No episode playing
Shelly Shepherd and Heather Drake invite you to listen in on a continuing conversation about expanding spirituality, the Divine Feminine, and the transforming impact of living attuned to Wisdom, Spirit and Love.<br><br>#expansionisttheology #spirituality #spirit #spiritual #wisdom #love #Sophia #feminist #theology #community #table #expansion #fifthwaylove #deconstruction #Jesus #annointing #marymagdalene #feminism &nbsp;#Jesuschrist #holyspirit #women #feminine &nbsp;</p>
What if a simple shift in perspective could turn your life from scarcity to abundance? Join us as we uncover the incredible power of gratitude with insights from our guests, Shelley Shepard and Heather Drake. Through spiritual texts, studies, and poetry, we explore how gratitude not only aligns us with promises of abundance but also enhances our mental and physical well-being. Our conversation is an invitation to embrace gratitude as a daily practice, nurturing deeper connections with ourselves, those around us, and the divine.
Gratitude connects us physically to the world and enriches our spiritual experiences, especially during significant times like Advent. We discuss how it bridges the gap between the food on our table and the people who make it possible. The concept of Dayenu from Jewish tradition reminds us to appreciate what we have, fostering a holistic outlook on life that acknowledges both joy and suffering. By adopting a thankful posture, we find renewal, recognizing the love behind every good thing, and choose to see the goodness around us despite challenges.
In a world fraught with adversity, finding gratitude can be transformative. We share a poignant story of a friend who honors gratitude through creating natural altars, proving that it transcends words, especially in moments of pain and trauma. The resilience of the human spirit shines through as we confront societal and environmental challenges, finding moments of appreciation amidst adversity. Supported by studies on its positive effects on longevity, gratitude is highlighted as an essential practice for embracing life’s complexities, offering hope and healing within a supportive community.
Discover the profound lessons of faith and leadership with the insightful Laurie Beth Jones, celebrated author of "Jesus CEO," "The Path," and "Jesus in Blue Jeans." Join us as we explore Laurie Beth's innovative perspectives on Jesus, moving beyond traditional portrayals to uncover his compassionate and revolutionary nature. Through an engaging conversation, we delve into the themes of her book "Jesus in Blue Jeans," emphasizing the significance of small actions and Jesus as a liberator who championed freedom and kindness. Laurie Beth's reflections offer a unique lens on how we can incorporate Jesus's wisdom into our daily lives.
Uncover the essence of a deep spiritual connection and the transformative power of viewing the Bible as a love story. We share personal stories of experiencing Jesus in intimate, everyday settings and reflect on how these moments free us from societal expectations and judgments. Our discussion also touches on the commitment and journey of bringing "Jesus in Blue Jeans" to life, illustrating the importance of living a faith-driven life and diving into one's personal truths.
Consider the mystical and therapeutic connections between humans and animals as we explore divine communication through uncommon paths. From racehorses to pets, animals bring comfort and healing into our lives, reminding us of the omnipresent divine love. In our final chapter, we celebrate themes of gratitude and theological expansion, encouraging listeners to embody wisdom and love in their own journeys.
What if the biblical stories we've known all our lives missed crucial voices—particularly those of women? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew to uncover the forgotten female leaders of the Bible and discover how reinterpreting these stories can empower the next generation of women in leadership. Heather Drake also weighs in on Jesus' revolutionary inclusivity, which not only created spaces for women but celebrated their inherent strength. This conversation reflects the significance of inclusive and compassionate storytelling to bridge gaps and build unity.
We also delve into the evolving landscape of social and political activism for women and people of color. From the enduring struggle for pay equity to the contradictions of leaders who preach abundance while restricting opportunities, our discussion highlights the need for creating paths that empower marginalized groups. Drawing parallels between the past and present, we hold up figures like Mary Magdalene as timeless symbols of resilience and advocate for building inclusive communities that foster genuine change.
In the final segments, we explore themes of generosity, love, and the sacred value of women. We emphasize the importance of recognizing our divine worth and the unique role women play in fostering love and hope. By broadening our perspectives through diverse voices and embracing cognitive dissonance, we challenge listeners to create spaces of genuine expression and to envision a more inclusive and hopeful future for the next generation. Join us in celebrating gratitude, love, and the boundless potential of every individual's story.
Could Mary's gospel offer a more profound understanding of love and faith? On this thought-provoking episode of the Expansionist Podcast, embark on an exploration of Mary Magdalene's life and her unique relationship with Jesus. By reflecting on her actions, like anointing Jesus and proclaiming his resurrection, we invite you to consider how her teachings might inspire new spiritual practices and a deeper connection to the Spirit today.
