“There’s miracles in the monotony.”

In this episode of Mercycast, host Adsum Try Ravenhill and guest Raleigh explore the profound significance of walking as a metaphor for life and faith. They discuss personal experiences of walking, the concept of pilgrimage, and the importance of community and solitude in life's journey. The conversation emphasizes that walking is not just a physical act but a spiritual practice connecting us to ourselves, others, and the divine. Raleigh shares insights from his recent pilgrimage experiences, highlighting the lessons learned about provision, trust, and the beauty of imperfection.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Walking is a universal act that connects us all.
• Pilgrimage is about intention, not just destination.
• Solitude allows for deep reflection and personal growth.
• Walking with others fosters community and support.
• Everyday life can be a pilgrimage if approached with intention.
• Provision comes in unexpected ways during our journeys.
• Embracing imperfection is key to personal development.
• Walking helps us to slow down and appreciate life.
• The journey is as important as the destination.
• We are all on a pilgrimage, seeking something greater than ourselves.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

What doesn’t kill you may make you weaker. And that’s okay.

In this conversation, Raleigh and Adsum Ravenhill discuss the concept of suffering and how it can be used for the good of others. They explore the idea that vulnerability and suffering can bless those around us and that our pain can help others find hope and healing. They also discuss the importance of situating our suffering within a greater story and finding redemption in our experiences. Through personal stories and reflections, they highlight the transformative power of suffering and its role in shaping our faith and relationships. Adsum Try Ravenhill and Raleigh discuss the power of vulnerability and weakness in this conversation. They share personal stories and insights on how suffering and weakness can be used to encourage and bless others. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and transparency and how vulnerability can deepen relationships and create growth opportunities. They also highlight the role of Scripture in providing perspective and hope while suffering.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Suffering can be a blessing to others when we are vulnerable and open about our pain.
• Our suffering can be used for the good of God's people and can bring hope and healing to others.
• We can grow and learn deeply through our pain by situating our suffering within a greater story and finding redemption in our experiences.
• Suffering can strengthen our faith and deepen our relationships with others. Suffering and weakness can be used to encourage and bless others.
• Being vulnerable and transparent deepens relationships and creates growth opportunities.
• Scripture provides perspective and hope while suffering.
• Our weakness is a pathway that connects us to God and others.
• Adversity exposes our true selves and teaches us to care for others.
• Vulnerability is the great equalizer that connects us as human beings.
• "What if our pain actually helped other people?"
• "We struggle with this idea of vulnerability; we struggle with this idea of suffering."
• "The vulnerabilities, the difficulties, the struggles, the burdens, the sufferings that we go through, we often, in fact, usually don't know what they're for, either until afterward or never."
• "It's going to change the trajectory of somebody else's life completely."
• "They need to see how a man of God suffers. They need this example."

Have you enjoyed hearing from Adsum? Feel free follow him on X and to read some of his articles.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

I am joined by Shannon Popkin, author, speaker, and podcast host, in this episode. We dive deep and discuss the harmful effects of comparison and how it can hinder our ability to live a fulfilling life. In light of Shannon’s books, Comparison Girl, Lessons from Jesus on Me Free Living in a Measure Up World and the new book Comparison Girl for Teens, Thriving Beyond Measure in a World that Compares, we explore the idea that comparison is not a game, but a strategy used by the enemy to distract and destroy us. The conversation concludes with a discussion on shifting from a me-focused to a me-free mindset, where we focus on pouring ourselves out and lifting others up. We also discuss that our confidence and freedom flow from looking to Jesus and serving others rather than focusing on ourselves. This conversation is for you if you’ve ever compared yourself to anyone else.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Comparison is a strategy used by the enemy to distract and destroy us.
• We fall into the comparison trap daily by hyper-focusing on ourselves and constantly measuring.
• Jesus teaches us that success and greatness in his kingdom differ from the world's standards.
• Shifting from a me-focused to a me-free mindset involves pouring ourselves out and lifting others up.
• When we realize that Christ has already proven everything we couldn't, we no longer have anything to prove.
• Comparison leads to a never-ending cycle of trying to measure up and seeking approval.
• Jesus offers a different way of living, where our confidence and freedom come from serving others and looking to Him.
• Paying attention to the messaging we listen to is crucial, as it can align with Jesus' words or the world's influence.
• Our rewards are not tied to results but to being faithful servants with what we have been entrusted.
• "Comparison is at the root of many of our insecurities."
• "Comparison is a strategy that our enemy uses against us."
• "Comparison holds me back from serving others."
• "And if someone makes fun of you or something doesn't go your way, it's like your skin is being ripped from you."
• "A danger that a lot of us in Christendom face is many of us have made self-loathing a virtue."

