going to knock your socks off.
This summer, I went back to counseling.
My bodies going through menopause – and I need some help navigating what to do when I feel estrogen angry? I also need help trying to figure out how to deconstruct some conservative evangelical beliefs I inherited while running a ministry. As one of my sage friends tells me, I'm not deconstructing; I'm just learning to change on the job. Working through my faith while speaking to yours is a serious business to me.
I'm aware of the power one holds who holds the bible and declares, "thus says the Lord.” That's a serious business. And I don't want to mess anyone up while I'm figuring out my stuff.
So this summer, I went on a hunt. I needed someone who could understand the unique dynamics of being a pastor. I needed someone who wouldn't talk Christianese to me or give me patten answers. I know my stuff, and I need someone who knew theirs. It took a few months, but I finally found this woman in Chicago. It turns out, one point in her career, she too had been a minister. I love it when Jesus does stuff like that.
She said two profoundly helpful things to me. I paid for them, but you are getting them for free.
This summer, I went back to counseling.
My bodies going through menopause – and I need some help navigating what to do when I feel estrogen angry? I also need help trying to figure out how to deconstruct some conservative evangelical beliefs I inherited while running a ministry. As one of my sage friends tells me, I'm not deconstructing; I'm just learning to change on the job. Working through my faith while speaking to yours is a serious business to me.
I'm aware of the power one holds who holds the bible and declares, "thus says the Lord.” That's a serious business. And I don't want to mess anyone up while I'm figuring out my stuff.
So this summer, I went on a hunt. I needed someone who could understand the unique dynamics of being a pastor. I needed someone who wouldn't talk Christianese to me or give me patten answers. I know my stuff, and I need someone who knew theirs. It took a few months, but I finally found this woman in Chicago. It turns out, one point in her career, she too had been a minister. I love it when Jesus does stuff like that.
She said two profoundly helpful things to me. I paid for them, but you are getting them for free.
Richard Rohr On Liminality: https://cac.org/between-two-worlds-2020-04-26/
Relationshift Book: https://www.amazon.com/Relationshift-Changing-Conversation-about-Church/dp/1640470042/ref=sr_1_2?crid=33NT3A9UTKTL2&dchild=1&keywords=relationshift&qid=1601470627&sprefix=relationshift%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-2
Today we are talking with author and professor Kristin DuMez about her book Jesus and John Wayne. If you have been perplexed about how and why our conservative evangelical church leaders have been silent about Donald Trump's sexual exploitation OR his leadership style: of bullying, fear, and intimidation: Well, this is the podcast for you. You will walk away going, OH I GET IT. You may not like it, but you will get it!
Today we are talking with author and professor Kristin DuMez about her book Jesus and John Wayne. If you have been perplexed about how and why our conservative evangelical church leaders have been silent about Donald Trump's sexual exploitation OR his leadership style: of bullying, fear, and intimidation: Well, this is the podcast for you. You will walk away going, OH I GET IT. You may not like it, but you will get it!
https://kristindumez.com/
https://www.themarcellaproject.com/donate-1
Today we’re talking with Georgia Pellegrini. Perhaps you know her from her books, Food Hero’s, Girl Hunter, or Modern Pioneering. Or maybe you’ve seen her on Jimmy Kimmel Live or the cover of Shooting Sportsman Magazine. I met Georgia through mutual friends and thought, Hum, this woman is worth getting to know. Regardless, you will benefit from this conversation with Georgia about women, food, and faith.
Today we’re talking with Georgia Pellegrini. Perhaps you know her from her books, Food Hero’s, Girl Hunter, or Modern Pioneering. Or maybe you’ve seen her on Jimmy Kimmel Live or the cover of Shooting Sportsman Magazine. I met Georgia through mutual friends and thought, this woman is worth getting to know. Regardless, you will benefit from this conversation with Georgia about women, food, and faith.
https://georgiapellegrini.com/
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/02/books/new-breed-of-hunter-shoots-eats-and-writes.html
On August 26th, 1920, the 19th amendment was officially ratified, giving women the vote. Today is the 100th anniversary of that historic day.
That amendment's fate lay in the hands of a 24-year-old young man.
Often women need men to step up if we are going to enjoy the blessed alliance, which is why we are talking with Dr. Rob Dixon today. We have many listeners who want to know how we get men to support women? Listen to Rob and learn.
On August 26th, 1920, the 19th amendment was officially ratified, giving women the vote. Today is the 100th anniversary of that historic day.