Shifting our focus, we delve into the rituals and feasts found in the First Testament, emphasizing their importance in preserving spiritual treasures at a cellular level. Through personal anecdotes, such as the serenity found in nature's stillness, we illustrate the necessity of breaking from routine to enrich our spiritual lives. Mary Magdalene’s act of anointing Jesus becomes a powerful model for love and goodness, urging us to pay closer attention to lesser-known stories and the profound power of sacred love that they hold.
Finally, we explore the expansive nature of sacred love at the heart of Mary Magdalene's gospel. By reading excerpts from Megan Watterson's work, we examine how true vision and love transcend the ego, connecting us more deeply with others and the Spirit. We ponder the miraculous survival of the Gospel of Mary and its potential to offer fresh perspectives on Jesus, emphasizing that love, as shown by Jesus, surpasses death and loss. Concluding with a reflection from Hildegard of Bingen on the Holy Spirit's role in creation, we honor Mary Magdalene's lasting impact and the transformative communion with the Spirit that her gospel invites us into.
What if your words could break free from societal norms and connect souls on a deeper level? Together, we are exploring how renaming sorrow can become a direct path to divine connection. In our latest episode, we explore this and more with the extraordinary poet Chelan Harkin, whose upcoming book, "The Prophetess," is already making waves. Often compared to the legendary Rumi, Chelan's poetry resonates with profound emotional depth, offering readers a sense of being truly seen and understood. We journey through her early life, uncovering pivotal moments that shaped her poetic voice, and celebrate how her work evokes a sense of shelter and interconnectedness.
Prepare to be inspired as we discuss the transformative power of poetry, especially for women navigating the heavy burden of shame and societal expectations. Chelan opens up about her personal journey, revealing how embracing one's truth and vulnerability can lead to profound change. From sharing stories of overcoming insecurity to exploring the limitless essence of the soul through hypnotherapy, this episode paints a vivid picture of the divine feminine and the soul's joyful potential.
We’re not stopping there. You'll hear about the mystique of sacred poetry, particularly through the lens of women mystics, and its impact on breaking societal scripts. Chelan recounts the magic behind her poem "Say Wow," encouraging us to live in awe of everyday moments. With her new book "The Prophetess" set to launch this September, Chelan promises to offer readers an enriching exploration of life's most meaningful questions from a divine feminine perspective. Join us for this soul-stirring conversation and prepare to be moved.
Can you truly understand the essence of compassion and how to seamlessly incorporate it into your everyday life? Join us as we explore the profound depths of compassion, distinguishing it from emotions that often masquerade as its kin.
Have you ever considered the question, "Who told you that?" as a compassionate invitation rather than a critique? Together, we challenge traditional interpretations of biblical stories that focus on judgment and guilt. By reflecting on the compassionate actions of figures like Jesus and Mary Magdalene, we'll uncover how curiosity and kindness towards oneself can lead to profound personal growth and deeper divine connections. Moving from self-judgment to self-love, you'll discover the freedom and flourishing that comes from embracing a compassionate approach to self-reflection.
Dive into the multifaceted nature of compassion with us, as we explore its twin roles in alleviating suffering and promoting flourishing. We’ll share practical tools like the PULSE acronym from Frank Rogers’ book on compassionate practices and discuss how understanding our emotional reactions can foster a compassionate mindset. Plus, learn about Lori Beth Jones' Path Elements framework to better comprehend your elemental makeup and how it can ground you in your inherent worthiness. Don't miss the chance to take the free Path Elements assessment and embark on a journey towards greater self-compassion and belonging.
This stirring episode join a continuing conversation exploring longings and how they shape, our human experience and our divine connections, and have the potential to illuminate our life's true calling.
Personal narratives that resonate with anyone who's ever sought something just out of reach, Heather Drake shares how a childhood longing for paternal presence bloomed into a broader understanding of family and community. Journey with us as we contemplate the ways in which these deeply ingrained desires shape our identities, relationships, and spiritual quests for belonging. We unearth the significance of mirroring and engaging dialogues in the pursuit of recognizing our truest desires, fostering a sense of belonging within an inclusive congregation, and the spiritual nourishment found in acknowledging our yearnings.