Enjoy this episode? Learn more about Shannon at her website. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, we have a podcast inception—yes, a podcast within a podcast. The hosts of the Freely Given podcast join me on the Mercycast. Katie Koplin, author of Encouragement for Motherhood, and Gretchen Ronnevik, author of Ragged, share their perspectives on being comfortable with being uncomfortable. We explore how the gospel meets us in our discomfort and talk about seasons in life and how, because of Christ, discomfort is not permanent or defining.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Discomfort is not permanent or defining; it is just a season in life.
• Blaming discomfort on the devil is a typical response, but it is essential to consider other factors.
• Having concrete hope in the finished work of Christ can help us navigate discomfort.
• Living in small towns can make it difficult to hide from discomfort but also provides opportunities for authentic relationships.
• The pressure to perform and compare oneself with others can hinder authenticity and joy.
• Resting in Christ's finished work allows us to be true to ourselves and live in freedom. The church often struggles to sit with people in their pain and grief, expecting them to move on quickly.
• Being comfortable with discomfort is necessary to support others in their pain.
• A theology of the cross recognizes the reality of suffering and the need for a savior.
• Compassion and presence are more important than trying to fix someone's pain.
• Learning to discern truth from lies and finding comfort in the grace of Christ can help us be more comfortable with discomfort.
• "Unless you become comfortable with being uncomfortable, then you're going to be really frustrated because life doesn't go the way we want it to."
• "Have you noticed that sometimes anytime we're uncomfortable, it's very easy to immediately blame it on the devil?"
• "It kind of shows us our God of the moment, right? It shows us our functional savior. It's comfort. We want everything to be okay."
• "Every single move they make right now is being done in pain."
• "Assuming that someone should be able to get over something within a specified amount of time exposes that person's underlying assumption that life isn't really as bad as that other person may feel."
• "The people that sit there with me and say, it's not okay. And they offer nothing. They just sit there. I think those people in that moment are modeling the fact that they are comfortable with being uncomfortable."

Have you enjoyed hearing from Gretchen and Katie? You can find their podcast here. Buy Katie’s book, Embracing Motherhood, and Gretchen’s book, Ragged.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Rather than hearing a story this week, I want to pause and talk about the importance of sharing our stories and being vulnerable. Whether you believe it or not, everyone has a story that matters, and our stories have the power to impact others. There is a cost of vulnerability and the need to share with safe people. One of my friends, Adsum Ravenhill, joins me and shares his perspective on vulnerability and pain. Adsum highlights the importance of trusting God and seeing our stories as part of a greater narrative. I hope that you enjoy this extraordinary episode.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Everyone has a story that matters and has the power to impact others.
• Vulnerability comes at a cost and should be shared with safe people.
• Sharing our stories should not be manipulative or self-serving.
• Trusting God and seeing our stories as part of a greater narrative can bring hope and perspective.
• "Your story matters because it impacts other people."
• "When you share your vulnerability with someone, that can change a life."
• "Vulnerability is a gift, a sacrifice, and it's costly."