That amendment's fate lay in the hands of a 24-year-old young man.
Often women need men to step up if we are going to enjoy the blessed alliance, which is why we are talking with Dr. Rob Dixon today. We have many listeners who want to know how we get men to support women? Listen to Rob and learn.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/local/history/tennessee-19-amendment-letter-harry-burn-mother-febb/
https://challengingtertullian.com/
God is not a divine rapist, he won’t’ force himself upon you.
He woos. He provides a space and place for us to flourish. This relationship Jesus is offering is unlike any other. His love is without limits, his is a love that informs and transforms us.
Does anyone need that? Ya, me too.
God is not a divine rapist, he won’t force himself upon you. He woos. He provides a space and place for us to flourish.
This relationship Jesus is offering is unlike any other. His love is without limits, his is a love that informs and transforms us.
Anyone need that? Ya, me too.
In 2005 I had the privilege of studying in Israel. While there, we hiked out to the place archeologists believe is ground zero for the Biblical Cana. Pretty cool, right?
But I have to tell you, the story of the wedding at Cana has always bugged me. It’s place in John’s Gospel, just didn’t make sense. If Jesus used events around meals to teach something, then what exactly was he doing here, water in wine? What in the world does that show you and me?
In 2005 I had the privilege of studying in Israel. While there, we hiked out to the place archeologists believe is ground zero for the Biblical Cana. Pretty cool, right?
But I have to tell you, the story of the wedding at Cana has always bugged me. It’s place in John’s Gospel, just didn’t make sense. If Jesus used events around meals to teach something, then what exactly was he doing here, water in wine? What in the world does that show you and me?
Are you feeling it?
You know the "I" m not sure how I'm going to fix it, feed it, pay for it, heal from it, - at the end of my rope and resources and my ICare button is broken feeling?"
Great, let's pull up to the table. It's a big table. In the story of the feeding of the 5000, Jesus has something to say to those of us who are weary!
Are you feeling it?
You know the "I" m not sure how I'm going to fix it, feed it, pay for it, heal from it, - at the end of my rope and resources and my ICare button is broken feeling?"
Great, let's pull up to the table. It's a big table. In the story of the feeding of the 5000, Jesus has something to say to those of us who are weary!
Jackie's Blog On Burnout
We're in a series called the table. You know, the place we sit at and eat with others. Where we eat, when, what we eat, who we eat with, it all says something about us, doesn't it?
Our table reveals a lot about us.
That is true now, and it was true way back when in Jesus's day. And that's why Jesus did it—used meal times to challenge the social and religious exclusion of women.
We're in a series called the table. You know, the place we sit at and eat with others. Where we eat, when, what we eat, who we eat with, it all says something about us, doesn't it?
Our table reveals a lot about us.
That is true now, and it was true way back when in Jesus's day. And that's why Jesus did it—used meal times to challenge the social and religious exclusion of women.
https://markmoore.org/meals-of-jesus/
https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Dr-Jackie-Roese/dp/0578165058
It’s summer when we think about picnics, picnic tables, corn on the cobb, potato salad, and Texas BBQ. The Table. It’s is a place people gather and eat, or noticeably didn’t. The table or the lack thereof communicates something about our family and upbringing; it was around the table that values and social norms imparted and social etiquette requested.
That social upheaval around the table was even more so during Jesus’ day. In antiquity eating around the table established boundaries around who was in and who was out. The seating arrangement enforced those boundaries.
It’s summer when we think about picnics, picnic tables, corn on the cobb, potato salad, and Texas BBQ. The Table. It’s is a place people gather and eat, or noticeably didn’t. The table or the lack thereof communicates something about our family and upbringing; it was around the table that values and social norms imparted and social etiquette requested.
That social upheaval around the table was even more so during Jesus’ day. In antiquity eating around the table established boundaries around who was in and who was out. The seating arrangement enforced those boundaries.
The first-century church- battled the Gnostic teachings that invaded the culture. Gnostics believed that the material world was “not good,” including the body. One of the byproducts of this belief was the thinking that “what I do with my body doesn’t matter” therefore, sexual immorality isn’t relevant; it’s what my spirit does that counts. Paul countered the Gnostic teachings in 1 Corinthians and other places by arguing the created goodness of the body and its functions (including sexuality). We could say Paul had a holistic theology: mind, body, and soul.
Today we discuss good Christian sex with Rev. Dieula Previlon.