As we draw this episode to a close, we rest in the transformative power of our longings, invoking the poetic wisdom of John O'Donohue to guide us. We ponder how the courage to traverse the unknown, propelled by the whispers of our hearts, can yield a life rich with love, creativity, and friendships that echo the depths of our souls. So, we invite you to embrace this exploration as more than a conversation; it's an opportunity to honor the profound longings that are calling us toward our divine destinies.
Have you ever felt the echo of ancient patriarchal structures within your faith experience? Liz Cooledge Jenkins joins us with a treasure trove of insights from her book "Nice Churchy, Patriarchy," guiding us through the labyrinth of tradition to spotlight the Divine Feminine.
The conversation takes an enlightening turn as we explore the significance of diverse voices in theological discourse. We acknowledge the richness that women and people of color bring to our understanding of the divine, and share a pivotal moment of clarity that came from referring to the Holy Spirit with feminine pronouns. This episode is a journey through history and current impacts of patriarchal structures on spiritual narratives, highlighting the healing power found in embracing both masculine and feminine qualities within our divine explorations. Liz's insights dare us to envision a faith experience that is not just equalitarian but vibrantly holistic.
We wrap our minds and hearts around the multifaceted identity of God, challenging the traditional gender binaries that have long dictated our perceptions. Engaging with the wisdom of womanist theology and figures like Julian of Norwich, our discussion celebrates the fluid and healing vision of God's identity that is both mother and father, neither and both. The transformative power of love is our chorus, humming through the conversation, as we emphasize the importance of the female voice and the divine feminine in shaping a spirituality that is liberating and life-giving. This episode is more than an exchange of ideas; it is an invitation to connect with the profound work of Liz Cooledge Jenkins and to embrace a spirituality that flourishes in the rich soil of love and femininity.
Have you ever wondered if there's more to spirituality than traditional practices? Join Shelly Shepherd and Heather Drake on a personal and historical journey, where we unearth the divine in the unexpected — from the beauty of a desert drive to the peak of a mountain hike. We weave tales of Joan of Arc, Jesus, and childhood mysticism, inviting you to rediscover the sacred voices that have called to you throughout your life. Heather shares her revelation of Jesus in a modern context, offering fresh spiritual exercises that stir the soul and encourage co-creation with the Spirit.
The hustle of life often drowns out the sacred 'voice' we long to hear, leaving us adrift in a sea of 'noise.' Through the lens of Mary and Martha's story, we illuminate the struggle between being productive and being present. This episode challenges you to embrace the transformative power of sitting in love's presence, a state that can lead us back to our true source, sparking creativity and bringing harmony to our inner chaos. It's an invitation to slow down and savor the divine connections that flourish in stillness, rather than the ceaseless buzz of busyness.
Lastly, we delve into the art of spiritual attunement, comparing the heart's tuning to the delicate process musicians undergo with their instruments. The wisdom of mystics like Hadewijch of Brabant and Thomas Keating guide our discussion on the simplicity of encountering God in the mundane and the profound healing offered through practices like centering prayer. As you join us, you'll find encouragement to trust in goodness, embrace renewal, and deepen your awareness of the divine that gracefully orchestrates the world around you. Continue this exploration of infinite spiritual landscapes by visiting expansionisttheology.com, where the journey toward boundless love and wisdom awaits.
Embark on a transformative exploration of spirituality with us, as we uncover the untold stories of women mystics who defied the confines of patriarchal traditions to connect with the divine. Shelly Shepherd and Heather Drake delve into the teachings of Mary Magdalene's gospel, revealing the presence of the divine within each of us. This narrative is not just a tale from the past; it's the heartbeat of our spiritual pursuits, guiding us to trust the wisdom and love that forms the foundation of our faith.
The whispers of stillness and the power of silence await you in our conversation about how these practices have shaped the spiritual insight of revered figures like Jesus, Elijah, and Mary. We examine the elemental language of wisdom, the role of fire, earth, water, and wind, and discuss how Hindu teachings on conserving vital energy through silence can lead to profound mental clarity and spiritual expansion. Through this episode, we invite you to embrace the quiet, meditative space that can reorder your thoughts and connect you more deeply with the spiritual.
As we delve into the mystical practice of Christian meditation, we consider the paradox of stillness as a dynamic state of being loved and connected. By reflecting on the anticipation of the Holy Spirit in the story of Pentecost, we understand waiting and listening as gateways to personal encounters with the divine. Let your heart's unique language guide you to experiences that transcend ordinary understanding. We invite you to join our reverent quest for spiritual depth at expansionistheology.com, where you can explore more content that illuminates the path to an enriched, joyous faith journey.
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