Have you enjoyed hearing from Adsum? He’ll be back, but until then, feel free to read some of his articles. Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Julie Sunne, author of Sometimes I Forget, 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days, joins me to share her personal experiences of suffering, including miscarriages and caring for her daughter, and how these challenges have deepened her faith. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing grief and how it can lead to a more intimate relationship with God. Julie also challenges the notion of 'normal' and our expectations of ourselves and others. This conversation discusses the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in our faith journeys. Julie shares how her experiences of suffering and challenges have deepened her faith and made her more compassionate.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Suffering is a universal experience that ties all humans together.
• Comparing our pain to others can hinder our ability to process and heal.
• Acknowledging and processing grief can lead to a deeper faith and a more intimate relationship with God.
• The concept of 'normal' is based on expectations and comparisons and can be unhelpful and limiting.
• Vulnerability and authenticity are essential in our faith journeys. We don't have to have it all together; admitting our faults and struggles is okay.
• Suffering and challenges can deepen our faith and make us more compassionate.
• God's attributes, such as sovereignty, love, and faithfulness, can bring hope and comfort in difficult times.
• We must have a community of trusted individuals with whom we can be vulnerable and share our struggles.
• We must let go of our expectations and trust God's plan, even when we can't see the bigger picture.
• Worship music and prayer can be powerful tools for finding comfort and strength in difficult times.
• "I wrote it because I needed it."
• "We all feel alone in those sufferings. We have to know that we're together, that we aren't alone. Not only are we together with one another, we all experience that, but we're also not alone in that God is with us."
• "This whole thing, it's not about me having it all together. It's about God having it all together for me."
• "Our self-esteem is very fragile as people. And that's why we seek so much esteem in other places instead of where we need to, which is in the Lord."

Follow Julie and learn more about her work here. Don’t forget to pick up her book, Sometimes I Forget.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

How do we heal? In this episode, I am joined by Jay Stringer, a licensed mental health counselor and author of the award-winning book Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing. Together, we discuss sexual brokenness and the journey towards healing. We explore the concept of shifting to viewing sexual brokenness as clues to unaddressed and unresolved parts of our lives. Jay shares his personal experience with disordered eating and porn use and how therapy helped him shift from self-hatred to curiosity. The conversation addresses the connection between disconnection, dissociation, and sexual brokenness and the role of trauma in shaping our behaviors. Throughout the episode, Jay emphasizes the importance of curiosity and exploring the specific stories and experiences that contribute to our sexual brokenness.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Sexual brokenness can be seen as clues to unaddressed and unresolved parts of our lives.
• Therapy can help shift from self-hatred to curiosity about our sexual brokenness.
• Disconnection and dissociation are often connected to sexual brokenness.
• Trauma plays a role in shaping our behaviors and contributing to sexual brokenness.
• Curiosity and exploring specific stories and experiences are essential for healing sexual brokenness. Understanding and integrating our stories of sexual brokenness is crucial for healing and finding freedom.
• The concept of integrity, more so than “purity culture,” provides a more helpful framework for addressing sexual brokenness.
• Self-compassion and self-parenting are essential in the process of healing and self-discovery.
• Joy and delight play a significant role in finding freedom from sexual brokenness.
• "Most unwanted behaviors are not primarily about self-medicating. They are about reinforcing core judgments against someone."
• "Embedded within the brokenness itself are clues to the healing that we seek."
• "Until you realize that you were the person on the road and the good Samaritan has come to you, that's where the heart change comes to be able to go and be the good Samaritan to others."
• "Integrity is about our ability to know our story, to know where we come from, and then to be able to co-author with God the future that is to come."

Learn more about Jay and his work on his website. If you haven't read his book Unwanted, pick up a copy here. You can also follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, I talk with Ginny Owens about her journey of starting over and finding light amid suffering. Ginny has spent the past two decades sharing her heart with listeners and readers as a singer/songwriter, author, teacher, and advocate. Her new book, Singing in the Dark, shows how we can experience light in the middle of our suffering. You don’t want to miss this episode because we discuss the importance of returning to God and surrendering to His plans, even when we don't have all the answers. She emphasizes the need for community and how it has played a significant role in her life, as well as the power of gratitude and establishing rhythms in our relationship with God.

Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:

• Starting over is a natural part of life, but it can be challenging and scary. But it's important to return to God and surrender to His plans.
• Community is essential for navigating life's challenges. Building relationships and finding support from others can bring healing and growth.
• Gratitude is a powerful tool for refocusing our minds and finding peace in difficult circumstances. Taking time to thank God and reflect on His goodness can bring perspective and hope.
• Establishing rhythms in our relationship with God is crucial. Setting aside time for reading Scripture, prayer, and reflection helps us stay connected to Him and grow in our faith.
• "What would it look like for me to do something new?"
• "Surrender is not easy, but it is how we draw closer to our loving Heavenly Father."
• "God helps those who help themselves. Thank the Lord that is not in the Bible."

You can follow Ginny on social media and buy her albums and her books at her website, ginnyowens.com.

Email us at info@mercycast.com. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.