The first-century church- battled the Gnostic teachings that invaded the culture. Gnostics believed that the material world was “not good,” including the body. One of the byproducts of this belief was the thinking that “what I do with my body doesn’t matter” therefore, sexual immorality isn’t relevant; it’s what my spirit does that counts. Paul countered the Gnostic teachings in 1 Corinthians and other places by arguing the created goodness of the body and its functions (including sexuality). We could say Paul had a holistic theology: mind, body, and soul.
Today we discuss good Christain sex with Rev. Dieula Previlon.
https://dieulaprevilon.com/
My kids, raised in the '90s, experienced the purity movement that swept our evangelical churches. Remember the rose? Every time you have sex, you pluck a petal off until you only have a thorny stick to give your husband.
Today we are talking with Kristin Kobes Du Mez about the origins of the Sexual Purity Movement. Kristen holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and is a history and gender study professor at Calvin College. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics.
My kids, raised in the '90s, experienced the purity movement that swept our evangelical churches. Remember the rose? Every time you have sex, you pluck a petal off until you only have a thorny stick to give your husband. For most of our listeners, that's what they know of the purity movement, but let's go back a bit and see if we can't understand more about this movement and its impact on our thoughts about sex today. Today we are talking with Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Kristen holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and is a history and gender study professor at Cavin College. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics.
https://www.amazon.com/New-Gospel-Women-Katharine-Challenge/dp/0190205644
https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-John-Wayne-Evangelicals-Corrupted/dp/1631495739
I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, or in the church, or around Christians, so you could say I had a secular worldview when it came to sex and sexuality. In some ways, what I learned from the secular world was more on spot, truth, than what I learned from the Christian community.
We’re starting a three-part series on sex. And today’s conversation is about what we learned about sex from our faith communities. And let’s be honest for many of us it’s wasn’t helpful, we might even say it was harmful. Ya, today we’re talking about that.
I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, or in the church, or around Christians, so you could say I had a secular worldview when it came to sex and sexuality. In some ways, what I learned from the secular world was more on spot, truth, than what I learned from the Christian community.
We’re starting a three-part series on sex. And today’s conversation is about what we learned about sex from our faith communities. And let’s be honest for many of us it’s wasn’t helpful, we might even say it was harmful. Ya, today we’re talking about that.
Redeeming Sex https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Sex-Conversations-Spirituality-Partnership/dp/083083639X
Real Sex https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587431971/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Sexual Ethics https://www.amazon.com/Sexual-Ethics-Evangelical-Stanley-Grenz/dp/066425750X
Today we engage with the author of No More Holding Back, Kat Armstrong, where we will focus on Mary Magdalene. Questions we will be wrestling with include:
In your book, you mention that the Great Commandment Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind isn’t gendered. Can you explain what you mean by that?
I want us to focus on “all your strength” for a minute. You ask the question, how strong is too strong. What do you mean by that?
Join the conversation.
Today we engage with the author of No More Holding Back, Kat Armstrong, where we will focus on Mary Magdalene. Questions we will be wrestling with include: In your book, you mention that the Great Commandment Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind isn’t gendered. Can you explain what you mean by that?
I want us to focus on the “all your strength” for a minute. You ask the question, how strong is too strong. What do you mean by that?
www.katarmstrong.com/books
Today we’re listening in on a conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well. I know, is there anything more to be said about this story? Well, there is.
When I see Jesus speaking to her, I hear him saying, “I see you. I see what happened. I see the injustice that’s been done to you and the death toll it’s taken. I’m not okay with that. I can restore you. Breath life back into you.” And that’s what he’s saying to us too.
Today we’re listening in on a conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well. I know, is there anything more to be said about this story?
Well, there is.
When I see Jesus speaking to her, I hear him saying, “I see you. I see what happened. I see the injustice that’s been done to you and the death toll it’s taken. I’m not okay with that. I can restore you. Breath life back into you.” And that’s what he’s saying to us too.
Tamar is a woman in Israel, a princess with status, power, and position. However, her status was nothing compared to the status, power, and position of the men in her life. There she finds herself vulnerable, even lacking agency.
Tamar is a woman in Israel, a princess with status, power, and position. However, her status was nothing compared to the status, power, and position of the men in her life. There she finds herself vulnerable, even lacking agency.
Hear us, Lord Jesus Christ, when we cry to you for all the women and girls who are victims of violence. Hear us, Lord Jesus Christ, for they are stripped and beaten as you were stripped and beaten, they are humiliated and used as you were betrayed and shamed. For the beaten girls and the battered women, blamed and bruised by angry men, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the young girls given or sold in marriage, and for unwilling brides with no way out, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the women raped as a weapon of war and for the children they bear in grief and shame, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the victims of rape who are killed or take their own lives, and for the rape survivors who live with its scars, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the girls denied access to education, told they are stupid or worthless or expendable, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the girls and women sold or tricked into the sex trade, and for sex workers exposed to disease and violence, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the mothers whose children are taken away by armies, governments, churches, or family members, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the girl-children who are unwanted and rejected, the first to be aborted or abandoned, the last to be fed: we cry out to you: bring justice! For the women bashed in their own homes, and for their children who see and hear the violence, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the women trapped in destructive relationships, manipulated, controlled, justifying their abusers, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the women who hide their bruises and lie about their injuries for fear of the next attack, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the women bullied in their workplaces, belittled, underpaid, threatened with losing their job, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the women in prison, abused and abusing, beset by poverty, mental illness, and addictions, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the women attacked because of their sexual identity, targets for physical or spiritual assault, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the women and girls denied religious freedom, forced to submit by custom or law, we cry out to you: bring justice! For the older women, frail in body or mind, fearful of violence, manipulation or neglect, we cry out to you: bring justice! We cry to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for our sisters, our daughters, our mothers, ourselves. Bring justice. Bring healing. Bring hope. Amen. From The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation
Gracie.
She lived down the road, came from an impoverished family, always wore the same clothes, short, high waters. She was one of the stops on our bus. There was something I liked about her, but I didn't want her to sit next to me. I'm ashamed to say it, but I was in the cool kid crowd, and I didn't want to be associated with Gracie.
As one of the cool kids, I had status. Gracie didn't.
Andy Crouch, in his book, Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, one of my all-time fav books, defines status as "at its root is "where you stand" – is about your place in line."
Gracie.
She lived down the road, came from an impoverished family, always wore the same clothes, short, high waters. She was one of the stops on our bus. There was something I liked about her, but I didn't want her to sit next to me. I'm ashamed to say it, but I was in the cool kid crowd, and I didn't want to be associated with Gracie.
As one of the cool kids, I had status.
Gracie didn't.
Andy Crouch, in his book, Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, one of my all-time fav books, defines status as "at its root is "where you stand" – is about your place in line."
https://themarcellaproject.networkforgood.com/events/20979-power-vulnerability-leadership-online
https://www.facebook.com/groups/506760903334015/
https://www.amazon.com/Half-Church-Recapturing-Global-Vision/dp/0310522668
Today we begin a series called Power, Vulnerability, and Leadership. These are lofty concepts, but as women, they impact us personally, don’t they?
So I’d like to see what God has to say to us about each them of them- power, vulnerability, and leadership - by digging into the stories of four women in the Scriptures. Today we’re talking about Deborah. God’s plan A.
Many of you are leaders, gifted leaders in your company, home, and community. The idea that a woman shouldn’t lead seems archaic to you, right? And we hear more and more how important it is for women to be at the leadership table. Forbes magazine stated, “Companies with higher female participation at board level exhibit higher returns and payout ratios.” The World Bank said women are the best investment for an economy. Study after study shows in developing countries, “...when women gain control over spending, less family money is devoted to instant gratification, like drinking and gambling- and more for education and starting small businesses.”
We have started to recognize that families, communities, and even companies fair better when women are at the leadership table – with men. the
Today we begin a series called Power, Vulnerability, and Leadership. These are lofty concepts, but as women, they impact us personally, don’t they? So I’d like to see what God has to say to us about each of them- power, vulnerability, and leadership - by digging into the stories of four women in the Scriptures.
Today we’re talking about Deborah. God’s plan A .
Many of you are leaders, gifted leaders in your company, home, and community. The idea that a woman shouldn’t lead seems archaic to you, right? And we hear more and more how important it is for women to be at the leadership table. Forbes magazine stated, “Companies with higher female participation at board level exhibit higher returns and payout ratios.” The World Bank said women are the best investment for an economy. Study after study shows in developing countries, “...when women gain control over spending, less family money is devoted to instant gratification, like drinking and gambling- and more for education and starting small businesses.”
We have started to recognize that families, communities, and even companies fair better when women are at the leadership table – with men.
https://themarcellaproject.networkforgood.com/events/20979-power-vulnerability-leadership-online
https://www.facebook.com/groups/506760903334015/
https://www.amazon.com/Half-Church-Recapturing-Global-Vision/dp/0310522668
In the conservative church, we are taught to be the ideal biblical woman. We hear sermons on how we are to be gentle and quiet in spirit, to submit, not to lead or teach men. And there are bible verses to prove it.
I used to think those teachings, that restrict, limit women, were based on the bible until I realized it wasn’t.
It’s also about sex, power, and gender constructs. That’s what I want us to talk about today, gender constructs. Don’t worry. I’ve got it on the calendar, and we’re going to discuss sex and power too.
https://www.amazon.com/Man-Enough-Jesus-Redefines-Manhood/dp/0310343372
In the conservative church, we are taught to be the ideal biblical woman. We hear sermons on how we are to be gentle and quiet in spirit, to submit, not to lead or teach men. And there are bible verses to prove it.
I used to think those teachings, that restrict, limit women, were based on the bible until I realized it wasn’t.
It’s also about sex, power, and gender constructs. That’s what I want us to talk about today, gender constructs. Don’t worry. I’ve got it on the calendar, and we’re going to discuss sex and power too.
https://www.amazon.com/Man-Enough-Jesus-Redefines-Manhood/dp/0310343372
If you were raised in the conservative faith tradition, then most likely, you were raised to be a received knower. And like me, you may have shifted out of that, but you don’t have words for it. So you’re probably wondering what is a received knower, or why does it matter?
In this episode, we dive into how we know what we think we know and what it means to be a critical thinker.
https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Dr-Jackie-Roese/dp/0578165058
https://www.amazon.com/She-Can-Teach-Jackie-Roese/dp/1498266088
https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Ways-Knowing-Development-Anniversary/dp/0465090990
If you were raised in the conservative faith tradition, then most likely, you were raised to be a received knower. And like me, you may have shifted out of that, but you don’t have words for it. So you’re probably wondering what is a received knower, or why does it matter?
In this episode, we dive into how we know what we think we know and what it means to be a critical thinker.
https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Dr-Jackie-Roese/dp/0578165058
https://www.amazon.com/She-Can-Teach-Jackie-Roese/dp/1498266088
https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Ways-Knowing-Development-Anniversary/dp/0465090990
At 24, I got pregnant while living in a van. Yes, a van. Steve and I were newlyweds, and we weren’t doing well. It was either get a divorce or buy a van, travel the country and see if we still liked each other. Isn’t that what every Christian couple does when they have marriage problems, I think it’s why Steve and I were never asked to counsel engaged couples at our church!
So, I got pregnant while living in the van. And that took my life in a direction I had never envisioned. I never wanted to be a mom. I remember folding clothes one day on and thinking, “This is not how I thought my life would turn out.” Ever felt like that?
https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Dr-Jackie-Roese/dp/0578165058
At 24, I got pregnant while living in a van. Yes, a van. Steve and I were newlyweds, and we weren’t doing well. It was either get a divorce or buy a van, travel the country and see if we still liked each other. Isn’t that what every Christian couple does when they have marriage problems, I think it’s why Steve and I were never asked to counsel engaged couples at our church!
So, I got pregnant while living in the van. And that took my life in a direction I had never envisioned. I never wanted to be a mom. I remember folding clothes one day on and thinking, “This is not how I thought my life would turn out.” Ever felt like that?
https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Dr-Jackie-Roese/dp/0578165058
Today’s episode is a continuation in our series lime green, and it’s here we’ve been talking about her, the ideal biblical woman, who as it turns outs, isn’t all that biblical. Today’s episode – You’ve got talent.
Embrace Your Uniqueness
https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
Lime Green Book
https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Dr-Jackie-Roese/dp/0578165058
Today’s episode is a continuation in our series lime green, and it’s here we’ve been talking about her, the ideal biblical woman, who as it turns outs, isn’t all that biblical. Today’s episode – You’ve got talent.
Embrace Your Uniqueness
https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
Lime Green Book
https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Dr-Jackie-Roese/dp/0578165058
This is our second episode in our series called Lime Green, reshaping our view of woman. Today we’re talking about letting go of her, the ideal biblical woman, and embracing the one of a kind never to be seen again person that is you It turns out, what’s being promoted as the ideal biblical woman isn’t biblical at all.
Embrace Your Uniqueness Course https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
Lime Green Book: https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Reshaping-Women-Church-ebook/dp/B010EFRI1E/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
This is our second episode in our series called Lime Green, reshaping our view of woman. Today we’re talking about letting go of her, the ideal biblical woman, and embracing the one of a kind never to be seen again person that is you It turns out, what’s being promoted as the ideal biblical woman isn’t biblical at all.
Embrace Your Uniqueness Course https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
Lime Green Book: https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Reshaping-Women-Church-ebook/dp/B010EFRI1E/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
Today we're starting a series called Lime Green, Reshaping our view of women. Today's episode is about her, that ideal biblical woman, we've either tried to be like or just totally abdicated. You know, as one woman said to me, "I only go to church on Sunday's, I'm just not like those churchy women. I'm more like a man." What happens when there's an ideal, and we aren't it.
Over these next few conversations, I want us to consider how we've been encouraged to conform, be like her, when in fact, that's not what God wants at all. To do that, I want to go back to when I first bumped into this ideal biblical woman and my journey to realizing I'm not her. And God is so okay with that.
Today we're starting a series called Lime Green, Reshaping our view of women.
Today's episode is about her, that ideal biblical woman, we've either tried to be like or just totally abdicated. You know, as one woman said to me, "I only go to church on Sunday's, I'm just not like those churchy women. I'm more like a man." What happens when there's an ideal, and we aren't it.
Over these next few conversations, I want us to consider how we've been encouraged to conform, be like her, when in fact, that's not what God wants at all.
To do that, I want to go back to when I first bumped into this ideal biblical woman and my journey to realizing I'm not her. And God is so okay with that.
Embrace Your Uniqueness: https://jackieroese.thinkific.com/courses/Embrace-Your-Uniqueness
Lime Green Book: https://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Reshaping-Women-Church-ebook/dp/B010EFRI1E/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
The Barbarian Way: https://www.amazon.com/Barbarian-Way-Unleash-Untamed-Within/dp/0785264329
Suffering, pain, and anguish are part of the human experience. God knows it and has given us a tool, a provision – lament. As I look back, I see a shift in my beliefs. Going to hopes funeral and lacking in being loved and loving like Jesus, that lament is a part of my faith journey, but I didn’t know it. Until…well, we will get there, first, let me say this I’ve studied for 30 years, and I missed how much Scripture talks about lament.
Suffering, pain, and anguish are part of the human experience. God knows it and has given us a tool, a provision – lament. As I look back, I see a shift in my beliefs. Going to hopes funeral and lacking in being loved and loving like Jesus, that lament is a part of my faith journey, but I didn’t know it. Until…well, we will get there, first, let me say this I’ve studied for 30 years, and I missed how much Scripture talks about lament.
Lament Links
Join The Private Facebook Group, more in depth and full of community
https://themarcellaproject.networkforgood.com/events/17546-faith-hope-love-lament-private-facebook-online
https://www.amazon.com/Prophetic-Lament-Justice-Troubled-Times/dp/0830836942
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TzWZYiF6aw
https://www.terramcdaniel.com/
I came to seminary to get to know Jesus. When I got there, everyone was saying, “I want to be like Jesus,” but I can’t be like someone I don’t know. So I spent a while following Jesus around in the Scriptures. I tried to learn who this guy was that I’d committed myself to. Carolyn prayed for like an hour. What? I tried to pray but could only get up to about 5 minutes. So how could I know this God, and more importantly, how could I know and experience his love?
I came to seminary to get to know Jesus. When I got there, everyone was saying, “I want to be like Jesus,” but I can’t be like someone I don’t know. So I spent a while following Jesus around in the Scriptures. I tried to learn who this guy was that I’d committed myself to. Carolyn prayed for like an hour. What? I tried to pray but could only get up to about 5 minutes. So how could I know this God, and more importantly, how could I know and experience his love?
We're talking about hope, Biblical hope. I probably need to start by telling you what hope isn't and then what it is. Biblical hope isn't about our circumstance, nor is it about having some Pollyanna optimistic attitude. In the Scriptures, we see that hope is about expectantly waiting and many times waiting a really long time.
We're talking about hope, Biblical hope. I probably need to start by telling you what hope isn't and then what it is. Biblical hope isn't about our circumstance, nor is it about having some Pollyanna optimistic attitude. In the Scriptures, we see that hope is about expectantly waiting and many times waiting a really long time.
Hope Links
https://themarcellaproject.networkforgood.com/events/17546-faith-hope-love-lament-private-facebook-online
https://www.amazon.com/Relationshift-Changing-Conversation-about-Church/dp/1640470042
www.highpointjourney.com
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Here-Dignity-Whiteness/dp/B07C88MXG2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y1LVQ5ST5SH1&dchild=1&keywords=i%27m+still+here+austin+channing+brown&qid=1587158237&sprefix=I%27m+still+here%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VLJ-Am4ACk
https://www.amazon.com/Hope-within-History-Walter-Brueggemann/dp/0804209189/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=hope+within+history&qid=1587158405&sr=8-1
In this episode, I want to share a little bit about my journey around this idea of hope. You know, after the election in 2016, my male church leaders went radio silent about the sexual exploitation of women by our newly elected president, and I was deeply disappointed. I even felt betrayed. I understood that the Evangelical support was primarily due to this abortion issue, but I just kept thinking, "you can't have a say over my womb, not give a damn about my body being groped or raped," that just isn't gonna work for me. I found over that year and then moving into the #metoo movement and into the #churchtoo movement that something was happening to my hope.
I’m older, and I’m looking back in my rearview mirror, where I see a more wrinkled faith what. I thought in my younger years, you know this escalator theology that would always go onward and upward, well we’re throwing stinking thinking out the window.
In this 5 part series, we’re going to look into the concepts of faith, hope, love, and lament.
I have to be honest with you; it looks different for me now. Some of the things I used to believe I don’t any longer, and I’m trying to figure out the complexities of how to love a mentally ill family member or hold on to hope when sexism continues to rain, not only in the culture but in our churches.
Issues have gotten more complex and more nuanced, so what we’re gonna do is we’re going to look back on these issues faith hope & love with a whole lot of wrinkles.continues to rain, not only in the culture but in our churches. Issues have gotten more complex and more nuanced, so what we’re gonna do is we’re going to look back on these issues faith hope & love with a whole lot of wrinkles.
In this episode, I want to share a little bit about my journey around this idea of hope. You know, after the election in 2016, my male church leaders went radio silent about the sexual exploitation of women by our newly elected president, and I was deeply disappointed. I even felt betrayed. I understood that the Evangelical support was primarily due to this abortion issue, but I just kept thinking, "you can't have a say over my womb, not give a damn about my body being groped or raped," that just isn't gonna work for me. I found over that year and then moving into the #metoo movement and into the #churchtoo movement that something was happening to my hope.
Hope Links
https://themarcellaproject.networkforgood.com/events/17546-faith-hope-love-lament-private-facebook-online
https://www.amazon.com/Relationshift-Changing-Conversation-about-Church/dp/1640470042
www.highpointjourney.com
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Here-Dignity-Whiteness/dp/B07C88MXG2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y1LVQ5ST5SH1&dchild=1&keywords=i%27m+still+here+austin+channing+brown&qid=1587158237&sprefix=I%27m+still+here%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VLJ-Am4ACk
https://www.amazon.com/Hope-within-History-Walter-Brueggemann/dp/0804209189/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=hope+within+history&qid=1587158405&sr=8-1
I’m older, and I’m looking back in my rearview mirror, where I see a more wrinkled faith what. I thought in my younger years, you know this escalator theology that would always go onward and upward, well we’re throwing stinking thinking out the window.
Join our private Facebook Bible study Faith, Hope Love & Lament. Enjoy the depth and community.
https://themarcellaproject.networkforgood.com/events/17546-faith-hope-love-lament-private-facebook-online
You know over the past year and a half maybe two years, I’ve had a lot of women coming to me struggling because they no longer embrace some of the believes that they were raised with and there’s a bit of fear around that, a bit of doubt and angst and confusion. I know that because it’s also part of my journey.
Join our private Facebook Bible Study Faith, Hope, Love & Lament. Enjoy the depth and the community online.
https://themarcellaproject.networkforgood.com/events/17546-faith-hope-love-lament-private-facebook-online
Hi, I’m Rev. Dr. Jackie Roese and I wanted to welcome you to the Jackie Always Unplugged podcast.
As a preacher, pastor, and thought leader, I’ve been walking with women of faith for decades, and one of my favorite things to do is to sit down (over coffee, or a glass of wine etc.) and have off-the-record authentic conversations about what’s REALLY going on. Work, Sex, Relationships, Family.